FACELIFT

Patients should be in good health, with a positive outlook and realistic expectations as to what the procedure can achieve. Certain underlying medical conditions may interfere with the procedure, such as bleeding disorders. Any thinning of the blood poses a risk in surgery, so patients will also need to discuss all medications with their surgeon. Diabetes, heart conditions, and anemia, as well as unhealthy habits such as drinking and smoking, can affect the success of the procedure, recovery, and results. The best patient is a healthy patient.

There is no set age for a facelift. While facelift patients were typically in their early 60s in years past, today, those in their 40s and 50s are choosing to take action. Most patients don’t want a dramatic difference from their facelift. They simply want subtle improvements that are natural-looking and a refreshed appearance that allows them to age gracefully. Generally, patients who have facelifts performed at a younger age enjoy longer-lasting results. Younger patients are also able to heal more quickly and enjoy a faster recovery.

Whether you’re troubled by the onset of facial aging or have been considering a nip tuck for years, a facelift may be right for you. The best way to find out is to schedule an appointment at either of our locations in the San Diego area to learn more!

You can reach our La Jolla offices at (858) 285-4667, or our La Mesa location by calling (619) 466-8851.

During your personal consultation at Prime Plastic Surgery, you’ll meet with one of our expert plastic surgeons who will get to know more about you and your goals. After a friendly and honest discussion, they’ll examine your areas of concern in order to recommend an ideal treatment plan. We will also review your medical history and take other necessary steps to ensure that you’re fit for surgery. If you’re a good candidate for a facelift, we’ll walk you through preparing for the surgery, the surgery itself, and the recovery process. We will then discuss any concerns you might have in order to ensure our approach meets your individual needs.

At Prime Plastic Surgery, our team of doctors combines years of expertise with a dedication to the goals of their patients.

The surgeons at Prime Plastic Surgery work carefully with patients to ensure the best possible experience and the most desirable results. Each of our patients receives personalized instructions and has the full support of our staff at their disposal.

After the decision to proceed, the patient should prepare for the surgery in the following ways:

• Choose a trustworthy friend or relative who can act as an escort and driver until the anesthesia completely wears off.
• Fast before the procedure. For an 8:00 AM surgery, drink only water after midnight.
• Come to their surgical appointment with a clean face and hair.
• Make plans for time off work or social activities (generally two weeks).
• Follow all directions regarding medications and other activities leading up to the procedure.

There’s no one like you, and every facial surgery at Prime is tailored to the unique facial features and concerns of the patient. The exact steps for the procedure depend on the type of facelift, and the approach and techniques that your surgeon has determined will best suit your needs. Facelift procedures can take from 90 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the extent of surgery required.

After your anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will begin.

Facelift incisions generally encircle each ear and extend to the temple, and allow for the surgeon to carefully separate and lift the overlying skin from deeper layers of tissue. Once they have access to the SMAS, they will perform the necessary techniques to reshape and reposition this underlying tissue. They may also sculpt the underlying fat for more voluminous cheeks and better definition. The next step is to gently redrape the skin so that it lays smoothly over the new, revitalized contours. Any excess skin is removed, and the incisions are sutured closed. The incisions are then wrapped in a dressing, and the patient is moved to a recovery room to be monitored until they are ready to return home with their designated caregiver. Often microfat grafts are utilized to enhance areas where there has been a loss of volume. They are your own tissue so there is no chance of rejection. They are long-lasting, as opposed to synthetic fillers which require touch-ups every few months.

As with most surgical procedures, recovery progresses in stages. Facelift patients should plan to relax at home and take time off work and other activities.

Following the procedure, you will have a soft head wrap around your head and under your chin to minimize swelling. Your surgeon will have placed drains behind each ear to release excess fluid. You and your caretaker will be instructed on how to care for these drains until they are removed a day or two after your facelift when you return to our office for a follow-up appointment so that we can monitor your recovery. Bandages are usually removed three to five days after surgery. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, numbness, and some discomfort, which are usually the most pronounced in the first few days and can be managed with the prescribed pain medication. This may make you a little drowsy, so be sure to have help on hand if needed. And remember, no driving, smoking, or drinking for at least the first 5 days. Keep the head elevated to alleviate the swelling. Patients should sleep on their back with 2-3 extra pillows during their recovery.

Most people are able to return to sedentary work in 10-14 days, at which point the healing process will be well underway, and patients can resume wearing makeup. Bruising and swelling will dramatically improve over the next three weeks. At this point, you’ll be able to return to more strenuous activities and those that raise your body temperature and blood pressure. As always, continue to protect your skin by avoiding excessive sun exposure and using a good SPF.

You’ll be given a full list of instructions to ensure you have a fast, healthy recovery, and can start enjoying your results as soon as possible.

Your facelift will have a long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenating effect. Although you’ll see results immediately after surgery, you can look forward to continued gradual improvement over the next six months to a year.

Many facelift recipients opt to include other procedures at the time of their surgery to enhance the overall effect of their facelift. The most frequent companion procedure is a neck lift. A neck lift, or platysmaplasty, restores a smooth appearance to the neck, eliminating neck banding and the appearance of a double chin.

Other facial surgeries are performed at the same time as well to ensure a balanced, harmonious result, and allow patients to only endure a single recovery period. It might finally be time to go for that nose surgery you’ve been thinking about! Or, if you’re looking to improve a sleepy or angry expression that has taken hold of your countenance, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift might be just the thing. Patients who want to further restore volume lost during aging can enhance their features with micro-fat grafts, or with synthetic implants used in chin and cheek augmentation.

Patients who are reluctant to commit to surgery often start with more temporary solutions. Non-surgical rejuvenating procedures include Botox, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments. These procedures may complement the results of a facelift or provide an alternative for those not ready for surgery.

The cost of your facelift will depend on the extent of your surgery, and the details of your treatment. After we formulate a treatment plan, we will provide an estimate for the total cost of your procedure, and any others you may choose to add. Prime Plastic Surgery provides financing options for those who qualify.