Face-lifting has advanced tremendously over the last few decades. A very natural look, hidden incisions and a longer lasting result are possible with a much shorter recovery.
There are two reasons to consider a facelift, aging and genetic maldistribution of skin and fat. The face and neck are usually lifted together. A small incision is made under the chin to tighten the neck muscles and fix the neck bands if the neck bands are very pronounced. If they are not very prominent, no chin incision is needed.
Face-lifting takes 2- 3 hours in my practice and is done either asleep or with IV sedation. Patients are usually up and about the same day and back to most activities in about 5 days. Makeup will cover residual bruising. Pain is very minimal, though most patients note a feeling of tightness. Many patients combine face-lifting with an eyelift or brow lift for complete facial rejuvenation.
Facelift FAQ’s
How Long Will My Facelift Last?
The average time in my experience before most patients think about minor touchups after face-lifting is five to seven years. Remember though, that we all have friends that are 50 but who look 70, and we all have friends are 70 but look 50! Each person will age a different rate.
There are things we can do to make the results last longer. Sun protection, Retin-A and Glycolic treatments done at home can extend the life of your facelift tremendously.
How can I avoid looking pulled? What do look for to achieve a really natural looking facelift.
If you look at the face of a young child, they have round chubby cheeks. If you look at the face of an elderly man or woman they have hollow gaunt cheeks. The fat that was in their cheeks has now fallen down to their jowls. One of the keys to successful and natural facial rejuvenation is to move this fat backup to the mid cheek where it belongs.
That is what the SMAS* facelift accomplishes. The deeper structures are elevated and hold all of the tension. The skin is lifted comfortably and the extra removed.
The result is a more natural looking facelift that lasts longer.
*(SMAS means submuscular c system, a muscle lift instead of just a skin lift.)
What Is Recovery like after Facelift?
Recovering after Facelift in my practice is usually five to seven days to return to most activities. There is usually some residual bruising that can easily be covered with makeup at this point.
Facelift Scars?
While most facelifts heal very well, occasionally visible scars behind the ears occur.
Several products are available that may aid in reduction of visible scarring. These include Cica Care silicone gel sheeting, Kelocote silicone cream, and my preference which is Scarguard, available at many doctors’ offices and pharmacies, can help reduce the appearance of scars after surgery.
