FACELIFT

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to rejuvenate the face by addressing the visible signs of aging. Performed under general anesthesia, a deep plane facelift typically takes about 4 hours, with less time required for a mini-lift. Some swelling and bruising are expected post-surgery, which usually subsides over a few weeks. A facelift at HouseMD Plastics can restore a more youthful appearance and enhance self-confidence.

Deep Plane Facelift vs. Older Techniques

We offer a range of facelift techniques, customized to individual needs and facial anatomy. Dr. House specializes in the advanced deep plane facelift for comprehensive and lasting results. Our team carefully manages potential complications and ensures the highest standards of care.

Dr. House prefers the deep plane facelift technique, targeting both skin and underlying muscles for a more natural lift. This method avoids the overly "pulled" look often associated with older facelift techniques.

Mini Facelift: Focuses on the lower part of the face, with smaller incisions and less extensive tissue manipulation.

• Benefits: Shorter recovery time, less invasive, suitable for younger patients or those with minor sagging.
  
• ‍Limitations: Limited in addressing severe sagging or aging signs, results may not be as long-lasting.

SMAS Plication: Involves folding or 'plicating' the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) layer to tighten the skin

• Benefits: Less invasive than a full facelift, relatively quick recovery
  
• ‍Limitations: Results may not be as dramatic, may not adequately address deeper tissue sagging.

SMAS Imbrication:Similar to plication, but involves cutting and lifting the SMAS layer.

• ‍Benefits: More significant results than plication, longer-lasting than mini facelifts.
• ‍Limitations: Greater risk of nerve damage, longer recovery time than less invasive methods.

‍Others (Skin-Only Facelift, Mid-Facelift, etc.):

• ‍Techniques and Benefits: Vary depending on the specific method, generally focusing on targeted areas of the face.
• ‍Limitations: Often do not address deeper structures of the face, leading to less dramatic or enduring results.

Deep Plane Facelift‍:

• Involves going under the SMAS layer, repositioning the entire facial musculature, and releasing ligaments that cause aging signs.
• Addresses the midface, jowls, and neck comprehensively.

Benefits‍

• Natural-Looking Results: Provides a more natural, rejuvenated appearance without the tightness associated with traditional methods.
• ‍Comprehensive Improvement: Effectively addresses deep tissue structures, leading to more significant and holistic improvements.
• Longevity: Results tend to last longer due to the deeper structural changes.
• ‍Reduced Scarring: Incisions are often well-hidden and heal with minimal visibility.
• Safety: Reduced risk of nerve injury due to direct visualization of the facial nerve branches.

Limitations‍

• Surgical Complexity: Requires a high level of skill and experience from the surgeon.
• ‍Operating Time: Longer operation duration due to the extensive nature of the surgery.

Conclusion
‍
While traditional methods like mini facelift, SMAS plication, and SMAS imbrication offer benefits such as shorter recovery times and suitability for less severe aging signs, they may fall short in addressing more profound aging effects comprehensively. The deep plane facelift, with its focus on repositioning and restructuring deeper facial tissues, offers a more natural, long-lasting solution for rejuvenation. It's particularly effective for those looking for significant, holistic improvements in facial aging. However, it's important to consider the longer OR time and the need for a highly trained surgeon in facial anatomy when opting for this method.

How is a facelift performed?

Facelifts are complex procedures that require careful consideration and a skilled surgeon to achieve the best results. The choice of technique depends on individual factors like the extent of aging, skin quality, and the patient’s desired outcome. It’s essential to discuss all these aspects with a qualified surgeon to ensure the best approach is chosen for each individual case

Typically, the incision begins in the hairline at the temples, continues around the ear, and ends in the lower scalp. Sometimes, an incision just under the chin is needed to access the central neck. Then, the skin is lifted for a few cm in front and behind the ear. The deep plane is then entered and some of the ligaments of the face are released to allow redraping of the neck and jowls. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls, and neck. The SMAS and underlying tissue is repositioned, and the deeper layers of the face and the platysma muscle in the neck is lifted vertically. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is redraped over the newly repositioned contours of the face. Small rubber drains are placed under the skin and the incisions are then meticulously closed with suture.

What is a neck lift, and am a i candidate?

An isolated neck lift, also known as a neck lift without a full facelift, is a specialized surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the neck area. While a traditional facelift addresses both the lower face and neck, an isolated neck lift focuses solely on the neck region. This procedure is an excellent option for individuals who may have minimal or no signs of aging in the lower face but wish to address focal neck concerns, many of which are related to a person's genetics.

Common concerns that may lead someone to consider this procedure include the presence of "turkey neck" or neck bands, loose or sagging skin, and excess fat beneath the chin. It is essential to have realistic expectations and be in good overall health to undergo an isolated neck lift. During a consultation with Dr. House, he will thoroughly assess your facial and neck anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine if you are an ideal candidate for this procedure.

What is the expected recovery?

Every patient is different, and every surgeon manages postoperative care differently. Typically, there some bruising and swelling after the procedure, but this should subside within 10-14 days. Most people are able to return to work and other normal activities after two weeks. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activity and exposure to the sun for at least six weeks to allow the incisions to heal properly.

Some points to consider during your recovery:

• The incisions for this procedure are hidden along the hairline and around the ear in natural creases. No hair is shaved.
• Ice compresses may be useful for the first 48 hours
• Rest in bed with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for the first 2 weeks
• Some oozing from the incisions is normal for the first 48 hours
• It is normal to be drowsy, but try and eat a light meal the evening following surgery
• If there is excessive bleeding, discoloration, swelling or sudden or severe pain, call your surgeon

Why should you choose Dr. House?

Dr. House is deeply committed to the art and science of facelift surgery. He holds a firm belief in the transformative power of this procedure, understanding that a well-performed facelift can not only rejuvenate one's appearance but also enhance overall self-confidence. Dr. House recognizes that facial aging is not just about skin but involves deeper structures, and addressing these can lead to significant, yet natural-looking results.

During his prestigious surgical residency in head and neck surgery at UCSF, Dr. House distinguished himself by publishing in peer-reviewed journals, focusing on advanced facelift techniques and facial anatomy. His expertise was further honed through fellowship training in deep plane facial nerve surgery with Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, MD. This specialized training has given him exceptional skill and comfort in operating around delicate facial nerves, ensuring both safety and precision in his procedures.

Dr. House also trained under Dr. Ben Talei, MD, a renowned expert of deep plane facelifting techniques in Beverly Hills. This unique lineage of mentorship has provided Dr. House with a depth of knowledge and skill in cutting-edge facelift techniques. His commitment to staying at the forefront of his field is evident in his biannual visits to New York City, where he visits the practice of Dr. Andrew Jacono, MD and Dr. Sean Alemi, MD, absorbing the latest advancements in facelifting.

In his practice, Dr. House is known not just for his technical expertise but also for his deep care for his patients. He ensures that each patient receives detailed, printed preoperative instructions, which he personally reviews with them. Believing in the importance of accessibility, he provides his personal cell phone number to all surgical patients, offering 24/7 support for any concerns.

Dr. House’s philosophy is rooted in treating his patients like family, focusing on individualized care rather than treating them as just another number. He combines this compassionate approach with his refined surgical skills and knowledge, bringing world-class, peer-reviewed, and time-tested facelift methods to his practice in the San Francisco Bay Area. His goal is to deliver the exceptional, natural-looking results that his patients deserve.