Facelift / Neck Lift
A facelift is one of the most well-known cosmetic surgeries and one of the most requested procedures at Spectrum Plastic Surgery. However, many patients are uncertain of exactly what this procedure entails. A facelift is the removal of excess, sagging skin from the lower half of the face and the neck. A neck lift is part of a facelift, although in some circumstances a patient may be best suited for exclusively a neck lift. Treating lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity on the upper half of the face requires an eyelid lift, brow lift, or both. It is very common to combine a facelift with complementary procedures and surgeries to achieve a completed “lifted” and more youthful face.
Skin naturally loses its elasticity with age, and sun damage can exacerbate and speed up this process. Increased skin laxity is most often due to a decrease in collagen and elastin synthesis, coupled with constant manipulation of the skin, which is why lines and wrinkles first form around the eyes.
There are non-surgical procedures such as FaceTite that can help tighten skin, but in order to dramatically improve skin laxity, remove deep facial wrinkles, neck folds, and reduce wrinkles the more aggressive facelift might be a better approach. Patients can learn more about recommended treatments during their consultation with a leading facial plastic surgeon at Spectrum Plastic Surgery.
How A Facelift Is Performed
There are many methods for a facelift and all procedures begin with anesthesia via IV sedation or general anesthesia. Next, incisions are made under the chin and around the ears, extending into the hairline. Through these incisions, excess fat is removed (if necessary) and the underlying muscle is trimmed and tightened. Surgical sutures close the incisions.
Many patients are 60+ when they first begin considering a facelift, but there is no ideal age for this or any cosmetic procedure. Wrinkles, folds, and poor skin laxity are often caused by aging but can also be attributed to genetics and excessive UV exposure. Only a board certified and can help you decide which procedure is right for you and whether you’re a suitable candidate for a facelift.
How A Facelift Is Performed
There are many methods for a facelift and all procedures begin with anesthesia via IV sedation or general anesthesia. Next, incisions are made under the chin and around the ears, extending into the hairline. Through these incisions, excess fat is removed (if necessary) and the underlying muscle is trimmed and tightened. Surgical sutures close the incisions.
Many patients are 60+ when they first begin considering a facelift, but there is no ideal age for this or any cosmetic procedure. Wrinkles, folds, and poor skin laxity are often caused by aging but can also be attributed to genetics and excessive UV exposure. Only a board certified and can help you decide which procedure is right for you and whether you’re a suitable candidate for a facelift.
See What People Are Saying
Patient Reviews
Reviews can also help when beginning the facelift journey and are a helpful tool when choosing a surgeon.
See What People Are Saying
Patient Reviews
Reviews can also help when beginning the facelift journey and are a helpful tool when choosing a surgeon.
Facelift Recovery and More Information
The patient will experience some swelling and minor bruising immediately after a facelift, but this will subside within a few days. Recovery time for a facelift varies based on the technique used, the patient’s age, and the amount of skin and fat removed. Every facelift patient will need to arrange for someone they trust to take them to and from appointments and help care for them in the first few days after the procedure. Many patients return to sedentary activities, including desk jobs, in 7 – 10 days after their procedure. Strenuous activities can be resumed about 4 – 6 weeks post-op. Your surgeon will provide you with a complete timeline based on your expected recovery and lifestyle.
Patients will begin to see results as the swelling subsides, with full results appearing after approximately six months. However, after the initial swelling and bruising has decreased, patients will appreciate daily improvements in their appearance. The healing period can also be a good opportunity to take advantage of non-surgical complementary procedures. Results from a facelift last an average of 5 – 10 years depending on a person’s health and lifestyle. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and abstaining from alcoholic drinks and smoking can all help optimize and sustain results, as can opting for routine non-surgical treatments to further improve skin quality.