For your convenience, our Minneapolis facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jess Prischmann, has provided the following answers to some common questions about facelift and necklift. If you would like more information, or if you are interested in scheduling a consultation, please contact us today.

What incisions are necessary for a facelift? Where are they made?

For a standard facelift, one small incision is made under the chin and one very elaborate incision is made in front of and behind each ear. Dr. Prischmann carefully plans facelift incisions so that she can achieve the ultimate goal: to make all evidence of a facelift expertly hidden in naturally-occurring creases and folds. She wants you to be able to interact with people in very close range (even with your hair up in a ponytail) and have confidence that no one will know that you have had a facelift.

For a “mini” facelift, Dr. Prischmann doesn’t make an incision under the chin, but still makes incisions around the ears. Even though it is called a “mini” lift, she meticulously plans the procedure to ensure the best results possible.

If I have a facelift, will I have the appearance of looking “pulled”?

No. You should not look pulled.

Are drains necessary after a facelift? Why/Why not?

Not every facelift surgeon uses drains, but Dr. Prischmann does. She places very small drains for less than 24 hours. This prevents any major fluid accumulation in the neck. Typically, our patients have not seen any major side effects from having drains in place.

Some experts believe that drains can help prevent one of the more common complications following a facelift: hematomas. A hematoma is a collection of blood that typically occurs on the night of surgery. Hematomas after facelift are not life-threatening, but they do require going back to the operating room to reduce pressure at the surgical site.

What can patients do to reduce the risk of hematomas?

As a patient, there are several things that YOU can do to reduce your risk of hematomas. They include:

Before surgery:

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen two weeks prior to surgery
• Avoid all fish oil supplements two weeks prior to surgery
• Avoid garlic, ginko, ginseng, and Vitamin E supplements
• Check your blood pressure three times daily for one week (at various times of the day). If your pressure is high, please let Dr. Prischmann know, and we will decide what steps to take. Remember, high blood pressure typically has no symptoms.
• Consider taking a homeopathic supplement called Arnica Montana beginning one week prior to surgery. There are some studies that suggest taking this supplement could decrease your bleeding risk.

After surgery:

• Keep pain and nausea under control. Sharp increases in pain and nausea can increase blood pressure and your risk of bleeding.
• Consider continuing Arnica Montana. Dr. Prischmann has a protocol that we suggest for patients.
• Consider taking Vitamin C supplementation. Vitamin C is essential during the healing process.
• Consider drinking pineapple juice. Pineapple juice contains bromelain, an enzyme that might be beneficial during the healing process.
• While it is important to keep blood circulating throughout your body to prevent blood clots, you should avoid strenuous activities for two weeks following a facelift.

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS IMPORTANT TO TALK TO YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN BEFORE STARTING OR STOPPING ANY MEDICATIONS OR SUPPLEMENTS.

How do you address excessive fat in the neck?

Liposuction can successfully address fat in the neck. However, some patients have a lot of diffuse fat in the neck – sometimes even deeper than what a facelift can address. In that case, Dr. Prischmann makes sure to set appropriate expectations prior to surgery. There are some cases where the neck cannot be fully rejuvenated with surgery.

When will my face “soften”? What should I do to help promote healing?

It is extremely common for patients to feel numbness and swelling after a facelift. Sometimes, patients will use the term “wooden” to describe the feeling. It is important to understand that this is just a normal healing phase after surgery and it will pass. Swelling decreases from days to weeks after surgery. Numbness typically subsides several weeks after surgery.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Prischmann

If you would like more information on facelift or necklift, or if you are interested in meeting with Dr. Prischmann for a consultation, please contact our office today.