In recent years, we have seen men take a more proactive approach to aging. Through effective communication with your physician, you have the opportunity to develop a treatment plan aimed toward helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. At times, this treatment plan may include surgical options such as a Rhytidectomy (also known as a Facelift). Lavinia K. Chong, MD provides facelifts for men in her Newport Beach facility.
Dr. Chong’s philosophy is that it is important to get to know the patient and their goals. For most male patients, the primary goal is to not look “done”. The ideal facelift patient has set realistic goals, is in good health, a non-smoker, and is able to allow sufficient room in their schedule for downtime. Patients seeking surgical options for facial rejuvenation have often experienced one or more of the following:
- Loss of facial volume.
- Skin laxity as the result of aging or weight gain and loss.
- Rugged tone or texture after years of environmental and sun exposure.
As the years go by the face begins to show signs of a life well-lived. Our patients understand that this surgical option is not intended to be a means for recreating the facial blueprint. Surgical options are refinements of the face, creating a facsimile of its more youthful appearance in years prior.
“Dr. Chong has been nothing short of amazing! I am so satisfied with my results and she truly cares about her patients and their concerns/questions. I could not recommend her more!” – (Patient from Healthgrades)
Procedure
Dr. Chong is a 2nd generation plastic surgeon, who was mentored by her late father, Dr. J. Kenneth Chong, M.D., F.A.C.S. F.R.C.S. She learned the fundamentals of the submuscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift technique during an externship with plastic surgery specialists Tom Baker, M.D., Howard Gordon, M.D., and James Stuzin, M.D. in Miami, Florida. It was during her externships and fellowships that Dr. Lavinia Chong refined her approach to surgical facial rejuvenation.
Each patient is unique and a variety of surgical procedures may be used to address individual goals. These may include:
- Repositioning of subcutaneous tissue to restore fullness in the cheeks.
- Repositioning of the jowls to redefine the jaw.
- Removal of excess submental fat from under the chin, recruiting fallen neck muscle bands, and sculpting the skin of the neck.
- Facial implants (cheek, chin, or lip), earlobe reduction, and structural fat grafting to improve the overall result.
- Facial rejuvenation to improve skin appearance and texture: Cutera Secret RF Micro-needling, in a series of three treatments, improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars with an individualized radiofrequency treatment plan.
Recovery
The amount of bruising or swelling to expect can vary dependent on the combination of procedures. Neck drains are put in place the day of surgery to reduce bruising and swelling. These drains are most often removed the next day at your post-operative appointment. Their function is to withdraw fluid, which in turn decreases swelling & bruising. Most patients feel comfortable resuming daily activities within 10-14 days.
Facelift FAQs
How does this procedure differ when being performed on men?
Male facelift patients tend to have thicker tissue putting them at an increased risk for bleeding or developing a hematoma. Please be aware of items which can potentially thin the blood. We ask that you suspend the use of following items no less than 10 days prior to surgery: aspirin, Vitamin E, fish oil, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Naproxen, and Motrin.
Will my scar be visible?
Concealing the scar is often more challenging with shorter hairstyles. The scar originates below the sideburns, travels in front of the ear, extends behind the ear & terminates in the scalp.
Can I have a short scar facelift?
In theory, yes, if no significant neck lift is required. The short scar facelift omits the scar behind the ear (postauricular scar). Please keep in mind, if you choose to explore this option, this limited approach does not allow the best access.
Is it safe to color my hair?
In keeping with maintaining their best physical appearance, an increasing number of men are opting for subtle color options to reduce appearance of grey hair. Hair color & other treatments can be scheduled two weeks, post-operatively (assuming there have been no delays in wound healing).
Your consultation with female plastic surgeon, Dr. Chong will allow you the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals. We invite you to bring in photos of yourself from the past 10-20 years to your consultation. This will provide Dr. Chong the opportunity to review your natural aging process and work with you to develop a plan to help you achieve your goals.
For an opportunity to meet with Dr. Chong to discuss your surgical options, please call our office in Newport Beach, (949) 644-1400.
