Not all facelifts are created equal. The term facelift is, in fact, a misnomer. The modern facelift as Dr. Rohrich performs it is a multiple layer, component procedure that is more than a facelift; it is facial rejuvenation. This means much of the work is done in the deeper structures to lift, reshape, and contour your face and make it look naturally youthful and rested. A facelift can be done alone or in conjunction with other procedures. Dr. Rohrich's goal is to recontour and restore the sagging deep layers and fat to make them more harmonious with the rest of your face.

Dr. Rohrich is a *board-certified, world-renown, plastic surgeon and has spent over 15 years specializing in facial cosmetic surgery. He has written numerous articles for scientific journals and magazines and lectures internationally about plastic surgery. He is Chairman of The Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.

If you're considering a facelift, the information provided will give you a basic understanding of the procedure, but it can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. For more information, please view the "Frequently Asked Questions" or you can visit his "Resource Library" for related articles, websites and video clips.

* American Board of Plastic Surgery

Am I a good candidate for the surgery?

Your visit with Dr. Rohrich will determine if you are a good candidate. If you are in good physical and mental health with reasonable expectations you should be an appropriate candidate. The best candidates for a facelift, are men and woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well-defined. Most patients are in their forties to sixties but facelifts can successfully be done on people in their seventies and eighties as well.

A facelift can make you look younger and fresher and may enhance your self-esteem but it won't give you a totally different look nor can it restore the health and vitality of your youth. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Rohrich.

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What should I expect from my consultation?

Prior to your consultation, Dr. Rohrich recommends that you look in the mirror and list the top three things that bother you about your appearance as well as three things you like. He also suggests you bring photographs of yourself from 10 to 15 years ago. He will have copies made of your photographs during your consultation and return them to you. These will serve as a model for Dr. Rohrich to go by and help him determine which techniques to utilize to restore your current facial features to what they once were.

During your consultation, Dr. Rohrich will evaluate your face, including the skin and underlying bone and request that you make several different expressions so he can view your features as you animate. Afterwards a photographer will take photographs for your medical record and you will meet with Dr. Rohrich's patient coordinator to discuss surgery fees and scheduling dates. You may also schedule an additional consultation to view computer imaging so that you can visualize the results of each technique that Dr. Rohrich has specifically designed for your surgery.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. You should provide information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take.

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How is the surgery performed?

Facelifts are very individualized procedures. Incisions usually begin above the hairline at the temples, extend in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of your ear), and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck needs improvement, a small incision may also be used.

Dr. Rohrich will then separate the skin from the fat and muscle below. Fat may be trimmed around the neck and chin to improve the contour. He will then tighten the underlying muscle and pull the skin back and remove any excess. Sutures secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. A surgical tissue glue is often used during surgery to stop bleeding and helps to minimize bruising and swelling during recovery.

A small thin drainage tube may be temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain any blood that might collect there. Your head will then be wrapped in bandages to minimize the swelling.

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What happens the day of surgery?

Your facelift surgery will be performed at either one of our specialty hospitals or an accredited outpatient surgery facility.

Prior to the procedure, medications are administered for your comfort and to lessen the anxiety if need be. General anesthesia is used for patients undergoing facelift surgery. The surgery usually takes 3 to 5 hours depending on the technique used and if there are any other procedures performed at the same time. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored by the recovery room staff.

Dr. Rohrich recommends you stay at least one night following surgery as a safety precaution. You should arrange for someone to stay with you and drive you home.

What is the recovery like?

You will have some discomfort and/or pain following surgery. While you are in the hospital your pain control is done intravenous for the extent of your stay. You will be given prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics when you are discharged. You will be required to sleep with your head elevated on two pillows to help decrease the swelling.

You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and hair since your skin will be both tender and numb and may not respond normally at first. At the beginning, your face may look and feel strange. You may not even recognize yourself. Your features may be distorted from the swelling, your facial movements may be slightly stiff and you'll probably feel self-conscious about your scars. Some bruising may persist for two or three weeks and you may tire easily. It is not uncommon for some patients to feel disappointed and depressed at first following surgery.

By the third week you'll look and feel much better. Most patients are back at work performing normal daily activiteis two to three weeks after surgery.

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What should I know about my results?

Even after the swelling and bruising are gone, the hair around your temples may be thin and your skin may feel dry and rough for several months. Men may find they have to shave in new places, behind the neck and ears, where areas of hair growing skin have been repositioned.

Whenever surgery is performed on your body a scar will result. The scars for this procedure are usually hidden by your hair or in the natural creases of your face and ears. In any case, they will fade with time and barely be visible.

Your facelift may "turn the clock back" but not stop it. Your face will continue to age with time but in another sense, the effects of your facelift are lasting. Years later you will continue to look better than if you had never had a facelift.

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What does the surgery cost?

At the time of your initial consultation, you will be quoted a price that will include Dr. Rohrich's fee as well as hospital and anesthesia fees. Fees are due in full at least two weeks prior to your surgery. Checks, money orders, cash and credit cards may be used for payment. A $500.00 deposit will reserve a specific time and date for your surgery.

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