Facelift & Neck Lift Surgery

Serving Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy, New York

Perhaps more than any other facial aesthetic procedure, our perception of facelift surgery is highly skewed by the medias coverage of our favorite celebrities whose faces seem to change with each season. There is a fear of unnatural looking results, of looking excessively pulled, and creating expressionless demeanors. Unfortunately, this kind of attention cheapens our appreciation for what can be a very satisfying and positive experience for many people. As we take care of our bodies by exercising and eating right, there can be discordance between our internal sense of well-being and our outward appearance of aging. Contemporary aesthetic surgery helps restore this balance, giving rise to a renewed sense of confidence and harmony.

The facelift or rhytidectomy of today is designed to target intrinsic aging and gravitational effects on the face. As we age, there is a very predictable series of occurrences that take place including: the appearance of jowls, accentuation of the lip/cheek folds, atrophy of soft tissue, and laxity of skin and muscle along the neckline. The facelift is designed to counter these effects through conservative reduction of excess skin and suspension of underlying soft tissue structures. This can be augmented with additional procedures to restore volume through fat transfers or facial implants. There are many different variations on the facelift procedure. There is no one procedure that is best for all patients. Albany Facelift Surgeon, Dr. Falk is trained in a variety of procedures including SMAS lifts and deep plane facelifts.

Successful facial plastic surgery is the result of a good rapport between patient and surgeon. Dr. Falk, at the time of consultation, would be glad to describe these procedures in detail and what is most appropriate in your particular set of circumstances. Dr. Falk will exam your facial structures, skin texture, color and elasticity. Photographs are taken as a basis of discussion and documentation. Individual will be examined for specific risk factors. The patient's medical history will be reviewed to assure that he/she is healthy to undergo elective surgery of this nature.

Facelift Procedure

Once the decision is made regarding the appropriateness of a facelift procedure, you and your surgeon will decide on the appropriate form of anesthesia which can be either twilight or general anesthesia. Traditionally, markings are made and reviewed prior to surgery. Incisions go along the border with the ear, and around the back of the ear. Skin flaps are elevated and fascia is suspended. Incisions are closed with suture material. A compression dressing is applied afterwards.

Recovery

People experience little pain at surgery which can be managed with prescription medication. A degree of swelling and bruising is not only unavoidable, it is expected. You will be instructed to use cold compresses and sleep with head elevated to minimize swelling. The dressing is removed the next day. Though there are a few risks with surgery, as in any type of surgery, we do everything in our power to minimize the chance of such an occurrence. All sutures are removed within five to ten days. You will be assisted with arrangements for post-operative care and with instructions on how your family can assist in your recovery. Recovery generally takes two weeks. Scars are inconspicuous when mature and can be easily hidden by creases in the skin.

If you want to learn more about what The Center for Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Skin Care of North Eastern New York can offer you, please take a look at our website and contact our facelift office today to schedule a consultation.