Patients are instructed to stop smoking at least four weeks prior to surgery. Smoking can delay healing and cause complications. Prior to the operation, the patient is instructed to shampoo with surgical soap. This is done at home the night before and, again, at the surgical site on the morning of surgery.

You may be requested to take some medicines before your surgery. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing compounds for two weeks before or two weeks after your surgery. At the first sign of hives or rash, discontinue all medication and call your physician immediately.

A facelift may be performed in our office or out-patient surgical facility setting, under general or IV sedation. The operation is performed on an out-patient basis and the patient returns home following the procedure. Within the first week you may experience minimal discomfort, but most patients can and should resume normal activities. Be sure to follow your cosmetic surgeon's advice to ensure a satisfactory outcome.

The surgeon begins the incision in the area of the temple hair, just above and in front of the ear, and then continues around the lobe, circling the ear before returning to the point of origin in the scalp. The skin is raised outward before the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, 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, the surgeon 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 from two to four hours. When the procedure is performed with a combination of mild sedatives, local anesthesia, and a mild intravenous anesthesia, the patient will experience little discomfort. Some surgeons prefer to use general anesthesia for facelifts. Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made.

Immediately after surgery, bandages are placed about the head and face for 24 hours. A scarf may be worn to cover stitches until they are removed. Keep bandages and incisions dry until sutures are removed. Ask your physician when you can bathe or shower.

Patients can expect some swelling of the face and eyelids and some discoloration is common with any type of facial surgery. This is most notable on the second and third days and diminishes in approximately 12 days. This also depends on your type of skin, age and healing ability.

Dr. Vincent will prescribe pain medication. Take all medication 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 not uncommon to feel some postoperative depression after major surgery.

Makeup may be applied over the skin of the face up to the edge of the surgical scars approximately 7 to 14 days following 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. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks.

Post-surgical questions should be directed to Dr. Vincent. It is unwise for you to accept advice from individuals unfamiliar with your specific operation. Call Dr. Vincent if any medical problems arise.

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