Answer: The endoscope is an excellent tool for many surgeries but not necessarily for the facelift. The endoscope is often used during the browlift to improve sagging brows and during the midface lift to address sagging in the cheeks. In order to treat sagging in the lower face, jowls and neck, however, a traditional full facelift with an incision allowing for skin removal is typically the best approach.

Answer: There are many different terms used to describe the various facelift techniques, some of which are simply marketing terms. This type of facelift often refers to a less invasive, “mini” facelift which usually takes one to two hours to complete under local anesthesia. When it comes to “mini” techniques for the facelift, patient selection is key. In general, they may be appropriate for certain candidates with minimal sagging, primarily in the jowl area. When performed on patients with more extensive sagging, the results may be unsatisfactory and not long lasting. The traditional facelift is typically a better choice for those with more extensive aging changes in the face and neck.

Answer: After the facelift, a gauze pressure dressing is applied around the ears with additional gauze wrapped around the head and under the chin.  This is often removed within a day or so of surgery and replaced with a smaller, lighter dressing. Sometimes patients are self-conscious of the pressure bandage when leaving the office. In this case, it’s often a good idea to bring a scarf with you which can be wrapped around the head and under the chin to help conceal the dressing.

Answer: The sutures are typically removed within two weeks after facelift surgery.

Answer: For some patients, the bandages are off and the bruising has subsided enough after a week so that they feel comfortable going out in public, running small errands or visiting with friends. However, at this point you may not feel comfortable with any important social engagements. After two to three weeks, much of the swelling and bruising has settled and patients can go about their normal routine. Any residual bruising can be well-concealed with makeup.

Answer: While not a common complication, a "og ear" may occur if extra skin is still left in the area, forming something similar in appearance to a dog's ear. This can be avoided by extending the incision slightly during surgery for a smoother, more aesthetic result. If this is not done during surgery and the dog ear occurs, it may smoothe out over the course of several months or revision facelift surgery may be needed.

Answer: The incision for a traditional facelift begins in the hairline at about the temples and extends down in front of the ear and around to the back of the ear, ending in the lower scalp. If needed, an additional small incision may be made under the chin. Dr. Polo often performs the MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) facelift which is a less invasive procedure with a shorter incision and scar.

Answer: After the facelift it will be about ten to twenty days before the bruising and swelling fade enough to be "socially acceptable". Many patients choose to take about two weeks off from work. It takes closer to four to six weeks for the final result to be seen.

Answer: The facelift is a surgical procedure which lifts sagging tissues in the neck, cheeks, chin and/or near the nose for a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. It can improve the appearance of wrinkles in the face and neck, nasolabial folds, and jowls.

Answer: MACS stands for Minimal Access Cranial Suspension. This facelift technique is preferred by many as it is a less invasive procedure with a shorter incision and scar. The MACS facelift can improve sagging in the neck, cheeks, and chin or near the nose using suspension sutures which are placed in the deeper tissues to lift and hold up the sagging tissues.