Facelift Plastic Surgery (Rhytidectomy)
Kyle S. Choe, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Virginia Beach, VA

Facelift Before and After Photos

Signs of aging appear in the face and neck almost always first. You may think and feel very young but may have a very tired or sad appearance as the neck and jaw line begin to sag and lose their youthful contours. You may notice wrinkles and creases in your face and around the eyes – with furrows and frown lines in your forehead. Marionette lines begin to form between your cheeks and chin while creases set into the nasolabial folds at the corners of your mouth. The fat in your cheeks descends leaving you with jowls while the fat in your neck increases forming a double chin or creases leaving you with deep, unsightly chords. You may develop “turkey waddle” as the neck muscles (platysma) loose their elasticity, weaken and sag. The causes may be hereditary or environmental (lifestyle). It doesn’t matter - it happens to all of us! That’s the bad news – the good news is we can safely and effectively turn back the clock at least 10 years!

Benefits of Facelift Facial Plastic Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

• Facelift surgery is safe, effective and most popular
• Facelift surgery reverses unwanted signs of aging
• Facelift surgery restores balance & harmony to the aging face
• Facelift surgery smoothes & tightens skin of the face & neck
• Facelift surgery is common among people in their 40’s-50’s & older
• Facelift surgery is effective & sought after by both men & women
• Facelift surgery will not change – but rather enhance the real you!

Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy) Frequently Asked Questions:  

What is a facelift? It is a surgical procedure performed to improve the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It was created and perfected in order to correct all of those unwanted signs of aging and to restore a more youthful, more rested appearance.  

Will a facelift change my real appearance? No. It will turn back the clock to give you a more youthful appearance again. It will not change your fundamental features – those that define you, as you.

Does a facelift create a “pulled or too tight look?” No. Dr. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and trained in plastic surgery of the face and neck. Your surgery will be customized specifically to you – and will simply restore a “younger looking” you – one that is age appropriate.

How long will my facelift last? The effects of aging, gravity, lifestyle will continue to take their toll. But consider this: if you had a twin sibling and you had a facelift, you would both continue to age, but you would always look about 10+ years younger.

Will a facelift eliminate all my wrinkles, furrows and grooves? A facelift deals with the sagging skin of the face – lifting it to its original position. Many wrinkles and grooves will be done away with. However, our patients typically have an eyelid lift to deal with the hoods above the eyes and the bags beneath the eyes. Chin implants effectively restore definition to the chin while a necklift and neck liposuction fully complements your facelift to give the most outstanding – overall results that you deserve.

Where will my facelift surgery be performed? Dr. Choe will perform your facelift surgery in our accredited surgery center. This is an out patient procedure – so you will return home the same day.

Is there much pain associated with a facelift surgery? Actually our patients report very minimal discomfort. You will experience a “tightness” due to swelling and some pulling under the chin. This is normal, managed very well with pain medication and generally decreases each day until completely gone.

What about anesthesia? Dr. Choe uses an IV sedation along with local anesthetic keep you completely comfortable. Most patients sleep and do not hear or feel anything.

How long will my facelift surgery take? It usually takes 3-4 hours – depending upon the extensiveness of your surgery.

How long will I need to be out of work? Usually 7-10 days. Swelling, bruising and tightness are part of this procedure. This takes time to diminish – usually 2-3 weeks.

Preparation for facelift surgery (Rhytidectomy):  

• Do not take aspirin, aspirin containing products, ibuprofen or herbal medicines for 2 weeks prior to your surgery.
• You must stop use of all nicotine products 4 weeks before your surgery and for 10 days after your surgery.
• You must not use alcohol for 1 week before your surgery.
• You must tell us what medications, vitamins and herbs you are currently taking and Dr. Choe will tell you what you must not take until after your surgery.
• Please begin using the Arnica and Vitamin C as prescribed – one day before your surgery and continue for at least one week following surgery. *Arnica is an herb that reduces swelling significantly – Vitamin C helps the body heal and helps prevent infections.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
• You must have a responsible adult drive you to your surgery, drive you home and stay with you 24 hours after your surgery.

Facelift procedure:

1. After you are made comfortable – Dr. Choe will make hidden incisions in front of and behind the ears. (hidden in natural skin creases)
2. Fat will be removed by liposuction, implants put in place as needed, the skin will be lifted, tightened, re-draped and sutured in place. Muscles may be elevated and tissues repositioned. Excess fat and skin will be removed.
3. If you are having a necklift and chin implant – a tiny incision will be made under the chin – fat will be liposuctioned, the platysma muscle will be manipulated and tightened and a chin implant put in place.
4. The incisions are closed with sutures and a chin strap and head dressing will be put on to reduce swelling and hold your surgery/implant in place.
5. You will be monitored by our nurses in recovery until it is time for you to go home.
6. You will need to sleep with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows for 2-3 weeks following your surgery.
7. You will need to rest in bed for 1-2 days and have someone there to assist you for at least 24 hours.
8. You must avoid all strenuous activity – bending, lifting and straining until Dr. Choe tells you otherwise.

What to expect after your facelift surgery:

Swelling, bruising, tightness, pulling and some numbness are all normal and any discomfort will easily be managed with pain medication, cold packs and rest. Your skin will look discolored and bruised and your facial movements will be restricted temporarily. Healing is an individual process – but our patients usually look “presentable” and return to work within 7-10 days.

Your healing process will continue for several more weeks until you realize one day it’s totally gone – and you see a beautiful, more youthful you in the mirror.  

When considering any facial plastic surgical procedure – remember that Board Certified surgeons are the most skilled and qualified. Dr. Choe is a board certified facial plastic surgeon, certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.