How is a facelift performed?

The technique chosen for your surgery depends on your features, Dr. Barnthouse’s preferences and your desired results.

There are many variations to the facelift procedure. However, the incision is typically hidden in the natural contour of your ear, and then extends around the earlobe and back into the hairline. Following surgery, the incisions are easily concealed by your hair or with makeup. There may also be a small incision hidden beneath your chin.

Working through these incisions, Dr. Barnthouse frees the facial skin from its underlying tissues and pulls it upward and back. The excess skin is then removed. In some cases, the deeper tissues may also be repositioned to restore a more youthful contour to your face. If necessary, an incision under the chin allows Dr. Barnthouse to remove fatty tissue in that area and smooth the cord-like structures of the underlying muscle in the neck.

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

Your facelift may be preformed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or an office-based surgical suite. If you are admitted to a hospital or surgery center, your stay will be a short one, perhaps just one or two nights.

Medications are administered to keep you comfortable during the surgical procedure. Dr. Barnthouse may use local anesthesia and intravenous sedation for your facelift. However, for some patients, general anesthesia may be the best choice. Dr. Barnthouse will monitor your physical status throughout the operation and during your recovery.

How will I look and feel right after surgery?

When surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area. A bandage may have been wrapped around your face to help control swelling. Sometimes, small drainage tubes are placed beneath the skin to drain away fluids that might otherwise accumulate. Discomfort is usually minimal, but any pain you feel can be controlled with medication prescribed by Dr. Barnthouse. Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line: