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Swedish Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Preoperative Phase with Dr. Tolga Aksan
Consultation and Evaluation:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Dr. Aksan reviews the patient’s overall health, including any previous facial surgeries, current medications, and lifestyle factors.
- Discussion of Aesthetic Goals: The patient’s goals, concerns about facial aging, and desired outcomes are thoroughly discussed.
- Physical Assessment: Dr. Aksan evaluates the skin quality, facial structure, and extent of aging changes in the face and neck.
Preoperative Tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for anemia, infection, and other blood-related issues.
- Coagulation Profile: Including PT (Prothrombin Time) and aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) to assess blood clotting.
- Electrolyte Panel: To check the balance of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in your body.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine: To assess kidney function.
- Liver Function Tests: To evaluate the health of your liver.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: To check for diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions.
- Lipid Profile: To assess cholesterol levels.
- Urine Analysis: To detect any urinary tract infections or kidney issues.
- Pregnancy Test (if applicable): To rule out pregnancy before the surgery.
- EKG (Electrocardiogram): Especially for patients over 40 years or with cardiac risk factors, to check heart function.
- Chest X-Ray: To evaluate lung health and rule out respiratory issues.
- Hemoglobin A1C: For patients with diabetes, to assess blood sugar control over the last three months.
- HIV and Hepatitis Panel: Depending on the clinic’s policy and patient’s risk factors.
- COVID-19 Test: Depending on current health guidelines and policies.
Planning and Marking:
- Dr. Aksan may make preoperative markings on the face, indicating areas of focus for lifting and tightening.
Surgical Procedure by Dr. Tolga Aksan
Anesthesia:
- A facelift is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
Incision:
- Traditional Facelift: Incisions usually begin in the hairline at the temples, continue around the ear, and end in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed, and underlying tissue is repositioned.
- Limited Incision Facelift: Shorter incisions are made at the temples and around the ear. This approach is suitable for patients with less skin relaxation.
- Neck Lift: Incisions may be made under the chin to improve the appearance of the neck if needed.
Lifting and Tightening:
- The skin is lifted, and deeper layers of the face and muscles are lifted and tightened.
- Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped over the newly repositioned contours.
Closing the Incisions:
- Incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives. Dr. Aksan takes care to place the incisions where they are well concealed within the hairline and natural contours of the face.
Postoperative Care by Dr. Tolga Aksan's Team
Immediate Recovery:
- Postoperative swelling, bruising, and discomfort are managed with medication. A bandage might be placed around the face to minimize swelling and bruising.
Postoperative Instructions:
- Detailed instructions on caring for the surgical site, medications to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, and specific concerns to look for at the surgical site.
Follow-up Visits:
- Scheduled appointments with Dr. Aksan to remove any sutures and to check the healing process.
Long-Term Care and Results:
- The final results of a facelift will be visible after the swelling and bruising subside. This process can take several weeks, with further subtle improvements over a few months.
- Scars will fade over time but are typically well-concealed.
Key Considerations
- Patient Selection: Ideal candidates are those experiencing facial aging but still have some skin elasticity.
- Recovery Time: Recovery varies by individual, but patients typically return to normal activities within two to three weeks.
- Risks and Safety: Dr. Aksan discusses potential risks such as scarring, changes in skin sensation, and irregularities in skin contour.
Dr. Aksan ensures a personalized approach for each facelift procedure, aiming for natural-looking results that enhance the patient’s features while addressing signs of aging. He provides comprehensive care from the initial consultation through the recovery period.