FACE LIFT & BLEPHAROPLASTY

General Information

DEFINITION

• Face lift: Removal of excess skin, fat and tissue from the face.
• Blepharoplasty: Removal of excess fat and skin from around the eyelids.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin and underlying tissue of the face and eyelids.

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Improved appearance of the face and improved function of the eyelids.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Stress.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent illness.
• Alcoholism or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

WHERE PERFORMED--Doctor's office, outpatient surgical facility or hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• Incisions are made where scarring will be minimal.
• Care is taken to clamp and tie tiny bleeding vessels during the procedure to prevent collection of scar tissue under the skin.
• Flaps of skin are cut away around the eyes and face. Excess tissue is removed from underlying areas, and excess skin is trimmed away.
• The skin is closed with fine sutures, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.
• Bandages and ice packs are applied to reduce swelling and bleeding.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding or blood clot.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Collection of serum under areas where skin has been removed.
• Scarring.
• Nerve damage.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 3 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing and improved appearance without complications. Allow about 6 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Apply non--prescription antibiotic ointment to wounds before applying new bandages.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 3 days after returning home.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea or vomiting.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.