A face lift, also called Rhytidectomy, is the facial surgical procedure that encompasses all the needed surgical techniques to correct and improve the facial muscles and to remove sagging skin. A face lift is designed to prevent the advancement of aging and help you look younger and fresher.

Espinosa you may communicate your goals, ask about the procedure, and tell him how you want to look. You must be as sincere and clear as possible about your expectations. Take advantage of your consultation with Dr. Espinosa to clarify all your doubts. Don’t hesitate to ask him any questions you may have, especially those regarding you expectations about the results. In order to visualize the surgical possibilities, you and Dr. Espinosa will examine every angle of your face through computerized images, so he can determine the type of procedure to perform in your surgery.

Dr. Espinosa believes that “If it doesn’t look natural, it doesn’t look good.” Through a facelift, the surgeon tightens facial muscles, but preserving the natural elasticity of skin. Usually a facelift is done in conjunction with other procedures such as endoscopic brow lift surgery, upper and lower eyelid surgery, cheek surgery, facial contour (jaw line) treatment, and neck skin treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Espinosa will recommend the best type of procedure for your face. It may take some time for the swelling to fully dissipate and the incision lines to mature. But soon you will see the results of the surgery. Probably you’ll be asked if you changed your haircut or make-up, but nobody is going to ask you if you had a facelift. As time goes by, you will look and feel better. The effects of a facelift are long-lasting. Facelift surgery is performed to achieve a natural appearance and optimal rejuvenation effects.

Most facelift candidates are between 40 and 70 years old. However, some people opt for the procedures before 40s. The idea is that a little work done early can forestall or delay a larger procedure.

During a facelift, Dr. Espinosa does everything possible to make the procedure invisible. In a Rhytidectomy, the placement of incisions is strategically selected, so that any scars forming after surgery are likely to be hidden by natural creases in the face, above the hairline, or behind the earlobe. Thanks to the latest technology in surgery, such as endoscopic facelift and laser, patients who undergo facelifts require less recovery time, experience fewer side effects and have lower risk of complications. An endoscopic face lift is a less invasive alternative to a conventional facelift. Endoscopic facelifts patients also have significantly reduced bleeding, bruising, swelling and a better scarring process.

Most patients report very minor pain after surgery. However, the surgeon will prescribe medication to alleviate this discomfort.

During a facelift the surgeon may use intravenous sedation and local anesthesia, so you will be asleep during the surgery. However, most patients prefer general anesthesia. Both types of anesthesia are secure, you do not feel anything during surgery and you wake up quickly and comfortably, feeling no pain and experiencing no anxiousness.

Facial rejuvenation surgery is usually done on an out-patient basis. You will be carefully monitored, controlled and treated by your surgeon and anesthesiologist, during your recovery from anesthesia. You should arrange for someone to drive you home, and to stay with you, at least for the first night, following your discharge from our medical center.

Time for recovery may vary from patient to patient, but remember that success of the surgery depends very much upon very strict post-operative care. You must be prepared to rest. When your procedure is completed, a bandage will be placed gently around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. Also, to reduce swelling, your surgeon will recommend that you sleep with your head elevated, and avoid as much activity as possible. Your diet should be normal. Drink plenty of water every day, and just rest, rest and rest.

Most patients are back to normal life in about a week. This time may vary from patient to patient. Avoid strenuous activity, for several weeks after surgery. Healing from surgery may take some time. Schedule your surgery, so you have proper time to recovery.

The primary objective of a facelift is to restore a youthful appearance. But, it is impossible for a serious surgeon to predict how young a patient may look after surgery. Many patients look as many as 7-10 years younger. Skin type, bone structure and age influence facelift results. The surgeon evaluates your facial characteristics and volumes to restore those damaged areas and gives them a rejuvenated and fresher appearance. Usually a facelift is done in conjunction with other procedures such as endoscopic brow lift surgery, upper and lower eyelid surgery, cheek surgery, facial contour (jaw line) treatment, and neck skin treatment. The basic idea behind a facelift is to create a rested, youthful, long-lasting natural looking result.

It is impossible to stop time. Even though, results from a facelift are long-lasting. The basic idea of a facial rejuvenation surgery is to remove excess skin that is loose and sagging on the face and the neck, and to tighten the underlying tissue. The surgery will appear to slow down the aging process. A person that has had a facelift may look 10 years younger, and feel 10 years younger.

About one in three men patients undergo facial rejuvenation surgery. The facelift is becoming one of the most popular facial procedures among men. Men are now taking a greater interest in their appearance and consider a facial surgery as an alternative to improving their image. A facelift is similar for men and women. By tightening the skin and underlying tissue, wrinkles, creases and lines are softened and the younger, natural contours of the face is restored. This procedure is usually performed in conjunction with other procedures such as endoscopic brow lift surgery, upper and lower eyelid surgery, cheek surgery, facial contour (jaw line) treatment and neck skin treatment. Your surgeon may recommend some injectable products, such as Botox and dermal fillers to improve the results of surgery.

No. Most of our patients report minimal pain after surgery. Patients may feel some discomfort because of the bandage around the face. This bandage will be removed the first day after surgery. Any pain or discomfort you experience can usually be controlled with mild medication.

It is completely normal to experience some anxiety about a surgery. Anxiety is a normal reaction that prepares the organism to deal with threat. Most people who seek plastic surgery have thought about it for a long time. The best way to feel sure is to get all the information you need to finally decide to have a surgery. Dr. Espinosa is willing to give you all the information you need concerning facial plastic surgery. It can be useful to take advantage of your consultation with Dr. Espinosa to solve your doubts. Write a list of questions to ask him, so you will not leave out something you consider very important. You will feel better after discussing your concerns with Dr. Espinosa. Probably, you will want to review before and after photos and testimonials of other patients. The number one cause of stress about surgery is the anesthesia. Pre-operative routine makes it possible to perform safer surgical procedures. In the first consultation, Dr. Espinosa may order some lab tests to evaluate your health condition, in order to take precautions and avoid any complication. Subsequently, a pre-anesthetic evaluation will be ordered to determine the appropriate anesthetic plan. Anesthesia can be a cause of preoperative anxiety for some people. Pre-operative routines make it possible to perform safer surgical procedures. In the first visit, Dr. Espinosa may order some lab testing to evaluate your health condition, in order to take precautions and avoid any complication. Subsequently, a pre-anesthetic evaluation will be ordered to determine the appropriate anesthetic plan. On the day of surgery, your health history will be reviewed by Dr. Espinosa, the anesthesiologist and the nursing staff to ensure a safe and uncomplicated experience. Your vital signs will be carefully monitored during and after surgery, and the surgery team will treat any possible medical problem which you may develop during surgery. When your procedure is completed, you will be taken to the recovery room. Later, you will rest in a comfortable room. Some medications may be prescribed to minimize any discomfort. You will be carefully monitored and observed for any adverse side effects from the anesthesia. You will stay in our medical center until Dr. Espinosa feels sure you have completed your recovery phase. Your will receive specific home-care instructions and medicine prescriptions. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and to stay with you at least the first night following the surgery.

Prices vary depending on every case. As a patient, you must remember that the surgeon’s experience is just as important as the final cost of the entire procedure. The primary objective of the medical profession is to render service to humanity. The medical facilities and surgical team offered by Dr. Espinosa operate at an extremely high level, permitting the complete and successful operation of his surgical practice.