What is a face lift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of facial wrinkles and sagging skin by tightening the underlying facial tissues (SMAS). The procedure also removes excess skin from the face to create a more rejuvenated facial structure. The facelift adds volume to the face in areas where aging has caused loss of fullness and can also lift lax tissues to a more aesthetic and youthful position. Dr. D’Souza performed over 130 facelifts in one year at the renowned Cleveland Clinic and his expertise will give you a refreshed and natural look.
What do I need to know about facelift surgery?
It’s important to have realistic expectations about what you will look like after a facelift. Understanding that there will be a few weeks of downtime is important so you can plan to accommodate any leave of absence from prior commitments. There are also many factors that can influence your facelift recovery time. Your age, health status, nutritional habits, the skill of the surgeon, and the quality of your post-operative care.
The procedure improves lines, wrinkles, folds and lax skin and muscle. Facelifts can be performed in conjunction with any of the following facial procedures to maximize results:
- brow lifts
- eyelid surgery
- neck lift
- chin implants
- fat grafting
What to expect during the facelift procedure
The facelift is performed in the operating room. The incision is hidden in the hairline and behind the ears. All incisions will be discussed in detail with you before starting the procedure. To safely provide you with the best results an anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia during the procedure. Following the inducement of anesthesia, the incision will be made and the tissue under the skin is tightened. The skin is then resected and your incisions are carefully closed. Depending on your needs, Dr. D’Souza can perform other procedures at the same time of your facelift such as a brow lift, eyelid surgery, neck lift, chin implants or fat grafting. Overall the procedure can take anywhere from 4-6 hours. We will leave small drains in the neck for about a week after the procedure.
What to expect after the facelift procedure
After the facelift, the incision site will likely be covered with medical bandages that provide gentle pressure to help minimize any swelling and bruising. All bandages will be removed the following day and you will be asked to start showering in 24 hours. You will be asked to stay at our adjoining hotel or nearby for the first night. You will be bruised and swollen for approximately 1-2 weeks but most people can resume normal activities around the house in 3-4 days. Pain and discomfort can be controlled with medication during your recovery period. The scars heal amazingly well and are nicely hidden behind the ear or with hair.
How long will the results last?
The reported life expectancy of a facelift is anywhere between 5 to 10 years; however, your skin quality and maintenance are important factors in the longevity of your facelift.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
A facelift can be an effective method to improve appearance and boost self-confidence, however, it is not for everyone. Scheduling a consultation is important because the medical personnel you will be speaking with will advise you if you’re a good candidate for a facelift, or if an alternate procedure would best be suited. The best facelift candidates share one of the following factors:
- Lax skin in your midface and/or jawline
- Marionette lines (lines extending from each corner of your mouth down to the chin)
- Jowls (sagging and loss of muscle tone in the lower face)
- Deep folds near your nose
- Deflation downward descent of volume in your cheeks
If you would like more information about our facelift procedure, please reach out to our Carlsbad plastic surgery office for a consultation. Iconic Plastic Surgery proudly serves Carlsbad, Vista, Oceanside and areas north of San Diego, CA.
