Before          After                Before           After         
  VIEW MORE PHOTOS

Facelift (Rhytidectomy): corrects/improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck, by removing excess fat, tightening muscles and redraping skin. Gives the face a more rested and youthful appearance. No smoking is imperative prior to and during recovery phase. Requires an overnight stay with an RN in our suite. Results usually last 8-20 years.


Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is a facelift?

A: A facelift or "Rhytidectomy" is a surgical procedure designed to improve the most visible signs of the aging process by eliminating excess fat and skin, and then tightening the muscles beneath the skin. It does not stop the aging process but merely "turns the clock back."


Q: What is the Submuscular Aponeurotic System?

A: The SMAS is a layer beneath the skin that invests the facial muscles. By tightening the SMAS, the jowls are lifted, the neck is tightened, and the cheeks are elevated. This "deep" or "multi-layer" facelift is an improvement over earlier skin-only techniques.


Q: How long does a facelift last?

A: No one can say for sure in a given patient. The clock is turned back, but keeps on running. Ten years later, you will look better than if you never had surgery. Many patients never have a second lift, while others may desire further surgery seven to fifteen years later.


Q: Can surgery be done without scars?

A: The scars from facelift surgery usually fade and are barely perceptible. In some patients, especially younger ones, endoscopic surgery can be used to lift the eyebrows, remove frown lines, elevate the cheek and jowls and tighten the neck. This endoscopic surgery can be done with tiny scars. However, if there is excessive skin, it must be removed for the best results.


Q: What kind of anesthesia is used?

A: Face lift operations generally are done under general anesthesia. If a face lift is being done without eyelids or a brow lift, it may be that moderate sedation will be used along with local supplementation.


Q: Why do you keep your patients overnight? I thought this was an outpatient procedure.

A: Almost all procedures can be done as an outpatient. However, with the face lift operation as well as a few others, we prefer for patients to spend the night at our overnight care facility so that a professional nurse can keep an eye on your blood pressure, maintain ice packs, and generally look after all of your needs, minimizing the chances of any complications and doing everything we can to minimize swelling.


Q: What is up with some of the lunch-time surgery procedures that we hear talked about that involve no swelling, bruising, or recovery periods?

A: There are a variety of operations reported as instance face lifts. In our experience we have seen many patients who have had these operations with poor results after anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months. Unfortunately, if one has substantial changes from the aging and sun exposure process, these operations are simply not going to be of any long-term benefit. Naturally, the degree of surgery required is a function of the degree of aging process that has taken place. While we use a variation of the mini face lift in certain cases, these are specially selected and are not for people with major aging changes.


Q: How long will I be off work?

A: Most patients are able to return to work in two to three weeks. You should allow four to six weeks before major social engagements or significant travel.


Q: How can I hide things during the time until I return to normal?

A: Dr. Wallace and the Staff will discuss camouflage techniques with you prior to your surgery, but be assured that while almost everyone has some sort of temporary side effect such as bruising and swelling, there are make-up techniques that both men and women can use almost immediately to disguise them. Make-up techniques can be used soon after surgery to cover discolorations, and to hide incision lines after the stitches have been removed and the incision is completely closed. Camouflage cosmetics include three basic types of products: Concealers to hide incision lines and discolorations; contour shadows to disguise swelling; and color correctors to neutralize color in reddened skin.

Color correctors disguise yellowish discolorations or the pinkness that follows chemical peel and dermabrasion. Lavender neutralizes or removes yellow, and green has a similar effect on red. It will take a little patience and practice to master camouflage techniques, but most postop patients feel it's well worth the effort. Dr. Wallace, the Staff, and the aestheticians at our skin care facility have in stock all the products required to make your surgical experience as pleasant as possible.


Q: Can the face lift operation be combined with other procedures?

A: Face lifts routinely are combined with eyelid surgery and brow lifts and cosmetic nasal surgery, if needed. We ordinarily do not do extended facial procedures at the same time as extended body procedures in order to minimize anesthetic risks. Sometimes, a minor procedure, such as changing breast implants or something on that order, can be done at the same time. This will take into account your medical condition, the exact details of what operation you are having and will be something to be discussed with Dr. Wallace in detail.