Face Lift

(Rhytidectomy)

While BOTOX® and dermal fillers can temporarily improve wrinkles, a more lasting solution is facelift surgery, or “rhytidectomy.” Dr. Schmelzer’s fellowship training in craniofacial surgery provides him with expertise in all facets of facial surgery including a facelift. He routinely performs facelift surgery in order to treat the following:

• Sagging jowls or cheeks
• Sagging skin in the neck
• Neck bands
• Marionette lines
• Hollows under the eyes
• Nasolabial folds
• A double chin

Facelift Procedure Process

The facelift procedure involves several options that will depend on the degree of change the patient would like to see. These include a traditional facelift, a limited incision facelift, and a neck lift.

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift involves an incision beginning in the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ears, and ending in the lower scalp. Fat will be extracted or redistributed in the face, jowls, and neck, and the deeper muscles of the face are also lifted. The skin will be redraped over the new facial structure, and any excess will be trimmed away. An incision under the chin may be required to make improvements to the neck.

Limited Incision Facelift

An alternative to the traditional facelift is a limited incision facelift, which involves shorter incisions and may not include lifting the deeper muscles of the face.

Facelift Recovery and Results

A bandage will be placed around the face following the procedure to minimize swelling and bruising, which may be apparent for a few weeks to a few months. A drainage tube may be present to reduce any fluid that accumulates under the skin. You will be given specific instructions regarding how to care for the surgical site and which medications to take for healing and pain maintenance.

Results with facelift surgery can be long lasting. A healthy lifestyle and regular sun protection can prolong your improved appearance.

Facelift Potential Complications

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with a facelift. These include but are not limited to:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Poor wound healing
• Facial nerve injury
• Skin loss
• Changes in skin sensation
• Skin discoloration

Facelift Consultation

Dr. Schmelzer will review all options, risks, and procedural steps in greater detail during the initial consultation. If you are interested in a facelift procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Schmelzer by calling (801) 447-1440 or filling out our contact form.