Awake Facelift Techniques for Measured Results
Wide-Awake Facelift Procedure (Mini-Facelift)
A Wide-Awake Facelift is a cosmetic procedure designed to tighten the skin of the neck and jowls using a ‘retro-tragal’ incision (pictured). This procedure is ideal for patients who would like to improve the contour of their neck and jawline and do not have a significant amount of excess skin. A wide-awake facelift has the additional benefit of a relatively easier recovery as there is no general anesthesia.
Preparing for your Procedure
There is no general anesthesia, so it is fine to have breakfast in the morning of your procedure. If you are anxious, please take one Ativan tablet one hour prior to the scheduled time of your procedure. A script for Ativan will be provided to you by my office. If a script has not been provided, please call the office.
Please refrain from the use of aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Mortin, Advil, etc.), or any blood thinners for 7 days prior to your procedure. If you require these for medical conditions, please contact the office.
The morning of the procedure, please do not apply any facial make up.
Please arrive at the site 15 minutes prior to the time of your procedure. The site of your procedure will be listed in Patient Gateway.
If you choose to take an Ativan, someone should be available to drive you to and from your procedure. If you choose not to take an Ativan, you may drive yourself to and from your procedure.
Please take Tylenol (1000 mg) the morning of the procedure, approximately 1 hour prior to the procedure.
Procedural Details
The procedure lasts approximately 2 hours total (including application of local anesthesia). A dilute form of local anesthesia (Lidocaine) is injected before any incisions are made. During the procedure, nothing should feel sharp. Parts of the procedure may feel as though there is pulling/tightening, but all operated areas will be numb.
An antibiotic ointment will be applied on the incision at the end of the procedure.
Dressings and a Facial Wrap will be placed at the end of the procedure.
Blue sutures are used for closing the top layer of skin. These sutures will be removed in clinic 10-14 days following the procedure.
Post procedure
Narcotics are not routinely prescribed for this procedure. Please continue to take Tylenol the day of the procedure. Starting Day 1 after the procedure, you may take Motrin/Advil as well.
Please always keep the facial wrap on for the first 48 hours, although it may be removed briefly if uncomfortable. After 48 hours, please wear as much as possible for the next 5 days (all times when not going out or eating). After 7 days following the procedure, please wear an additional 2 weeks at night only. * Small amounts of drainage from the incisions are very common for the first 5 days.
Starting on Day 2, you may shower. When you shower, please do not put your face directly into the stream of the water. Please use a cup/shower mug to gently pour water over your face/hair. You may shampoo your hair starting on Day 2 after the procedure. Starting Day 5 after the procedure, you may shower normally and place your face in the stream or water. The shower water can hit the incisions. Please always wash the incisions gently. In the first month following the procedure, please do not rub the incisions to dry; just pat dry gently. After your shower, please apply Aquaphor to your incisions (small amount).
No exercise or heavy lifting for 4 weeks. Heavy lifting is anything greater than 15 lbs. Exercise is anything that causes a rise in your heart rate or sweating. The goal is to minimize fluid collections in your surgical areas.
Feel free to use ice for comfort. Do not directly apply ice to your skin.
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