How do I prepare for a Facelift?
It is important to avoid anything that thins the blood for two weeks prior to surgery. Maximizing skin "fitness" prior to surgery, using an at-home regimen that usually incorporates a retinol or Retin-A, is encouraged. In certain cases, other preoperative treatments (chemical peel, Fraxel, or laser) may be recommended to enhance the postoperative results (akin to "priming the canvas"). Routine blood tests are obtained, and medical clearance is organized as necessary. At your initial consultation with NYC plastic surgeon, Dr. Kolker, instructions are given, and are reviewed with you in great detail at a preoperative visit two weeks prior to surgery. Prescriptions are given at this visit, and any outstanding questions can be answered.
What Is The Facelift Procedure
Dr. Kolker most commonly performs facial rejuvenation procedures in his fully accredited office-based ambulatory surgery suite on Park Avenue in New York. Facelift surgery duration is approximately three to four hours. Anesthesia is either deep sedation (twilight) or general, and is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Depending on the surgical technique, Dr. Kolker may tighten the skin, connective tissue, or underlying facial muscle. After manipulating the tissues, he will close the incision and place drains to reduce fluid buildup at the wound site. He will also apply a bandage to the incision.
How do I recover after a Facelift
After your Facelift New York City patients will be cared for by our licensed registered nurse in our recovery room. For most patients following facelift, you will have a private duty nurse to care for you overnight. Small drain tubes are removed on the first morning after surgery.
Bruising and swelling can be expected after your surgery, and generally lasts for 7-10 days. Many will be able to return to work and social activities by 2 weeks, however depending on the facelift technique and adjunct procedures, return may be sooner, and in rare cases slightly later. Sutures are most often removed at 7 days. You may resume light exercises at 7 days, and unrestricted exercise begins at 4 weeks.
What do I do after my Facelift?
Dr. Kolker will see you frequently in the first weeks after Facelift, followed by a 12 week and 12 month post-op visit. Dr. Kolker and his staff are always available to you, and will discuss any questions or recovery related matters after your surgery. Skin maintenance after the procedure is also overseen, and combinations of moisturizer, serum, sun block, and retinol will be devised for your specific needs.
What kind of results can I expect after a Facelift?
After making a full recovery, most patients report a major boost in confidence and will enjoy a younger, rejuvenated facial appearance for up to ten years.
What do the Facelift scars look like?
The exact placement of the incisions varies depending on your hairstyle and facial grooming preferences, if applicable. Dr. Kolker makes every effort to conceal the facelift scars so they are well hidden. Typically, the scar is located in front of the ear. Once healed, the surgical scars are hardly noticeable in most cases. To minimize scarring, follow all post-operative instructions, such as avoiding sun exposure.