After you reach your thirties, the desire to grow older pretty much comes to a screeching halt. That doesn’t stop the aging process from happening, of course, and sometimes far before you would ever consider yourself old enough to have wrinkles or loose, sagging skin. For patients who would like to see the beautiful skin of the youth once again, Dr. Pamela Henderson may recommend a facelift.

What is a facelift?

During the aging process muscles weaken, fat deposits shift, and skin looses its natural elasticity, creating a sagging or droopy appearance on the face. As the face sags, wrinkles and fine lines appear on the surface, aging men and women even further. A facelift, clinically known as a rhytidectomy, is a means of surgically repositioning and tightening the skin on the face to create a more youthful appearance. Depending on a patient’s individual needs, techniques and incision locations vary to create the best results.

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

Individuals who are unsatisfied with the sagging or droopy appearance of their facial skin may be good candidates for a facelift. Ideal candidates are healthy non-smokers with a clear understanding of surgical expectations.

During your consultation, Dr. Henderson will evaluate the structure of the face and skin’s health. She will discuss your desired results and surgical technique, as well as provide you with any pre-surgery care instructions you might need in preparation for your facelift in Scottsdale.

What can I expect during the procedure?

Local anesthesia and IV sedation is used to make patients comfortable before surgery. Incisions will be made around the ears and hairline or within the hairline depending on the technique used. Excess fat may be removed via liposuction and muscles may be tightened with internal sutures.
 
After skin is tightened and repositioned to the desired position, excess skin is then removed. A drain may be placed to remove excess fluid and assist in the healing process.

What is the recovery process like?

A light pressure dressing will be applied, but will be removed the following day during your follow up appointment. Some minor swelling and bruising is expected. Cold packs should be used during the first 24-48 hours to alleviate symptoms. Patients are instructed to keep their head elevated and to avoid neck flexion for two weeks. Sutures will be removed during weekly follow up visits. Though patients are able to return to activities after two to three weeks, patients are generally ready to make their appearance after four to six weeks. Full results become evident after four to six months.

Why should I trust my surgery to Dr. Pamela Henderson?

Dr. Pamela Henderson has provided her experience to the Scottsdale area for many years. She brings her hands-on approach towards customer service and dedicated compassion to her patients every day, providing her patients with the information and experience they need for their surgical needs. If you or someone you know is interested in a facelift, contact Dr. Henderson of New Image Plastic Surgery today at (480) 596-6886