Facelift /Short-scar Facelift

Facelift surgery is the ultimate in facial rejuvenation.  Unlike lasers, topical treatments or injectable fillers, facelift procedures actually reposition the deeper structures of the face.  By tightening these structures the skin of the face appears smoother along with the jaw-line, cheeks, jowls, and most importantly the neck.  According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPRS), facelift surgery was one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in 2007 and saw an almost 30% increase in cases.  In Manhattan this surgery traditionally involved a large incision that went far back into the hairline. Dr. Zimbler performs minimally invasive facelift surgery with shorter scars and rapid recovery healing.  This state-of-the-art method provides patients with natural results that are safe, long lasting and produce the finest scars.

How do I know if a Facelift/Short-scar Facelift is right for me?

Aging of the face is inevitable, and with time the skin of the face and neck loosen. Sun exposure, gravity, and genetics all contribute to facial skin changes.  Fine lines become wrinkles, and gradually deeper folds.  The jaw line softens into jowls, and beneath the chin excess skin starts to sag.  If you are concerned about aging facial skin with excess neck skin laxity and a poorly defined jaw-line than a facelift or “Rhytidectomy” could improve your looks. Several variations of surgeries are available and you need to know how it is performed and what to expect.  No matter what the plan, the goals are always the same; to produce natural, not over-pulled skin, with long lasting results.  If you are wondering how facial rejuvenation surgery can improve your appearance, you need to know how this procedure is performed and what you can expect. 

Facelift/Short-scar Facelift Procedure:

Incisions are camouflaged around the ear with precise placement and planning.  The short scar technique does not continue into the posterior hairline, so no scars are visible when your hair is pulled back.   During surgery, the deeper tissues of the face are repositioned and tightened.  This allows for removal of excess skin without tension, reducing a pulled or ‘overdone’ look.  Liposuction is often performed and sometimes a small incision is required under the chin to tighten the muscles of the neck.  The procedure lasts several hours and is performed with sedation anesthesia at an accredited out-patient surgical facility.  Not infrequently a facelift is combined with eyelid surgery or browlift surgery to provide complete facial rejuvenation.

Facelift/Short-scar Facelift Recovery Time:

Most patients are presentable a little over one week after surgery, however many patients are up and about within the first few days.  Private duty nursing is encouraged the first night of surgery and all patients are seen by Dr. Zimbler the following morning to change the dressing. Dr. Zimbler does not use drains after the procedure, making recovery more comfortable and the healing faster.  The face and neck are particularly sensitive to swelling and a certain degree of bruising is to be expected.  Because incisions are placed around the creases of the ears, scars are barely visible. Sutures are removed several days after surgery and camouflage makeup can be applied at one week.  As incisions heal, you may experience some numbness or itching at the site.  Discomfort is mild and easily controlled with oral medication.  The application of cold ice pads is extremely comforting after surgery and compresses should be applied the first few days to minimize bruising and swelling.  This, along with specifically chosen natural supplements Dr. Zimbler prescribes will minimize bruising and speed up the recovery period. Showering is permitted 24 hours after surgery which often increases the patient’s sense of well being and return to normal routine.  Light exercise can be started 2 weeks after surgery however aerobic walking can resume after the first week.  As with any plastic surgery procedure, the healing process with a facelift is gradual, but the benefits from surgery will last for years. 

Facelift/Short-scar Facelift Questions:

1. How visible are the scars and will I be able to wear my hair up after surgery?
   The short scar facelift is designed to produce the finest incisions with the least amount of scarring.  Carefully planned around the natural creases of the ear it does not continue back into the hairline, letting you wear your hair back without having to be self conscious about revealing scars.
2. Why do so many people have an over-pulled look after facelift surgery?
   As with any plastic surgical procedure, it is the skill and judgment of the surgeon that is the most critical of all elements.  Dr. Zimbler strives for natural results that produce the finest scars with long lasting results.  Any surgical result that appears unnatural or overdone would contrast with Dr. Zimbler’s surgical philosophy. 
3. Realistically, how soon can I be seen in public?
   Most patients are out in public around one week after surgery.  Depending on your own body’s ability to bruise or swell many of our patients elect to wear our specifically designed camouflage makeup starting at five days after surgery.
4. What is the best age to have a facelift?
   This is a difficult question and varies from patient to patient.  Some patients are facelift candidates in their late forties while others do better in their fifties and sixties.  Dr. Zimbler’s personal philosophy is that it is better to do smaller procedures early than more dramatic surgery later.
5. Are there options for men and if so is the surgery any different?
   Male facelift surgery is different than female.  The incisions are placed differently so as not to adjust the sideburn or bearded hair.  Men also do better with lower-facelifts and tend to look better when not over pulled.  During your consultation with Dr. Zimbler the different options will be reviewed at length so that you have the most natural result with the least obvious scars.
6. What is a mini-lift?
   Some patients do not require a full-facelif.  Mini-facelifts are typically performed in younger patients or for patients who already had surgery and just want a tuck-up procedure.  Typically the incision is smaller and the recovery is less intense than a full-facelift.

Facelift Before & After

BEFORE	AFTER
Patient unhappy with increased facial wrinkling and jowls with loss of neck contour.

To see more of Dr. Zimbler's Before & After Plastic Surgery and Non-Invasive Treatment Photos visit our Before & After Gallery.

How to get started with Facelift/Short-scar Facelift?

Marc S. Zimbler, MD and his staff will be happy to discuss Facelift/Short-scar Facelift with you. Please call for a private consultation or schedule an appointment online at our office.

Flexible & interest free financing available

We are pleased to offer affordable financing options. Choose from a variety of installment and interest free payment plans and, upon approval, start your treatment today. Visit our patient financing section of our website or call us @ 212.570.9900 to find out more details.