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Face lift
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Face lifting is a procedure by which the face is raised and the skin of the neck stretched to eliminate undesirable wrinkles. The muscles of the cheeks and neck are repositioned and the extra skin that tends to droop with age is meticulously removed.
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The success of surgery depends on the depth of the wrinkles and the quality of the facial tissues. The durability of the procedure may vary from one patient to the next. This operation restores the look of freshness and serenity and the harmony of youth.
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By increasing your knowledge, you can understand why and how these techniques are performed to prevent complications and avoid all possible risks and why they give the best results.
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| You can benefit from a simple "face lift" which reposition tissues and removes excess skin. Nowadays, we offer an "extensive face lift" by |
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manipulating the muscles and aponeurosis (deep tissues) of the face and neck. In the aging process, muscles tend to droop and consequently, the skin attached to them, together with the adipose and deep tissues, droop as well.
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By applying tension to deeper structures, we eliminate stress at the level of the skin closure. Consequently, the final scar is much better.
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The skin incision is made in such a way that hair will grow through and in front of the scar, provided there is no tension on the closure and it is meticulously performed. To prevent any evidence of surgery, we incise inside the ear edge.
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Your first visit
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My team and I insist that you understand the surgery, convalescence, pain and complications so that you are fully aware of all developments. We are always available to answer your questions, to help and reassure you.
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Some "before" and "after" surgery pictures are required to complete your file. These photographs may be presented to aesthetic plastic surgeons at international meetings or published in medical journals or textbooks.
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We want to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the result. A physical examination and completion of a medical questionnaire are also required for your file.
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preoperative care
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Abstain from all medications containing ASPIRIN, garlic, vitamine E, or naturals products for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to and after surgery.
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Avoid smoking and contact with smokers for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery. |
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Consumption of alcohol (beer, wine or liquor) should be avoided for 2 weeks prior of and after the operation.
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All sickness must be treated and controlled by your doctor. If you are under a physician's care for a specific illness, you must obtain confirmation in writing that he agrees with your surgery. |
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The day before and on the morning of surgery, the use of "Spectro-Jel" soap for your hair and face is mandatory. |
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On the morning of the operation, wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes that do not need to be removed over your head. |
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Avoid wearing jewlry, other valuables and contact lenses. |
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No make-up should be applied on the morning of surgery. |
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If the surgery is under general anesthesia you should be fasting 5 hours before surgery. |
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Someone should accompany you when you go back home and spend the night with you. |
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A scarf and tinted glasses would be usefull.
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Plan your hair coloring or permanent wave before the operation since it should be avoided for 3 weeks after surgery. |
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Avoid driving a car using dangerous machinery or taking important decisions for 24 hrs after taking the medication. |
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VERY IMPORTANT |
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If you take medication for high blood pressur, your lungs, antibiotics or any other reason, you may take them as usual, including the morning of the surgery. |
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The operation
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In most cases, surgery is done under general anesthesia. However, if you insist, we will give you local anesthesia. We are fully equipped for any eventualities or possible complications, even if they are extremely rare, especially in healthy individuals.
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We have the best equipment available. An atmosphere of peace and serenity prevails in the operating room. This ambiance facilitates the most delicate techniques, offering you optimal results.
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After the operation, you may return to your home. However, if you prefer, we can suggest a convalescence home for special treatments.
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The bandage will be removed 24 hours after surgery; keep a scarf handy.
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A "Spectro-Jel" shampooing will be allowed 24 hours after the operation and on the following days.
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The use of a curling iron is prohibited for 3 weeks, due to the risk of burns caused by temporary insensitivity; the use of a hair dryer with no heat is permitted.
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At all times, your head must be kept at a higher level than your heart to reduce edema (if you are lying down, use 2 pillows). If you have to bend over, flex your knees and keep your head straight up.
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If you wish to apply an icepack to your skin, make sure that you always place a piece of cloth between your skin and the icepack. Apply icepacks for 48 hours, then 20 minutes every hour.
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After surgery, it is preferable to eat foods that do not require chewing; avoid hot liquids, salt and spices for 2 weeks.
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Moderate exercise is not advised for 2 weeks. No strenuous exercise is permitted for 1 month. However, normal walks in fresh air are recommended.
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Ecchymoses (bruises) can persist for 10 to 15 days and edema for a few weeks. This is normal and should not alarm you.
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Scars may be apparent for 2 to 3 months, but can be hidden by allowing your hair to cover them.
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Make-up of the eyes and face is permitted from the 5th day after surgery. For make-up on scars, it is preferable to wait 10 to 15 days, when the sutures have been removed and the wounds have healed.
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Pain and "pulling" sensations can be relieved by analgesics prescribed on the day of the operation. You may take some extra-strength Tylenol if the pain persists. No Aspirin should be taken for 2 weeks.
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A total solar screen should be applied on scars for 6 months.
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Risks and possible complications
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Complications are very rare because the standards of surgery are high and most rigorous. We mention them not to alarm or frighten you but to reassure you by keeping you well-informed.
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Pain can easily be eliminated with medication. However, "pulling" sensations behind the ears and in the neck region will be felt for a few weeks. Sensitivity is diminished because of skin detachment; it will return in the weeks following surgery.
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The healing phenomenon will make scars reddish for about 6 to 12 weeks; they may be hidden by hair, or appropriate make-up 15 days after surgery. If there is no infection or tension after closure of the skin, it is unusual to have hypertrophic scars on the face. We use the pierced ear technique to evaluate healing. The absence of a hypertrophic scar where the ear is pierced is our best indicator.
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In the course of tissue mobilization, some nerves or muscles may be stretched or damaged; this will result in temporary and partial weakness of the affected region, which will gradually return to normal in the weeks following surgery.
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Facial nerve sectioning may result from a surgeon's clumsiness but this is very rare and in most cases, total recovery can be expected in the ensuing months.
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Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage), which is very rare, will require intervention to evacuate blood. Bleeding is manifested by edema, ecchymoses and pain.
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Minor accumulation of blood (haematoma) or fluid may occur; however, this will be controlled by puncture during your visit to our clinic.
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Infections of the face are extremely rare and treated with antibiotics.
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Exceptionally, and mostly in smokers, some skin ulcerations (necrosis) or crusts may form, but they usually heal spontaneously. Occasionally, surgical "retouching" may be necessary to improve healing.
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If there is facial asymmetry, it will remain, even after surgery. On the other hand, during the postoperative period, if there is significant asymmetry, it will probably be due to edema.
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The possibility of an allergic reaction to the medication, the disinfectant of the dressing is always present.
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Any change in appearance will affect your self-perception and your self-image and it require several days or a few weeks for you to adjust to this change. It is perfectly normal to have some doubts, to be worried and to have a slight loss of energy during this period of readjustment. These feelings will soon be replaced by a positive attitude as healing progresses and when you get used to your new, improved look.
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Following surgery there is risk of thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolised. In order to reduce such risks we use sequential compression sleeves and early post operative mobilisation.
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Conclusion
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Surgery must be individualized and meticulously performed to obtain optimal results. I recommend that you draw up a list of questions which can be discussed with me and my team.
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Optimal results require good communication. Hence, you must be well-informed and comfortable with your surgeon. Well executed surgery can result in a remarkable improvement which will be very satisfying and will have a positive impact on your self-confidence and self-image.
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Your faith and confidence in our professional services will stimulate our dedication. We thank you for the privilege of taking good care of you.
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N.B. As we practice a private medecine, we are not sudsidized by the medicare card. All of our fees includes surgery, equipment, staff, implants etc. If you necessitate a retouch and if you choose general anesthesia you will have to assume the charge.
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