Changes Rapid Lift
The Rapid-Facelift Advantage
Changes offers the unique Changes Rapid Lift to meet the modern demands of the discriminating patient who needs a rapid recovery. This facelift procedure was developed by Dr. Gilbert Lee specifically for patients with mild to moderate aging in the face. As a favorite alternative to a traditional facelift, the Rapid Lift costs less and has a faster recovery time than the traditional facelift with equal results. This is possible because of a minimal number of incisions and the procedure being performed under local anesthesia in the office, eliminating expensive operating room and anesthesiologist fees.
All of these factors make the Changes Rapid Lift an excellent option for active men and women who are looking to turn back the clock on their appearance. The success, ease, and cost of this procedure have led it to be one of our most popular procedures.
The Changes Rapid Lift specifically treats loose skin and wrinkles in the lower half of the face as well as tightens the jaw line and neck profile, all of which are areas where aging first occurs. These wrinkles are caused by skin and muscle stretching and loss of fat underneath the skin as you age. To correct this, Dr. Lee resuspends and supports the facial and neck fat and muscles back to their original position, then removes excess skin to tighten and remove wrinkles. In addition, Dr. Lee also tightens the neck and jaw, removing the loose skin that naturally occurs over time. Jowls just seem to disappear, and a youthful neck line is restored. Cheeks become full, and a young and vivacious face is rediscovered. The result is a procedure that takes years off of your appearance at a fraction of the cost and recovery time.
This procedure is performed by your triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gilbert Lee, who has been voted by the San Diego Medical Society "Top Doctor" for the past 5 years running. Read more about Dr. Lee's qualifications on his CV.
Determining your candidacy for a Changes Rapid Lift
The best candidate for a facelift is a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but whose skin still has some elasticity and whose bone structure is strong and well defined. Most patients are in their forties to sixties, but facelifts can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties as well.
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, severe anxiety, or severely aged skin, you may not be a candidate for the Changes Rapid Lift. Also, patients over 60 may need to have a traditional facelift to achieve desired results.
Preparing For Surgery
Along with your plastic surgeon, you play an important role in optimizing your outcome. Effective pre-operative skin care can expedite your recovery and enhance the surgical results. Skin heals better when it is properly cleansed, nourished and hydrated. The best time to begin pre-operative skin care is when the decision has been made to have the Changes Rapid Lift. Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate skin care products and a specially designed regimen that will help prepare your skin by putting it in the best possible condition for your procedure. In addition to the Changes Skin Care Line of products, pre and post-operative facials can help prepare the skin and expedite its healing after surgery.
On the day of your procedure, you will be given some oral medications to make you relaxed for the procedure. The Changes Rapid Lift is then carried out under a local anesthetic and is very well tolerated by patients.
Potential Risks
When a facelift is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent. All of the Changes surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons with many years of experience treating thousands of patients with similar conditions. These credentials help ensure the highest standards of care and your utmost safety.
Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities. The outcome is not completely predictable. Potential complications associated with facelifts include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed by the surgeon), injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary), infection, and reactions to the local anesthesia. Poor healing of the skin is more likely to occur in smokers. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon's advice both before and after surgery.
Post-Surgical Care
As with any surgery, there may be some discomfort during recovery that can be managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon. Some numbness of the skin is quite normal. It will disappear in a few weeks or months.
Your doctor may tell you to keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery in order to keep the swelling down. If you have drainage tubes inserted, they will be removed one or two days after surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed in two to four days. Most of your stitches will be removed after about five day while final stitches may be left in a few days longer. Most of the scars will be hidden within your hairline and the normal creases of your skin.
Recovery
You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb.
You will be given more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine). Avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several weeks, and limit your exposure to the sun for several months. Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal.
At the beginning, your face will be swollen, but that too is part of the natural healing process. Some bruising may persist for two or three weeks, but during your follow-up visits, your surgeon will monitor your progress.
After two weeks, you'll look and feel much better. Most patients are back at work about ten days to two weeks after surgery. Makeup can be applied after approximately 10 days.
Your New Look
Most patients are pleased with the final results of their facelift and not only look rejuvenated, but feel better about themselves, as well. This procedure has a very high satisfaction rate and is an excellent way of "looking as young as you feel."
Take a look at our current specials, which offers our professional procedures at great discounts!
If you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee, contact us today.
