Procedure:
The facelift - necklift that Dr. Guida performs is really a mid-face, lower
facelift and necklift, performed simultaneously. By tightening the neck, defining
the jaw line and elevating the cheeks, Dr. Guida's technique creates a long
lasting, natural and youthful appearance. The areas to be improved include the
midface (cheeks), the line from the corner of the nose to the corner of the
mouth, the loose skin at the jaw line (jowls), and the neck, along with neckbands.
The amount of tightening in each part of the face is individualized based on
the patient's appearance and desires. This procedure includes tightening the
facial and neck skin, muscle (SMAS), as well as sculpting the fat. The goal
is to achieve a natural, refreshed look that suits your individual appearance.
Recovery Time:
Dr. Guida strongly believes in appropriate vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and an attentive surgical approach that allows most
patients to gradually return to their normal routines less than
two weeks after surgery. A patient should allow 10 to 14 days
for full recovery from a face - neck lift. One can be up and
about during these 10 - 14 days, but light activity and rest
is encouraged.
Ice compresses should be applied to the face and eyelids for
the first few days after surgery. This, along with the medications
Dr. Guida will prescribe, will minimize swelling and bruising
and speed up the recovery process. Most often, Dr. Guida does
not use drains after the procedure, making the recovery more
comfortable and the healing faster.
Dr. Guida actively participates with his patients' after surgical
care, often seeing his patients the following morning after the
operation. At this time the light pressure bandage is removed.
One can shower within the first few days after the procedure,
which often increase the patient's sense of well being. You may
begin to lightly exercise three to four weeks after surgery.
Bruising is usually gone in 10 - 14 days, but subtle swelling
will take several more weeks to fade.
I need a face and neck lift, but want to avoid an unnatural
look. Can that easily be achieved?
The answer is an emphatic "YES". Today's face - neck lift procedure (deep plane
SMAS facelift) looks much more natural than the facelifts from a decade ago because
most attention is placed on the underlying loose muscles of the face and neck - the
true foundation of the face's appearance. Once the skin is elevated, most time
is spent dissecting and tightening the muscle in the neck, jawline and midface.
The extra skin is then simply draped over the new, tighter foundation, with no
excess stretching or pulling, giving a very natural, and much more youthful look.
Can the scars be hidden so I can wear my hair back and
no one can tell I had surgery?
Dr. Guida performs all aspects of his facelift operation, including
the placement and removal of each suture. Extreme care is taken
in planning and executing the incisions of a facelift. Most people
heal extremely well and the scars are well camouflaged when placed
properly. There are several options for incision placement and
this is carefully discussed with patients prior to the operation,
based on hair style, density of hair, and which part of the face
and neck Dr. Guida will be focusing on. Of course any time there
is a skin incision, there is a scar. But with proper planning,
skilled surgical technique, and proper wound care, most patients
heal exceptionally well.
Are there options for men, because of shorter hair styles?
Placement of incisions for male facelifts requires individualized
planning. This will vary based on the amount of hair, type of
hairstyle, and cosmetic desires. If one only wishes to have the
face and jowls tightened, but does not require neck tightening,
there may be no need for surgery behind the ear. The alteration
of the beard position is a consideration in male facelift surgery
and the details of this are discussed on an individualized basis
with Dr. Guida, as excellent options are available to camouflage
the incision sites.
What is a "minilift" or "minimal incision" facelift?
This technique usually involves minimizing or avoiding placement
of incisions in the hair bearing scalp behind the ears. This
works well if there is no need for significant tightening of
the neck skin. If the loose skin is primarily in the face and
jowl area, and not in the neck, this may be an excellent option.
The "mini-lift" shortens recovery and there is minimal scarring,
and works well in the right patient. Dr. Guida can assess your
cosmetic concerns and help you decide which option will give
you the best long term result.
When can i go back to work and feel comfortable socially?
Dr. Guida strongly believes in appropriate vitamins, nutritional
supplements, and an attentive surgical approach that allows most
patients to gradually return to their normal routines less than
two weeks after surgery. Light exercise is usually resumed at
3 - 4 weeks.
Will I bruise and swell a great deal?
Several factors can minimize bruising and swelling after your
facelift. Before surgery we will encourage you to stop certain
medication, vitamins, and herbal supplements that can thin the
blood and cause bruising. We will then have you take certain
vitamins and prescription medications that help prevent bruising
and encourage healing. We will keep you informed of the entire
process, which alleviates anxiety and reduces swelling. During
the procedure, Dr. Guida spends much time controlling any bleeding
that can occur, again further minimizing bruising. A bandage
worn the first night is comforting and firm, which helps avoid
unnecessary swelling. Because of this, no drains are usually
necessary.
When can I shower and feel normal after surgery?
The morning after surgery, Dr. Guida or his nurse will remove
your bandage that was placed in the operating room. You will
feel much more comfortable at this point. A lighter, soft cotton
dressing may be applied, though many patients opt for no dressing
at this point. At this point, usually around 24 - 48 hours after
surgery you can shower, if you like. You should avoid extremes
in water temperature, running a comb or brush through your hair
(you may comb or brush your hair lightly), or blow drying the
hair until the sutures are out. Make up can be worn a few days
after surgery. Five to seven days after surgery, I encourage
my patients to go out to dinner or lunch or a movie with a friend.
This will make you feel better and probably heal faster.
I had a face lift a few years ago and do not like the
results or scars. Can anything be done ?
Yes, scar revision and secondary face - neck lifts are highly successful procedures,
when carefully planned out. The previously placed scars are removed and the skin
and neck muscle is tightened appropriately. Through careful planning, placement,
and execution of the stitching, the results are very rewarding. Results form
secondary facelifts can be even better than the first facelift, as the scarring
under the skin and in the SMAS layer frequently allows for a stronger pull on
the SMAS, improved tightening and a more youthful, natural look.
