ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY
And COSMETIC SURGERY
Office Hours
Weekdays 8am-5pm
477 N. El Camino Real, Ste. A300
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 436-8700
When wrinkles take over
Wrinkles, sagging skin, laxity in the jowls and neck begin to appear after years of exposure to the elements, facial expressions and the natural aging process.Not long ago, a facelift was considered by many to be reserved for movie stars and celebrities. Today, a facelift, or rhytidectomy, is not just for the rich and famous. It is one of the most well-accepted and most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States. Recent studies have shown that looking good has a direct correlation to higher pay. Today, baby boomers from every walk of life are electing to have a facelift for cosmetic as well as economic reasons.Look as young as you feel
If you have been considering a facelift to reverse the signs of aging, you should understand what a facelift can and can't do. Although the incisions made for a facelift are hidden back in your hairline, it does nothing to correct the visible signs of aging in the upper face. A facelift provides an overall lift to lower third of your face by tightening loose skin in the jowls, neck, and jaw line.A facelift alone will not remove forehead wrinkles, crow's feet or bags under your eyes. These areas can, however, be treated at the same time as your facelift. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss your particular condition, your expectations, and the probable outcome of your various treatment options. You will be shown several before and after photographs of patients having similar conditions, and we will explain the details of your procedure. Before and after photos may be taken of your face to document your results.
The procedure
Dr. Lashgari performs a modified version of a facelift, called an S-lift This is the least invasive facelift procedure, with minimized incisions and diminished side effects. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia with oral sedation and intramuscular analgesia. Dr. Lashgari will operate on one side of the face at a time. The incision is placed in the natural crease of the facial skin and begins inside the hairline, in the temple area above and forward of the ear. It continues in front of the ear around the earlobe and behind the ear. The skin is lifted outward and he tightens and repositions the underlying muscles and tissues.Excess skin and fat may be removed. The incision is then closed with fine sutures and/or metal clips. If metal clips are used, shaving hair from the incision site may be avoided. A facelift can take between three to four hours depending on the extent of the procedure. Most times liposculpture of the neck and tightening of the platysma (neck) muscles are include with the procedure.
What happens after my surgery?
There will be bruising and swelling that will persist for up to a couple of weeks. Pain is normally minimal and can be controlled with oral medication. We will take off your bandages in our office in a couple of days after surgery. You may then go home, take a shower and wash your hair. Sutures are usually removed a week later, but may be removed in stages to minimize scarring.Healing is a gradual process. After about two weeks you will feel comfortable (with make-up) among strangers. Your face will feel completely "normal" in about ten to twelve weeks. Direct sun should be avoided for several weeks. Most patients are delighted with their new, more youthful and relaxed appearance.
To learn if you are a candidate for a facelift or other cosmetic surgical procedures, please call our office to arrange a consultation with the doctor.
To learn if you are a candidate for a facelift or other cosmetic surgical procedures, please call our office to arrange a consultation with the doctor.
How long will the results last?
Some relaxation of facial tissues will occur during the first few weeks. After that, the aging process continues. Your lifestyle choices, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure and heredity all play a role in determining how many years can be removed and for how long. In general younger patients enjoy longer-lasting results. If you are in your forties, the effects may last up to 10 years. If you are in your sixties, your results may last 5 to 7 years.
