OCLift™
Benefits
The OCLift™, developed by cosmetic surgeon, David J. Sire, MD, is the next generation of the Q-Lift technique, also known as the QuickLift pioneered by Dominic Brandy, MD. The OCLift™ provides an overall lift to the lower region of the face and upper neck, offering significant age-diminishing effects with minimal downtime and lasting results. Unlike procedures with similar names and most mini facelifts that tighten only skin, the OCLift™ permanently suspends the underlying structures of the lower face (SMAS) offering men and women the benefit of a more youthful appearance for years to come.
The OCLift™ is designed for men and women between the ages of 40 and 65+ who want to stay ahead of the aging process. At this age, most individuals lose elasticity in their skin and develop varying degrees of looseness along the jaw line and beneath the chin. The OCLift™ is more affordable than a traditional full-facelift, making it accessible to a wide range of men and women who are looking to stay ahead of the aging process. Although the results of the procedure vary with each person, generally, the results obtained with the OCLift™ are predictable and quite dramatic, sometimes erasing five, eight and even 10 years from one’s appearance.
Treatment
The OCLift™ is an outpatient procedure that takes two to three hours to perform, depending on the age of the patient and the degree of correction desired. The procedure is performed with PK anesthesia or what’s known as twilight sedation, which makes the process painless and minimizes the chance of complications. Oral pre-medication is generally recommended to help relax the patient.
A small, relaxed "S" shaped incision is made beginning along the temporal region into the scalp with a beveled edge to allow hair to grow through the incision line. The incision extends along the tragus of the ear around the earlobe and up to the hairline toward the nape. Meticulous attention is given to the placement of the incision line to promote an inconspicuous scar. The underlying connective tissue and facial musculature is gently lifted and tightened using a double purse-string suture technique, which immediately enhances the appearance of the jaw line and upper neck, and makes the improvement long lasting. The redundant skin is then tailored and the incision is carefully closed using a suturing technique designed to reduce tension and minimize any visible scarring. In addition, a second suture is extended more superficially to obtain a mid-facelift. In some cases, an additional tuck beneath the chin, which further addresses the upper neck, or liposuction of the neck and jowl area may performed in conjunction with the OCLift™ for optimal aesthetic results.
Recovery
The OCLift™ is often called a "weekend facelift" because some people have the procedure performed on a Thursday, return to the office on Friday for a quick follow-up appointment, and return to work on Tuesday. Although this may be true for some patients depending on their occupations, the downtime associated with the OCLift™ will vary from patient to patient. Although a prescription for pain medication is provided, most patients say over-the-counter Tylenol is all they need to alleviate any discomfort. Some people may experience temporary bruising, which can be camouflaged with makeup after three days. To minimize swelling, patients are encouraged to sleep with their head elevated for the first week and to apply cold compresses the first 48 hours.
As with any type of surgery, there are inherent risks, which can include post-operative swelling, bleeding and visible scarring. However, refraining from smoking and carefully following the pre- and post-operative surgical instructions reduces the likelihood of these complications. Although the OCLift™ can produce significant aesthetic improvement for most people, it is important to remember that after any facial procedure, the normal aging process resumes. Lifestyle choices, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure and heredity all play a part in determining how long the desired result will last.
