The effects of natural aging are inevitable. Between sun damage, smoking, stress, genetics, and other factors, we sometimes can begin to notice signs of muscle and skin laxity, which can cause jowling and deep wrinkles. A face lift is a surgery that can help combat these signs of aging along the lower 2/3rds of the face. By removing the loose skin and tightening the underlying muscles in the face, it can eliminate wrinkles and improve the look of your neck and jowls.
A Face Lift Can Help With:
- Moderate wrinkles caused by sagging skin
- Excess fatty deposits in the lower cheeks and neckline
- Loose skin around the jowls and neck
- Skin folds from the nose to the lower mouth
- Signs of aging in the face
Combining a Face Lift with Other Procedures
Face lifts are frequently enhanced with the addition of other modalities. While a face lift is great at tightening up loose, hanging skin, liposuction in the neck may be a great addition for those who also have volume concerns in the chin area. Combined, these procedures offer a more dramatic look and contour to the face.
For patients experiencing mid facial volume loss can occur in some patients, causing the cheek area to look sunken or hollow. Fat grafting is a long term procedure that we offer to help restore a more youthful contour in the face.
Face lifts are most commonly paired with full face laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing is frequently suggested in combination, as it further enhances skin texture and pigmentation. Patients often see better results in moderate to severe wrinkles in the treated area.
How a Face Lift is Performed
Face lift surgery is performed by a board certified anesthetist or anesthesiologist to ensure that you are completely comfortable for the duration of the procedure. Once you are sedated, Dr. Cole makes an incision around the front of the ears and back into the hairline. All incisions are carefully placed to remain non-visible among the hairline and natural folds of the ear.
Once the incision is made, Dr. Cole may remove the excess fat from your lower face and neck via liposuction. This will create a sleeker and tighter jawline. The muscles and facial tissue are then pulled up and kept in place with sutures. This will help provide a more youthful look as the muscle and tissue beneath the skin are lifted and tightened. The skin is then pulled tight to eliminate any wrinkles or folds. Any excess skin is trimmed away and stitched up. Multiple sets of stitches will be used both inside and outside to keep the results as long-lasting as possible.
Because every patient is unique, the surgery may be modified. In addition, other procedures may be done at the same time for convenience. The length of the procedure lasts between two and five hours. It will take more time if there are multiple procedures being completed. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure that is done at our fully accredited O.R. facility on site. Patients are able to go home the same day, but will need a driver to accompany them to the surgery for the day.
What Is the Downtime for a Facial Surgery?
How Long Will Face Lift Last?
The results will be evident immediately following surgery as the skin appears tighter and smoother. However, there will be visible side effects due to swelling and bruising. The final results will take about four to six months once the swelling has gone down and the incisions have healed over. The scars are hidden to avoid visibility and will take 12 to 18 months to fade fully.
While the surgery does not stop the aging process, the results can take years off of one’s face. The amount of time the procedure will last varies on the person. On average, the procedure usually lasts around ten years. Taking good care of your skin, using sunscreen, avoiding the sun, and reducing stress levels can help. Every patient’s face lift results will be different in terms of how long it lasts. However, we will work with you to create a maintenance regimen that will maximize and prolong the benefits of the procedure. A face lift is one of the most effective tools in cosmetic medicine for fighting the effects of aging. Patients often report that their confidence has increased, and they are much happier with their physical appearance after the procedure.
How to Get Started
Begin by scheduling an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Cole. At the consultation, it’s essential to communicate your expectations. Dr. Cole will be able to give you his expert opinion and manage your expectations. At the consultation, you will have a physical examination, discuss your medical history, and any prior surgeries that you have had. You will also need to let your doctor know of any medications you are currently taking.
Before surgery, you’ll need to follow the medication instructions given to you by Dr. Cole and his team. You may need to reduce or stop taking certain medications. You will be given specialized instructions to follow in preparation for the procedure.