Driven by her ambition to help patients look and feel their best, Dr. Letourneau has been performing face lift surgery for more than 20 years. Face lift surgery is a highly effective way to reverse the effects of aging, stress, and environmental exposure. Though the procedure cannot stop the aging process, it will make the patient feel younger and look more refreshed. If you are interested in learning more about face lift surgery, contact Dr. Letourneau to schedule a consultation.
Regardless of age, candidates for face lift surgery should be in good overall health with:
In general, the procedure takes between two and four hours, depending on the type of surgery the patient chooses.
After the procedure, patients are advised to avoid activities that could delay the healing process. Most patients are able to return to work within 10 to 14 days of the surgery.
There are four types of face lift surgery commonly performed. The type that is best suited to you will depend on what you want lifted, tightened, or toned.
The lower "standard" face lift concerns the lower third of the face. This type of face lift contours jowls, tightens loose skin on the neck, and removes deep wrinkles and frown lines.
Two surgical procedures are associated with this face lift: the S-lift procedure and the SMAS facelift. The procedures are defined by the type of incision the surgeon uses to gain access to the area. In the S-lift procedure, the surgeon makes a small s-shaped incision around the patient’s ear; in the SMAS facelift, the surgeon makes a larger incision in the patient’s hairline. Dr. Letourneau chooses procedures based on the patient’s facial structure and aging pattern.
The mid-face lift revitalizes the area around the eyes, nose, and corners of the mouth. Since the procedure is limited to one area, it is much less invasive than a lower face lift and, therefore, involves less swelling and bruising and a shorter recovery time.
As with the lower face lift, there are two procedures associated with the mid-face lift. In the traditional procedure, the surgeon gains access to the target area through an incision made in the lower lash line or nasal labial fold. A second option uses an endoscope (a thin surgical instrument with a fiber-optic light on one end) to access the area through incisions in the temples. Dr. Letourneau chooses procedures based on the direction in which the tissue will have to be lifted.
The mini, or "weekend," face lift is performed on a single area such as the neck, jowls, or the folds of the nose and is intended for those who exhibit only slight signs of aging. The procedure can be performed with or without an endoscope. With an endoscope, the procedure involves three small cuts in the target area, through which extra fat is removed. Without an endoscope, the surgeon makes a longer incision, folds the skin over, and removes excess fat.
The thread face lift is the least invasive of the four options and usually requires no anesthetic. It takes only one to two hours to perform and is often ideal for those just beginning to show signs of aging. During the procedure, threads are strung through incisions around the target area. Dr. Letourneau pulls the threads and knots each end to secure the tissue in place.
As with any surgical procedure, side effects may occur. The most common side effects include:
There is also a risk of post-surgical complications. It is important to discuss the risks and concerns with Dr. Letourneau before the procedure. Risks include:
To learn which type of face lift is best suited to your needs, contact Dr. Letourneau to schedule a consultation.
Contact Dr. Ann Letourneau for information on what plastic surgery from a qualified plastic surgeon in Port Jefferson, NY can do for you.
96 Terryville Rd
Port Jefferson Station NY 11776
Toll Free: (631) 473-4200
Fax: (631) 473-4995
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