Making the Decision For a Facelift
Your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. Dr. Maloney has lectured exclusively across the country and written articles on facelifting. The Learning Channel has even filmed his technique. During the preliminary consultation, Dr. Maloney will examine the structure of your face, skin texture, color, and elasticity. Computer imaging and photographs will be taken so he can study your face. Individual risks will also be examined, especially those related to medical situations such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, smoking, and any deficiency in blood clotting. Dr. Maloney will take a thorough medical history, as well as assess the patient's mental and emotional attitudes toward the surgery. Because a realistic attitude is crucial to the success of the surgery, the surgical procedure and realistic expectations will be discussed.

After the decision to proceed with a rhytidectomy is made jointly by you and Dr. Maloney, he will describe the technique indicated, the type of anesthesia, the surgical facility, any additional surgery, the pros and cons to include possible complications, and costs of the procedure.

Understanding the Surgery
The placement of the incisions is one of the most important parts of the procedure, and every case is individualized. Dr. Maloney commonly begins the incision in the area of the temple hair in women, then follows the curves of the ear in a "S" shaped fashion going behind the small cartilage in front of the ear. The incision flows up behind the ear in the crease and then into the hair. Once again, the incisions are customized to the patient's concerns and anatomy. The skin is raised outward before Dr. Maloney repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed with liposuction, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incision is placed where it will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage.

After trimming the excess skin, Dr. Maloney closes the incisions with fine sutures and/or metal clips, which permit surgery without shaving hair from the incision site. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take two hours. The procedure can be performed under local, twilight, or general anesthesia depending on the patient's desires. Following the surgery, Dr. Maloney will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. If a patient is claustrophobic, a drain can be used instead.

What to Expect After the Surgery
Even though most patients experience very little pain after surgery, Dr. Maloney will still prescribe medication. Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable, and Dr. Maloney may instruct you to use cold compresses to keep swelling to a minimum. If a dressing has been applied, it will be removed within one day. He will also instruct you to keep your head elevated when lying down, to avoid as strenuous activity as possible, and to report any undue discomfort. Though there are few risks in facelift surgery and thousands are performed every year, some risk exists in any surgery.

In some cases, a drainage tube may have been inserted during surgery. This will be removed on the first or second day after surgery. All sutures and staples are usually removed within five to 10 days following surgery. Surgeons generally recommend that patients avoid vigorous activity for three to four weeks. Patients should prearrange for post-surgery support from family and friends.

Recovery usually takes two to three weeks, though many patients go back to work in two weeks. Scars are usually not noticeable after enough time has passed for them to mature. In any case, they are easily disguised in natural skin creases, by the hair, or, in persistent cases, by makeup until total healing has occurred. Bear in mind that the aging process continues after surgery and that some relaxation of tissues will occur over the first few weeks.

Facial plastic surgery makes it possible to correct many facial flaws and signs of premature aging that can undermine self-confidence. By changing how you look, cosmetic surgery can help change how you feel about yourself.

Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve genetic deformity or traumatic injury may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.

Maloney Center for Plastic Surgery- Atlanta,GA
© Copyright 2000 American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery

Is a Facelift For You?
As with all facial plastic surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites. Understanding the limitations of rhytidectomy is crucial and psychological stability is vital. There is no ideal in a facelift. Rather, the goal is to improve the overall facial appearance. Skin type, ethnic background, degree of skin elasticity, individual healing, basic bone structure, as well as a realistic attitude are factors that should be discussed prior to surgery. This procedure is sometimes performed on patients in their thirties, and successful surgery has been performed on patients in their eighties. A facelift cannot stop aging, nor can it turn back the clock. What it can do is help your face look its best and give you a look of health and a more youthful appearance. A side benefit is that many patients experience increased self-confidence.

Before deciding on a facelift, you should discuss with Dr. Maloney whether the overall effect will be more successful if additional changes are made in the chin and neck areas through other facial surgery. Many patients decide to have facial liposuction to remove excess fatty deposits in conjunction with a facelift. If several flaws need correction, more than one procedure may be necessary for the best overall result.