Younger Faces

Facelift

Facelift surgery, also known as a "rhytidectomy procedure" or cheek-neck lift is intended to correct some of the most obvious signs of aging, including sagging of the neck and jawline, fullness of the neck and squaring of the lower face. The objective of this procedure is to return your lower face and neck to its appearance 7-10 years ago. Well-placed incisions at the hairline in front of the ear, in the creases around the ear, and along the hairline behind the ear provide minimal visibility. During the procedure, any neck fat is suctioned, neck and cheek tissues are tightened, and excess skin is removed.

Ideal Facelift Candidates

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are in good overall health and do not smoke. This procedure is an effective option for those who wish to correct visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Patients should have realistic expectations and cosmetic goals, and understand that although a facelift can reverse the signs of aging, it cannot stop the aging process altogether.

Facelift Recovery

The amount of time required for recovery varies greatly from patient to patient. A pressure bandage will be applied to the face after surgery. The head should be kept elevated to reduce swelling, and patients should refrain from straining, bending, and lifting during the recovery period. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common and usually last between 10 and 14 days. Some patients may experience mild swelling for several weeks. Medication will be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort and pain. After 10 days the patient may camouflage any lingering discoloration in the face with makeup. Dr. Young will give you detailed instructions on your limitations and what to expect during the post-operative period depending on your individual circumstances and the technique used for your procedure.

Midface Lift

The midface lift focuses on the area of the cheeks below the eyes. This technique can improve a flat or hollowed appearance below the eyes, and correct a furrow that divides the cheek into two parts. The midface lift procedure results in improved cheek contours and a younger appearance below the lower eyelids. Patients who have previously undergone a facelift and desire a more youthful appearance in the cheek area will benefit from a midface lift. During this procedure, an incision is made in the temple hair, and the tissue of the cheek is lifted to a more youthful position and held in place with sutures.

Midface Lift Recovery

Obvious swelling of the cheeks generally lasts about 6 weeks, but the prolonged recovery is well-worth the finished product.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift is for patients who have early signs of aging, with slight sagging in their cheeks and neck and good skin elasticity. This method utilizes shorter incisions around the ear and allows for a quicker recovery time. Underlying tissue is repositioned, excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with sutures. Drooping in the cheeks, neck, and along the jawline can be tightened with a mini facelift, but usually patients with large amounts of sagging should consider the traditional facelift (cheek-neck lift) procedure.

Though the final results of a more youthful contour may take several weeks to become visible, facelift surgery is a rewarding procedure that can dramatically reverse the effects of gravity and aging. Overall, patients are happy with the results of the procedure and often experience a boost in self-confidence.

Facelift Cost

The cost of a facelift varies depending on the type of facelift performed, and multiple other factors. The fees that contribute to the overall facelift cost include:

∙ Surgeon's fee

∙ Hospital or surgical facility costs

∙ Anesthesia fees

∙ Prescriptions for medication and post-surgical garments

∙ Medical tests

Undergoing a facelift concurrently with another procedure will affect the total facelift cost, typically reducing the price (as compared to having individual procedures performed separately).

Commonly Combined Procedures

A facelift procedure can be combined with a variety of other surgeries or treatments to achieve complete facial rejuvenation. If you suffer from drooping upper or lower eyelids, fatty deposits in the upper eyelids, or under-eye bags, eyelid surgery can be performed in conjunction with a facelift to restore a more youthful and rested appearance. Because a facelift does not address signs of aging in the forehead, a browlift can be combined with facelift surgery to correct a wrinkled or sagging brow. Undergoing a combination of procedures simultaneously has the benefit of allowing you to recover from each procedure during the same recovery period, reducing your overall downtime.

Questions?

If you are interested in undergoing a facelift in Nashville, facial plastic surgery specialist Dr. Larry C. Young can help achieve your individual cosmetic goals.