PROCEDURES

Tampa Facelift or Mini Facelift

A Facelift or Rhytidectomy is one of the most powerful procedures performed in all of plastic surgery. This procedure is designed to address the unwanted changes that occur with the aging process. This includes the correction of unsightly wrinkles and the tightening of loose and sagging skin so as to create a rested, and more youthful look. There are many factors that contribute to the aging process. Genetics, sun damage and chronic stress are just a few of these factors. 

The effects of aging on the face include prominence of the jowls, development of wrinkles along the cheeks and neck, loss of definition of the jaw line and sagging of the neck. Patients often complain of looking older and tired while still feeling great. It is in these patients that the facelift procedure is best suited. Unfortunately diet and exercise do little to reverse the effects of the aging process on the face. 

The goal of facelift surgery is the resuspension of sagging skin and soft tissues of the face and neck. This tightening and repositioning of the lax skin of the face, creates a smoother, more refreshed appearance. Unwanted fat deposits in the neck that contribute to the aging process are also often addressed during a facelift. Other facial procedures may be performed in conjunction with a facelift. Although a facelift may be performed any time after the signs of aging appear, it is usually performed in patients older than forty. 

A mini facelift is designed to achieve the similar fresh, rested and youthful appearance of a standard facelft. The difference however, is that a mini facelift is performed with limited incisions and dissection. As such postoperative bruising, swelling and downtime may be reduced. Not every patient is a candidate for a mini facelift. Patients with excess facial aging will achieve better long term results with a complete facelift.

At New Tampa Plastic Surgery, during your consultation with Dr. Fakhre, he will examine your face and help determine whether a facelift or mini facelift is better suited for you.

Reasons for Considering a Mini Facelift or Facelift in Tampa:

• Loss of definition of the jaw line
• An aged, tired and weathered appearance
• Loose and sagging skin of the face and neck
• Deep wrinkles and creases involving the cheeks and neck

The Facelift Procedure

Facelift surgery uses small, carefully placed incisions in both the front and back of the ears, as well as along the hair line. Next the sagging skin of the face is dissected revealing the underlying soft tissues of the face which are also lax. Special sutures are used to resuspend the soft tissues of the face and neck, correcting the sagging appearance. The skin is then tightened and resuspended, neatly tailoring the skin to create a natural look. The excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed with tiny stitches so as to minimize scarring. In patients where there is significant sagging of the neck, an additional incision is often made in the crease below the chin and this area is also tightened.

The difference between a mini facelift  and a full facelift, is that the mini facelift procedure limits the length of the incisions placed in front of and behind the ears. Additionally, a smaller tissue dissection plane is required. Special techniques are used by Dr. Fakhre to resuspend the soft tissue of the face, lifting and recreating the youthful appearance of the face and neck. The skin is then redraped over the face and the excess skin is carefully excised. Often times liposuction of the neck is performed in conjunction with a mini facelift, eliminating the large incision under the chin.

Facelift and mini facelift surgeries are often performed under sedation or general anesthesia depending on the extent of the dissection needed. The surgery times vary greatly depending on the extent of the dissection needed, but typically lasts between three to five hours. The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis with the patient going home later the same day. 

Recovery following a Facelift or Mini Facelift

Following your procedure Dr. Fakhre will wrap your face with a special Facelift bandage to limit swelling and reduce the amount of bruising that occurs. A restful week should be planned for after a facelift. It is encouraged to have a friend or loved one available to help you during the early postoperative period. Small drains may be placed at the time of surgery and these are usually removed the day after surgery. Stitches placed after surgery are typically removed a week later.

The pain experienced after facelift surgery varies from patient to patient, but is generally well tolerated with oral pain medications. Complications are rare after a facelift, but may occur. By carefully following Dr. Fakhre's instructions, you will help reduce the risk of complications.

To find out if you'd be a good candidate for a Facelift or Mini Facelift in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fakhre, your Tampa and Wesley Chapel Plastic Surgeon, at 813-PLASTIC (752-7842).

Click here to see Dr. Fakhre's Wesley Chapel and Tampa Facelift Before and After Photos.