Facial Surgery FAQs

A facelift, known medically as rhytidectomy, addresses only the lower half of the face by lifting the cheeks, eliminating jowls, defining the jawline, softening the creases between the nose and the mouth (laugh lines or nasolabial folds), removing the creases from the mouth down to the chin (marionette lines) and reducing general facial wrinkles in the lower face. If the neck requires correction this is done at the same time by performing a platysmaplasty or neck lift. A brow lift is used to correct a sagging forehead and eyebrows. For signs of aging around the eyes, he offers eyelid surgery.

Yes. For many patients, Dr. Weiglein can create a more complete, harmonious and natural appearance if he addresses multiple facial aspects rather than a single area. Plus, combining procedures can reduce costs, the number of procedures you may need later, and the recovery period. Eyelid procedures and laser resurfacing are commonly carried out with a facelift.

The decision to undergo face or neck surgery is based less on the chronological age of an individual than it is on whether a person feels his or her appearance negatively affects their self-confidence, contentment or overall quality of life. The physical signs of aging depend on your genetics, such as skin type and environmental factors, including sun exposure and lifestyle factors such as smoking. Two primary determining factors for proceeding with surgery include a person’s health and whether surgery or other nonsurgical treatments would achieve the desired goals. During a consultation, Dr. Weiglein can help you determine what solution is best for you.

Dr. Weiglein can provide qualified advice on whether you are a candidate health-wise and aesthetically, but you have to determine whether you are ready emotionally. Dr. Weiglein is sensitive to each person’s reasons and hesitencies. He understands that the choice to proceed with aesthetic surgery is very personal and may involve spouses, partners, family or friends. He will provide the answers you need to make an educated decision. But you, and only you, will know when you are ready.

Every person and procedure is unique, so each person’s recovery time will vary depending on a variety of factors. Because Dr. Weiglein uses the MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) technique for facelifts, bruising, swelling and recovery time are significantly reduced. Dr. Weiglein advises most people to plan to take at least 2 weeks off from work for facial and neck-related surgeries. For combined procedures, more time may be required. Specifics regarding recovery will be addressed more precisely during a consultation or other pre-op appointment.

In the days immediately following surgery, any activity that increases blood flow to the face increases the risk of swelling, bruising and bleeding; therefore, strenuous activity or exercise should be curtailed until necessary healing has occurred. An appropriate healing time is dependent upon the procedure performed and the patient’s condition. Patients can typically engage in light activities, such as slow walking shortly after anaesthesia has worn off. More demanding activities, such as yoga, heavy lifting, running, cycling or other aerobic activities are usually permitted after 2 weeks following the procedure. Patients should refrain from contact sports until 6 weeks after surgery.

Scarring is a reality for any surgical procedure, but with the modern methods, such as the MACS (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) facelift technique used by Dr. Weiglein, incisions are shorter and performed in strategic locations to keep them hidden. Additionally, medical devices designed to hold tissues in place put less stress on the healing incisions, improving healing.

Smoking diminishes the blood’s ability to carry oxygen and can increase the body’s susceptibility to infection. Smoking prior to and following surgery is not recommended because it will weaken the body’s ability to heal, negatively affecting overall recovery. Dr. Weiglein recommends quitting smoking altogether to better maintain the benefits of surgery and to improve your overall health. Regarding the procedure, however, you should stop smoking for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery and continue abstaining from smoking until the body has healed.