Both men and women complain that
they cannot stop the hands of time. From sagging
eyelids and facial skin to a droopy neckline,
Dr. Mills sees many patients that desire to reverse
the effects of age on their face and neck. Most
patients say that their wrinkles and sagging skin
do not reflect their youthful spirit and energy
level. They consult with Dr. Mills for options
to refresh their look. Dr. Mills performs many
variations of rhytidectomy, or facelift surgery,
to smooth out the loose skin of the face and neck,
tighten the underlying tissues and muscle and
remove any excess skin. Ultimately, a facelift
will allow you to turn back the hands of time
and better reflect your youthful spirit.
There are several surgical options
that Dr. Mills performs and each addresses a different
area of the face. The first option is the Sub
Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) facelift. This
facelift is often the most effective and longest-lasting
means of addressing jowling, facial wrinkling
and excess skin to the face and neck. This procedure
is especially effective in addressing the issue
of a turkey-gobbler neck. We all know how time
can cause the facial skin to sag and lose its
elasticity. Dr. Mills uses the SMAS facelift to
lift and secure the sagging skin and underlying
muscle structure to a firmer and smoother position
across the face and neck. The incisions are inconspicuously
hidden in the natural contour of the ear and extend
around the earlobe and back into the hairline.
There is also a tiny incision under the chin.
• Learn about the Mid Facelift Procedure in 3D
• Learn about the Lower Facelift Procedure in 3D
If you are experiencing a flattening
out of the mid portion of the face, Dr. Mills
will likely suggest a Midface suspension. This
type of facelift literally repositions the cheek
fat pads, which over time become low and less
prominent. The Midface suspension also reduces
and smoothes out prominent naso-labial folds.
Dr. Mills places small incisions in the hairline
and at the lower eyelash line. Of all the facial
rejuvenation procedures, the Midface suspension
generally yields the most dramatic results. This
procedure will actually change your look a bit.
Dr. Mills can perform the SMAS and
Midface suspension either individually, together
or in conjunction with other facial procedures
that will enhance the entire face. Oftentimes,
Dr. Mills will combine a facelift with blepharoplasty
(eyelid surgery) to address droopy or puffy eyelids.
Dr. Mills can also add the volume that your lips
have lost over time with fat transfers or smooth
out the fine lines around the mouth with dermabrasion.
Additionally, Dr. Mills can correct any sagging
forehead skin with a coronalplasty (browlift).
Just let Dr. Mills know what facial enhancements
you are looking to achieve and he will tailor
a surgical plan to give you the rejuvenated look
that you desire.
During the consultation and other pre-operative
visits, Dr. Mills will walk you through your
particular facelift design. Dr. Mills places
high importance on your goals, physical examination
and medical history. During your physical examination,
Dr. Mills will assess your facial bone and underlying
tissue structure, skin thickness, texture, and
elasticity and the extent of facial wrinkles
and folds. Dr. Mills will use all of this information
to tailor a surgical plan that best suits your
features.
Typically two weeks prior to surgery, you will
meet with our pre-operative coordinator and Dr.
Mills to finalize all of your surgical details.
Your pre-operative coordinator will review all
of your pre-operative instructions and make sure
that you complete all the necessary laboratory
tests and health screenings. If you have not
done so within six months prior to your surgery
date, you will need to have a medical evaluation
(EKG, etc.) If you are a smoker, you will be
advised to quit smoking at least one month prior
to surgery and not to resume for at least one
month after your surgery. Additionally, there
are certain medications, herbs and potions that
your pre-operative coordinator will advise you
to cease taking from several weeks prior to several
weeks after your surgery. We have vitamins and
medications that will aid in your recovery by
minimizing inflammation and swelling. These supplements
are completely optional, but are available for
purchase should you desire. It is really important
that you follow all Dr. Mills’ instructions diligently to
optimize your surgical results and recovery period.
Your pre-operative appointment will also be a
time for you to ask any final questions, so that
you are physically and mentally prepared for your
surgery and recovery period.
On your day of surgery, you will
be cared for by an experienced surgical team that
includes Dr. Mills, a nurse anesthetist, a registered
nurse and surgical technician. Dr. Mills has been
some members of his surgical team since the beginning
of his practice. Each person has a unique role
in your surgery, but each individual shares in
Dr. Mills’ philosophy and commitment to
superior patient care standards.
Your surgical time will depend on
the combination of procedures that you elect.
You will likely be required to stay at an overnight
facility, under the supervision of a specialized
and experienced aftercare nurse. As her only patient,
she will change and refresh your facial ice packs,
administer medications and oxygen and assist you
with your snacks and walking. After a night of
constant monitoring, you will be discharged the
following morning. At this time, you will need
someone to pick you up and care for you for the
next 48 hours.
Prior to your discharge, your bandages
will be changed from a full head wrap to a lighter
wrap. Dr. Mills will remove the light head wrap
on your second day post-operatively. Additionally,
we will assist you in washing your hair at this
visit.
