117 Rue Fontaine, Lafayette, LA 70508

1100 Andre St, New Iberia, LA 70563

337-981-4744

image of a woman preparing for a surgical face lift Many factors cause the skin to wrinkle and sag (i.e., exposure to the sun, genetics as well as the natural aging process). Children and young adults have smooth, round faces due to fatty tissue that is evenly distributed throughout the contours of the face. As you age, the skin sags and fits more loosely. These folds become prominent, especially around the chin, the jaw line, and along the neck. The facelift is the gold standard for lower face and neck rejuvenation. The facelift has evolved over the years, and many techniques are available. Dr. Schneider performs a multiple layer technique.

The final result being a natural, rested appearance.

Dr. Schneider performs rhytidectomies, or facelifts, to enhance your appearance and correct these conditions. A facelift involves tightening of the facial and neck muscles as well as the removal of any excess skin. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with additional cosmetic surgeries such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), forehead lift, chin augmentation, and/or liposuction. These procedures can be performed any time after signs of aging appear in order to attain a more youthful appearance.

Types of Facelifts

Every patient will have different aging characteristics which require customized treatment. Therefore Dr. Schneider performs a variety of facelift techniques depending on your special needs, amount of recover needed, and your overall health.

Before Surgery

We will evaluate your medical history in order to determine your overall health. Dr. Schneider will discuss with you how your face can look and what you can expect from surgery. Our objective is to create a natural appearance that is pleasing to you. Pre-op and Post-op photographs are performed to determine the amount of improvement after surgery.

We will provide you with preoperative instructions that may include the elimination of specific drugs containing aspirin several weeks before surgery to minimize excess bleeding. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infection. You may be instructed to shampoo your hair the night before surgery.

Surgery

A facelift (rhytidectomy) can be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia in our in house surgical facility. These options will be discussed in detail with you. Local anesthesia is also utilized to reduce post operative discomfort and to allow lower levels of anesthesia drugs to be given; as well as decreasing bleeding. Incisions are made inside the hairline at the temple, running in front of the ear as with the “Weekend Lift.” Depending on the procedure desired, the incision may extend around the earlobe and behind the ear, ending in the hair of the scalp. Dr. Schneider performs a multiple layer technique. Although more technically difficult, the result last longer than skin only techniques. The loose skin is first separated from underlying tissue. The underlying tissues, or SMAS, are then tightened allowing a more natural looking lift. Liposuction of the jowl area is then performed. The skin is then pulled up and back. Excess skin is removed. In some cases, fatty deposits are removed from beneath the chin and neck (liposuction.) Small sutures are used to close the incisions. Dr. Schneider takes pride in a natural, rested looking result, avoiding the “wind-blown look.” The procedure may take several hours depending on whether any other procedures are performed at the same time.

Postoperative Care

Bandages are applied to the area of surgery and are removed within a few days. Pain is moderate and controlled with oral medications. Your sutures are removed within the first five to ten days. In order to minimize scarring, the doctor may remove the sutures in stages. Scarring fades quickly. Swelling and discoloration decrease within two weeks. Tightness in your face will be present for several weeks and there may be slight changes in your hair pattern around the incision.

It is recommended that you avoid the sun for several weeks after surgery. Healing is gradual so you will not notice final results for up to six months. Improvement varies, depending on the your initial condition. In most cases, a single procedure achieves the desired results. Most patients who have had facelifts are pleased with their new, more youthful appearance.