Rhytidectomy (“Neck and Midface Lift” or “Facelift”) in Everett Washington
These surgical procedures reshape the tissues of the neck and face, aiming to create a more youthful appearance. This typically involves an incision along the front of the base of the ear and/or behind the ear. There are many types of facelifts, and it is important to discuss with your surgeon the various options in order to select a procedure that will accomplish your goals.
What to expect: During the office consultation you will discuss all aspects of the facelift with your surgeon in order to establish a thorough and well-informed plan. Your facelift will begin after consulting with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist or anesthetist. Typical incisions begin on the scalp within the hair-bearing skin above your ear and near your temple. The incision continues next to your ear and then may continue behind the ear. From these incisions, we can reach your skin, subcutaneous tissues, and the muscles and lining around the muscles of your face and neck. Sometimes a small incision underneath the chin is used in order to reshape and tighten the tissues of your neck. Additional techniques such as injections or liposuction might be added to complete the individually tailored plan for you, depending on your wishes.
The recovery: The cheek and neck will have some bruising and swelling that improves over several weeks. Your postoperative course is monitored in the clinic by your doctor and the staff.
Some of the unlikely complications: Infection, fluid collections, or bleeding can occur following any type of facelift, and may require surgical drainage. More rarely, skin loss or nerve damage can occur. Skin loss is rare but occurs more often in patients who use nicotine and can require wound care or revision surgery. Nerve damage can cause areas of skin numbness or muscle weakness in the face. A more complete discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will always be included at your visit. As always, our efforts are directed at minimizing the risk of these complications and optimizing your safety.
Neck Liposuction
This procedure is a less-invasive option that can be used in selected patients to improve the appearance of the neck in patients with prominent or full-appearing neck tissues. While this procedure is useful in some properly selected patients, it is important to consider other neck treatments and surgeries available in order to make a fully informed decision. In patients with good skin tone, and mild sagging of the neck and chin, or fullness of the neck and chin, liposuction can often provide some improvement in neck shape.
What to expect: During the office consultation you will discuss all aspects of the procedure with your surgeon in order to establish a thorough and well-informed plan. Your procedure will begin after consulting with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist or anesthetist. Typical incisions are placed underneath the chin and often along the sides of the neck beneath the jaw line. From these incisions, we can typically reduce the amount of excess tissue underneath the chin and along the upper neck.
The recovery: The neck will have some bruising and swelling that improve for several weeks. Your postoperative course is monitored in the clinic by your surgeon and the staff.
Some of the unlikely complications: Infection, fluid collections, or bleeding can occur and may require surgical drainage or other intervention. More rarely nerve damage can occur causing skin numbness or muscle weakness in the face. A more complete discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will always be included at your visit. As always, our efforts are directed at minimizing the risk of these complications and optimizing your safety.
Related facial plastic surgery procedures include rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery.