facelift

Overview
A facelift (rhytidectomy or rhytidoplasty) is the surgical procedure aimed at restoring one’s youthful
appearance. As we grow older, we are attacked by environmental and personal elements which lead
to signs of aging…these include gravity, sun exposure, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition. A facelift
can improve sagging facial tissues, wrinkles, and an ugly, aged neck.

There are a myriad of facelift techniques but all are not equally efficacious. Dr. Marcus operates with
the newest technological advances in order to obtain results that offer both longevity and natural
elegance. He feels that a “natural” or “organic” facelift is far superior to that which looks “pulled” or
“overdone”. Apprehension and negative preconceptions towards facial plastic surgery are
understandable as we consciously and subconsciously associate it with some of the Hollywood starlets who have been terribly overdone.
Dr. Marcus’ approach is to avoid making a person look different, while achieving a refreshed and more youthful appearance.

A facelift improves many aspects of a person’s appearance First of all, it improves the cheeks and nasolabial folds, which inevitably sag
with time. Secondly, it improves a person’s jowls by correcting the blunting at the jaw line and reducing the “Marionette” lines. Finally, it
addresses the neck by correcting the “turkey gobbler”, the banding, the crepe-like skin, and the blunted angle or wattle. The neck contour
is improved for a much more youthful appearance and the skin becomes less wrinkled.

Goal
The goal of facelift surgery is to refine a person’s appearance and rejuvenate their look.

Procedure
There are many different types of facelifts. The newest surgical advances address the deeper layers of tissue, known as the SMAS layer
or “muscle layer”. Dr. Marcus will consult with each individual patient and personalize every surgical choice specifically for that person.
All the techniques that he uses addresses the deeper tissues and muscles in order to offer longevity. The incisions are hidden so they
should not be apparent after the normal period of surgical healing. Natural results are of the utmost importance to Dr. Marcus and he,
therefore, always avoids a “surgical” appearance.

Dr. Marcus is an award-winning, board certified surgeon who is fellowship trained in facial plastic surgery. When it comes to deciding
what type of facelift a person should have, the skin type, degree of skin elasticity and ethnic background are all elements within the
decision tree. The particular technique and surgical procedure depends on these and several other factors in mind. Each patient has a
different set of expectations and these are important to consider when choosing the ideal procedure. A complimentary, in-depth
consultation with Dr. Marcus will help guide your decision and together you will attain your ultimate goal.

Recovery
The recovery from a facelift is approximately two weeks. Postoperatively, every patient will have a dressing around their face overnight; the
dressing is removed the morning after surgery. Most, if not all, of the sutures will be removed after one week but the patient must refrain
from strenuous exercise for an additional week; light exercise can be performed as early as post operative day 2. There may be bruising
and swelling for several weeks after surgery, but the bruising can be easily camouflaged with makeup (especially mineral makeup) after
several days. A tight feeling or stiffness in the neck area can last for several weeks but the pain is minimal and easily controlled with
light narcotics.