As we age, facial skin loses elasticity and tone, causing sagging and uneven folds around the chin, jawline, and neck. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, can reverse these signs of aging by tightening fascia in the area. The procedure is performed in our state-of-the-art surgical center, but only after a patient has been confirmed as a candidate through a thorough health assessment and needs consultation. At Reynolds Oral and Facial Surgery, patient safety is always our top priority.
Performed under either IV sedation or general anesthesia, a rhytidectomy tightens and removes excess skin. Incisions are made along the hairline at the temple, continue in front of the ear, then around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending in the scalp hairline. The loose skin is separated from underlying tissue, pulled up and back, and any excess skin is removed while sagging connective tissues are tightened.
In some cases, fatty deposits may be removed from beneath the chin and neck, and the platysma muscles in the neck are tightened. Small sutures close the incisions. The procedure can take up to five hours and may be combined with other cosmetic procedures.
Before your procedure, you’ll receive preoperative instructions. These include a requirement to stop smoking and avoid specific drugs containing aspirin for several weeks prior to surgery to reduce bleeding risks. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection. Patients should shampoo their hair the morning before surgery, and a small area of hair around the ears and temples may be shaved.
Bandages are applied after surgery and are removed within a few days. Pain is generally moderate and controlled with oral medication. Sutures are typically removed within 5 to 7 days, and to minimize scarring, Dr. Reynolds may remove sutures in stages. Scarring fades quickly, and swelling and discoloration diminish within two weeks. Patients may experience tightness for several weeks, and there may be slight changes in hair pattern near the incision site.
Avoiding sun exposure is recommended for several weeks post-surgery. Healing is gradual, with final results typically visible in up to six months. Patients are advised to avoid smoking for six months following surgery to support optimal healing. Results vary based on the individual’s initial condition, but most patients achieve their desired look with a single procedure and are pleased with their more youthful appearance.
Having performed hundreds of cosmetic and reconstructive facial surgeries, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional results with a focus on safety, sterility, and compassionate care. Schedule your personal and confidential consultation today to find out if you’re a candidate for a facelift.
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Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Evans, Berthoud, Windsor, Timnath, Johnstown, Milliken, Severance, Ault, Wellington, Estes Park, Longmont, Mead, Firestone, Fort Morgan, Sterling, Cheyenne, Laramie
