Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)

You may feel your mirror’s reflection does not match the youthful and vibrant way you still feel inside. Many people indicate that seeing an aged, tired appearance reflecting back at them actually makes them feel  older. Everyone ages differently, and the rate of aging in facial skin is affected by nutrition, smoking, the physical environment, genetics, weight fluctuations, menopause and of course, the passing of time.

The face lift is a surgical procedure that is performed to reverse  the visible signs of aging in the face and neck by tightening and repositioning the muscles and skin in those areas. Dr. Barr’s facelift techniques effectively reduce or eliminate symptoms of facial aging such as descent of the cheeks, loss of cheek volume, deep nasolabial folds, sagging jowls, deep lines and excess fat and skin in the neck. Dr. Barr’s facelift patients report feeling more rejuvenated, attractive, confident, and youthful after their procedure.

What is the Facelift Procedure

A facelift, performed by Dr. Barr, is a sophisticated surgical intervention meticulously designed to counter the visible signs of facial aging. This procedure effectively addresses various age-related concerns by strategically tightening and repositioning both the muscles and skin in the face. Dr. Barr’s facelift techniques specifically target issues such as the descent of the cheeks, loss of cheek volume, deep nasolabial folds, and sagging jowls. Additionally, patients undergoing a facelift with Dr. Barr can expect a reduction in the appearance of deep lines and the elimination of excess fat and skin in the neck. This comprehensive approach results in a refreshed and revitalized facial appearance, fostering a sense of rejuvenation, enhanced attractiveness, and newfound confidence among patients.

What is the Neck Lift Procedure

In conjunction with facial rejuvenation, Dr. Barr’s expertise extends to neck lift procedures, focusing on addressing distinct aging concerns in the neck area. A neck lift involves the skillful removal of excess skin and fat and the tightening and repositioning of neck muscles. Dr. Barr’s neck lift techniques successfully combat signs of aging in the neck region, including sagging skin and deep lines. Patients who choose Dr. Barr for their neck lift experience a more toned and youthful neck profile and report an overall sense of confidence and satisfaction with their rejuvenated appearance. The procedure effectively contributes to a harmonious and balanced facial and neck aesthetics enhancement.

What are the Benefits of a Face Lift Procedure?

Dr. Barr’s facelift procedure is well suited for those experiencing the physical signs of aging, and are looking for long-term facial rejuvenation. Patients often report choosing this procedure to

• Eliminate jowls
• Lift and reposition sagging cheeks
• Create a more defined and refined jawline
• Tighten facial and neck skin
• Remove excess skin and lines
• Look dramatically younger

By focusing on each patient’s unique facial characteristics, Dr. Barr creates a natural-looking, dramatically more youthful appearance by lifting the sagging facial soft tissues, tightening the deep muscles of the neck, removing excess fat and repositioning / removing the excess skin of the face and neck. The hallmark of a face lift procedure at Barr Plastic Surgery is a natural-looking, smooth and noticeably younger facial contour.

How is a Face Lift Procedure Performed?

There are two main types of face lift procedures: a Rhytidectomy, which includes a Neck Lift, and a Mini-Rhytidectomy, which addresses the cheeks and lower face but does not include the neck. Dr. Barr also performs a Short Scar Face Lift which incorporates new incision techniques to further minimize incisions.

Rhytidectomy (Face Lift) incisions are well hidden in the natural creases around your ear, placed within the hair by your ear and under the chin. The excess skin and fat are removed, the underlying muscles and deep soft tissues are repositioned to restore the youthful appearance you had years ago and the skin of the face and neck is re-draped. This results in natural-looking facial rejuvenation while avoiding the pulled, unnatural face lift appearance that is seen too frequently in the media. This procedure can take between 2 to 3 hours, depending on several factors. To maximize patient comfort, this procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

The Mini Rhytidectomy (Mini Face Lift / Short Scar Face Lift) procedure is primarily for younger patients who have minimal aging of the neck. A Mini-Rhytidectomy improves your nasolabial folds, marionette lines,  jowling and the descent of the cheek fat pad. Incisions are made in front of and inside your ear (hidden in the natural ear creases) and minimally into the hairline. No incision is made behind your ear or your chin. This technique eliminates the hairline scar behind the ear as patients do not have aging and excess fat in the neck. This procedure if often performed under general anesthesia and takes less time than a facelift.  The recovery time is minimal when compared to a traditional facelift.

How long will it take me to recover from my face lift procedure?

Many patients find they are able to be up and around within a day but must limit themselves to only light activities for two weeks. It is fine to go for gentle walks as soon as you feel comfortable. Fine sutures around the ear are removed painlessly during the follow-up visits at 7 to 8 days and again at 12-14 days after surgery. Some patients experience bruising and swelling for up to 10 days after their face lift. Most patients are able to mask any residual bruising with makeup and return to work within 10 to 12 days. You should only participate in light activity for the first two weeks and gradually return to normal activity, including heavy lifting for four weeks.