FACELIFT

If you've become uncomfortable with the effects of aging and gravity on your face, corrective surgery many be an option. With a traditional facelift, the skin and underlying tissues and muscles are tightened and repositioned to smooth wrinkles and give the face a younger appearance. This procedure is best for patients with more severe sagging and drooping of the facial skin and muscles. The board-certified plastic surgeons at Aesthetic Center of Gainesville also offer a mini facelift procedure. This procedure is quicker and less invasive, but still delivers amazing results. No matter which surgery you have done, our surgeons will leave you with natural, beautiful, ageless results.

There are various techniques used today to perform a facelift. Facial anatomy, skin laxity and the overall aesthetic goal of the patient will determine the best approach. Each procedure will be unique to the patient and will vary based on the type and location of the incision, the number of tissue layers affected, the plane of elevation and the level of invasiveness.

SKIN ONLY FACELIFT

The skin only facelift has been in practice since the early 1900s. Known as a cutaneous facelift, this technique is less invasive because it addresses the skin only. The result of this surgery is a bit subtler than some of the newer muscle tightening procedures. However, it also offers a lower risk and recovery period for the patient.

TRADITIONAL FACELIFT (SMAS)

This SMAS facelift is considered the gold standard. This surgery, while more complicated, produces results that are more dramatic and longer lasting. The technique involves manipulating a group of muscles beneath the skin known as the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS). This section of muscle controls facial expression. An incision is made along the hairline from the temple to just behind the earlobe. The skin is then separated and lifted. The underlying muscles and tissue are tightened and secured so they maintain their new position.

MINI FACELIFT

A mini facelift is geared towards patients who want some of the benefits of a facelift, while at the same time minimizing the cost and invasive nature of the surgery. Patients who wish to maximize the outcome of their surgery, resulting in the most dramatic results, will most likely need to turn to having a full facelift in order to meet these aesthetic goals.

Most facelift procedures are performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility, but this procedure can also be performed under local anesthesia with an oral sedative. The length of the surgery will vary, but it generally takes between 2 ½ - 4 hours. This surgery is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients will be bruised and swollen and the face and neck will feel tight. This will gradually improve within a few days. It is common for patients to feel anxious about how their face will appear. Patients need to understand it can take several full months for the final results to appear.

NONSURGICAL ALTERNATIVE?

BOTOX®, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion and chemical peels are examples of some non-surgical procedures that can assist in smoothing out wrinkles, improving fine lines and adding facial volume. These procedures also help to even out skin tone. However, these are treatments that will only affect the skin’s surface. Patients with loose skin, drooping jowls or a sagging neck will need to consider surgery if they want these features improved.

WILL I LOOK FAKE?

In the days immediately following facelift surgery, patients will feel tight and pulled. These are some short-term effects, but they will subside. It’s important to find a reputable surgeon skilled in facial surgery. Surgeons who know what they are doing will make every effort to work within the confines of the patient’s bone, skin and muscle structures so a younger, more natural look can result.  

VISIBLE SCARS?

Facelift surgery does require a long incision. However, in almost all cases, these scars are well hidden as they fall just along the hairline and around the ears in the natural folds of the scalp. In most cases, the scars should be barely visible to the naked eye.

BEST AGE?

The common age range for patients who undergo a facelift is between 50-70. It is safe to say most patients will look 5-10 years younger following a facelift procedure. Younger patients (40-50 years old) generally have stronger skin elasticity so their results may last longer than those of someone older. However, older patients may have results that appear more dramatic and, for them, this can be very worthwhile. Patients should think of a facelift as a process to turn back the aging clock. You will still age, but you will appear a few years younger.

You can turn back the hands of time and reverse the look of aging with a skillfully performed facelift. Our highly-advanced skills and extensive experience have helped maybe facelift patients in Northern Georgia. Learn if a facelift is right for you by giving us a call today.