Plastic surgery is the fusion of art and science

As we age, the visible changes are manifested on a number of levels: skin may become more lax and inelastic, jowls become deeper and more pronounced, the neck slackens, and the youthful volume from the upper cheek region and mid-face decreases. Restoring youthful beauty with a facelift in Toronto, Canada takes all of these elements into consideration. The best approach is always one that re-establishes facial harmony and a refreshed appearance.

To sculpt the face through plastic surgery requires an approach that is individualized, studied, and measured. Achieving the most appropriate result for each face requires the ability to evaluate the facial anatomy and then to apply scientific principles, skill, and artistry. Dr. Chad Wu is known for his expertise and skill with the facelift procedure. He has performed this delicate surgical procedure at his Toronto’s practice for many people wanting a rejuvenated, younger appearance.

WHAT CAN A FACELIFT DO FOR ME?

Depending on the unique details of your treatment plan, a Facelift can provide a wide range of benefits. Strictly sticking with traditional techniques, Facelift surgery can often:

  • Eliminate excess sagging skin
  • Tighten loose muscles and underlying tissues of the face
  • Smooth deep creases
  • Enhance contour of the midface, lower face, and jawline

When performed by Dr. Wu , facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the aging face by re-supporting underlying facial tissues and removing excess skin to achieve a more youthful, smoother facial appearance. It can improve a sagging jaw line, blunted neck line and overall appearance and youthfulness of the face.

EXCESS SKIN OR FAT IN THE NECK

A facelift can reduce a turkey neck and reduce a double chin by removing excess fat, tightening loose skin, and correcting muscle bands.

  • Makes the neckline more smooth, slender, and defined
  • May significantly improve signs of aging
  • Restores self-confidence
  • Improves self-image

LOSS OF TONE OF SKIN AND MUSCLE IN THE LOWER FACE

A facelift can correct jowls by repositioning muscle and skin in the lower face and jawline.

  • Improves definition and firmness of the jawline and lower face
  • Redefines the cheeks and cheekbones
  • Creates a more youthful appearance of an oval or heart shaped face
  • Restores self-confidence
  • Improves self-image

SAGGING AND WRINKLES IN THE MIDFACE

A facelift can correct sagging cheeks that have created deep creases below the lower eyelids or between the nose and mouth.

  • Eliminates folds and sagging skin
  • Creates a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance by returning fullness and tone to the midface and cheeks
  • Restores self-confidence
  • Improves self-image

Solutions

There are a variety of factors that might make an individual a candidate for a particular facelift technique. Subjective desires are always measured, and it is the union of the improvements you seek and your particular anatomy that inform the best facelift choice.

Dr. Wu will always present what he feels to be the safest, most effective combination of facial aesthetic procedures, favoring the least invasive methods, to achieve your goals. When a facelift is appropriate, the following techniques will be considered

Many patients opt to combine Facelift surgery with other surgical and non-surgical techniques to further rejuvenate their features. If you’re interested in other restorative options, Dr. Wu will discuss a full range of treatments that can help you achieve your desired outcome.

Short Scar Facelift

This minimal incision facelift approach allows for the repositioning of deeper facial tissues with more limited incisions

Classical Facelift

Deep tissue repositioning is carried out, and more skin can be removed.

Facelift with Necklift

An incision is often added beneath the chin, and the platysma muscles are repaired.

SMAS Plication

The SMAS (a firm connective tissue layer) is tightened to lift the jowl and cheek.

SMASectomy

A strip of SMAS (a firm connective tissue layer) is removed, and then tightened.

The Procedure

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Mention any medications you are taking to your surgeon.
  • If you smoke, discuss it with your surgeon.
  • Remember to have your hair colour done before the operation.

THE DAY OF THE OPERATION

  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Do not wear make-up.
  • Do not wear jewelry.

The operation will be performed under general or mixed anesthesia and will last from two to four hours. After removing excess skin and subcutaneous fat and correcting sagging tissue, your surgeon will be able to affix drains on either side of your face and a compressive bandage around your head.

Plan for a 24-hour stay in the hospital. Your face and eyelids may show bruising or swelling for 2 or 3 weeks. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication. You may notice the scars on the temples and behind the ears becoming larger during the first few months of your convalescence.

You can wash your hair a few days after your operation and apply light make-up after 10 days of convalescence. You will have to wait a few weeks before dyeing your hair. Note that your face will be sensitive to cold and sunlight for the first few months. A moisturizer will help you.

  • No alcohol
  • No make up
  • Do not lean the head forward
  • Sleep on a flat surface
  • No tobacco
  • No sun
  • No intense physical activity

EARLY COMPLICATIONS

  • Infection.
  • Hematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin).
  • Dehiscence and cutaneous necrosis.
  • Paresis or paralysis of the face.
  • Paresthesia or local skin numbness.

POSSIBLE LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS

  • Wide or hypertrophic scars.
  • Deformation of the ear lobe.
  • Irregularity of the cervical contour.
  • Alopecia or hair loss (on or around scars).
  • Hyperpigmentation of the skin.
  • Facial asymmetry, irregular contour.
  • Small visible blood vessel.

FAQ

Where will my facelift incisions be placed?

The placement of incisions varies depending on the extent of the procedure you will be undergoing. Incisions are typically hidden in the hair behind the ear and along the hairline or in the hair above the ear to maintain as much sideburn as possible. Facelift incisions go around the ear and dip inside the ear in the front to help hide the suture lines. Some patients require a short incision beneath the chin to allow access to the neck area to tighten up the muscles in front. Because Dr. Wu places incisions in natural skin creases, facelift incisions heal very well, and most patients and family members will barely notice them after a few weeks.

When can I return to the gym after my facelift?

You should avoid aerobic activities after a facelift for three weeks following surgery. Any activity that potentially increases blood pressure will increase the amount of time it takes for postoperative swelling to resolve.

How long will bruising and swelling last?

Postoperative bruising and swelling begin to resolve at the end of the first week. Full resolution of bruising or swelling may take 2-3 weeks. Bruising is variable, and many patients can camouflage bruises easily at seven to ten days with a concealer.

When can I go back to work?

It depends on the type of work you perform. Restrictions from work are ten days to two weeks for a contemporary facelift surgery and may be less for a mini-lift or limited procedure. Since the extent of bruising and swelling and their resolution is individual and not predictable, some patients take three weeks off to be safe.

What are the risks or complications associated with facelift surgery?

No surgical procedure is without risk. Most complications associated with facelift surgery are minor. Here are some possible problems:

  • Collection of blood under the skin (hematoma)
  • Temporary numbness around the ear
  • Depression
  • Asymmetry
WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT FOR A FACE LIFT?

Health, not age, determines how long you can wait to have a Face Lift. A healthy individual can have a Face Lift well into their eighties.

HOW LONG DOES A FACE LIFT LAST?

Actually, it depends upon the individual; each person is sagging and aging at a different rate. A Face Lift result generally rolls back the clock five to 10 years.