A Facelift procedure is intended to address the effects of aging in a patient's lower face, neck and jowls. As we age, the factors of time and gravity result in a loss of facial muscle tone and skin elasticity. The cheeks begin to sag creating jowls and distorting the jaw line. Loose skin appears in the neck, often referred to as a double chin or “turkey neck.” Deep creases between the nose and mouth or below your lower eyelid may form. Face lift surgery can “set back the clock” by rejuvenating the face, improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat and skin, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of your face and neck, thereby restoring your more youthful facial contours.
As a firm believer in utilizing the most advanced techniques, Dr. Pratt favors the “deep plane” technique also referred to as a the “SMAS Lift”. Unlike procedures that simply address sagging skin, the deep plane facelift repositions the deeper underlying tissue called the “SMAS layer.” Pulling this layer back to a more youthful state allows the re-draped skin to sit naturally in its new position. As both the skin and underlying tissue are lifted together, the tightly pulled windswept look that can accompany a facelift done improperly is avoided. It also alleviates tension on the incision lines which minimizes visible scarring, although the incisions are well hidden within the hairline behind the temples and in the natural contours of the face and ear. A well done facelift scar should be practically imperceptible.
In conjunction with a facelift, fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck. Skin is re-draped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions. Dr. Pratt uses the latest advances used by only a handful of surgeons which greatly minimize bruising and swelling, reduces the risk of hematoma (bleeding under the skin), and alleviates the need for drainage tubes. The overall effect is a more natural refreshed appearance than simply having tightened the skin.
During your consultation, Dr. Pratt will evaluate your skin, muscle, bone structure, and other specific conditions that may have contributed to your aging appearance, and then tailor the procedure to your individual needs for the best result. A facelift, which primarily addresses the lower face and neck, is often combined with other facial cosmetic procedures such as a brow lift, blepheroplasty, or chin or neck liposuction in order to achieve your cosmetic goals.
Additional procedures that may further enhance the outcome of a Facelift may include: Resurfacing techniques (such as peels) or DOT ( link ) therapy to improve the tone and texture of facial skin. Wrinkle reduction by Botox (link ) injection may be recommended prior to your facelift (to help underlying muscles fully relax before repositioning and tightening) or after your facelift surgery to help maintain results. Although a facelift will not change your basic appearance or stop the aging process, it will restore a younger you that will then continue to age naturally over time.
