Our Summary

This research paper explains the importance of a thorough medical history of a patient before they undergo a facelift with local anesthesia. It suggests that those who haven’t had issues with dental procedures or any significant anxiety are the best candidates for this type of surgery. The paper also recommends using simplified and diluted local anesthesia to reduce the risk of dosage errors and any potential toxicity. It suggests that medications to reduce anxiety can be used, but very carefully. It’s also crucial to monitor the patient’s heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure if any sedatives are added to the process. A specific type of facelift called the “short-scar anterior facelift” is ideally performed under local anesthesia because it involves less invasive surgery and takes less time.

FAQs

  1. Who are the ideal candidates for a local anesthesia facelift?
  2. What precautions should be taken to minimize the risk of local anesthesia toxicity during a facelift?
  3. What type of monitoring should be performed during a facelift under local anesthesia?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about facelift surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon, which may include avoiding certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding or complications during surgery. It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure and to thoroughly discuss any concerns or questions with the surgeon before undergoing surgery. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions, such as keeping the surgical area clean and avoiding strenuous activities, can help promote proper healing and optimal results.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a facelift procedure include those who have mild to moderate signs of aging in the face, such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. Ideal candidates are typically in good overall health, do not smoke, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and have good skin elasticity.

Patients with significant medical conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, may not be good candidates for a facelift. Additionally, patients with a history of keloid scarring or poor wound healing may not be recommended for the procedure.

It is important for patients to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for a facelift and to discuss their goals and expectations for the surgery.

Timeline

Before facelift:

  1. Initial consultation with plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  2. Pre-operative medical evaluation to ensure patient is healthy enough for surgery
  3. Patient may be advised to stop smoking and avoid certain medications before surgery
  4. Day of surgery: patient arrives at surgical facility, signs consent forms, and is prepped for surgery

After facelift:

  1. Patient wakes up from surgery in recovery room
  2. Pain and discomfort may be managed with medication
  3. Patient is given post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments are scheduled
  4. Swelling and bruising may be present for several days to weeks
  5. Patient gradually sees results of facelift as swelling goes down and incision scars heal

Overall, the patient experiences a transformative journey from consultation to recovery, with careful monitoring and support from the medical team throughout the process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can I have a facelift under local anesthesia, and am I a good candidate for this type of procedure?
  2. What type of local anesthesia will be used during the facelift procedure?
  3. How will the dosage of local anesthesia be determined and monitored during the procedure?
  4. Are there any risks or side effects associated with having a facelift under local anesthesia?
  5. Will additional sedation or anxiolytics be used during the procedure, and if so, how will my vitals be monitored?
  6. What are the benefits of having a facelift under local anesthesia compared to general anesthesia?
  7. How long will the procedure take, and what is the expected recovery time with a local anesthesia facelift?
  8. What are the potential complications or risks specific to a facelift performed under local anesthesia?
  9. How experienced are you with performing facelifts under local anesthesia, and what is your success rate with this approach?
  10. Are there any alternative methods of anesthesia that I should consider for my facelift procedure?

Reference

Authors: DeJoseph LM, Pou JD. Journal: Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Aug;28(3):409-418. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2020.03.012. PMID: 32503722