A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can reverse signs of aging in the face, including the sagging skin on the cheeks and along the jawline, nasolabial folds, and wrinkles round the mouth. A neck lift is often combined with a facelift to reduce sagging skin or fat deposits from the neck, creating an overall younger appearance.
Benefits of a facelift
- Tighten sagging skin around the cheeks and jawline
- Remove deep creases and lines around the nose, mouth, and chin (nasolabial folds, marionette lines)
- Refine jawline contour
- Long-lasting results
- Address multiple signs of aging
- Create a younger appearance
- Can be paired with other procedures to enhance the final results
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
Whether a facelift is right for you or not is a very personal question. You may be a suitable candidate for a facelift if you are in good general health and have realistic expectations and a positive attitude. Moreover, good candidates are those who feel their faces make them look older than they are or than they feel. The following are some indications which can determine if you are a good candidate for facelift surgery:
- Your face shape has changed due to aging or weight loss
- You have noticeable laxity of the cheeks, nasolabial folds, areas around the mouth, and jawline
- You have excess skin around the jawline
- You wish to restore a youthful-looking appearance
- You have sagging skin or excess fat in the neck area (this procedure will include a neck lift)
- You want natural-looking, long-lasting results
Non-surgical techniques are available depending on the condition of your facial skin. During your initial consultation, Dr Chiara will listen to your desired results and advise you on the best procedure or treatment for you.
How is a facelift performed?
During a facelift procedure, a flap of skin on each side of the face is pulled back. The tissues below the skin are surgically modified to return the contour of the face to a more youthful shape. Excess skin is surgically removed before the flap is sutured closed.
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift lifts the whole face by repositioning deeper tissue layers. The result can accentuate the jawline, neck, and cheekbones. This technique used is the most effective method, correcting moderate to severe skin laxity, under chin sagging and heavy cheeks. It is the most natural-looking and the results are more long-lasting compared to other techniques. Research demonstrates that patients appear at least five years younger after undergoing this procedure.
What to expect during recovery?
Dr Chiara will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to ensure smooth and quick recovery.
During the first few days after surgery, it is normal to feel some tolerable pain, soreness, and fatigue. Your surgeon will prescribe you some pain medication to help relieve your symptoms during this time.
At the 4 to 6-day mark, most patients no longer need to take pain medication and begin to notice the swelling subside. During this time, you may feel a lot more comfortable to move around.
During the second week of recovery, most patients typically still experience some swelling and bruising, and it is normal to experience loss of sensation, tightness, and tingling. These symptoms are expected and should subside gradually.
Throughout weeks 3 and 4, you still may have some residual tightness and swelling, but your face will still start looking and feeling significantly better, and you can resume low-impact exercise and social activities.
When can I see the result of facelift surgery?
Facelift surgery can achieve dramatic change in your look as it gives a younger appearance by lifting and tightening the skin and eliminating wrinkles and folds. The final results will be evident within up to eight weeks after bruising and swelling subside and will last for about 10 years.
What is the cost of facelift surgery?
The cost of facelift surgery can vary, depending on the needs of each patient, the surgical technique used and the complexity of the procedure. Dr Chiara will create a personalized surgery plan for you after examining your face and discussing your needs and will be able to determine the full cost of your procedure.
