Surgical procedure 

Face lifts eliminate skin wrinkles (rhytidosis) and reshape the face by removing excess skin. They also involve the consensual removal or insertion of autologous fat (from the patient) for the correct restoration of facial volumes. The stem cells contained in the adipose tissue improve the quality of the skin, increasing its elasticity and brightness. The degree of improvement varies from person to person and it depends on the physical condition of the skin (thin or thick), and the intensity of the damage caused by solar radiation (reduced elasticity). Other techniques such as blepharoplasty can be associated with this procedure.

Pre and post procedure recommendations

 

Pre-operative recommendations

It is advisable not to schedule surgery immediately before or during the menstrual period. Inform the surgeon of any treatment with drugs such as: cortisone, antihypertensive, contraceptive, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, cardioactive or tranquilizing drugs, etc. Stop taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, Ascriptin, Bufferin, Cemerit, Vivin C, etc.) at least 10 days before surgery. Patients being treated with oral contraceptives are advised to stop taking them one month before surgery. It is necessary to abstain from smoking (active and passive) for at least two weeks before surgery (the incidence of complications is 10 times higher in patients who smoke). The onset of colds, sore throats, coughs and skin diseases should be flagged. Should there be a need to take any drug not reported during the anesthetic interview, inform immediately Dr. Battistella to assess its use. Do not eat or drink from midnight the day before: fasting is required. 

The day of the surgery 

Wash your hair, carefully remove any make-up from the entire face, paying particular attention to removing mascara from the eyelashes. 

Bring to the clinic: 

- Original pre-operative examination reports. 

- Clothing: 

• wear comfortable clothes; 
• a not particularly tight T-shirt; 
• cotton linen (underwear and socks); 
• practical clothes to wear during your stay in the clinic; 
• a pair of slippers. 

- Payment of the procedure - The payment for the procedure must be received on the day of the surgery: 

• by cash; 
• by check 

Accommodation in the clinic includes a single or double room depending on the number of surgeries on the day and departmental needs. Therefore, in order to avoid disturbing those who have just undergone surgery, only one visitor / partner per person is allowed. 

After the rhytidectomy surgery 

It is important to keep the dressing intact, dry and clean until the next outpatient check-up. 

A certain degree of pain is common in the immediate post-operative period and can be resolved with the use of painkillers (Nimesulide). 

If drains have been inserted, it is normal for blood stains to appear on the gauze. The sutures will start to be removed about a week after surgery. 

The inevitable post-operative edema (swelling) and skin echymosis (bruises), more or less evident, will tend to heal spontaneously within 10-12 days. 

Although a rest period is not necessarily required in the immediate post-operative period, it is advisable to refrain from sporting activities for at least three weeks. 

Make-up and foundation can be used on the face after about 7-9 days. 

Avoid exposure to intense heat sources (sauna) or sunlight for at least two months. Protect visible scars with total sunscreen creams (50 or 100+) for 3 months. The patient will have to carry out check-ups at Dr. Battistella’s office as per specific guidelines. After the first consultations deemed appropriate by the professional, the patient will have to come for a check-up after one month, three months, six months and one year from the operation. A post-operative check-up is to be performed on an annual basis to check on the progress of the result over time. The post-operative check-up is of high importance for the successful outcome of the surgery and it is therefore necessary. 

Don’ts

- Wide rotations and extensions with the neck during the first week.

- Hair washing during the first three days. 

- Hair treatment or dyes for one month. 

- Weight lifting (e.g. children or shopping bags) for the first 20 days. 

- Taking acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) drugs for the first 20 days. 

- Exposure to the sun or other sources of intense heat (sauna) for the first few months. 

Dos

- Absolute rest during the first week. 

- Wearing a compression sleeve day and night for 3-5 days. 

- Scrupulously following the prescribed pharmacological therapy. 

- Sleeping on your back (belly up) and with your head raised (by placing two pillows under the mattress) for the first two weeks. 

- After removing the stitches, massaging the face 2-3 times a day as explained by the surgeon. - Resuming sporting activities gradually after 1 month.