Rhytidectomy (Facelift) Consultation/FAQ'S

Smoothes, reshapes and tailors facial lines, sagging skin and extra fat along the jaw and neckline, yielding a toned, natural and healthy appearance.

Our meeting is the first step in bringing you closer to feeling good about yourself. It is always exciting and at the same time anxiety producing when going for the consultation.
But, congratulations, it is now complete.

My philosophy:
Having been in private practice for over 23 years has allowed me to fine tune and think about every aspect of your care. I take great pride in my work and want my patients, you, to be extremely pleased with your results. How we achieve a content family of patients is by planning each step of your journey. The consultation was the starting point. From here we set up a day of surgery that fits into your schedule. My office staff will smooth the way for you. You will receive care instructions before the surgery that outlines what we both can do to improve your results and make you comfortable before, during and after surgery. Your prescriptions will also be written for you before the surgery so you can arrive home and not worry about how to get your medicines. These will be accompanied by guidelines informing you how and when to use these medicines.

I will meet you before the surgery and be with you as you are being sedated. It is my task to look out for your well being, which I take very seriously. Once the procedure has started my aim is to do the very best I can for you. I do not rush through surgery as I wish to be gentle and afford you the best outcome. I am often asked how long surgery will take. My only answer is as long as I need for both of us to be satisfied with the outcome. Rushing though one surgery to get to another is not how I take care of my patients. Often I will only do one major surgery a day. Not only have I studied and continue to learn and grow, but I keep my physical being in excellent condition as would an athlete prior to their events.
Every patient is important to me. You have entrusted me with your care and as such I consider you unique. No two surgeries are ever the same; each is tailored to match your particular needs. The human form is the highest form of art. Once the healing has been completed we both will be delighted.
Your care just begins after the end of the surgery. As you awaken I will remain near to you. Maintaining close a contact after the procedure, coupled with personalized and frequent evaluations in my office will help to ensure optimal healing.
Hearing my patients profess a high degree of satisfaction with the way they look and feel is what drives my office. We look forward to your joining our satisfied family of patients.
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When is the optimal time for my surgery?
Being in the best shape, mentally, physically and skin wise is desirable. As the rest of
our body ages, so does the skin. The elasticity and thickness diminish over time,
therefore, having a procedure when there is a relatively small correction is better
than waiting for a larger undertaking. An earlier lift lasts longer and gives you added
years to look and feel your best.

Will I look different?
Your basic bone structure determines who you are. However, tightening and
supporting the underlying soft structures, as well as smoothing out loose skin enables
you to look well while still maintaining your personal identity.

Can I have only my neck tightened?
Usually, there is loosening of the neck muscles and skin along with laxity along the
jaw. In order to give a pleasant and natural appearance after surgery, the neck,
jaw and cheek should be balanced.

Are there any other treatments that will improve my appearance and results?
Definitely! Good skin care and the proper skin care products will get your skin in the
best shape before surgery and maintain it afterwards. We have superb skin care
aestheticians who will evaluate your skin and recommend the proper care for you.

Where is the surgery performed?
HealthSouth Surgical Center or Bridgeport Hospital
What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a medical evaluation by your family physician to
ensure that you are in the best possible shape for surgery.

Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep using general anesthesia so that you will be comfortable
throughout the operation. Once asleep, I will place a local anesthetic under the
skin so that you will feel no discomfort, and to minimize the amount of medicine you
receive during the operation. By putting you to sleep your heart rate, blood pressure
and levels of oxygen will be optimized. Rest assured that being asleep for hours is
generally very safe, and the 5-6 hours you sleep will be just fine.

Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes- Each cigarette’s effect lasts 12 hours on the blood vessels of the body. Smoking
causes the skin to heal poorly and the complications associated with smoking are
tremendous. Even second hand smoke during the weeks before and after surgery
will adversely affect your results. Stopping is a must before and after any operation.

How long will the surgery take?
In order to be meticulous with your surgery, I will take whatever time is necessary.
This means not rushing through your surgery in order to work on another patient.
In addition, there are many things that must be done before the operation can
even start, including washing and preparing the area, making sure that your
body is well cushioned, and placing your legs into special boots in order
compress them during the surgery. Likewise, at the end of surgery I need to wash
your hair, clean your face and apply a special well padded dressing. I will also
wait around in recovery after the surgery to be certain that all is going well
before I leave. The surgery itself generally lasts, however, between 5 and 6 hours.

What can I expect?
The folds of skin and creases in front of your ears will be smoothed out. Sagging
skin and fat along your jaw-line will be repositioned to bring back a clean, crisp
line. Neck skin and muscle will be tightened, and extra fat in these areas will be
sculpted away where necessary.

Where are the scars?
The scar usually starts at your sideburn, then passes to the top of the ear,
following the ear contour around the earlobe into the groove behind the ear. At
the back of the ear, the scar will delve into the neck hairline. There will also be a
line under your chin so I can tighten the neck muscles.

How long will I wear a bandage?
At the end of surgery I will wrap a soft cottony bandage around your head. This
will be changed the next morning and replaced with an elastic garment that
you will wear for 1 week, except when you shower.

When can I shower?
Usually the day after your first post-operative office visit. Shower with a mild
shampoo and gentle facial cleanser. Bathes are not a good idea for 3 weeks
after surgery so as to keep your swelling down.

Will my Face hurt?
Generally, there is minimal discomfort. You will note snugness about the
face and neck from tightening the underlying tissues that have been
loose for so many years.

When I can resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 7-10 days. Bruising is variable and usually
located in the lower face or neck. Seeing your best friends after 10 days is
good, but I would wait at least 2-3 weeks before meeting new
acquaintances, at which time you will look presentable. After 3 weeks
you will look much better than before surgery, but you still have another 3-
4 weeks for 50% of the swelling to subside. It is not a good idea to exercise
or increase your heart rate for 3 weeks from the time of surgery. This will
help to diminish your swelling and improve the rate at which you heal.

What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines that tells you what medicines to stay
away from and which vitamins to take. Do not allow anyone to smoke in
your presence for weeks. Using ice often, rest, maintaining a low salt diet
and having a positive attitude all go a long way to assisting your recovery.

When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you will re-visit the office
the day after surgery, and then again within 4-8 days. There will be
multiple visits (which are included in your care) to evaluate your progress
and support your healing needs.

Are there any additional fees to what was quoted?
If the surgery takes a bit longer (as there is never a rush), a bit more may
be owed for the operating room and anesthesia. However, if future
surgery or procedures are necessary, there will be additional fees for
anesthesia, the operating room and the surgeon.

Conclusion:
My staff and I will strive to take the best care of you. We appreciate your
trust and confidence in us and do not take it lightly. My aim is to refresh,
smooth out, and brighten your appearance. A natural look is always best;
especially one that maintains your personal facial identity. Looking as
good on the outside as you feel on the inside is what we will accomplish
together.
If you have additional questions we are available to answer them. \

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D.