What Can I Expect From Facelift Surgery?

At Daines Plastic Surgery, facelifts are one of the most popular surgical procedures, and it’s easy to see why. Facelifts allow you to turn the clock back on aging and fend off wrinkles for a noticeably rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. While other treatments can treat the signs of aging to a lesser extent, only a facelift manipulates the skin, muscle and underlying tissues for lasting results. As such, it remains the gold standard in facial rejuvenation.

To shed some light on what to expect from facelift surgery, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Daines answers some frequently asked questions so you can better understand each step of the treatment process.

HOW DO I GET THE BALL ROLLING?

The first step to learning more about facelift surgery is to schedule a consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Doing so will let you ask detailed questions and get all of the facts before deciding if a facelift is right for you. During this time, your surgeon will also walk you through the treatment process and discuss factors such as cost, preparing for surgery, the surgery itself, expected downtime and the final results, so you’ll know what to expect from start to finish.

At Daines Plastic Surgery, your facelift will be personalized to address your unique anatomy, concerns and goals. I utilize a number of different techniques when performing facelifts and will recommend the best approach to help you reach your desired results. For superior outcomes, facelifts are often combined with other procedures such as a neck lift, eyelid lift, and brow lift. These options can be reviewed further during your initial consultation.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE SURGERY ITSELF?

There are many variations of a facelift that can be performed based on factors such as your age, goals and unique anatomy. For example, younger patients may benefit more from a mini-facelift procedure, which corrects mild signs of aging in the lower face, while those with advanced concerns will see more dramatic results with a traditional facelift.

Regardless of the type of facelift you’re undergoing, it will be performed in an outpatient surgery setting using either general or twilight anesthesia. A traditional facelift is more extensive and addresses both the lower face and neck, trimming away excess skin and tightening the underlying tissue for a more youthful appearance. The entire procedure generally takes about three to four hours to complete.

In contrast, a mini facelift treats the lower portion of the face and utilizes shorter incisions to tighten the skin and muscles. It takes less time to perform and involves shorter incisions, but the results aren’t as dramatic as a complete lower face and neck lift. However, for the right patient, a mini facelift is a great option for reversing the early signs of aging. Because the scope is more limited, you can expect a mini facelift to take two to three hours.

WHAT IS RECOVERY LIKE?

After your facelift comes the recovery. For a lot of patients, this is the part they worry about the most. The good news is that advancements in surgical techniques mean the recovery is much quicker and more comfortable than it used to be. You’ll still need to spend some time away from your normal activities, but you can expect to be back on your feet and ready to go out in public within one to two weeks.

The most common side effects following a facelift are temporary numbness, bruising, tightness and swelling in the treated areas. Bandages and surgical dressings will be applied to aid in proper healing, but these are usually removed the day after surgery. Your stitches will be taken out about a week later at your scheduled follow-up appointment, where I will check your progress and make sure everything is going smoothly.

A mini facelift involves a quicker recovery period than a traditional facelift, but patients generally find both experiences to be tolerable as long as they rest and follow instructions. Paying close attention to your post-operative instructions during the days and weeks that follow your surgery are critical to ensuring the best outcome.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

Facelifts have come a long way from simply tightening and trimming away excess skin. Today, surgeons are able to manipulate the underlying supporting tissues to provide lasting results. Combined with more knowledge about what it takes to produce a natural facelift, you can expect your procedure to make your skin appear smoother, tighter and more refreshed without seeming like you’ve had work done. Gone are the days of the pulled, unnatural look.

The longevity of your results will depend on factors such as your age, skin quality, the type of procedure performed as well as your lifestyle habits, but you can expect to enjoy a more youthful appearance for many years to come. Practicing good skin care and incorporating other advanced anti-aging treatments such as Botox® or dermal fillers into your routine will help prolong your new look for even longer, as will proper sun protection.

IS THERE ANY SCARRING?

Scarring is one of the biggest concerns patients have following facelift surgery, since the face is such a visible and prominent area. Fortunately, facelift incisions are designed to be virtually undetectable once they’ve healed, resulting in minimal scarring with good aftercare. While the exact size and location of your incisions will vary depending on your procedure, they’re typically hidden in the scalp or hairline and follow the curve of the ear, where they should blend in seamlessly with the contours of your face. After your surgery, I will provide detailed post-op instructions to further minimize scarring and ensure the best results.

HOW MUCH DOES A FACELIFT COST?

Your facelift will be a highly individualized procedure, so it’s hard to determine an exact price without an in-person consultation. A number of factors will be considered in the final cost, such as the type of facelift being performed, the anesthesia used, and whether any additional procedures such as a laser resurfacing or eyelid surgery are included as part of your treatment plan. Your surgeon’s qualifications are also an important consideration, as those who are more experienced and double board-certified typically charge more than those who are not.

At Daines Plastic Surgery, your facelift pricing will include the procedure, facility and anesthesia fees, aftercare, and post-op services. We’re committed to giving each patient a quality experience and superior results, so you can be certain that your health, safety and well-being are our top priority from the moment you walk through our doors.

LEARN MORE

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Daines proudly serves the residents of Newport Beach, Orange County and beyond. With extensive experience in facelift procedures and a reputation to match, he is uniquely qualified to deliver natural results that will exceed your expectations. To learn more about facelift surgery and whether it’s right for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation. You can also reach us by calling our office at 949-209-1622.