Facelift Frequently Asked Questions
In terms of facelifting, it is not your biological age that matters, but your physiological age tells the tale. According to your presented signs of aging and cosmetic goals, you could be anywhere between 40 and 80 years old.
Facelift patients are all unique in their aesthetic goals. The ideal facelift candidates are usually between the ages of 40-75. The facelift candidate is one that presents with realistic facial rejuvenation requests to address skin laxity due to aging and/or weight loss.
Facelift candidates usually recognize the need for a facelift when their skincare regime no longer addresses their facial rejuvenation goals.
If you have reached the point of performing the guilty thumb lift in the mirror to get an idea of what you might look like if that skin were tucked up, then you may be ready to schedule a consultation with a facelift surgeon.
Facelifts range in size from "mini" to "mid" to “full” depending on location and extent of skin laxity. Incisions are made along the ear, extending down around the earlobe, and ending behind the ear. The subcutaneous layers and facial muscles are tightened, the facial skin is re-draped and lifted, and the excess skin is removed. The patient goes home with head and neck wrapped in a type of compression bandage. Minimal initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication and ice compresses. Sutures are usually removed between 7-14 days.
Depending on the specific type of facelift your surgeon has recommended and any ancillary procedures also scheduled, the facelift procedure could take between 2-6 hours on average. Your surgeon will be able to give you a more specific time frame depending on his usual operating times.
Fillers only help with replacing lost volume from aging, but do not tighten the skin. Facial fillers do not actually "lift" the skin. Fillers give the appearance of "tightening" to a small degree, but never replace the results of a facelift.
Non-surgical facelift procedures can be a wide variety of things. The most common non-surgical facelift product sold is a facelift tape that temporarily adheres to the skin in front of the ears and pulls back behind the ears with the use of a string or wire to give the appearance of a face lift. Other marketed non-surgical face lift-like procedures could be the use of temporary artificial facial fillers or skin resurfacing.
The advances of laser skin resurfacing have developed nicely in the last two decades, but laser skin resurfacing cannot replace a facelift entirely. Laser skin resurfacing merely helps to smooth and tighten the skin to a degree. Laser skin resurfacing does not address the facelift component of tightening the layers under the skin, such as the SMAS layer, that are key to achieving a true lift. Lasers just aren't the magic wands Hollywood would like for all of us to have.
Most facelift patients can expect to be out of work for about two to four weeks depending on the specific type of facelift performed and any ancillary procedures. Please be sure to see our Facelift Recovery page to for more detailed information
Depending on specific type of facelift in conjunction with any ancillary procedures performed, most facelift patients can see their results immediately, but with swelling and bruising. As the swelling and bruising dimishes, the true facelift result become more clear.
As with any surgical procedure, risks can be associated with facelift surgery. Plastic surgeons make every effort to reduce potential of these risks. Patient compliance is the number one cause of post-surgical complications. However, complications can still occur. Such complications and risks include excessive swelling/brusing, hematoma, delayed healing and nerve damage. As with any surgical procedure, other complications and risks associated with anesthesia are possible. Your facelift surgeon should review these risks with you prior to your facelift surgery.
Facelift patients need to have realistic expectations. A facelift does not make you look like your highschool senior portrait.
Permanent nerve damage is a very rare complication from facelift. During facelift recovery nerve sensation can take up to a few months for sensation to regain. In cases of patients who use tobacco or nicotine products, this nerve sensation recovery can take longer in conjunction with delayed healing in general.
Hair loss from facelift surgery usually occurs when the incisions are placed in the hairline either above the ear or in the area behind the ear. Facelift surgeons make every effort to keep incisions from causing hair loss, especially in the sideburn area. Depending on your cosmetic goals and type of facelift recommended, your surgeon should discuss any issue pertaining to your hairline.