The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Facial Plastic Surgery - Facelift
Cincinnati - Dayton - Ohio
Call 513.984.4700
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Facelift

Photos
FAQs
Preop Info
Postop Info

Thinking of reversing the hands of time? Facelift or Rhytidectomy surgery is fast becoming the number one cosmetic facial procedure. Previously, facelift surgery was thought to be reserved only for the Rich and Famous. Not any more. With new techniques patients are returning to work sooner, costs are less, and more natural results are achievable.

Rhytidectomy or Facelift Surgery has definitely advanced from the times of Cardinal Richelieu, who lived in the medieval times of Robin Hood. He was rumored to have his servants corkscrew his hair under his cap and thereby pull up his loose facial skin!

At the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center, computer imaging is used to demonstrate potential improvement with Facelift surgery. Our plastic surgery specialists will show you where the incisions are made and tailor the procedure to fit your needs. Facelift surgery can improve the cheek and neck jowls and help restore the tissues to a more rejuvenated appearance.

Historically, only excess skin was removed in the facelift procedure. Currently with Dr. Mandell-Brown’s technique, the fatty tissues are liposuctioned, the muscle layer is tightened, and then the excess skin is removed. Like other cosmetic procedures, it is important to understand the plastic surgeons’s philosophy. Do they prefer an aggressive facelift or do they strive for a more natural look. Dr. Mandell-Brown emphasizes a “Natural Look” facelift. He wants his patients to have a rested, rejuvenated look without looking overdone.

One of the critical aspects at our center, is customizing incisions for the patient’s individual hairline. Many plastic surgeons perform only one incision. Dr. Mandell-Brown will tailor the incisions to the patient’s hairline. Typical approaches are shown in the facelift photo gallery and in the operating room section. Many patients will combine the facelift with other facial procedures---eyelid surgery, forehead lift, or laser resurfacing.

Photo Gallery

Facelift

Facelift

Facelift

Facelift: "Natural Lift" by Dr. Mandell-Brown

Facelift

Facelift

Facelift

Facelift

Facelift

Facelift and Chin Implant

Facelift

FAQs

Q. What is the average age for a facelift?

A. In a study for other plastic surgeons that I presented several years ago, the average age was 56. However, there was a peak of interest in each decade –46, 55, and 65. When we took all 350 patients in the study, the average was 56.

Q. What type of patients get facelifts?

A. In my same study, the patients were fairly diverse: homemakers who wanted to do something for themselves, professionals who wanted to maintain their appearance, and secretaries and teachers. Interestingly, 25% of our patients were men and that number is probably increasing.

Q. How much time off work will I need following facelift surgery?

A. With newer techniques, most patients can return to work in one week. We recommend that if you have the surgery on a Friday, plan on taking off the weekend and the next 5 working days to allow for adequate healing. Some surgeons promise only 4 days. BEWARE. The honest plastic surgeon should give you a range of time because everyone heals differently. We utilize IV sedation to reduce bruising (instead of general anesthesia), Vitamin B &C, to promote healing, customized compression dressings postoperatively, and in certain patients autologous platelet gel which uses the patient’special clotting factors to help decrease bruising

Q. Does the facelift surgery remove the fine lines around the mouth or cheeks?

A. The facelift really helps the jowling. Laser resurfacing or facial peels are usually required to improve the fine wrinkles..

Q. Is there much pain after facelift surgery?

A. In my 20 years performing cosmetic surgery, I have come to respect that every patient’s pain threshold differs. Most patients note a tightness for a few days and only a small percentage have pain. With current pain medicine, the patients are comfortable after surgery.

Preoperative Preparation

Congratulations! You have decided to have facelift surgery. How do you prepare for your procedure?
Before the surgery, the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center will send you a list of items to get and medicines to avoid. The following should help.

Two weeks before surgery avoid the following:
1. Aspirin Products-
affects platelets and leads to more bruising

2. Advil, Motrin, etc…-
may affect platelets and can possibly cause bruising

3. Vitamin E-
studies show this vitamin can affect platelets

4. Herbal Products-
many of the natural occurring herbal items can affect platelets and bleeding factors, so stop 2 weeks before.

For example:
Ginseng-
can be associated with increased blood pressure and heart rate. It may also increase bleeding.
St. John’s Wort-
may prolong effects of anesthetic agents
Echinacea-
may reduce your immune system
Feverfew-
may increase bleeding
Garlic-
lowers blood pressure but may increase bleeding
Valerian-
may prolong anesthetic agents

One week before surgery start the following:

1. Dr. Mandell-Brown’s office should have sent a vitamin packet. Start taking Vitamin B and C each day for a week before and then continue for a week after the surgery. These two vitamins help the tissues heal after surgery. Do not take more than the one
   vitamin each day.
2. Purchase the following items to be used after surgery:
   • Peroxide
   • Q tips
   • Polysporin or Neosporin Ointment
   • Witch Hazel
3. Purchase your prescriptions from the pharmacy.
4. Make sure you have your history and physical completed along with any recommended lab work.
5. Relax the night before surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
6. The morning of surgery thoroughly wash your face and hair before arriving at
   The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center. Remember, no coffee or other fluids.

Postoperative Instructions

Information coming soon...

In a study by Dr. Mandell-Brown of 300 facelift patients, the average age was 56. However, mid-40's and mid-60's also showed interest in this procedure.

Tightening the muscle in a facelift surgery.

The facelift is temporary and permanent. The skin is permanently removed but the time clock of life keeps ticking.