Facelift Surgery
Gravity and years of exposure to environmental factors eventually weaken the tissues of your face. When the skin becomes loose and sags, you lose that bright, youthful facial appearance. Facelift surgery tightens sagging skin and muscles to reduce signs of aging for a younger, more vibrant complexion.
“Your face, more than any other area of your body, is going to show signs of aging.”
What Does a Facelift Entail?
Facelift surgery can be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Patient preference and the extent of correction needed will decide which anesthesia technique is used. Dr. Shah places an incision behind the ear, discreetly located in the hairline. Through the incision, he separates the surface tissue from the deep underlying muscle structure.
He lifts and repositions drooping facial muscles and uses sutures to hold them in place. Excess skin is trimmed away. Dr. Shah then drapes the remaining tissue to highlight the new contours of the face that have been created. He closes the incisions using fine sutures to minimize scarring.
It’s normal to experience some bruising, swelling, and redness following your procedure. For three to four days after your surgery, you should rest with your head elevated at all times. After one week, you will see a noticeable reduction in bruising and swelling. Your regular activities, including exercise, can be resumed after two to three weeks with your surgeon’s permission. After this time, your final results should be visible.
It possible that scarring may develop at your incision sites. Dr. Shah places the incisions in the hairline to mask their appearance and uses a fine suturing technique to minimize the development of scarring. Any visible scarring that develops is likely to fade over time.
The price of facelift surgery is highly personalized and depends on facility fees, surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and the extent of correction needed. Dr. Shah knows that price is an important consideration for facelift surgery, and he can give you a detailed quote during your initial consultation. However, while cost may play a role in deciding on your plastic surgeon, it is important to remember that experience and consistent results should be the most significant factors to consider when choosing your surgeon.
Some patients note a tightening of the face and feel mild discomfort after their procedure. Any postoperative pain is controlled using a prescribed oral medication. Keeping your head elevated will help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Facelift Adjustments by Dr. Shah
Decrease Turkey Neck
Loose skin that hangs from the neck can create what is commonly called a "turkey waddle" or “turkey neck.” This condition becomes significantly more distinct when the neck muscles begin to droop as well. Additionally, sagging tissues along the jawline can cause a lack of definition between the lower face and neck.
By tightening the platysma (neck) muscles and removing excess tissue, a more graceful neck can be revealed. Creating better definition along the jawline can also help elongate the neck and enhance the appearance of the face.
Reduce Signs of Aging
Sagging skin can cause the presence of deep grooves and wrinkles on the face. Drooping skin below the eyes causes the appearance of constant fatigue. Wrinkles around the nose and mouth can significantly age the face.
Lifting the underlying muscular structure of the face and trimming away excess tissue helps smooth your facial appearance. Eliminating excess skin can help create more defined cheekbones and can brighten the area under the eyes. When combined, these changes can result in a rested, toned, and youthful facial appearance.
Personally Tailored Results
Every patient has a unique bone and muscle structure. Therefore, what is a proper correction for one patient won’t always achieve the same results for another. Dr. Shah tailors his facelift technique to each patient depending on his or her skin type, bone structure, and underlying facial anatomy.
Dr. Shah spends extended consultations with his patients evaluating their facial structure and discussing their personal goals and aesthetic desires. Developing this relationship with his patients helps set Dr. Shah apart from other facial plastic surgeons and allows him to achieve realistic and amazing results.
Frequently Asked Questions
The month prior to your surgery, you should stop smoking and stop taking medications that thin the blood, such as Aspirin. This helps ensure better circulation to promote better healing. Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated in the days leading up to your surgery. Prepare your home for your return. Plan for a friend or family member to stay with you for the first few days following your procedure.
It is highly cost-effective to combine facial procedures for overall facial rejuvenation. The most commonly combined procedures include:
- Forehead/Brow Lift
- Eyelid Lift
- Injectable Fillers
Generally, a liquid facelift refers to the use of non-surgical facial fillers to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These treatments are quicker than a facelift procedure and have significantly shorter recovery times. However, they do not provide the same amount of correction as a surgical facelift.
Facelift surgery can achieve long-lasting results. The procedure can erase years from your appearance, but it is important to remember that it cannot halt the natural aging process. Many patients undergo non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques to maintain their ideal results.
