An individual's face is never exactly symmetrical. The two halves of the face never look exactly alike. Irregularities exist from side to side in the shape of the cheekbones, angle of the jaw, and height of the eyes.
Please do not expect total perfection. It was not achieved at birth and I cannot provide it now, but I can improve and correct what bothers you.

One hour before your surgery, you will be asked to come to our surgicenter located down the hall from our offices. Please come at the designated time wearing a shirt or blouse that buttons in the front, warm socks, and no make-up. My nurse will then give you medication which will allow you to relax. An hour later, you will be taken to surgery sedated.

The operation is performed in my clinic and usually takes about two and half hours. Twilight anesthesia in the form of either I.V. Pentothal or Valium is used during surgery. This type of anesthesia is similar to that given when having a baby and will leave you with no memory of your procedure. General anesthesia is available if desired.

During the operation, the skin of your temple, cheek, and neck will be freed widely from your facial muscles and all possible excess skin and fat will be removed. The underlying muscles of the neck and cheek will be tightened. Your tissues will be reset to years past. They will resent this “turning back the clock” and will react with swelling and a feeling of tightness. The incisions running from the temple around the ear and back through the hairline are closed with tension and will be tender for a time. By using this method your hairline will not be changed or removed.

No real pain should be encountered following surgery since the majority of the nerves to the face will be cut away from the skin during surgery. They will grow back slowly over the next few months. Occasionally, an ear may be numb but all areas usually regain their sensation in about six months.

You must have an adult stay with you the first night. This is to ensure your safety since you will be disoriented.

In an attempt to get the best possible result, all wounds have been closed under tension. You are encouraged not to twist your head or stretch your neck for the first five days. When looking to the side, turn your body and head as a unit, keep the neck quiet. Moderation in stretching and twisting is advised for three weeks.

Your bandage will be changed on the first day after surgery. A new dressing will be applied and another appointment will be given to you. No dressing is necessary after the second day. All stitches will be removed by the fifth day. Eyebrow plucking and make-up are now permissible. A shampoo and hair setting can be carried out on the third day. Tinting and dyeing is allowed after the seventh day. You will probably be presentable to the public in five to seven days after surgery and certainly in two weeks. How quickly you heal will depend on your health and healing quality, as well as a quiet, calm convalescence.

A facelift will naturally be stretched slightly by the early swelling, and when this subsides, a little of the gain is lost. This gives a natural effect and prevents the drawn, mask-like appearance. Of course, after numerous facelifts, the tight look is more likely. Many ask if their face will fall or if they will be worse when it does. NO, it will not fall, and NO, it will not be worse. You will not need one every few years just because you had one now. Your excess sag and droop have been removed and thrown away so it cannot come back. Your skin tone has been improved and you will always be a step younger than your years or peers. Your skin is naturally going to age again. If, after several years, your skin has aged more than pleases you, a second facelift at a lightly reduced fee may be advisable, and this should then carry you ten years or more. To safeguard the results you have gained, you are urged to avoid excessive gain and loss of weight. Moderate sunshine, if enjoyed, is permissible. Too much sun will dry and tan the skin to leather and increase the wrinkles many fold.

It is not the lot of everyone to grow old gracefully and, thus, plastic surgery has been perfected so that people can continue to be attractive to themselves and their friends. It is important to keep a good-looking person attractive while still young enough to enjoy it. The average age for a facelift is in the early forties to late fifties, but a health seventy-five also deserves a new lease on life. The operation merely removes excess skin which is no different than ridding the body of unnecessary and undesirable appendages. There is no need for a feeling of guilt, nor is there reason for broadcasting. Let everyone enjoy your new attractiveness, and, if someone should guess our secret, do not be upset. Once the excess skin has been removed, you will have given up, plus or minus, ten years or wear and tear. How much you make of your new face will depend on your happiness, health, eye sparkle, hair style, and make-up. Estheticians and facialist are available to you for consultation after your surgery. These are beyond your surgeon’s domain but, remember, they are the ICING ON THE CAKE.