Facelift

Over time, it is typical for patients to notice visible signs of aging such as sagging in the midface area, jowls due to reduced firmness and structure in the lower face, and even the appearance of a “double chin” despite being at a healthy weight. A facelift is a surgical procedure designed with these common signs of aging in mind. Facelifts provide a more youthful appearance in the lower and midface areas, reducing wrinkles, sagging, and more. The result is a refreshed, rejuvenated, and youthful look.

Who is a good candidate for a Facelift?

Facelifts are good options for patients who are concerned about signs of aging in the lower third of the face. These can include:

• Lines and wrinkles such as “smile lines” or “marionette lines” around the mouth, nose, or cheeks
• Reduced facial volume, resulting in a hollow or sunken look
• Jowls due to poor definition of the jawline
• Vertical lines and wrinkles in the neck

Ideally, facelift patients will have good skin elasticity, which will allow the skin to conform to the new contours of the face after the surgery and healing process. Candidates should be in good overall health, which includes being a nonsmoker or willing to stop smoking before the surgery and throughout the healing process. Prior to your facelift, a thorough consultation including a review of your health history will be conducted to ensure you are a safe and suitable candidate.

Facelift Options 

There are several types of facelifts available to suit various patient needs and expectations. The best option for you will vary depending on your primary concerns, degree of volume loss and skin elasticity, the extent of any wrinkles, and other factors. During a consultation at Lewisburg Plastic Surgery, you can discuss all of your options and make a unique treatment plan with your plastic surgeon.

Standard (full) facelift

A standard, or full, facelift is the most comprehensive option. This surgery targets the largest area of the types of facelifts available at Lewisburg Plastic Surgery. In a full facelift, sagging cheeks, jowls, lines around the mouth, excess fat or drooping skin below the skin, and wrinkles or bands on the neck can all be addressed.

To complete a standard facelift, incisions are typically made at the temples, extending around the ear and following along to the lower scalp. In addition, small incisions are often made below the chin to address signs of aging in this area. Through these incisions, deep tissues of the face and neck are manipulated, lifted, and repositioned for dramatic anti-aging results. In addition, fat may be removed or redistributed for a more youthful appearance. Finally, the skin is re-draped for a smoother and more youthful look.

Limited facelift

In a limited facelift, the sagging cheeks and jowls or poorly-defined jawline are the primary concerns. A limited facelift is somewhat similar to a full facelift in that the deeper tissues are addressed and repositioned. However, the incisions are shorter, as these patients seek less dramatic results.

Lower facelift

In a lower facelift, only the lower portions of the face and neck are addressed. Incisions are made around the ears and may extend to the lower hairline, allowing your plastic surgeon to reposition and lift the tissues of the neck and jawline.

HARMONIC® Technology

At Lewisburg Plastic Surgery, Dr. Moya uses the HARMONIC technology for many procedures, including facelifts. This device uses ultrasonic vibrations to cut and cauterize tissues, rather than conventional instruments which use electrical currents. HARMONIC technology allows for similar results with less damage to surrounding tissues. Dr. Moya’s patients therefore enjoy reduced side effects such as bruising, swelling, and pain through the healing process. In some cases, patients may also undergo their facelift with HARMONIC technology under local anesthesia, reducing overall risks.

How is a facelift performed?

Facelifts are outpatient procedures that typically require general anesthesia, however, local anesthesia or IV sedation may also be used. The incision patterns and steps for each surgery will vary depending on the type of facelift you choose. After repositioning the deep tissues, the skin is redraped and incisions are closed using sutures.

Recovery after a facelift

Following your facelift, you can return home with a trusted friend or family member to care for you. You will have bandages on your head and neck, which can be removed within a day or two. Patients typically experience discomfort, bruising, and swelling which gradually dissipates beginning about one to two weeks after the surgery. Full results are visible starting about four weeks after the procedure.