At Loudoun Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, our cosmetic surgeon can perform rhytidectomies to correct the effects of aging in the face and neck. A facelift or neck lift involves removing excess skin and tightening the neck and facial muscles.
Before Surgery
Dr. Gene Vandervort will visit with you and discuss what you can expect from the facelift procedure. We will also take digital photographs and use a computer imaging system to simulate the results of your surgery. We will also provide you with pre-operative instructions, which may include ceasing the use of some medications. We may also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent infection.
The Procedure
A rhytidectomy can typically be performed under oral sedation, IV sedation or general anesthesia in our state-of-the-art surgical facility. In some cases, our cosmetic surgeon may administer medication prior to sedation to help you relax. Before beginning the procedure, a small amount of hair may need to be shaved around your temples and ears. Incisions are carefully hidden as they stretch across the hairline at the temple, inside of the ear, under the earlobe, behind the ear and ending in the hair of the scalp. The loose skin is then pulled up and back. Excess skin is removed, and sagging connective tissues and muscles are tightened. Before closing up the incisions, we may also remove fatty deposits from beneath the neck and chin. To close the incisions, we will use small sutures. The facelift procedure may take three to five hours.
Post-Operative Care
Once your incisions are closed, we will apply bandages to the surgical site and remove them after a day or two. You will then be given a removable pressure bandage, which may be worn for up to six weeks. You may experience some moderate discomfort, but you can easily control it with oral medications. Your sutures will be removed within the first five to ten days following the facelift. It is normal to feel tightness in your face for several weeks, and you may notice some slight changes in your hair pattern around the incision.
We recommend that you avoid the sun for several weeks after surgery. Healing is gradual, and final results may appear up to six months after the procedure.
If you have any questions about what you can expect with getting a facelift in Ashburn or Leesburg, Virginia, we invite you to contact one of our office locations. We are happy to care for you!
