Eight Things you Need to Know About Getting a Facelift with Dr. Angelchik
Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.
Many mature men and women consider having a facelift to correct signs of facial aging, like loose skin on the neck or jawline. In fact, it is one of the most commonly performed procedures offered by members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). A facelift can make you look and feel much younger and provide the confidence that you look your best. . It’s important to learn important facts about facelift surgery before you make the decision to move forward. . Read on to learn eight steps to a facelift procedure. You will be better prepared when you come in to see Dr. Angelchik for a consultation.
Step One- Being Prepared for the Surgery
Prior to surgery you will undergo an evaluation and consultation with Dr. Angelchik. It’s important to make sure that you are in good health, have realistic expectations about results, and have some help at home for household chores for a while. Additionally, you will need someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility and recovery center ( if you have an overnight stay planned). People over the age of 50, or with medical issues will be required to get clearance from their treating physicians prior to surgery. Active smokers are not candidates for facelift surgery, as they are at increased risk for serious problems with healing. You will usually require 2 weeks off from work or social activities if you are having a surgical facelift. Although you will typically feel well before 2 weeks, swelling and some bruising may make it socially awkward to return sooner.
Step Two- Anesthesia
You will be administered general anesthesia from a board certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Angelchik, when performing a surgical facelift usually does not use IV sedation and local anesthesia. For less invasive facial rejuvenation and skin tightening procedures like Facetite, Accutite, Renuvion, and Morpheus8, local anesthesia and oral sedation may be all that is required.
Step Three- Incisions
Dr. Angelchik will begin by making an incision starting at your temple area in front of the hairline. It will continue down to the front of your ear, then inside the cartilaginous tragusand then circle around your ear lobe, in the crease behind the ear, and into the hairline over the mastoid region of the skull. This gives you the most natural hairline and camouflages the incision on the neck the best in our experience.
Step Four- Your Connective Tissues and Muscles are Repositioned and Tightened
Dr. Angelchik will carefully elevate skin flaps in front of the ear on the cheek and in the neck in order to work on the underlying muscles and the connective tissue called the SMAS layer. . Then he will reposition and tighten this tissue, securing it in place with sutures. He may also remove fat in the neck with liposuction or direct excision.
Step Five- Excess Skin is Removed
After Dr. Angelchik tightens up the underlying muscles, the excess skin that is causing visible sagging will be carefully trimmed . Skin is removed so as to avoid tension at the incision in front of the ear and hairline to get the best possible healing and minimize scarring.
Step Six- Your Incisions Will be Closed
Once Dr. Angelchik is certain that the wound is dry, he will precisely close the incisions over a drain tube ( which is in for 2 days) in layers with absorbable sutures under the skin and removable sutures at the skin surface to get the best scar. Sutures are removed 6-7 days after surgery.
Step Seven- Healing Begins
Your incisions will be covered with antibiotic ointment and antiseptic dressings, then carefully wrapped in a sterile surgical gauze head wrap for 2 days. After two days, the drains and bandages can be removed. Your sutures will be taken out about a week after surgery The incisions will heal gradually and it’s important to treat them delicately for the first 2-3 weeks. Usually makeup can be worn over the incision areas by 10 days post operation.
Step Eight- Follow Aftercare Instructions
Dr. Angelchik will prescribe pain medication after the surgery. You should avoid any strenuous activity for the first couple of weeks post-surgery. You will also want to keep your head as elevated . Bruising and swelling are not uncommon after a facelift, and to minimize these effects, ice-packs and elevation are important. . Patients also receive wound care instructions at the office after surgery and we see you frequently early on to assure you are having an uneventful recovery. Antibiotics and ointments are also prescribed. Usually by 2-3 weeks, patients are back at their normal activities. By 6 weeks most patients do not look like they just had surgery.
Plastic Surgery by Dr. Paul Angelchik
If you are considering a facelift, get in touch with our professional team in Glendale, Arizona. Call 602-375-8888 or request a consultation online today. Let us help you look refreshed and bring out your natural beauty. We offer a full spectrum of facial rejuvenation options including minimally invasive procedures, injectables, skin care, in office skin tightening and surgery.
