A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is the process of improving the visible signs of aging of the face and neck thru surgical means. Some of the most visible signs of aging first appear on the face. Although the changes appear gradually, there may come a day when you look in the mirror and decide that the face you see does not reflect the way you feel.
Some of the signs of age that are effectively treated by the facelift procedure include facial sagging, deep creases below the eyes and around the mouth, the appearance of jowls, as well as loose skin and excess fatty deposits. A facelift smooths the loose skin on your face and neck, tightens underlying tissues and removes excess fat. As a result, your face will appear firmer and fresher.
A facelift is considered the most effective procedure for total facial rejuvenation however best results are often achieved when combined with a browlift, eyelid surgery and/or fat grafting.
New methods for maximizing results have been developed in the last 20 years. Skin tightening is now only a small part of the operation. We now know that facial aging takes place because of skin laxity combined with soft tissue drooping and some reduction in soft tissue fullness. In other words, the cheek and neck fat sags and some fat shrinks to hollow the face in areas.
The traditional facelift is achieved by repositioning and tightening underlying facial tissues thru an incision that begins in the hairline at the temples and continues around the ear ending in the lower scalp. The most common concern among patients contemplating the facelift procedure is scarring. All patients and situations are unique but in general, a skilled surgeon can hide the scarring in your existing facial features and almost eliminate detectable scarring.
Dr. Mentz has devoted a large portion of his practice to facial plastic surgery. He is board certified by three separate boards (triple board certification) including The American Board of Plastic Surgery, The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck) which makes him uniquely qualified to perform your facial surgical procedures. Many of his patients feel more comfortable knowing their surgeon has achieved this distinctive attribute. In addition to his education and training Dr. Mentz has contributed several articles and presentations in national and international forums that are related to facial cosmetic surgery. The book Operative Plastic Surgery 2000 features a chapter by Dr. Mentz which outlines his ideas and treatments.
Today when a facelift is done the skeleton, muscle, soft tissue and skin are all evaluated and a plan for rejuvenation is tailored to fit each individual patient based on these measurements and the patient’s goals. Sometimes other procedures may be discussed to maximize your appearance goals, such as endoscopic brow lifting, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, laser resurfacing for fine wrinkles, nose reshaping, or facial implants.
The surgery is performed in our exclusive AAAA accredited center under the private supervision of a board certified anesthesiologist and takes several hours to complete. Dr. Mentz and The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery does offer a unique overnight facility with private one on one nursing care.
If you live within 30 miles of our facility, the Dr. Mentz will offer a visit to your home by a plastic surgery nurse, trained to assist in your recovery. Most patients can return to work within 5-6 days following surgery, but may have some bruising. Sutures are removed 5-7 days after surgery and we generally recommend no sun exposure for six months. Exercise and other strenuous activities may be resumed in about 6 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Will there be scarring? Yes but a skilled surgeon can minimize the appearance of scaring by strategically placing the scar in the hairline and existing facial features.
- Is this a painful procedure? Although all patients are different the pain level associated with a facelift is usually described as moderate.
- How long will I have to wear the bandages? In general Dr. Mentz will have you wear a chin strap for 1 hour in the mornings and 1 hour in the evenings for 2 weeks. Then he will reduce this to 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes at night for weeks 3 and 4. No additional bandaging is required.
- When do the stitches come out? The majority of the stitches will come out at the end of the first week. A few will remain and will be taken out at the end of the second week.
- When can I resume normal activity and exercise? You may resume normal activities and exercise in six weeks.
You can go to the American Board of Plastic Surgery’s web site to learn more about the facelift procedures.
Facelift Price Range: $8,500 - $13,000+
Prices include the surgeon’s fees, the anesthesiologist and facility fees.
