Facelift
Conveniently located to serve BOSTON
These days, there are more options than ever before when it comes to facial rejuvenation, but still, one of the most popular and effective ways to bring youth back into the face remains to be facelift surgery. Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure cosmetic surgical procedure designed to lift the face to decrease common signs of aging in the areas of the face and neck.
The Benefits of a Facelift
Let’s take a look at some of the issues that can be improved through facelift surgery:
- It can improve the appearance of a double chin
- It can improve sagging caused by fallen or displaced fat
- It can improve the appearance of jowls
- It can minimize sagging throughout the middle of the face
- It can minimize deep creasing which appears from the nose down to the corners of the mouth
- It can minimize deep creasing under the lower eyelids
Oftentimes, a facelift surgery may be done in conjunction with a brow lift or eyelid lift surgery for more complete rejuvenation. It’s important to note that while facelift surgery is one of the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedures, there are some things it will not change. Your fundamental appearance will not be altered through a facelift, nor will it keep your face from aging further in the future.
Am I an Ideal Candidate for a Facelift?
Ideal candidates for a facelift are those in robust physical and mental health, preferably non-smokers, who have realistic expectations about the results. Like any surgery, facelifts carry risks; it’s crucial to discuss these thoroughly with your plastic surgeon. Ensure you ask comprehensive questions and clearly communicate your goals and concerns to help ensure a safe procedure and satisfactory results.
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Written onOctober 16, 2016
Looking back, having a facelift was a wonderful decision. I’m so glad I didn’t scare myself out of it. My more youthful jawline, neck and cheeks reappeared – jowls and flabbiness are gone – but I look and feel completely natural for my age. Dr. Darrow is truly an artist!
Making the decision to get a facelift, though, was the easier part. Finding the right doctor was a bit more scary. I had consultations with other surgeons, but when I met Dr. Darrow I quickly felt at ease. He has a wonderful manner about him and clearly takes pride in “his work.” Dr. Darrow is easy to talk to – open with answers to my questions. I felt very comfortable and secure in his hands. Now I think of him more as a body-sculptor than a surgeon. And Helen, his assistant, was (and is) ever-responsive and welcoming – fabulous with the surrounding details and all my questions. Plus, The Boston Center facility is top-notch – including their attentive nurse care and top-notch anesthesiologist.
The Facelift Procedure
Let’s take a look at the procedure itself:
- First comes the anesthesia, which may be introduced intravenously or through general anesthesia.
- Next, the incision will be made. You may opt for a traditional facelift, in which the incision usually begins at the temples in the hairline and goes around the ear to end at the lower scalp. The fat will be re-sculpted or re-distributed, the muscles of the face will be lifted, and excess skin will be removed.
- During a limited incision facelift, the incisions are shorter and start at the temples, continue around the ear, and possibly include the lower eyelids or upper lip. Additionally, a neck lift may be performed alone or in addition to one of the above to lift the skin of the jowls and neck with an incision that starts in front of the ear and wraps around to the lower scalp.
- The incisions are typically hidden in the hairline or in natural creases.
- As you heal, your results will be more and more revealed. The swelling and bruising will go down, and you will be left with a well-rested, revitalized, and more youthful appearance.
The Recovery Process
Following the procedure, during your recovery, it will be important to follow your Plastic Surgeon’s instructions and restrictions for optimal healing. It may take several months for the incision line to fully mature and for the swelling to completely go down. You will need to continually be aware of staying protected from the sun. If you experience any shortness of breath or chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
The Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a less-invasive variation of the traditional facelift technique. It specifically focuses on aging issues in the lower third of the face, including sagging skin on the jawline, chin, and neck.
Ideal candidates for a mini facelift include patients who would like to get rid of their subtle or moderately drooping jowls. It can be paired with an upper and/or lower blepharoplasty for more comprehensive results.
The mini facelift is an outpatient procedure. At the start of the surgery, a combination of local anesthesia and sedation is administered (though general anesthesia may also be an option). Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Darrow creates incisions around the ears. The length of these incisions is shorter than that of traditional facelift incisions.
Excess skin is then removed, and the underlying tissues are lifted to tighten the area and make it look more youthful. The skin is redraped, and the incisions are closed using stitches.
The recovery time is typically the same as that of a full facelift. However, there is sometimes less bruising and swelling associated with it, since it is an overall less-invasive surgery.
No drains will be required during recovery. You will need to return for a follow-up, at which time Dr. Darrow will check on the progress of your healing and will remove your stitches.
The exact price varies based on the patient’s individual requirements.
How Much Does Facelift Cost?
The total cost of facelift surgery is determined based on factors like your medical examinations, surgeon’s fee, hospital charges, post-surgery garments, and anesthesia. The exact techniques used will also impact cost, as will the total time needed to perform the surgery.
Contact Us Today
To find out more about the mini facelift and the facelift in Boston, schedule a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Darrow. Contact our office to arrange your appointment.
FAQs
How Long Will the Results of a Facelift Last?
How long a facelift lasts differs from person to person, but the results usually last for a long time. The lasting time is affected by the person’s skin condition, their way of living, and how much they keep their skin safe from the sun. Even with a facelift, aging will still go on and change the face as time passes.
Will a Facelift Leave Scars?
Yes, facelift surgery involves incisions, which means there will be scars. However, Dr. Darrow strategically places these incisions in areas where they can be easily concealed, such as along the hairline or behind the ears. With proper care, these scars typically fade significantly over time and become minimally noticeable.
What Kind of Anesthesia is Used During a Facelift?
Facelift surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. The choice of anesthesia is determined based on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s health and preferences.
How Does Aging Continue to Affect the Face After a Facelift?
After a facelift, the natural aging process resumes, gradually affecting the skin’s elasticity and facial volume. Despite the rejuvenated appearance, environmental factors and genetics continue to influence aging.
How Often Do Patients Require Revision Facelift Surgery?
Revision facelift surgery is not uncommon but is generally not frequent. Some patients might get a revision for different reasons, like wanting more improvements or dealing with aging changes. Whether someone needs a revision depends on what they’re hoping for, how they age, and how well the first surgery went.
What Are the Different Facelift Techniques, and How Are They Customized for Individual Aging Patterns?
There are several facelift techniques, including traditional facelifts, limited incision facelifts, and neck lifts. The choice of technique is customized based on the patient’s specific aging patterns, skin quality, and desired outcomes. The goal is to address sagging skin, jowls, and other signs of aging in a way that looks natural and meets the patient’s aesthetic goals.
What Is the Ideal Age or Demographic for Facelifts?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the ideal age for a facelift. Candidates range from their 40s to their 70s or beyond, depending on individual signs of aging and health.
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