Benefits of Face and Neck Lifts (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift improves the most visible signs of aging in the lower part of the face. It is the ultimate rejuvenation technique for sagging muscles, fat, and skin, which forms jowls along the jaw-line and creates a double chin or “turkey neck.”
Minilifts are simply the same type of procedure, but less tightening is achieved. To learn more about face and neck lifts, read Dr. Zweig's article on facelifts (PDF 132k) »
How a Face and Neck Lift (Rhytidectomy) is done
Dr. Zweig has spent years perfecting techniques which assure a natural, long-lasting result. He meticulously tightens inner layers of tissue and muscle, permanently affixing them and then drapes the skin without tension. Liposuction may be performed at the same time as the lift to remove deposits of fat under the neck and sometimes along the jawline as well. Unlike Dr. Zweig, some plastic surgeons do not address attached earlobes when doing a facelift. If this is not addressed the incision can pull the earlobe down, causing the ear to appear pointed. "Elfin ears" are a sure sign of a facelift.
All incisions are camouflaged in natural creases and are tailored to each patients face and hairline. Dr. Zweig requires no shaving of hair, nor will the patient have hair loss or a change of hair line. After surgery the earlobes will not appear distorted. There is no need for shaving of hair, change in hairline, or alteration of hairstyle. There is no hair loss nor are ears and earlobes distorted.
Below is an actual Zweig Center patient who has had a face/neck lift with example of incision line (scar) 9 months post-op.
Click on the image for an enlarged version:
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As Dr. Zweig treats many male patients, he is an expert in understanding and planning for the differences in their skin, hair patterns and beards.
Read more about facelifts in the AAFPRS newsletter »
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Anesthesia
Most often facelifts are performed in our AAAHC-accredited outpatient surgery center under general anesthesia. All patients are attended by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist.
“My anesthesiologist was so sweet and even called me a few days later to see how I was doing! My nurse understood my anxiety and my concern about my back support, she was so caring. It was so much easier than I could have believed!"
Pamela, Birmingham, AL
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Recovery
Although most patients report very little, if any, pain after surgery, pain medication is prescribed. Many take only Tylenol®.
Dr Zweig’s patients routinely wear a loose dressing and do not have drains. Patients do not have to wear an uncomfortable, tight dressing since Dr. Zweig utilizes a state-of-the-art tissue glue, Tisseel, during surgery.
View photos of the recovery process in the photo gallery »
“I was amazed that I did not hurt! The tight dressing was more annoying than anything else. Dr Zweig is very caring; he called me that night. He changed my dressing the next day and I almost cried when I saw how good my neck looked”.
Julie, Valdosta, GA
While swelling and perhaps some bruising is to be expected, post-operative recovery is different for everyone. Our staff as well as Dr Zweig will be thorough in educating you as to what to expect and in following your healing process. Dr Zweig carries his pager 24/7 in order to personally respond to you or your family’s concerns.
Resuming social obligations or returning to work depends upon the individual, but we recommend 2 weeks. Many patients are presentable long before that. Camouflage makeup can be worn in 5 days. Even though as soon as the next day you will have a smoother, more youthful jaw line and neck, you will look better at 2 weeks, and even better in 3 weeks. Men actually heal faster than women, but allowing 8 weeks to 12 weeks is ideal for swelling to fully resolve.
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Other Solutions for the face
A facelift does nothing to improve aging in the upper face, wrinkles in the forehead, fallen eyebrows, crow’s feet, droopy eyelids or bags under the eyes. It also does not help skin texture, surface wrinkles, or a nose tip that sags due to aging. Procedures to address these areas are often combined with a facelift.
At the time of your consultation your skin quality, bone structure, and fat distribution will be examined. Your goals and concerns will be addressed, and recommendations presented.
The treatment plan is vital to success. This is often the “make or break time” in achieving a completely natural refreshed appearance. It is experience, as well as both art and science, that contributes to choosing which techniques or combinations are necessary to give your face harmony, balance and a natural youthful glow.
"At my 40th high school reunion, I felt great about my appearance! There I got the ultimate compliment, “You were always pretty back in school and you haven’t changed!”
Thank you Dr Zweig."
Susie, Hilton Head, SC
Our patient coordinator/counselor is available to speak to you in more detail. She will be glad to discuss the variations and address the differences in procedures. If you wish we will arrange for you to speak to a patient who has had facelift surgery.
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