The facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts, tightens, and repositions facial tissues to create a more youthful, rejuvenated look.
Overview
When you have exhausted all of the nonsurgical techniques to create subtle, natural improvements in your facial skin, or are tired of having to constantly maintain an injection and skin treatment regimen for mediocre results (which happens at a certain point in time for most patients), it may be time to have a consultation with a trusted plastic surgeon about a facelift. With modernized surgical techniques, and years of experience, our plastic surgeons, Dr. Torabi at Elite Plastic Surgery have the artistic talent to create youthful-looking yet natural results for both men and women seeking facelift surgery.
Once regarded as a major surgical operation and looked upon with some trepidation, the facelift has advanced in the last 30 years to create a facial profile without a hint of having plastic surgery, unlike the earlier “stretched skin” look with a facelift procedure. By tightening the underlying muscles of the face and neck and removing excess skin and fat, a facelift creates a firm jaw and neck lines, and smoothens deep wrinkles, achieving a younger, more rejuvenated face.
Getting Started: Your Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation at our Chandler office, an expert member of our surgical team will thoroughly assess your skin and facial tissues while also taking the opportunity to get to know you and your personal cosmetic goals in depth. With this knowledge in mind, your surgeon will work with you to craft a personalized treatment plan that meets your aesthetic goals.
At Elite Plastic Surgery, we understand that every patient is different, and both our results and surgical techniques will vary from patient to patient accordingly. No two patients are the same, so we don’t perform any two procedures in exactly the same way. During your consultation, you’ll get to explore your procedure in depth, and your surgeon will give you a clear idea of the techniques and methods that will be used to create your exciting results.
Do I Qualify for Facelift Surgery?
While facelifts are generally reserved for older adults, the common age range for patients is between 50 – 70. Younger patients may opt for a brow lift or a neck lift, or possibly a mid-facelift before considering a full facelift procedure. In addition, there are numerous nonsurgical procedures that can help delay surgery, such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, laser treatments, or nonsurgical skin tightening. If your skin laxity is in poor condition, you are older in age, and you have droopy features that a nonsurgical approach cannot treat, it is safe to say that a facelift may be a suitable procedure for you. On average, a facelift will allow you to look 5 – 10 years younger.
What to Expect
A full facelift is performed under a general anesthestic due to the invasive nature and the extent of the surgical procedure. Taking 2 – 3 hours, your plastic surgeon will create an incision beginning in the hairline, curve down in front of the ears, and underneath the earlobe. The incision may stretch down under the chin or behind the ear into the hairline depending upon the extent and the nature of the specific patient requirement. The skin is then separated from the underlying facial muscles and tissue. This will allow the fat deposits to be suctioned away before the skin is then pulled backwards and up into its new position. The excess tissue is removed, and the incision is closed with sutures or staples prior to a dressing being applied to the area. Along with the soft padding dressing, it is common for the plastic surgeon to insert drains to control any excess bleeding, along with an intravenous drip to supply hydration.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
In addition to a number of facial surgery options, Elite is also proud to feature a wide range of nonsurgical procedures that can help you enjoy similarly exciting results. BOTOX®, dermal fillers, laser treatments, and nonsurgical skin tightening can all address various issues related to the facial aging process and may be ideal ways to realize your cosmetic goals. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will guide you through the non-surgical options we offer, explain our surgical procedures to you in detail, and help you decide which will be right for you.
Your Recovery Process
The Day Of
We suggest that you remain semi-upright to help reduce swelling, which will be most prevalent in the first 48 hours after your surgery. During this time, the swelling can be minimized with the application of cold packs and bandages. You’ll be discharged to continue your recovery at home, with bruising remaining apparent for a further two to three weeks.
After Your Procedure
Lack of sensation and numbness may continue for several weeks following your surgery, along with a medium level of discomfort and occasional minor bleeding. The stitching will be removed from the area between days five and 10. Stooping and bending should be avoided along with smoking, alcohol, and aspirin, which can thin the blood and cause complications.
Your Final Results
Most patients find that they’re able to begin enjoying their final results after about four to six weeks. At this point, all swelling will have subsided, and you’ll be excited to start showing the world a more rejuvenated look. Our team will, of course, be available to you to ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible throughout your recovery period.
Natural-Looking Revitilization
If you miss seeing a youthful face that accurately reflects your inner energy and confidence each day, the talented team here at Elite Plastic Surgery is here to help. Facelift surgery can help you show the world a revitalized and rejuvenated version of yourself, and our surgical team excels at creating naturalistic results that don’t change your look but rather bring our your most youthful and attractive qualities for the world to see. If you’re ready to learn more about how a facelift can empower you to live your most confident life, our team is here to help. Reach out to Elite Plastic Surgery in Chandler and set up your initial consultation with a helpful member of our team today.