Paul Vanek, MD, FACS

Q: What is involved with having a facelift?

A: A facelift, or rhytidectomy is one of my favorite procedures to perform because my patients are very pleased with their results - a more youthful facial appearance. It reshapes the lower half of the face by removing excess facial skin and tightening loose & sagging skin around the jaw line, also known as “jowls”. It can also remove deep creases around the mouth and nose and excess skin and fat under the chin and neck. About 125,000 facelifts were performed last year in the U.S. typically as an outpatient procedure.

In a traditional facelift, an incision is made in front of the ear into the hair bearing scalp. I then elevate your skin off the deeper facial muscles and fat, gently pull the skin in an upward and posterior direction and remove excess skin. I also now recommend using the newest technology of Renuvion to further tighten and resurface the skin. The Tesla energy called helium plasma uses the power of radio waves to activate a low molecular weight gas into an excited state. This energy heats your tissue appropriately to create a collagen contraction event that tightens the skin in your face and neck. It gives your facelift an extra boost of outcome improvement that you notice and feel for years to come!

For many patients, I make a small incision under the chin to tighten the skin and the neck tissue, known as a neck lift. Facelifts can also include tightening underlying tissues and patients may combine a facelift with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, liposuction, fat injection, removal of cheek fat, forehead lift, brow lift, chemical or laser peel and cheek or chin implants. The duration of anesthesia required for your surgery depends upon which procedures you combine. That is accurately spelled out in your consultation process. You go home the day of the procedure, and shower the next day. I try to have patients socially anticipate bruising or swelling that may last about 2 weeks. I utilize laser energy in the post op setting to minimize any bruising you experience. Some scar cremes are applied after initial healing is completed. The Renuvion effect of tightening continues up to 6 months post op. You can resume normal activities in 3-7 days, and exercise in a few weeks after facial rejuvenation surgery. Check out MentorPlasticSurgery.com for photos in the photo gallery that you will love!

Dr. Paul Vanek M.D., F.A.C.S. Vanek Plastic Surgery

7537 Fredle Dr. Concord, Ohio 44077

440-205-5750 www.MentorPlasticSurgery.com Accepting new patients for non-intrusive and surgical cosmetic and reconstructive

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