Facelift

There are, of course, permanent scars as a result of this surgery. Every effort will be made to conceal or to make them as inconspicuous as possible. There may be discoloration and swelling in the face which can persist for several weeks or longer. There may be blistering, crusting, or loss of skin with delayed healing in areas where the skin has been undercut and pulled tightly. There may be scattered areas of numbness over the face, neck, and ears following the surgery which may persist for an indefinite period of time. At times, fluid or blood may accumulate in the operative sites which may require aspiration, drainage, or removal by surgery. Although rare, nerve damage can occur which might cause a varying amount of facial weakness or paralysis. Loss of hair near the area of the surgery may occur and can be temporary or permanent. As in all surgery, complications such as infection or bleeding can occur and require appropriate treatment including possible further surgery. Any procedure involving surgeries on both sides may result in discrepancies in symmetry.

Pain following a facelift is actually very minimal. However, you will be given prescriptions for pain medications at your preoperative appointment one week prior to the surgery. You should have these filled and ready for your arrival back at home. Please take them as prescribed and should you not utilize them all, bring them back to us and we can dispose of them for you properly.

Drains are sometimes used to remove excess blood from the surgical areas. You will be given care instructions after surgery and they are usually removed at the first appointment postop.

Immediately following the procedure you will have a full facial wrap covering your forehead, neck, and head. This wrap is used to minimize swelling, bruising and bleeding will left in place for 24-48 hours postoperatively. Your first postoperative appointment will be 24- 48 hours following the surgery. At that time, Dr. Lambruschi will remove the dressings and replace them with a lighter dressing.

No, you may not drive for a 24-hour period following sedation of any kind. You will need a responsible friend or family member to take you home and care for you for at least the first 24 hours following surgery. For your safety, we cannot permit you to leave in an Uber or a taxi.

You can expect a two to three-week recovery time.

There is a circulating nurse who will greet you, perform preoperative assessment, and prepare you for the day. You will then meet with your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who will start your IV and answer any questions regarding pain management and sedation. Dr. Lambruschi will then answer any questions and draw some markings on your face so you will know exactly where your incisions will be. You are then taken to the operating room where Dr. Lambruschi will be present, two surgical nurses, and the anesthetist. Your main OR nurse who greeted you in the morning will be present the entire time and will be with you for recovery as well. You will get to know her-she is your surgical buddy!

Cosmetic procedures such as this are performed in our office surgical suite. We have a separate preoperative area, full anesthesia capabilities in our main operating room, and comfortable post anesthesia care unit with private bathroom facilities.

As Dr. Lambruschi would say, “I could rush…” but seriously, the length of the procedure depends on many variables, but usually takes all morning. You can typically expect a 3-4 hour surgical time, with a two hour recovery time. You will arrive at 6:45 am and can be expected back home about 2 pm.

MAC anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care is provided by a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. Having anesthesia personal present ensures your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. The cost for this is included in your surgical fees.

Lab work requirements are based on age and health history of the patient. A healthy patient under the age of 40 requires a CBC, PT/PTT, and a pregnancy test. These labs can be performed here in our office for a very small fee. Patients between the ages of 40-50 require a CBC, PT/PTT, CMP, and an EKG. Again, blood work can be performed by our office, but an EKG will need to be done elsewhere which we can arrange for you at either your physician’s office or at Advocate Sherman Hospital. Patients older than 50 also require a chest X-ray, which again will be arranged for you.

Also known as “Rhytidectomy,” a facelift is used to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Sagging skin, jowling, and loss of muscle tone in the lower face are all improved with a facelift. Every facelift is custom designed to maximize the improvement for each patient.