Dr. Pollard’s Q&A

Dr. Pollard is proud to offer plastic and reconstructive surgery to patients throughout San Jose, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and the surrounding areas. Please read below to find Dr. Pollard’s answers to some commonly asked questions by our patients.

Q: Who is a Good Candidate for a Mini Face Lift?

I am 47 and would like to know if a mini face lift is a good idea. I am told I look years younger than my age, but I want to look very young for my age, and it is time.

A: What Really is a Mini Face Lift & What is Important to Face Lift Patients?

In my experience of more than 1,000 face lifts and several thousand consultations, I have found the following things to be important to patients:

Maximal Results
Minimal Downtime
No-Pressure Environment
A Caring Surgeon with Experience
No General Anesthesia

What makes a Mini Face Lift (Mini Lift) a “Mini Face Lift”?

The answer to this question is somewhat nebulous. It can mean any of the following:

More focused target area (i.e., only jawline)
Shorter incision length
Skin Only (… hopefully not in this day & age…)
Something other than General Anesthesia
Faster Procedure
Hocus Pocus Marketing Gimmick
In my experience, I have discovered that mini “in” = mini “out”, so what makes my Facelift practice “mini” is primarily the fact that I perform all of my Facelift and Necklift (Neck Contouring) procedures under local anesthesia. Despite the use of local anesthesia, I am able to fully address the lower 1/3 of the face and upper neck. There are no shortcuts taken when performing a Reviance® Lift – all the key areas (SMAS, Platysma, Submental Fat, Appropriate Vectors) are addressed. The EXPERIENCE is “Mini” to the patients because the downtime is “mini”, the recovery is “Mini”, the price is “mini” – BUT THE RESULTS are “Max”.

My advice: Don’t get caught up in the “Mini” game – Check to make sure your surgeon is qualified to provide you with the best procedure for you (and it better address all of the critical elements of Face & Neck Lifting) – or else find a new surgeon. In my mind, it is ok for everything to be “Mini” except the results.

Q: 75 Yr Old Male in Good Health. Am I Too Old for a Neck Lift?

A: Is There a Perfect or Best Age for Facelift or Necklift (Neck Contouring) Surgery?

In my experience of over 1000 facelifts:

I look for the following criteria with my candidates for Facelift & Neck Contouring:

Good all-around health – No major medical problems
Non-Smoker (or limited smoking habits)
Able to be off of blood thinners for the required duration of pre-op and recovery
Good mental health
A support system (spouse, friends, neighbors)
Knowledgeable Primary Care Physician (someone who can vouch for your good health)
Reasonable expectations (natural, appropriate)
I have specialized in performing Facelift & Neck Contouring procedures without the need for General Anesthesia (Local Anesthesia Only) – which has opened the doors to a broader age range of patients.
My patients benefit from:

Decreased operative risk (No General Anesthesia)
Decreased recovery demand
Shorter amount of time in the procedure room
Because of these factors, I have successfully performed Facelift & Neck Contouring procedures in men & women ranging in age from 35 to 85. I would strongly suggest getting a second opinion from a surgeon with significant experience in performing facial plastic surgery under local anesthesia.

Q: How Should I Look 2 Weeks After Lower Facelift / Neck Lift?

I had lower face and neck lift surgery 2 weeks ago. Everybody that I have spoken to who has had this surgery has had immediate results in the neck area. My neck still looks very strange and more saggy under the chin than before…is this normal? Also the edges of my face and one ear are completely numb…how long before my skin feels like it belongs to me again?

A: Early Facelift Results

In my experience of over 1000 facelifts

Within the first 1-2 weeks following a lower facelift and neck contouring, you should see the following:
Resolution of most swelling and bruising
Improved definition along the jawline
Improved contour definition and angle under the chin
Smooth skin with perhaps some minor irregular lumps/bumps which resolve with time
A fine pink line at the incision sites
Some numbness can persist for months during which time sensation typically gradually returns

Irregularities might stem from the following:
Fluid collections
Infection
Suture failure
Poorly planned or executed procedure
Inadequate use of compression garments during the first several days
Inappropriate sleep position during the first week