THE NUTS & BOLTS OF FACELIFT SURGERY

Men and women always talk about the amazing results that can be achieved from facelift surgery; however, the logistics of the actual surgery – pre, during and post procedure – are rarely a topic of conversation. While these nuts and bolts are discussed at length with the patient prior to their facelift procedure, we thought it would be helpful for patients to receive some of this information during their research phase. Patients are usually shocked to find how pain free and easy the facelift procedure can be (contrary to their initial perception). Board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anthony J. Geroulis and his medical team have gathered a few common facelift questions from their patients and answered them for you below.

WILL THE FACELIFT PROCEDURE HURT?

One of Dr. Geroulis’ patients described the pain from a paper cut to be worse than that of facelift surgery! Chicago patients are often very afraid of the pain associated with cosmetic surgical procedures. The truth is that Dr. Geroulis uses sedation, the same type that is administered for a colonoscopy procedure, so that the surgery is pain-free. This type of sedation also doesn’t pose the same risks as general anesthesia.

What happens the day of the procedure?

Patients typically arrive early in the morning on the day of their facelift surgery. One of the reasons for this is that they need to fast the night before for the sedation, so it is easier to get started early. The procedure takes four to five hours in total, although that includes all the preparation required, as well. Following the facelift procedure, the patient rests in the recovery room for several hours. The caregiver, usually the patient’s spouse or friend, returns in the early afternoon. Patients either stay at their nearby home or hotel for the first night following the procedure. Dr. Geroulis always calls and checks in that evening and gives the patient his personal number, so they can reach him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PROCESS LIKE?

The patient will return the next morning to see Dr. Geroulis for a follow up appointment. Over the first couple of weeks following the procedure, the patient will return for a several follow up appointments. While the healing process varies from patient to patient, it typically lasts about 14-20 days. The degree of bruising and swelling also varies from patient to patient; however, sleeping at a 45° angle in the days following surgery is essential to minimizing their appearance. In most cases, the patient is able to return to their normal routine after just a couple of weeks.

Of course, it is very important to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Geroulis, so he may answer all of your questions about facelift surgery. Chicago- based Dr. Geroulis tailors each procedure to the individual and will perform a full facial analysis during a consultation appointment at one of his office locations in Northfield, Hoffman Estates or Chicago. To schedule an appointment, call 866.875.3937.