Dr. Mills believes that oxygen therapy
significantly promotes healing. As such, our office
will make arrangements to provide you with in-home
oxygen therapy after your surgery. The oxygen
tank will be delivered to your house and picked
up, so you do have to make any inconvenient trips.
Dr. Mills will monitor your healing progress and
advise you when to cease using the oxygen.
For the first week after surgery,
Dr. Mills recommends an extra dose of rest and
relaxation. You will need to keep your activity
levels very light and sleep with your head elevated.
You may shower once the bandages are removed,
but you will want to be extremely careful with
washing your hair. Dr. Mills will ask that you
not comb or brush over your suture areas. You
will likely see the swelling reach its peak and
then begin to subside within the first week. Dr.
Mills will have you come in for routine follow-up
visits, including removal of your stitches at
7, 10 and 14 days post-operatively.
After a couple of weeks, most of
your bruising and swelling should subside and
you may resume your normal activities, including
non-strenuous work. You can generally expect that
you can exercise after several weeks, but Dr.
Mills will advise that you avoid direct sun exposure.
You should always wear a hat and high SPF sunblock
to protect your skin. (Dr. Mills will recommend
that you consistently cover your face from sun
exposure beyond the post-operative period to protect
your skin and maintain your results.)
We understand it can be emotionally
uncomfortable to be seen in public during the
first couple of weeks after your surgery. While
we know the healing will be worth the wait, we
want to make this period as comfortable as possible
for you. Our in-house aesthetician will apply
some camaflouge makeup to cover any bruising and
show you how to do this on your own. Additionally,
she will set up an appointment for a complementary
facial and review a regime to keep your skin looking
radiant and beautiful.
We encourage you to come to our
office for routine post-operative visits for the
first six months so that Dr. Mills can evaluate
your progress and healing. Between these checkups,
we want you to call us with any questions, needs,
or just to keep in touch. Dr. Mills wants to build
a long-term relationship with his patients, so
we always welcome on-going communication.
With facial surgery, potential complications
may include hematoma, delayed wound healing, infection,
numbness and wide or depressed scars. It is crucial
that you attend all follow up visits and maintain
a restful post-operative period to minimize the
occurrence of any potential complications.
Dr. Mills understands that this
is likely a very significant decision in your
life. He looks forward to meeting you to hear
your specific needs and discuss how he can refresh
your appearance. We would also happily connect
you with past patients so that you can ask them
questions about their experience. In the meantime,
we welcome any questions that you might have
via email or phone. You can call our office
or contact our patient coordinator through our
contact us page.
It is our practice philosophy to strive to provide
every patient and prospective patient with the
best service and care possible, so please let
us know how we can best serve you.
| Facial Rejuvenation
Post-Operative Information |
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You can expect: |
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To require assistance for the first 2 – 7
days following your surgery. |
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To drive after 7 – 10 days. |
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To resume normal activities after about
10 – 14 days. |
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To resume any light aerobic activity after
1 month. |
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To see bruising and swelling subside after
2 – 4 weeks. |
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To take approximately 2 – 4 weeks
off from work. |
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To feel a bit “down” for 2 – 3
weeks post-operatively. |
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To visit our office post-operatively at
3, 7, 10 and 14 days and 1, 3 and 6 months
post-operatively. (We also recommend annual
follow-up visits.) |
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To wear support stockings for 1 week after
your surgery (or until you are moving normally). |
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To be on oxygen therapy for 6 hours per
day for the first week post-operatively. |
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To see your final results at about 6 months,
after your skin has contracted. |
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To feel tightness for the first 2 weeks
(or until the swelling subsides). |
| What areas of the face does
a facelift treat? |
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| Many people fear the word facelift; they
think this procedure covers the whole face.
A facelift covers the neck and jowls. If
you have loose skin around your neck and/or
some jowling around your mouth, then you
are probably a perfect candidate for a traditional
facelift. |
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| Do I have to stay overnight? |
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Dr. Mills prefers that our patients stay
overnight in a facility after a facelift.
A nurse with ACLS certification will stay
with you to administer pain and nausea shots
or pills, change your icepacks, and monitor
your overall recovery. Our nurse is also
helpful in keeping you calm that first
night, as the head dressing is bulky and can make some people feel claustrophobic. |
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| Will my incisions be noticeable? |
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Dr Mills prides himself on his scars. He
will hide the incision inside and behind
the ear and in the hairline. Within a few
months, the scars will most likely only be
found by your
hairdresser. |
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| Will I be in pain after surgery? |
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| Most of our patients would say that the
procedure is not painful, but there is a
lot of anxiety. Some patients do complain
of some ear pain, but this can be treated with medication. |
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| Will I be really bruised? |
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| Most of our patients experience bruising
for about 1-2 weeks. We do recommend an anti-bruising
agent prior to surgery and will provide you
with complementary camaflouge makeup to minimize
the appearance of bruising. |
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| How much time should I take off work? |
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You should plan on taking about two weeks
off. If you have a more strenuous job, we
recommend that you take a month off to fully
recover from surgery and minimize any potential
post-surgical
complications. |
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