Indications for Facelift Surgery
Patients who request a facelift are usually over forty years of age, but an increasing number of patients under-forty are expressing their interest in cosmetic surgery as an early or preventative approach to maintaining a youthful appearance.
If your face exhibits a loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles and folds, you may be a good candidate for a facelift.
A facelift can address conditions such as:
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Excess skin
- Fat deposits or folds around neck
- Sagging face and/or neck
Patients considering a facelift should be a healthy, non-smoking individuals with realistic expectations about cosmetic surgery. It is important to keep in mind that while a facelift will improve your appearance considerably, it cannot permanently or completely rid your face of aging signs.
Your Facelift Procedure with Dr. Morse
Facelift surgery can be completed in about 2 - 3 hours. Local anesthesia is common for limited incision facelifts, while general anesthesia is common for tightening of deeper tissues.
To gain access to the tissues of the midface, chin and neck, the doctor performs incisions above the hairline at the temples, which then follow the natural contour in front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. For rejuvenation of the neck, he will make small incisions under the chin, then separate the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat is trimmed or suctioned from the neck and chin to improve contour.
Underlying facial tissues will be tightened, the skin lifted, and the excess skin removed. Your surgeon first sutures the tissue layers, then the outermost skin layer.
What to Expect After Surgery
Dr. Morse will provide detailed, individualized aftercare instructions. He will likely ask you to keep your head elevated, get plenty of rest and limit physical activity during recovery. Recovery time is typically 2-3 weeks. Immediately after surgery, loose bandages are applied to minimize swelling. Patients should expect some numbness, bruising, and puffiness which will gradually disappear.
To learn more about facelift surgery with Dr. Morse, contact our office in Great Falls to schedule a consultation.
