Have you been searching for a way to turn back the clock and regain the smooth, contoured jawline and neck of your youth? A facelift may be the perfect solution for you! Facelift surgery is a long-lasting treatment to correct jowling and neck skin laxity, with less downtime than one may expect. Furthermore, the approach to facelifting has evolved significantly over time, and surgeons are now able to achieve more natural results than ever before.
Facelift surgery has come a long way over the years, and modern techniques have made the procedure safer, more effective, and less invasive. Today’s facelift procedures are customized to each patient’s specific needs, taking into account factors such as their unique facial anatomy, surgical goals, desired recovery time, and more. This personalized approach allows for more natural-looking results that complement the patient’s features rather than looking overly “done.”
A facelift is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Facelifts are customized to each patient to address that patient’s specific needs, considering each individual’s unique anatomy, surgical goals, desired recovery time, and more. Depending on your unique features, a facelift can range from a minimal incision approach involving hidden incisions that start at the sideburn, wrap around the front of the ear and hide behind the cartilage in front of your ear canal, and then around the back of the ear into a hidden area within the hairline. This approach allows your surgeon to access a critical layer of the face that must be lifted and secured to give optimal results, the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). A more extensive approach to facelifting includes a deep plane approach, in which the SMAS layer is further raised to give a greater lift. Finally, one may perform a facelift combined with a neck lift, which may involve a small incision hidden under the chin to address muscular banding in the neck.
After a facelift, sutures are typically removed around one week after the procedure. At this point, patients can expect some swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside over the following days and weeks. The total social downtime for a facelift is usually around two weeks, during which time patients should avoid strenuous activity and follow their surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care.
The longevity of the results from a facelift can vary depending on the approach taken during the procedure. Facelift results are permanent, but the aging process does not stop. Factors such as the patient’s age, lifestyle, and genetics can all influence the longevity of the results. Patients can prolong the results of their facelift by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and following a proper skincare regimen.
It’s important to note that certain factors can increase the risks of facelift surgery and prolong the healing process. Patients should avoid taking anticoagulant medications and smoking before and after the procedure, as these can increase the risk of bleeding and slow down the healing process. Patients should also disclose any medical conditions they have or medications they are taking to their surgeon during the consultation process to ensure that they are a good candidate for the procedure.
If you’re considering a facelift to address signs of aging in your face and neck, it’s important to schedule a consultation with a specialty facial plastic surgeon. During this consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your unique facial anatomy and discuss your surgical goals to determine if a facelift is the right option for you. They will also provide you with detailed information on the procedure, including the risks and benefits, so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment.