Facial aging is the direct result of loss of skin elasticity and tone. Visible signs of aging most readily noticeable include bags around the eyes, droopiness of the upper eyelids, sinking of the eyebrows, and loss of definition around the jaw and neck line. A facelift in conjunction with eyelid and brow surgery (blepharoplasty and brow lift) addresses these visible signs of aging and can create a dramatic difference in the way you look. Dr. Lee’s goal in doing facial rejuvenation surgery is not to radically change your appearance but to restore the skin, fat, and bony definition to your face as they appeared at a younger age. The emphasis here is the idea of redistributing facial anatomy and structures to their original youthful position. Many of Dr. Lee’s patients comment that their friends have noticed a positive difference in their appearance but their friends are not able to tell exactly what has changed. Patients are often asked, “Have you taken a vacation? You look so much more rested and happy”. The goal here is to make you look more youthful without altering your uniqueness.

A facelift, eyelid, and brow surgery involve making small incisions within your hairline (for brow lifting), in the creases around your upper and lower eyelids (for eyelid surgery), and just in front of and behind your ears (for the facelift). These are known as “access” incisions to gain entrance into areas where structures require repositioning. (Figure A1, A2) (Figure B1, B2, B3) Once the structures are freed up through careful surgical dissection, they are repositioned and suspended using sutures and also by removal of excess skin and fat. Once healed, the incision lines are well-concealed in the hairline and natural contours of your eyelid and face.

Facial rejuvenation is a highly individualized procedure. Therefore, Dr. Lee will make recommendations regarding the need for facelift, eyelid surgery, facial implants, and brow lifting by examining your overall facial appearance, effects of aging, and skin condition.

A facelift can be an outpatient procedure. However, many individuals choose to stay overnight at the surgical center under direct nursing care. Dr. Lee will see you on the day after surgery to examine the suture line and your overall progress. Sutures are removed at 5 days and at 10 days after surgery. Bruising and swelling will be most evident within the first 10 days.

Figure A1		Figure A2

Figure B1

Figure B2

Figure B3

Dr. Lee's postoperative instructions for face lift

1. Swelling and black-and-blue discoloration around the eyes, face, and neck are likely to occur following surgery. It is usually the worst between 48 hours to 72 hours following surgery. This is not a cause for worry. The swelling and bruising will go away in around 7-10 days after surgery.
   
   
2. Your suture line is in the upper and lower eyelids and around the front and back of your ears. These areas may have some crusting and or slight amount of bleeding. You can clean the areas around the ears with peroxide and Q-tip once daily. Apply Neosporin lightly over the incision in front of and back of your ears once daily for 7 days following surgery.
   
   
3. Dr. Lee will place a bandage and a neck-compression strap over your face on the first day after surgery. You can take this bandage off in 48 hours and shower. After the shower, you can dab everything dry and wear the neck-compression strap over your neck and head. The rest of your incisions can be left open to air.
   
   
4. Take medications as directed. Do not take aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, Ibuprofen, Alleve) or Vitamin E supplements for 2 weeks after surgery.
   
   
5. There may be areas on your face which are numb or tingly. This is normal during the early postoperative period. Do not apply heat or cold pack directly on your face as you may obtain a burn from the extreme heat or cold.
   
   
6. Your eyes may tear frequently. This is OK. This is a sign of dryness and irritation to your eyes. Use of artificial tears may help this problem. You may also experience blurry vision early after surgery. This is usually due to the lubricant which was put in your eyes during surgery. If you experience, loss of vision, contact the office immediately and have Dr. Lee paged.
   
   
7. If you experience sudden swelling in one area of your face or neck or if you experience difficulty breathing, call Dr. Lee immediately.
   
   
8. No driving while under narcotic medications for pain.
   
   
9. Ask Dr. Lee in your first follow-up visit regarding going back to work.
   
   
10. You should sleep on your back with your head elevated on 2 pillows for 1 week following surgery.
    
    
11. Avoid alcohol or cigarette smoking for at least 3 weeks following surgery.
    
    
12. Call and make a follow-up appointment for 5 days following surgery.
    
    
13. Apply cold packs to your eyes to help with the swelling. Check every 15 minutes to make sure that your skin is OK. Check the temperature of your skin with your finger tips. Since surgery may cause numbness around your eyelids, extreme cold can cause burns to the eyelid skin.
    
    
14. You can sponge bathe your body and face.
    
    
15. Keep your incisions out of the sun. Sun exposure will make your scars red, raised, and persistently irritated for a long period of time. Make every effort to avoid the sun for up to 1 year following surgery. You can cover up the incision with sun screen (SPF 15 or above) or clothing.
    
    
16. You may return to normal activity and exercise at 3 weeks following surgery.
    
    
17. If you are constipated, take over-the-counter laxatives. You do not want to strain over the toilet. This may lead to your blood pressure rising and cause bleeding.
    
    
18. Call with any questions or concerns. Dr. Lee is available through the office phone number 24/7. Don’t ever feel badly about calling.

For a facelift in Newport Beach California contact this board certified plastic surgeon.