Q-What is a facelift?
A-The facelift is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of jowls, extra skin, fat and vertical folds at the front of the neck. The procedure can rejuvenate the face and neck and restore a more healthy and youthful look to the overall facial appearance. The traditional facelift targets the lower face and neck area including jowls, excess skin and neck banding. This can be combined with a browlift and upper and lower eyelid lift for what some refer to as a complete facelift.

Q-What are the limitations, if any, of the facelift?
A-The facelift does not stop the aging process or turn back the clock. Instead, the procedure restore a more healthy a youthful appearance to help your face look its best. The traditional facelift targets the lower face and neck area and will not affect the forehead, brow or eyes. These areas may be treated with browlift or eyelid lift.

Q-Who is a candidate for a facelift?
A-Healthy individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of the lower face and neck, including jowls, excess skin and fat, and vertical neck folds, may be good candidates for a facelift. Patients should also be psychologically stable and have realistic expectations.

Q-What will happen during a consultation for a facelift?
A-During the consultation for a facelift, Dr. Ahn will discuss the available treatment options, the benefits, the expected outcome and any alternatives. He will go over any questions or concerns that you may have and help you to make an informed decision by educating you about the facelift surgery. Dr. Ahn will also examine the structure of your face, jawline and neck as well as your skin texture, color and elasticity. Photographs will be taken so that the doctor can study your face and demonstrate the potential results of the facelift. Your medical history will be reviewed and individual risks assessed. Be sure to tell Dr. Ahn if you have any medical situations such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, blood clotting problems, and whether or not you smoke.

Q-What sort of anesthesia is the facelift performed with?
A-The facelift may be performed with local anesthesia combined with a mild intravenous anesthesia or with general anesthesia.

Q-How is the facelift performed?
A-Dr. Ahn begins the facelift by making three gently curved incisions that follow the natural contour of the ear. These incisions are smaller than the traditional long, straight incisions and the curved lines are less noticeable to the naked eye than straight lines. Dr. Ahn will then lift the skin in order to tighten the underlying muscle, thus lifting the jowls and tightening the neck contour. The skin is then gently redraped, excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures. A loose wrap is applied to the head and neck.

Q-How long is the surgical time for a facelift?
A-The facelift may take anywhere from two to four hours depending on the extent of the surgery.

Q-Where are the incisions made for a facelift?
A-Dr. Ahn places three gently curved incisions along the natural contour of the ear. These incisions are smaller than the traditional long, straight ones. Furthermore, the curved nature of the incisions make them less noticeable to the naked eye so that, once healed, they can be barely noticeable.

Q-Does the facelift result in scars?
A-The incisions made for the facelift will result in scars. However, Dr. Ahn places three gently curved incisions along the natural contour of the ear as opposed to the traditional approach which involves long, straight incisions. These incisions are smaller and their curved nature makes them less noticeable to the naked eye. Once healed, the scars are usually barely noticeable.

Q-Do patients experience much pain after undergoing a facelift?
A-Dr. Ahn's patients generally experience very little pain after undergoing a facelift. However, there can be some discomfort and pain medication will be prescribed to help combat this.

Q-What sort of recovery accompanies a facelift?
A-Patients may experience some discomfort after the facelift which can be controlled with pain medication. The dressing will be removed one day after surgery along with the drainage tube if used. Stitches are removed after seven to ten days. Some numbness may occur around the facial skin and ear for several weeks. Following Dr. Ahn's postoperative instructions will help to minimize bruising and swelling. Within seven to ten days, patients should have minimal discoloration. The recovery generally takes two to three weeks, though patients should allow at least four weeks before attending any important public engagements.

Q-When are the stitches removed after the facelift?
A-The stitches are removed within seven to ten days after the facelift.