Facelifts are known for the transformative work they give to men and women who undergo this surgery. With the hand of a skilled, board-certified surgeon patients can take off 10 – 20 years off their face with the lift and removal of sagging skin on the face.
While facelifts have been around for a few decades, there is still somewhat of a stigma or misconceptions about this type of procedure, and its outcome. Some of these come from poor work done by a non-skilled surgeon, or even too much work done to give an unnatural appearance.
With this in mind, many individuals who are looking to revive their face or appearance may be more apprehensive about going under the knife. When individuals see “botched” or poor work done for a facelift, it would make sense as to why they would rather not risk any negative outcome, especially with their face!
However, when a facelift is performed by a skilled, ethical, board-certified plastic surgeon you can rest assured you will be given the most natural and tasteful results. Facelifts can do wonders for patients who are wanting to refresh their face, combat the effects of aging, and genetics.
Let’s break down each step of a facelift, how it can change the appearance of your face (in a positive way!), and other common questions regarding this common procedure.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a major surgery to tighten, and remove, excess of saggy skin around the face. This procedure really helps to lift the jowls and upper neck, returning them to where they used to be! A facelift surgery typically lasts anywhere from 2-6 hours depending on how much work is done, and if additional cosmetic procedures are performed. Facelifts are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons who have the education and experience to make them the ideal surgeon to perform this procedure!
A Facelift: Step by Step
The process of a facelift is fairly simple to understand from a patient’s point of view, but more complex and precise from the surgeon’s perspective. Here is a basic outline of the procedure, and what you can expect during a facelift surgery:
- Your surgeon will provide general anesthesia to induce sleep, and no ability to feel the procedure.
- Mark ups are made on the face by the surgeon to determine where incisions should be made, and which parts of the face need to be lifted or areas to avoid. This step is unique as each patient’s face is different and surgeons will assess and determine the best incisions to make based on your facial makeup and structure!
- The surgeon makes an incision in the hairline, which extends down the temples and wraps around the front of the ear towards the back of the ear. Top layer of skin and fat is lifted from the ear to the eyes nose and lip and dowards by the upper neck
- From here, the top layer of facial skin and fat is lifted from the ear to the eyes, nose, lips, jawline, and sometimes neck. This skin is repositioned, and pulled up and back towards the ear with the excess being removed.
- Your surgeon will place sutures to hold the skin together.
- Additional cosmetic procedures can be included during this time.
Recovery Time From a Facelift
Immediately after waking up from facelift surgery you may be initially shocked by what you see in the mirror due to the swelling and bruising, which is all normal considering the pulling of skin on your face.
It is usually recommended to go easy the first 2 or 3 days following facelift surgery, this can mean lots of rest or just binge watching your favorite TV show. It is also important to stay as hydrated as you can to provide better healing overall. It can also be helpful to sleep in an elevated position for the sake of reducing swelling.
Bruising and swelling usually peak around the 3 or 4 day mark, and your face may look “worse” than you actually feel, which is completely normal. After day 5 or 6 you should start to feel more like yourself, with bruising and swelling going down, and ability to move a bit more.
At the week 2 mark you can expect to see bruising and swelling continue to decrease, stitches are removed if not dissolvable, and you should feel better to return to work and other activities. Most patients will need to wait until the 6 week mark to jump into workout routines that are high impact workouts.
You can start to see the major changes in your face from a facelift starting around 3 months onward. After a full year all swelling and bruising should completely be gone, and you should already have your final result from the procedure!
The results of a facelift usually last around 10 years or more. If patients are in good health, they can still undergo an additional facelift after the 10 year mark or when there is noticeable face sagging.
During recovery it is important to monitor your bruising, swelling, and pain. If you find yourself with worsening symptoms, please contact your surgeon of emergency services as soon as possible
How Painful is Facelift Surgery?
The surgery itself should not be painful as the patient will not feel anything due to the anesthesia. Any pain or discomfort will begin in the days following the procedure such as bruising, soreness, and swelling. Most pain can be managed by over the counter pain relievers, hydrated, and a nutrient dense diet. Of course, if symptoms, like extreme pain, worsen in the days following a facelift, your surgeon will be able to prescribe the appropriate pain medication.
Risks with Facelift Surgery
With any major surgery there is always a chance for potential complications and risks. If a facelift is performed by a legitimate, board-certified plastic surgeon then these risks are less likely to occur. Not only is it important to have a credible plastic surgeon, but patients must also be in good health to undergo surgery. Some risks to keep in mind with facelift surgery include:
- Nerve damage or injury
- Anesthesia complications
- Infection
- Facial numbness
- Unwanted scarring
How Does a Facelift Change Your Appearance?
