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Many factors cause the skin to wrinkle and sag. Exposure to the sun, genetics and the natural aging process are a few. Children and young adults have smooth, round faces due to fatty tissue that is evenly distributed throughout the contours of the face. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, sags and fits more loosely. Skin folds become prominent, especially around the chin, the jaw line and along the neck.
Dr. Spanganberg performs Rhytidectomies, or Face Lifts, to enhance your appearance and correct these conditions. A Face Lift involves tightening of facial and neck muscles as well as the removal of excess skin. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries such as Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), Forehead Lift, Chin Augmentation, Cheek Augmentation, Liposuction or Rhinoplasty (nasal surgery). If you would like more information on facelifts or other procedures, please call us at 480.279.3113
These cosmetic procedures can be performed any time after signs of aging appear. In general, a more natural appearing, longer lasting result can be obtained by having surgery when the changes of aging are first bothersome rather than waiting until one is older.
In order to perform these surgical procedures with the highest quality and safety, Dr. Spanganberg has built a state-of-the-art surgical facility. In most cases, surgery is performed at this center. This allows us to keep your fees as reasonable as possible. In more complex cases, the surgery may be best performed in a hospital setting.
Before proceeding with a surgical procedure your medical history will be reviewed in order to determine your overall health. If necessary, we may request that you be seen by your physician for evaluation prior to surgery. Dr. Spanganberg will discuss with you potential benefits of surgery and tips for recovering as quickly as possible. Our objective is to create a natural appearance that is pleasing to you. Photographs and computer imaging are used to help plan surgery.
We will provide you with preoperative instructions that may include the elimination of specific drugs containing aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Advil, Aleve, etc.) and Vitamin E several weeks before surgery to minimize excess bleeding. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help prevent infection. You will be instructed to shampoo your hair the night before surgery with an anti-bacterial soap.
Preoperative Instructions for Patients Undergoing Intravenous (IV) Anesthesia
Wear loose fitting clothing with short-sleeved shirts or sleeves, which can be rolled up past the elbow. Contact lenses, jewelry and dentures should be removed before the time of surgery.
A Rhytidectomy (Face Lift) can be performed under IV Sedation or General Anesthesia in our state of the art surgical facilities. These options will be discussed in detail with you. After preparing the hair and face, and connecting anesthetic monitors, an IV is started and the patient is sedated. The surgical area is then anesthetized with local anesthesia. Incisions are made inside the hairline at the temple, extending and hidden in front of the ear, then around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending in the hair of the scalp. The loose skin is separated from underlying tissue and is pulled up and back. Excess skin is removed. Sagging muscles and connective tissues are tightened. In some cases, fatty deposits are removed from beneath the chin and neck with liposuction technique. Small sutures are used to close the incisions. The procedure may take 2 - 5 hours depending on whether any additional procedures are performed at the same time
After face lift surgery it is important to have good post-operative surgical care. Recommendations will be discussed at your pre-surgical consultation. Bandages are applied to the area of surgery and are removed within a few days. Pain is moderate and controlled with oral medications. Your sutures are removed within the first 5 to 10 days. In order to minimize scaring, the doctor may remove the sutures in stages. Incisions normally fade quickly. Swelling and discoloration are usually gone within 2-3 weeks. Tightness in your face will be present for several weeks and there may be slight changes in your hair pattern around the incision.
It is recommended that you avoid the sun for several months after face lift surgery. Although you are usually ready to return to normal activities in 2 weeks, healing is gradual so you will not see final results for up to 6 months. The amount of improvement varies, depending on your initial condition. It is advisable to maintain your new more youthful appearance by using appropriate skin care products, and visiting our Medi-Spa for a patient maintenance program.
After Face Lift Surgery