You may have read our recent blog about tumescent liposuction; if not, you can find it here.

The facelift procedure can also be done using the tumescent or local anesthesia technique, sometimes referred to as the “awake facelift” or local facelift.

Let’s dive into the details a bit more.

Local (Tumescent) Facelift

A facelift, or rhytidecomy, is a plastic surgery procedure that is used to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and to improve the overall appearance of the face and jaw. Your plastic surgeon will lift and tighten the muscle layers of your face. He will sculpt and shape your deeper facial tissues, form more aesthetically pleasing contours and a more youthful appearance to create your desired look. Many patients are interested in the tumescent technique as it is way to have plastic surgery while saving both time and money and removing the risks and costs associated with general anesthesia.

Tumescent anesthesia can be combined with oral sedation to relieve anxiety, increase comfort, and to make the time during surgery pass quickly.  The tumescent technique involves injecting a solution containing a local anesthetic (lidocaine), a drug that contracts the blood vessels (epinephrine), and an intravenous salt solution into your face. The lidocaine helps to numb the area before and after the procedure. Epinephrine aids in blood loss reduction, bruising and swelling during and post-procedure. The IV solution helps to remove the fat more easily. The medicated solution is injected into the targeted areas and causes them to become swollen and firm (the meaning of ‘tumescent’).

For additional information on the facelift procedure, please visit our website.

Benefits of the Tumescent Technique

• Reduced pain, bruising and swelling post-procedure
• Patient can avoid the side effects of general anesthesia and IV sedatives
• Reduced blood loss during procedure
• Patient can be positioned to best accommodate the surgeon

Things to Consider

When considering your facelift options, it is imperative that you seek the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience operating with the use of a wide range of anesthesia. Based on the extent of the procedure desired, the length of time required to complete it, and your anesthesia desires, the surgeon can recommend the best option for your individual situation. Not all patients may be candidates for the tumescent facelift surgery.

The following factors can also determine whether you are a candidate for facelift surgery:

• Skin elasticity
• Strong bone structure
• Realistic expectations
• Loose skin on the face/neck
• Good overall health

To prepare for a tumescent facelift procedure, you should first schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your desired cosmetic goals and to determine if you are a candidate for the tumescent technique. After your consultation, our highly rated surgeons will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions to follow.

If you are interested in learning more about the tumescent local facelift technique and to see if you are a candidate for the procedure, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of the top plastic surgeons in the Denver area. Call 303.680.8989 or email info@broadwaymd.com today.