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Facelift
As you get older, a number of factors contribute to the aging of your face. Stress, sun, wind exposure, and even gravity conspire to leave you looking older. Wrinkles form on your forehead, your brow line, and around your eyes. They also form between the bottom of your nose and your mouth. Folds of skin appear on your previously smooth neck. A facelift performed by our plastic surgeons at Premier Plastic Surgery Group of Utah can help address the effects of aging.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a procedure designed to lift and tighten the skin of the face and jaw. A plastic surgeon can correct signs of aging including sagging skin, excess fat, and deep folds. The goal of a facelift is to achieve a younger, more refreshed version of yourself.
Who’s a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
During your pre-operative consultation, your plastic surgeon will get a medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your facial bone structure, underlying skin structure, skin thickness, texture, and elasticity as well as the extent of your facial wrinkles and folds. We will also discuss your aesthetic goals and work with you to formulate a surgical plan.
Generally, a facelift is a low-risk and versatile procedure. Today, many different techniques exist, with outcomes that are consistently reliable and durable. Your plastic surgeon will explain the safest technique that will provide the best outcome for you based on your goals and the results of your physical exam.
What Happens During a Facelift?
A facelift is generally performed using general anesthetic. The procedure usually involves incisions in front of and behind the ear that may extend into the scalp. Once the incisions are made, various degrees of undermining of the skin are performed, and the deeper layers of the face are lifted. Your plastic surgeon can then tighten your facial muscles and may even perform liposuction of your neck and jowls. Once complete, the incisions are closed and you can return home.
Facelift Results and Recovery
The amount of time it takes to recover from your facelift varies depending on the individual. Elevation of the head is extremely helpful in reducing the initial post-operative swelling. You may also be advised to use ice packs intermittently.
Once the dressings and drains are removed, puffiness and discoloration may be more pronounced in some portions of the face than others. Do not be alarmed by any unevenness or temporary asymmetry – this is normal. Most swelling is usually noted in the first 24-48 hours, and most bruising resolves within 2 weeks. Concealing makeup is usually permitted after the first week. You may experience numbness to the face post-operatively, which usually resolves within several months.
The results of your facelift may be subtle or dramatic, depending on your appearance prior to the surgery as well as your specific goals established before surgery. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait several weeks for an accurate picture of your new look. Additional minor changes or settling may occur over the next several months.
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Our laser team can develop a personalized treatment package for your cosmetic needs. To meet with our experienced plastic surgeons and learn more, schedule a consultation at our Draper, UT office by calling or filling out our online form.
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