203-335-3223

Voted Best & Top Plastic Surgeon in Fairfield County & Connecticut

“It is amazing! My turkey neck is gone. I’m going to throw away my turtleneck sweaters. Why hide this neck?”

Jeffrey Rosenthal MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon l Former, Chief Plastic Surgery at Bridgeport Hospital

140 Sherman Street, Fairfield, CT 06824
Rosenthal Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center

"Where Art Meets Science"

FAQs About Rhytidectomy (Facelift)

When is the optimal time for my surgery?

Being in the best shape mentally and physically with optimal skin health 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 rejuvenated 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
 products and experienced aestheticians who will evaluate your skin and recommend the proper care for you. We will start you on a skin care regimen weeks before your surgery.

Where is the surgery performed?

The Surgery Center of Fairfield County in Bridgeport 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.  Additionally second hand smoke, during the weeks before and after surgery,
 will adversely affect your results. Stopping is a must before and after any operation. I highly recommend you stay away from second hand smoke.

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 addition, there are many things that must be done before the operation
 starts, including washing and preparing the area, making sure that your
 body is well cushioned, and placing your legs into special boots in order
 to 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 in recovery after the surgery to be certain that all is going well
 before I leave. The surgery itself generally lasts 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 muscles 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
 tiny incision 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 day 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. Baths are not a good idea for 3 weeks
 after surgery 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 years.

When can I 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
 fine, 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 an additional 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 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 include information about 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, resting, 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.

 

Rosenthal Costmetic Surgery & Skin Care Center – Offices in Fairfield and Greenwich, Connecticut

Art of Plastic Surgery Fairfield CT