Face Lift Surgery, Procedure Details
Are you unhappy with your facial wrinkles, loose skin, or jowls?
An aging face can make you look tired and old. Many of Doctor Petrungaro’s patients have told him that they look much older than they feel. As people live longer and longer, they want their appearance to match their inner vibrance. If you feel that your face has significantly aged over the years and you know it is time to do something to recapture your youthful look, you may be a candidate for a face lift with Munster Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Doctor Jason Petrungaro.
Doctor Petrungaro is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has successfully completed many years of surgical training in all aspects of facial rejuvenation surgery. He is well versed in the established traditional methods as well as the latest and most innovative techniques in facelift surgery. He listens to his patients and respects their goals and wishes, and will always go the extra mile to deliver the most beautiful results possible.
If you are searching for a Plastic Surgeon who can provide you with powerful results from your face lift surgery coupled with the highest standards of patient safety and care, NW Indiana and Chicago area board certified Plastic Surgeon Doctor Jason Petrungaro will be happy to consult with you regarding this rejuvenating procedure. Visit with Doctor Petrungaro in our Munster, IN office for an hour — you will leave knowing you have found the perfect partner in your quest to achieve a youthful, refreshed look!
If you are interested in a face lift and have questions or concerns, please feel free to call Doctor Jason Petrungaro at (219) 836-1163 or click to schedule a consultation online.
What is a Face Lift?
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is the most comprehensive approach to treating facial wrinkles and sagging caused by aging. A facelift removes excess skin, tightens underlying tissues and muscle, and redrapes skin on the face and neck. It can treat and correct:
A facelift will not create a “new you,” just a younger version of yourself, and it will not stop the aging process.
Considering Facelift Surgery in NW Indiana and Chicago?
A surgical facelift is one of the most complex facial cosmetic surgeries in the field of Plastic Surgery. A face lift requires extensive surgical planning, and few other operations have a greater number of variables and individual differences between patients than face lift. Because of this, it is essential to choose a board certified Plastic Surgeon who is dedicated to meticulous surgical technique and patient safety prior to proceeding with a facelift.
Who is a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Facial aging is inevitable, and all men and women must deal with this process over time. That being said, both men and women elect to have face lifts. The loss of youthful facial features can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, gravity, environmental conditions, smoking, stress, lack of sleep, and sun damage. You may be a good candidate for a face lift if:
In addition, good candidates for a facelift include:
Facelift Procedure
A facelift with Doctor Jason Petrungaro will be performed under general anesthesia. It is an involved procedure that will take anywhere from 5-8 hours. Many patients elect to go home the same day, and some patients will elect to stay overnight if they need extra support for the first night.
Facelift techniques treat the lower 1/3 of the face, such as the jawline, jowls, neck, and cheeks. Deep facial tissues are repositioned and tightened to restore your youthful contours. In some cases, removal or addition of fat or other soft-tissue fillers may be added to your facelift in order to achieve the best results. Your incisions will depend on the area of the face that is targeted and the amount of change you want.
The incision of a traditional facelift extends from the hairline at the temples, around the ear, and onto the lower scalp behind the ear. These incisions are placed in well-hidden areas where the scars look like natural wrinkles or skin creases, or they are camouflaged by your hair. Once the incisions are made, the excess skin of the face is removed and the deeper layers of your face are lifted using deep stitches. A process called undermining separates the skin of the face and neck from the muscles and tissues deep to the skin. This frees or loosens face and neck skin so it can be redraped at the end of the procedure, making sure wrinkles are smoothed and sagging is lifted.
If your procedure is performed in conjunction with a neck lift, Doctor Petrungaro often performs liposuction of the neck to remove excess fat deposits. A separate incision under the chin is necessary in this area. He will then pull the neck muscles together, stitching them together in the middle of the neck to support the entire neck and jaw.
At the end of the procedure the incisions are closed with stitches, some of which may be buried and dissolve, and some of which will need to be removed in the clinic. If Doctor Petrungaro feels the need, he will place a small drain in one or both sides to allow postoperative fluid to exit the surgical area. A padded, supportive dressing will be applied.
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Request Facelift ConsultationFacelift Surgery Recovery*
As discussed earlier, a facelift is a major surgical procedure, and it will require you to be committed to following all of Doctor Petrungaro’s postoperative instructions very carefully. Pain is typically very well-controlled using oral prescription pain medications. You will be sent home in a fluffy compression dressing that wraps around your face on each side, and you may have a small drain on each side of your face. You will be given very specific instructions on how to care for these drains. You will see Doctor Petrungaro in his office the day following your facelift to make sure you are feeling well and everything is progressing nicely. At this time the dressing and likely the drains will be removed. Showering is allowed 24-48 hours after surgery.
After your surgery it is completely normal to experience facial swelling and some bruising. This will resolve over 10-14 days. It will help to rest and sleep with your back and head elevated in order to help reduce this swelling. You must refrain from all strenuous activity and avoid bending forward at the waist.
A small amount of drainage is to be expected the first 24-48 hours. Doctor Petrungaro will be sure to go over any type of drainage or extreme swelling that would require you to call him and let him know.
You will need to take at least one week off work and rest comfortably at home. No strenuous activity is allowed for 6 weeks. During the first few weeks it is still important to be up and walk around, as this will help reduce swelling. After 6 weeks Doctor Petrungaro will guide you through restarting your typical fitness routines and continue to see you regularly in the office for postoperative visits
Facelift Results*
You will be able to see results immediately after surgery, but be prepared to remain patient as it does take time for your swelling to resolve and for the incisions to fully heal.
Your genes, skin quality, and skincare routine are important factors in the longevity of your facelift, but the facelift technique is the number one factor in determining how long the results will last. Doctor Petrungaro performs a “full” or “standard classic” facelift, which typically yields results that last 10 years or more. A healthy lifestyle along with careful sun protection will help extend the results of your facelift.
