After years of accumulating wrinkles, frown and sagging contours imagine how wonderful it will feel to discard them.

One of the ways we can see the effects of stress, gravity, sun damage, and the aging process is in our faces. Some of us experience deep creases between the nose and mouth, while others notice a jaw line that grows slack, or folds, excess skin, and fat deposits that appear around the neck. A rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery, is designed to make the lower half of the face and neck more youthful and taut. During your consultation with Dr. Beltran, he will evaluate your facial structure—contour, skin tone and elasticity. The incision is placed in the fold in front of the ear, to behind the ear and into the hairline to be inconspicuous. Generally, the skin is separated from the fat and muscle. The fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to enhance the contours. The muscles under these areas are redraped, tightened and sutured into place. The skin is then pulled back and excess skin is removed. Stitches secure the layers of tissue by closing the incisions. Metal clips may be used on the scalp.

This surgery is completed on an outpatient basis, and requires no aftercare procedures. After surgery, your head may be wrapped loosely in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling. You may feel free to shower and wash your face on the second day after surgery. You will be required for a post-operation visit two days after surgery. Staples are removed in five days, followed by the sutures in ten days. Bruising and swelling will occur within that period.  Most patients return to work within two to three weeks. The result, a more youthful and rested facial appearance that is long lasting and dramatic, will occur in about two to three months.

The second procedure that also improves these features is the browlift. At the same time the lift is accomplished, frown lines and deep horizontal lines can be surgically weakened and diminished. During your consultation, you will learn about the three approaches to browlifts. They include:  endoscopic, where five small incisions are made in the hair line without removing hair, coronal, where an incision is made in the hairline extending from ear to ear, and the open pretricheal where an incision is made in front of the hairline. You can discuss with Dr. Beltran the results you want to achieve and determine which browlift technique is most appropriate for you. The surgery is completed on an outpatient basis and requires no aftercare procedures. A gauze dressing is worn over the forehead and scalp for 48 hours. Following surgery, you may experience minimal swelling and bruising for about seven to ten days. The final result will be dramatically apparent within two to three months. Most patients are completely delighted with the rested and youthful appearance the browlift has achieved for them. The procedure is often paired for optimum, overall results with a facelift, necklift or eyelid surgery. Dr.  Beltran will assess your individual needs to determine which combination of procedures is best for you. He will also put forth his best effort to achieve the results for each patient that are aesthetically pleasing, long lasting as well as most natural.

Your face can look younger, rested and happy once again.

Q: What is the recovery?
A: Two to three weeks.

Q: When can I return to work?
A: You may return to work in seven to ten days with a browlift, and in two weeks with a facelift. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks.

Q: How long will I be swollen and bruised?
A: You may experience swelling and bruising for seven to ten days with a browlift, and for two to three weeks with a facelift. You can help reduce swelling by keeping your head elevated and applying ice.

Q: When can I go out in public?
A: You will begin to feel comfortable going out in public in about two weeks.