Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) Specialist
Hollywood Star Plastic Surgery
Zareh H. Vartivarian, MD
Plastic Surgeon located in San Fernando Valley, West Hills, CA
At Hollywood Star Plastic Surgery in the West Hills Surgicenter, Dr. Vartivarian helps patients turn back the hands of time with advanced facelift, or rhytidectomy, procedures tailored to each patient's needs and objectives. Patients from West Hills, CA, and the San Fernando Valley region who are interested in learning if a facelift could help them look and feel younger are encouraged to schedule a consultation appointment.
Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) Q & A
What issues can a facelift correct?
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is used to correct an array of issues, including sagging skin and wrinkles, lines and creases in the cheeks, chin, forehead, neck, chin, and jowls, as well as around the nose and mouth. Undergoing a facelift can significantly reduce multiple signs of aging, including changes due to sun exposure, gravity and natural loss of volume, to help women and men look and feel more youthful.
What happens during a facelift procedure?
Today's facelift surgeries are less invasive than the techniques used a decade or more ago, relying on more precise techniques for better, more natural-looking results. Surgeries can be performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Once the surgical site is prepared, incisions are made to access deeper layers so excess fat and other tissue can be gently removed and muscles can be repositioned to support better the skin and restore a firmer, more toned appearance to the face. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is carefully redraped to fit the new contours closely and attached using tiny sutures. A special bandage will be applied following surgery to support the tissues and keep the incision sites clean. Sometimes, drainage tubes are also used to allow fluid to drain away, so swelling is reduced.
What is recovery like?
Today's less invasive surgical techniques have resulted in less pain and discomfort for patients during the recovery period following facelift surgery. In most cases, pain can be successfully managed with over-the-counter pain medicines or low-dose prescription pain medicines. Swelling usually resolves within a few days to a week. Some patients may experience a slight tautness as the skin, and other tissues adapt and adjust to their new positions during the initial stages of healing. Most patients can return to work and most of their other activities after about two weeks. Complete healing will occur over the next several weeks.