Face & Neck Lift

Face and neck lifts counteract the problems associated with aging, sun exposure and daily stresses of life by removing fat from the neck and tightening skin and muscles, giving your face and neck a rejuvenated, youthful look.  In many cases, Dr. Kadz combines the modern SMAS technique (deep tightening of the facial muscles), and the classic extended flap technique to produce the most natural results.  The procedure can be combined with a browlift, eyelid surgery or Laser Skin Resurfacing for more harmonious results.   The procedure involves in most cases removal of excess skin and tightening/reshaping of the skin and muscle tissues.  The underlying muscle may be tightened with the skin, or separately.  After the tightening or removal of excess skin, the skin is re-draped and sutured or stapled in place.

Face Lift Types
There are several names and variations associated with the facelift procedure. Patients with varying facial conditions will need different variations on the facelift.  Multiple factors including, incision type, number of tissue layers required for treatment, and facial area, affect the type of face lift a patient will require.  Through his deep understanding and experience in performing face lifts, Dr. Kadz can explain the best option for you during your initial consultation.   Face lift types include deep plane lift or composite lift, SMAS lift, subperiosteal lift, skin lift, mid facelift or feather or thread lift.  In general the most dramatic and effective are the Deep Plane and SMAS techniques.

Before			After

Deep Plane Face Lift- For patients who wish to see a dramatic and natural change, this procedure treats the underlying tissue layers and muscles to provide the longest facial rejuvenation benefit.  During this procedure the underlying tissue layers and muscles in the mid facial region are lifted and repositioned, resulting in improvements in the jaw line and nasolabial folds.  The deep plane lift puts less tension on the facial skin itself.  Incisions, which are carefully hidden, usually begin above the hairline at the temples, follow the natural line in front of the ear, curve behind the earlobe into the crease behind the ear, and into or along the lower scalp. If the neck needs work, a small incision may also be made under the chin.  In most cases, scars will fade with time and should be scarcely visible.

SMAS Lift -  The SMAS (superficial musculoponeurotic system) is a thin layer of soft tissue on the face that contributes to facial expression. Over time, the SMAS can become lax and sag, contributing to jowls and deepening of the nasolbial folds.  The more common SMAS face lift repositions skin and the underlying muscle of the cheek to correct jowls and skin laxity.  The SMAS lift will allow for a less “pulled” look and longer lasting results than a skin-only facelift.  An extended SMAS lift goes even further towards the nose to help correct lines around the nose and the mouth.  This is the same surgery as the SMAS facelift but with an extended SMAS lift, the SMAS is separated from the underlying structures more extensively towards the nose and upper lip.  This can increase the amount of improvement that is possible in the center of the face, especially the nasolabial area.

Mid Face Lift -  For patients who experience skin fold in the nasolabial area (soft tissue from around the cheekbones),  sagging cheeks, and or facial skin laxity the mid facelift is an ideal procedure. The benefits of a mid facelift include the improvement of nose-to-mouth lines and the roundedness over the cheekbones, restoring a more youthful appearance. The procedure often requires small incisions along the hairline and inside the mouth so that the fatty tissues in the affected areas can be lifted and repositioned.  The procedure uses small cuts in the hairline and the inside of the mouth, so scars are practically nonexistent.

After Your Surgery
Facelift patients normally undergo general anesthesia. Time in surgery is approximately 90 to 120 minutes. In some cases, drainage tubes are left in place under certain areas of the skin for several days to reduce post-surgical swelling. Smoking reduces blood flow to areas of the facial skin, so you shouldn't smoke a month before and a month after surgery. Stopping smoking will help the healing process. Immediately after surgery a large fluffy dressing is usually applied. Typically within one day after surgery it is removed and may be replaced with an elastic wrap. There is normally some discomfort following facelift surgery, which can be managed with medications. Some bruising may persist for two or three weeks, however by the third week you will feel much better.

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Laser Skin Resurfacing

In laser resurfacing, sometimes called "laser peel," a carbon dioxide (CO2) or Erbium laser is used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, layer by layer. The high energy, amplified light waves of carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporize the top layer of skin instantly, with little or no bleeding and minimal trauma to the surrounding skin. The procedure is most commonly used to minimize the appearance of fine lines and resurface facial skin caused by excess sun exposure, aging, and acne.  The treatment is ideal for areas around the eyes (“crow’s feet”) and vertical creases or "lipstick lines" around the mouth.  However, it is also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. Laser resurfacing may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions. Laser resurfacing can help enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't completely remove all facial flaws, as such, the procedure is often done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.  The final result from laser resurfacing may take several months to fully appear. However, once the pinkness fades, patients usually notice a significant improvement in the quality of their skin and a fresher, smoother appearance.

Before			After

Dr. Kadz employs Pulse Erbium Laser and Scanned Carbon Dioxide Laser modalities for skin resurfacing.  The right option for your needs depends on your skin type and will be discussed during your initial consultation.

The Procedure
Laser resurfacing is a relatively quick procedure. It usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to 1 1/2 hours, depending on how large of an area is involved. During the procedure the outer layers of damaged skin are stripped away. Then, as new cells form during the healing process, a smoother, tighter, younger-looking skin surface appears. When the imperfections are especially deep, Dr. Kadz may recommend that the resurfacing be performed in two or more stages. Laser resurfacing is most commonly performed under local anesthesia with sedation, especially when it's used to treat localized areas of the face. You'll be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort. For more extensive resurfacing, general anesthesia will be used, in which case you'll sleep through the procedure.

After The Surgery
You are likely to experience some mild swelling and discomfort after laser resurfacing. However, this can be controlled with ice packs and medications. If a bandage was applied after your procedure, it may be replaced with a fresh one after a day or two. After about a week or so, your bandage will be removed and a thin layer of ointment may be applied to the skin. After about two weeks or so, most patients can safely apply makeup to conceal this temporary color change. During this phase of healing, it is very important that you not pick the crusts off the treated area or scarring may result. Most patients are free of crusts by about 10 days post-operatively. Redness may persist for several weeks; however, some pinkness may remain for up to six months.

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