Facelift

Ideal candidates for a facelift are generally healthy, non-smoking, medically fit for surgery. There is no “best” age to undergo facelift surgery. Facelift patients are typically in their 40s and older, though a facelift may be considered in some slightly younger patients with significant weight loss or premature aging. If the skin on your mid-to-lower face and neck is loose, creased, or sagging, you may benefit from a facelift procedure.

Following surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising, pain, and discomfort that can be managed with rest and medication. It is best to keep the head elevated for a few days. Sun exposure should be minimized. Exercise and vigorous activity should be avoided for a few weeks. The recovery period is approximately two to three weeks, though this will vary with the patient and the extent of the procedure. It may take a few months for the final results of facelift surgery to become fully apparent.

Although uncommon, some complications associated with facelift surgery include problems with anesthesia, bleeding, hematoma, infection, asymmetry, nerve injury, and problematic scarring.

It should be noted that smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and can lead to infection, skin loss, unfavorable scarring, and an undesired outcome. Active smokers must discuss their candidacy and alternatives with Dr. Rieger before being considered for a facelift or other procedures. Facelifts are not performed on patients that are actively smoking.

During facelift surgery, incisions are made along the natural contours of the ear, hairline, or inconspicuously under the chin. While the scars are permanent, in most cases, they fade well and are easily concealed.

The discomfort is generally mild and easily managed with pain medication for many patients. Due to the swelling and bruising accompanying a facelift procedure, patients often believe they look worse than they feel. Patients should expect bruising that occurs with facelifts to last for approximately three weeks.

A facelift is intended to improve the appearance of the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. Facelift results can be enhanced with various additional surgical and non-surgical facial contouring procedures. For example, eyelid surgery can help with drooping eyelids. Other surgical facial procedures, such as nose surgery, ear pinning, and dermal fillers, can help to reshape contours, correct deficits, or add definition. Laser skin resurfacing can add further refinement to address fine wrinkles and improve texture and tone.

Healing Waters fully complements surgical and non-surgical treatments to rejuvenate your face. During your plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Rieger will determine if there are additional procedures that can benefit you and will work with you to design the best treatment approach.

Facelift results last approximately seven to ten years. Although you will continue aging naturally, loose skin and tissue removed during the procedure are removed permanently, and you are unlikely to develop the same degree of laxity that you would have had without surgery.