Dr. Denton – Facelift Surgery in Vancouver
Our Vancouver facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) procedures are designed to reverse many of the undesirable but predictable changes that occur in the appearance and structure of the face with age. The combined effects of gravity, repetitive contractions of facial muscles and increased skin laxity all contribute to a generalized descent of the brow, cheeks, jowls (jawline), chin and neck. The goal of facelift surgery is to lift and restore the skin and underlying soft tissue of the face and neck to a more youthful position. Following a facelift in our Vancouver state-of-the-art facial surgery clinic, the skin of the face and neck is tightened, and the contour of the cheeks and jawline are restored.
Modern Facelift Surgery Techniques
Facelift techniques have evolved significantly over the past two decades. Modern facelift techniques involve tightening not only the cheek and neck skin, but also tightening of the muscles beneath the skin. Facelift procedures can include liposuction to remove any excess neck and chin fat as well. Following surgery, dramatic improvements in the neck and jawline, jowls and facial wrinkles are evident in both men and women.
In certain patients undergoing facelift procedures in our Vancouver facelift clinic, short incision or partial facelifts may be beneficial. Many other options are available to patients seeking facial rejuvenation and a consultation with Dr. Denton is required to determine the best course of action for you. As a board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Denton has extensive experience and expertise in facelift surgery. Consultations and surgery are performed in Dr. Denton’s fully accredited private cosmetic facial plastic surgery facility in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Learn more about Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery techniques
Facelift techniques vary depending on the degree of correction required. Minimally invasive surgery is associated with the shortest recovery and may be indicated in individuals with early age-related changes. In the presence of advanced aging, more extensive surgery will be required in order to achieve long lasting results. Using the expertise and techniques he brings from California, Dr. Denton will tailor the approach to give you optimal results.
Candidates for facelift surgery
Individuals with excess facial skin and wrinkling, heavy jowls (drooping skin at the jawline) and fat or loose neck skin are excellent candidates for facelift surgery. Although a facelift does not treat the eyelids or the forehead, for optimal results it can be combined with rejuvenating facial plastic surgery of these areas if indicated.
Preparing for surgery
On the night before your surgery, we ask that you not have anything to eat or drink (including coffee, tea and juice) after 12:00 am. This allows your stomach to empty thereby minimizing any postoperative nausea.
Two weeks prior to your surgery all blood thinning medications and supplements (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, ginko, ginseng and vitamin E) must be stopped. This reduces the amount of bruising and swelling experienced postoperatively. A prescription for antibiotics and pain medication will be supplied to you.
A simple blood test to measure your hemoglobin level is performed prior to surgery if you are over 50 years of age. An electrocardiogram is required for your safety if you are over 60 years of age.
Your surgery
Surgery is performed in our fully accredited operating room under twilight anesthesia. After surgery, patients are taken to our specially equipped recovery area. Once recovered, all patients proceed home accompanied by a responsible adult or to an aftercare facility.
Follow-up
A snug compression dressing is applied following surgery to minimize bruising and swelling. This will be removed the day after surgery in the doctor’s office. If drains were placed during surgery, they will usually be removed on the first postoperative day.
Stitches and surgical clips are removed over the first 7 to 10 days. It is normal for swelling to wax and wane over the first 7 to 10 days. Do not be concerned if one side of the face appears slightly more swollen than the other. This is normal and will resolve itself.
Resuming normal activities
Following surgery, you should rest quietly with the back and head elevated for the first 24 hours. In most cases, you may shower and wash your hair three days after surgery.
Bending, heavy lifting and straining are prohibited during the first two weeks. Light non-cardiac exercise can be resumed two weeks following surgery and slowly increased over the ensuing seven days. Most facelift patients are back at work 10 to 14 days after their surgery.
Typically there is very little pain following facelift surgery but a dull headache is not uncommon. You should not, however, hesitate to take the prescribed pain medications if you need them.
Costs of facelift surgery
Following your facelift consultation, a quote is given which is guaranteed for one year. Our quotes include all costs: pre-operative tests, anesthesia, facility charges, the services of our staff and applicable taxes. You are encouraged to make cost comparisons. In comparing, be sure you determine the total of all costs related to the surgery.
A deposit is required at the time the surgery is scheduled in order to hold a specific date for you. The balance is due four to five weeks prior to your surgery. For your convenience, we accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA and debit cards.
We have arranged a financing plan for our patients with an outside financial institution. Ask our patient care coordinators for details about how to qualify.
Alternatives to facelift surgery
Not all age-related facial changes require facelift surgery for correction. Soft-tissue augmentation (Juvederm™), chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing for the treatment of facial wrinkles and facial liposuction are important options to consider. Occasionally, if excess skin is not a factor, facial liposuction can be used to improve the contour of the neck and jowls.