Face Lift

A rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, is a procedure that corrects signs of aging in the lower half of the face. Wrinkles, sagging jowls, folds, and lines can occur as a result of age, genetics or environmental factors. Facelift surgery works to improve your appearance by lifting and removing excess skin of the lower face, erasing your age-related imperfections.

See more before and after facelift photos

"Having cosmetic surgery was a very personal decision for me. It was a decision not based on changing my looks, but returning my look that the years had changed. As a middle aged woman I simply wanted to look as youthful and energetic as I still felt inside. Dr. Branman listened to me and understood exactly what my goals were. Also, as a registered nurse myself it was very important to me to find a surgeon that I had complete confidence in. I truly found that in Dr. Branman. Thanks to Dr. Branman people no longer ask me if I am tired when I am not. Would I do it over again? Yes."

Who can benefit from a facelift?

Due to genetic factors and the tendency for some people to take better care of their skin than others, different people age at different rates. Therefore there isn’t a specific age when you should consider a facelift. If you’re bothered by signs of aging in your face, it may be a good time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Branman.

Before Facelift Surgery

Below are some of the typical preoperative instructions for facelift surgery:

• Shampooing with special soap is necessary the night before and the day of surgery.
• Smoking should be stopped at least 1 month prior to surgery, to reduce the chance of complications related to poor healing.
• Aspirin or aspirin-containing compounds should be avoided two weeks before and after surgery.

The Facelift Procedure

Dr. Branman makes an inconspicuous incision near the ear, then the skin is raised outward, before the underlying muscle and connective tissue is repositioned and tightened. Fat and redundant skin may be removed during this process. After trimming the excess skin, the incisions are closed with special sutures or metal clips. The entire procedure requires approximately 2-3 hours. There are several options for anesthesia including sedatives, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia, all of which can be discussed during your consultation.

After Facelift Surgery

After the facelift, Dr. Branman applies a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made, which will remain for 24 hours. It is recommended that bandages and incisions stay dry until the sutures are removed, so follow instructions about bathing or showering during this time. As with most facial plastic surgery procedure, patients can expect some swelling of the face and eyelids and some discoloration. These conditions are most notable on the second and third days of recovery and subside in approximately 12 days (sometimes more or less, depending on your type of skin, age and healing ability).

Dr. Branman will prescribe pain medication, which you should take exactly as ordered. The patient is encouraged to report to the surgeon any significant pain not readily relieved with pain pills or if minor bleeding, redness or other drainage is noted around the incisions. It is relatively common for patients to feel some postoperative depression. Make-up may be applied over the skin of the face up to the edge of the surgical scars approximately 1-2 weeks after surgery. No hair coloring or stripping should be performed until your cosmetic surgeon gives permission. Other coiffure procedures may be carried out approximately two weeks following surgery. Do not allow anyone to pull on your hair or roughly massage the scalp. A hair dryer, if used, should be set at medium to cool heat. This is important if any numbness, especially around the ears or temples, is noted.

Do not wear earrings until sensation has returned to your earlobes. Social activities may be temporarily limited and strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks. Post-surgical questions should be directed to Dr. Branman. It is unwise for you to accept advice from individuals unfamiliar with your specific operation, so call your surgeon if you have concerns or if any medical problems arise.

Facelift Results

Remember that healing is a gradual process and it may be several weeks before you will begin to see the aesthetic improvements in your face. After the healing period is complete, a facelift can make you look younger, and may even improve your self-confidence.

Facelift Risks

There are risks in every surgical procedure and these will be thoroughly discussed with you prior to surgery. This procedure will result in some scarring. Your doctor will make every reasonable effort to make these scars as inconspicuous as possible. Some blood may accumulate under the skin, which can be removed. A minor crust may appear on the incisions, but this is only a temporary.

Slight numbness may be noted around the ears, cheeks and incision areas, which is temporary. Infection and areas of skin or hair loss are possible, but rare. Nerve damage is another very rare occurrence. Today, there are new innovations and techniques that help to make the final results of a facelift safer, longer lasting and more natural in appearance.

Face Lift Surgery in Little Rock

Face lift surgery, and all cosmetic surgery procedures, are performed by Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman at Arkansas Surgical Hospital or in our in-office surgical suite.