Facelift
A Permanent Solution to Facial Aging
As we age, we begin to experience atrophy – a loss of fat and muscle in the face. Additionally, our bodies produce less collagen and elastin than in our younger years, and gravity begins to take a toll on the skin. The final result ends in the appearance of deflated or hollow facial features and sagging skin near the mouth, jawline, and neck. These areas are referred to as nasolabial folds (the parenthesis lines between the nose and the mouth), the jowls (sagging skin on the jawline), and the wattle (the skin beneath the chin, by the neck). There are many nonsurgical treatments that will assist in correcting or slowing the facial aging process; these are things like Botox, filler injections, laser treatments, and good skin care. It is never too early to incorporate preventative maintenance with a qualified cosmetic surgeon, as a qualified surgeon will be able to determine age appropriate measures for optimum skin health. However, while nonsurgical treatments can delay or lessen the aging process, they will only help up to a certain point. For long-lasting and considerable improvement of aging in the lower face, a facelift is often recommended.
Adding Volume for A More Youthful Appearance
A facelift is the most effective and permanent way of correcting volume loss and sagging in the face. There are several factors that can contribute to the development of these physical characteristics, such as weight loss or passed health issues, however, natural age-related atrophy is often the most common reason for deflated volume and sagging in the face. In cases of severe volume loss, lifting alone is not recommended as attempts at complete correction of loose skin can result in an undesirable, pulled appearance. At The Appearance Center, a customized plan will be created, tailored specifically to your facial construct and end goals. You will be given a customized beauty plan by one of our expert Orange County facial plastic surgeons. This plan will most likely combine elements of lifting with volume restoration, for a completely rejuvenated look. Your surgeon may also discuss the option to incorporate fat transfer to the face or cheek augmentation with implants during your procedure. If an Appearance Center facial plastic surgeon determines you are a candidate for a facelift you can look forward to the following results:
- Elevated cheek areas
- Improvement of nasolabial folds
- Reduced appearance of jowls and saggy jawline
- A more youthful appearance
- Improved self esteem
*Individual results may vary.
Determining Whether You Are A Candidate for a Facelift Consultation
Some of the most frequent signs of facial aging that our patients begin to notice are:
- Loss of volume in the face
- Saggy facial skin from the temples, cheeks, and jawline
- Deep facial wrinkles
- A significant reduction in cheek fat
- The development of nasolabial folds
- An accumulation of fat along the jawline (jowls)
- Loose skin in the chin and neck
The list above is explained by our surgeons as being part of the “Three Ds in Aging.”
- Descent – skin and muscle begin to lose elasticity and shift downward
- Deflation – loss of “baby fat” marked by hollowing in the temples, eyes, and other facial structures
- Deterioration – skin begins to lose its continuity in color, marked by the development of brown spots, uneven textures, and wrinkles
If you are experiencing one or more of the physical characteristics of aging noted above, you are a candidate for a facelift consultation. A facelift will help to permanently reduce the appearance of these features, bringing a lifted, volumized, a flush appearance of the skin to the facial muscles.
FAQs About Facelift
WHAT ARE THE SURGICAL MECHANICS OF A FACELIFT?
WILL A FACELIFT MAKE ME LOOK WINDBLOWN OR PULLED BACK?
WILL MY FACELIFT LEAVE BAD SCARRING?
HOW LONG DOES A FACELIFT TAKE?
Depending on the specific type of facelift as well as any additional procedures you may have in conjunction with your facelift, you should expect the surgery to last approximately three to four hours.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?
First 24 hours: Facelift patients may feel groggy or nauseous after surgery. This feeling should subside within the first 24 hours after surgery.
10 – 14 days: Any swelling or bruising should fade within the first two weeks and most stitches will dissolve within about a week. An exception to that is any stitches that must be removed by the physician.
2 – 3 months: Patients should feel back to themselves, any evidence of residual swelling, should have settled by this time.
CAN I GET A FACELIFT AT THE SAME TIME AS ANOTHER SURGERY?
Yes, you can. Many patients choose to combine multiple treatments when arranging to have a facelift. Some very common combinations include:
- Face and Neck Lift – for a more complete, refined look
- Facelift with brow lift and / or eyelid surgery – for a more youthful and refreshed appearance
- Facelift with fat transpositioning – for increased volume and enhanced facial features
- Facelift with laser treatments – for a beautiful finish and glowing skin
The benefits of undergoing multiple treatments at one time include:
- A potential savings on surgeon’s fees or anesthesia costs
- One period of downtime, instead of separate stints of multiple days in recovery
- The increased benefit of seeing complete results
In some instances our skin cancer patients combine Mohs surgery and surgical reconstruction with elective, cosmetic procedures.
READ ABOUT OUR FACELIFT SPECIALISTS
Simon Madorksy, MD – Double Board Certified in ENT Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Suzanne Quardt, MD – Board Certified Plastic Surgeon