Considered by many plastic surgeons to be the “gold standard” of facial rejuvenation, facelift is a comprehensive answer to age-related imperfections like wrinkles, fine lines, skin laxity, and jowls. To better acquaint patients with what facelift entails and what it can accomplish, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Charles S. Lee of Enhance® Medical Center answers frequently asked questions about facelift below.
What does facelift correct?
Facelift is designed to soften the appearance of common signs of aging on the face, including fine lines and deep-set wrinkles, lax, saggy skin, creases, folds and jowls. Dr. Lee usually incorporates neck lift into facelift surgery, which addresses fatty bulges, wrinkles and saggy skin on the neck and reduces the appearance of a double chin.
Can I get the same results with nonsurgical treatments?
Nonsurgical anti-aging results like Botox, dermal fillers and chemical peels can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but the results won’t be as dramatic or long-lasting as facelift results.
How much younger will I look after facelift?
After facelift, you will look as young as you feel! On average, facelift patients look seven to 10 years younger after surgery.
What happens during facelift surgery?
Traditional facelift surgery is performed through incisions made in the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ear to the lower scalp. During surgery, the deep structures of the face as well as the skin are lifted and tightened to create a more youthful, attractive facial expression. Redundant skin is excised.
Will I be awake during facelift surgery?
No, you will be under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation while Dr. Lee operates. You will not be able to feel anything or remember anything from surgery.
How long does it take to recover from facelift?
Every patient recovers at their own pace. Most patients take one to two weeks off from work, after which most of the bruising and swelling will have subsided and any remaining side effects can be concealed with cosmetics. In addition to taking time off work, you will be asked to refrain from strenuous activities and aerobic exercise for four to six weeks after surgery.
When will I see results?
You may notice an improvement almost immediately, with the results continuing to improve in the weeks and months following your procedure. Most patients see their results stabilize a few months after the operation.
Book a Facelift Consultation with Dr. Lee
If you have additional questions about facelift that were not answered in this post, Dr. Lee encourages you to reach out to him by calling 310-271-5954 or emailing Enhance® Medical Center.