The pain focus of a facelift is to tighten any excess or sagging skin on the face. When you undergo a facelift you may find that you look 10 – 20 years younger all due to definition on the jawline, chin, and re-elevation of the cheek. These are all hallmarks of a refreshed, youthful look!
Facelifts are the gold standard for removing the appearance of jowls and loose skin on the jawline.
Procedures to Include with a Facelift?
It is extremely common for surgeons to perform additional cosmetic procedures during a facelift. Since you’re already under anesthesia it makes sense for patients to want further surgery while already sedated. Some common procedures to include with a facelift are:
- Brow Lift: A surgery to lift the brows to create a more “opened” look around the eyes by lifting the heaviness brows can bring over time.
- Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty: This procedure focuses on removing excess skin on or above the eyelid(upper blep), with a lower bleph focusing on the excess skin under the lash line, like “eye bags.”
- Lip Lift: A surgery to create a fuller lip by shortening the distance between the top of the lip and bottom of nose.
- Neck Lift: Neck lifts focuses on lifting and removing the excess, saggy skin that appears on the neck
- Laser Resurfacing: Laser resurfacing, such as CO2 lasers or IPLs, target acne scars and hyperpigmentation while also treating fine lines and wrinkles.
What a Facelift Won’t Change
A facelift will ultimately tighten the skin on the face, but there are some things a facelift won’t be able to change. Facelifts will not change the quality of your skin. Meaning, it will not be able to correct hyperpigmentation, acne scars, dehydrated skin, or deep set wrinkles. If these are issues you are looking to correct prior or post facelift consider investing in quality, medical grade skincare. You can also look at additional treatments like chemical peels, laser resurfacing, or microneedling. While all these are helpful in bringing life back to the skin, botox and filler are always ways to treat wrinkles and lack of volume.
What is the Best Age for a Facelift?
When considering what the right age is for a facelift, you’ll also want to consider how genetics play into the appearance of the face and skin as you age. Some individuals are more prone to getting jowls, or loose skin around the jawline earlier than others. This is mainly due to genetics and maybe lifestyle factors. But, the “ideal” age for a facelift is 45 years or older. Keep in mind that just because an individual is over the age of 45, they may not be an ideal candidate for a facelift if they are in poor overall health.
Is a Non-Surgical Facelift an Alternative to a Facelift?
Non-surgical facelifts have come into popularity in the past couple years as they do not require the need to anesthesia, and can be completed within a few minutes. Non-surgical facelifts typically involve the use of strategically placed filler or botox to give a “lifted” look to the face. While the idea of a non-surgical facelift can work for some patients, facelifts will remain the gold standard in looking to treat jowling or chin sagginess. Facelifts have more longevity to them, will a non-surgical facelift may last a year or 2 depending on how many syringes of filler and units of botox is used.
Another non-surgical facelift alternative that has been on the rise is PDO (polydioxanone) threading. The purpose of this treatment is to “lift” the skin through inserting anchor threads at specific points on the face to treat sagging skin. Besides just the lifted look a PDO thread treatment offers, it can also help with wrinkles and some fine lines. PDO threads can last up to 18 months, with minimal downtime.
Average Cost of a Facelift?
The average cost of a facelift will vary based on how skin is tightened, or lifted, and location of service. Typically, a facelift with anesthesia included in the price is anywhere from $4,000 – $40,000. If a patient does decide to include additional cosmetic procedures or treatments during their surgery, then this price will increase.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon for The Best Facelift Results
Deciding to undergo a facelift is absolutely an investment, and one that you should not cut corners with. Just because a clinic offers a lower price for a facelift does not mean it is the correct route to take. If a deal or treatment from a clinic or plastic surgeon sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!
Instead look for skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons who have a proven track record of performing successful surgeries such as a facelift. Read reviews, ask questions, and look at before and after images on a clinic’s website to see a surgeon’s work.
Additionally, be open to scheduling in-person consultations with plastic surgeons to get an idea of their techniques and what they recommend you need to reach your aesthetic goals. There is never any harm in getting a second opinion or “shopping” around for a plastic surgeon you will be comfortable with. After all, it’s your face.
Facelift Surgery with The Lett Center in Nashville, TN
Whether you’re ready to make your appointment or curious as to what a surgeon thinks, then connect with Dr. Lett at The Lett Center in the greater Nashville, TN area. With extensive experience and education, Dr. Lett helps clients reach their aesthetic goals through facelifts with care, integrity, and skill. You can read more about his background on our website, and schedule an in person consultation too! We look forward to hearing from you.