Frequently asked questions about cosmetic surgery and facelifts.

How Long Will The Facelift Results Last?

A facelift is like an imaginary time machine. To a degree, it restores the patient's appearance to an earlier age. After a facelift, for example, a 45 year-old may look approximately 35 years old, or even younger. The results, in a sense, last forever -- however, the natural aging process never stops. Ten years after a facelift, you will still have aged 10 years -- perhaps a little less. Thus a patient who had a facelift ten years ago may feel it is time for another one, if she or he wants to rejuvenate once again.

How soon a patient will benefit from a second facelift depends on many factors, including genetics and one's individual skin type; it also depends on the technique used by the previous surgeon. Facelifts from Dr. Ristow's The Pacific Clinic have remarkable longevity.

In general, if someone wishes to maintain the most youthful appearance, a consultation with your surgeon every two to three years will determine when a touch-up is beneficial. If a patient is very wrinkled, sun damaged or has very oily skin, it should be mentioned that results may be shorter lasting. The good news is that even among this group, outcomes are exceptionally good.

Is A Dressing Applied?

We do not use dressings to the face. We abandoned the use of dressings years ago. The absence of a dressing is a landmark in patient comfort and recuperation.

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Is There Any Special Care For My Eyelids After Surgery?

I never apply bandages to the eyelids. Ice compresses, which are made by soaking gauze pads in ice water, are applied to the eyelids for several hours after the surgery. At home, cooled witchhazel pads are recommended. Do NOT use heating devices. You may use the eye drops for additional comfort.

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Will I Experience Pain With My Facelift?

Most patients do not complain of pain after a facelift or eyelid surgery. If any, discomfort is short-lived, and easily managed with routine medications.

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When Are The Stitches Removed?

In most instances, sutures will be removed by the sixth day. For our out-of-town patients who prefer to return home at the earliest safe date, biodegradable sutures are used. These technologically advanced biodegradable sutures do not require removal.

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