A facelift is an operation for tightening and repositioning of the facial soft tissues using incisions hidden around the contours of the ears and hairline. It is the gold standard for rejuvenating an aging face and for providing long standing, natural results.
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THE Procedure
Each facelift that Dr. Frankel performs is custom-tailored to meet the patient’s unique needs and preferences. Dr. Frankel is adept at several facelift techniques and will choose the approach he feels is best suited for delivering a beautiful outcome in a particular patient.
Most commonly Dr. Frankel uses a deep plane technique that elevates not just the superficial tissue, but the deeper ones as well, lending to a more comprehensive, natural looking lift. There are variables with each patient that might sway him to use a different technique and he will discuss such details with you at the time of your consultation.
Which procedure is right for me?
Facelift surgery offers dramatic facial rejuvenation and can improve multiple signs of aging at one time, ultimately increasing a patient’s confidence. This procedure delivers long-lasting results that may last 10 to 15 years, depending on tissue quality and the patient’s lifestyle.
Every patient’s face ages a little bit differently and Dr. Frankel will choose one or another type of facelift technique based on specific anatomic considerations and what he feels will work best to achieve the patient’s goals.
DR. FRANKEL’S NOTES
“After twenty five years of performing facelifts I have developed a keen sense of how to vary and individualize my operations to achieve the best outcomes.
Most patients want to look better and refreshed but do not want to look as though they have head surgery. I hear all the time during consultations that “I don’t want to look like one of those Beverly Hills women”…or “I can always spot a facelift and they never look good!”. Unfortunately, there is a selection bias such that the bad outcomes are always visible and the well done lifts do not draw attention to themselves. Thus, we all tend to notice the bad work and not appreciate the best work because it looks so harmonious.
I strive to have my patients receive compliments and to feel great about themselves, but to have my work go unnoticed.”
– Andrew Frankel, M.D.
Before and after
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*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
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Preparation & Expectations
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Preparation
Plan to be away from social situations for approximately two weeks after your surgery and schedule accordingly.
You will be required to stop taking certain medications and supplements ten days before your surgery and the office will provide a list of what to avoid.
Routine blood work and a medical clearance will be required and this will be arranged by the office as well.
Certain medications and supplements will be prescribed and instructions will be provided.
Patients must refrain from eating or drinking eight hours before their scheduled surgery time (usually from midnight the night before the operation).
On the day of the procedure, patients must arrive with clean skin that is free of any skin care products or makeup.
Length of surgery
A facelift takes Dr. Frankel approximately five hours but varies depending on several factors. If other procedures are being performed simultaneously, the duration of surgery will change accordingly.
Anesthesia will be twilight performed without the need for a ventilator or paralysis or tube, and patients wake up quickly from the operation.
Recovery time
Patients should expect swelling and bruising for up to two weeks after a facelift.
Patients usually find that their swelling and bruising is reduced enough that they can run errands with just a pair of sunglasses within a week.
For closer encounters like dinner parties or getting coffee with an old friend, most patients prefer to wait two or three weeks to be sure the signs of surgery are almost entirely gone. By that point, most patients have no more than a small bruise remaining, which can be easily covered with makeup.
Most patients are also able to return to work two weeks after surgery. It’s important to keep in mind that every patient is different so recovery time varies.
After care
Dr. Frankel requires the majority of his facelift patients to be under the care of a nurse the night of the operation and the office will assist in making those arrangements.
Most patients experience more discomfort than pain postoperatively and medications will be provided.
A circumferential head dressing will be removed the morning following the surgery and possibly replaced for another two days. On the third day following the facelift, there will no longer be any dressing and patients may shower and wash their hair.
Patients are encouraged to walk soon after their procedure and should otherwise rest and sleep with their heads elevated until directed otherwise.
Sutures are usually removed eight days after the procedure and at that time Dr. Frankel usually allows patients to begin very light cardiovascular exercise.