Facelift

Facelift surgery rejuvenates and improves facial contours and overall appearance through the tightening of facial tissue and muscles, and the repositioning of skin. This helps remove wrinkles and droopiness from the eyes, face and neck, creating a more defined facial structure and overall rejuvenated appearance.

Anyone pursuing facelift surgery should have realistic expecations for surgery.  The results of facelift surgery will vary depending on a number of factors that include:

1. The amount of excess skin around the eyes and neck

2. The patient's bone structure (how strong or defined it is)

3. The overall quality of skin tone and suppleness

4. The patient's ability to maintain their weight

Contrary to what is commonly thought, a facelift will not improve or get rid of the wrinkles on the forehead, the eyelids themselves, or the wrinkles around the mouth.  It can, however, tighten the skin around the eyes and mouth to get rid of the sagging appearance.  Most often, a facelift is combined with laser skin resurfacing to improve the skin's tone and texture, along with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to get rid of excess skin and fat under the eyes and on the eyelids.

The Most Common Types of Facelifts Include:

1. Standard Facelift - This type of facelift surgery involves small, unnoticeable incisions made at the hairline.  The skin is then tightened around the facial area only.  Depending on your unique needs, your surgeon may perform what is called a "skin-only facelift" which excises and tightens just the facial skin, or they may also readjust your fat and muscle to create a younger, more refreshed appearance.

2. S-Lift - Performed since the 1960's the S-Lift facelift method is still very popular today. It has been perfected over the decades and is the tried-and-true facelift technique of plastic surgeons in the United States and abroad.  This facelift is meant for the lower 2/3 of the face and involves an incision just in front of the ear, disguised by your ear fold.  The S-Lift is a great alternative for patients who don't need to undergo a full facelift surgery, but just need to target the mouth and jowel area.

3. Mini Face Lift - The mini lift is similar to the S-Lift, but it is often used to zero in on problem areas and is most suitable for younger patients who would like a refresher, but do not require more invasive surgery.  It is especially popular for targeting the nasolabial folds, or the sagging skin around your frown lines.

Please Note**There are other facelift variations, but the above explanations can give you a good base understanding of today's facelift surgery options.  During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to explain each type with you, and help you understand how you can (or cannot) benefit from them. 

Typical Minimum Cost of Facelift (based on national averages):
$6,681.00
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Typical Maximum Cost of Facelift (based on national averages):
$7,081.00
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National Average Cost of Facelift:
$6,881.00
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Time Required for Facelift:
It usually takes at least 3 hours to perform facelift surgery. Time requirements can depend on the extent of work being done.
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Is Facelift an InPatient or OutPatient Procedure?
Oupatient.
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What are the Side Effects of Facelift?
Facelift side effects can include temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising, numbness, or tightness of the facial skin.
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How Long do Facelift results last?
It usually takes about 4-6 weeks after surgery for the final facelift result to take shape. Facelift results are long-lasting, often up to 10 years or more, but can vary depending on changes related to aging, weight gain and gravity.
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What is the recovery time for Facelift?
Day 1-3 Protective wrappings worn for short period, usually removed the day after surgery. Some minor discomfort will be felt temporarily, but can be alleviated with oral pain medication.

Day 14 Sutures are usually removed within about 2 weeks of surgery.

Day 28-42 Swelling and bruising will slowly fade, but should be at presentable levels within several weeks of surgery. Facelift recovery should wind down, and the final look will take shape over about 4-6 weeks. Some minor additional changes may still occur for a few months after that.
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Will my insurance company cover Facelift?
Because of the cosmetic nature of a facelift, insurance does not apply.
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Is there much discomfort for Facelift?
After a facelift, discomfort and pain is very minimal, and easily controlled with oral medication.
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What types of anesthesia is necessary for Facelift?
For a facelift, anesthesia of choice is usually local with sedation, or general anethesia.
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What else can I combine Facelift with?
For enhanced results, a facelift may be combined with:

• Forehead or Brow Lift
• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
• Rhinoplasty
• Necklift, or Liposuction of the neck

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What else is Facelift referred to as?
Rhytidectomy
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Are there less invasive alternatives to Facelift?

BOTOX® Cosmetic

Juvederm

IPL PhotoFacial

Perlane

Refirme™ Skin Tightening

Thermage for Skin Tightening

Titan™ Skin Tightening

Artefill

CosmoPlast™

Injectable Dermal Fillers

Fractional Laser Resurfacing

Fraxel Laser Resurfacing

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Find a Surgeon that performs Facelift: