What You Should Know About:

S-LIFT

• An S-Lift is a facelift that helps to restore mild to moderate sagging jowls and tighten the cheek skin.

• It is less extensive than other facelifts, but also has less "down time."

• To optimize results, an S-lift is often combined with laser resurfacing which will additional tightening and smooth the skin and/or fat transfer to give a fuller, more youthful look to your cheeks.

• An S-lift can be performed under local anesthesia using numbing medication with the tumescent technique. A medication may be given to help you relax. "Twilight" sedation is an option, but requires an anesthesiologist, and will add to the cost of the procedure. You can discuss these anesthetic options with your surgeon.

• After the procedure, you will have some swelling in your cheeks as well as experience a sensation of tightness.

• Though it is rare, there is a risk of a collection of blood or inflammatory fluid. Should this occur, we will need to remove this fluid by a needle and syringe. This may require you to return to the office several times.

• Though it is rare, some of the skin near the area where it has been sutured could slough off. Should this occur, we will provide local skin care.

• Though it is rare, you may experience a temporary weakness in smiling, or you may have an eyelid droop. These are usually temporary and will resolve with time.

• Because of the bruising and swelling with an S-lift; expect to take 7-10 days off from work.

PRE-OPERATIVE PLANNING
• Please stop all aspirin or aspirin-related products two weeks before the operation.

• Please stop all anti-inflammatories including Advil/Ibuprofen/Naproxen/Vioxx/Celebrex or others at least 10 days before the operation.

• Please stop Ginkgo Biloba, Vitmain E and Vitamin C at least 10 days before surgery.

• Please arrange to have someone pick you up after surgery as you will not be able to drive.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF SURGERY
• Please eat a light breakfast.

• After greeting you, and having you fill out the consents, your surgeon will mark your face with a surgical pen.

• You will be given some relaxation medicine.

• We will then numb up your face with injections. Initially, there will be some sharpness from the small needle, but then you will feel only pressure.

POST TREATMENT CARE

• You should place ice bags or frozen vegetables covered in a wash cloth over both of your cheeks for 20 minutes per hour while you’re awake for at least the first 72 hours after the procedure.

• You should avoid lying down. You should elevate your head when going to bed.

• You should take it easy for the next 2 weeks. No heavy physical exertion. You may resume jogging and non-contact sports 3 weeks after the surgery. You may resume more strenuous sports at 6 weeks.

• You may eat a soft diet for the first day or two. You then may resume a normal diet, though you may experience some tenderness on chewing.

• Please remember to take the prescribed medications.

• You will need to keep the suture areas dry for 48 hours.

• You may gently shampoo your hair 72 hours following the surgery.

• You will need to return the day following the operation, for a dressing change, and so that your surgeon can make sure everything is going well.

• You will need to keep the dressing on until your next post-operative visit one week after the procedure.

• Should you experience any steady increase in pain, swelling or fever, you must immediately page your surgeon through the hospital paging operator 650.723-6661.

• You must avoid excessive sun exposure for at least 3 weeks as this may increase swelling. Thereafter, please remember to use sunblock or protective hats.