There are several factors that can lead to the drooping or sagging of the skin around the face - gravity, aging, sun exposure, and pollution. All of these can damage the skin, making it cling less tightly to the neck and face.

Technically known as Rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as sagging in the midface deep creases below the lower eyelids and along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth. It can also be done to correct fat that has fallen or is displaced, or loss of muscle tone in the lower face, as well as tighten loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw commonly known as double chin.A facelift is a good option for you if you are physically healthy and have a positive outlook yet realistic goal to improve your appearance.

In most instances, facelift surgery isdone under local anesthesia with a sedative, which leaves the patient awake yet relaxed and oblivious to pain. Surgery usually lasts 3 to 4 hours, and is performed as an outpatient operation, although some may be performed in a hospital.

During the consultation:

• Dr. Alonzo will evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, likely outcomes of the facelift procedure, risks and potential complications, and the type of anesthesia that will be used.
• Available options will be discussed; your face will be examined and measured, photographs taken for your medical record, post-operative care and follow-up.
• Prior to surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing for medical evaluation.
• Stop smoking few days before the surgery, as smoking can increase bleeding.
• You will be asked to avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Special instructions on what to do the night before the surgery will be given.

Post surgery and recovery:

• Your face will be covered with bandages. It will be removed after 1 or 2 days. Stitches are removed within a week to 10 days.
• Pain is usually minimal and medication is prescribed to help. Swelling, bruising, and numbness should be expected but these will disappear in time.
• Keep your head elevated and use cold compresses to help alleviate these problems.
• It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate, and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature.
• Recuperation takes one to two weeks, and patients can expect to return to work within 2 to 3 weeks excluding strenuous exercise.
• A healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your rejuvenated and more youthful appearance.

Additional procedures that may enhance good results are Sliteye Surgery, Eyebag Surgery, Browlift and Botox.

*FACELIFT PHILIPPINES*