Facelift
Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX
As we age, the face loses volume, the soft tissue descends and falls, and the neck often develops excess skin and muscle looseness or banding. A face/necklift is a surgical procedure designed to address these changes, repositioning the soft tissue to a lifted position and smoothing wrinkles on the face and neck to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance.
Contents
- 1 Before and After Photos
- 2 What is the Deep Plane Facelift?
- 3 Who is a good candidate for a Facelift?
- 4 Types Of Facelifts
- 5 Facelift Recovery
- 6 Before and After Photos
- 7 FAQ
- 7.1 What is a Facelift, and what does it involve?
- 7.2 Who is a good candidate for a Facelift?
- 7.3 What is the recovery time for a Facelift?
- 7.4 Are the results of a Facelift permanent?
- 7.5 What is the ideal age range for considering a facelift procedure?
- 7.6 What are the risks and complications associated with a Facelift?
- 7.7 What techniques are used to minimize scarring after a facelift surgery?
- 7.8 Are there any non-surgical alternatives to a facelift for facial rejuvenation?
- 7.9 How long will my Facelift results last?
- 7.10 What other procedures can be done at the same time as a Facelift?
- 8 Surgical Procedures:
- 9 Non-Surgical Procedures:
Before and After Photos
The face/neck lift is one of the most popular and effective procedures for combating visible signs of aging and offering a rejuvenated and revitalized look. For optimal results, it is often combined with other treatments, such as brow lift, eyelid surgery, lip lift, buccal fat removal, and laser resurfacing. Dr. Lisa Brostrom frequently enhances the facelift with fat grafting, using the patient’s own fat to restore volume to the face. This technique ensures a natural, balanced result, avoiding the “windswept” or overly tight look commonly seen with traditional facelifts. Additionally, liposuction can be used to contour excess fat in the neck during the same procedure if necessary.
Traditional facelifts, while once the standard method for addressing facial and neck aging, have several drawbacks. These include visible and wide scarring near the ears, shortened sideburns, and distortions of the ear’s natural shape. Furthermore, traditional techniques often separate the skin from the underlying fat and lift the tissue off the muscle, disrupting blood circulation, potentially damaging the fat, and causing detrimental changes to the skin. This can lead to an unnatural appearance and, in some cases, may even accentuate the signs of aging.
In contrast, modern facelifts, particularly the extended deep plane face and necklift, have evolved to deliver more refined and natural results. This technique provides long-lasting improvements, with many patients reporting a rejuvenated, youthful look that makes them appear 10 to 15 years younger, with a harmonious, refreshed appearance.
What is the Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift is a more advanced and comprehensive technique that targets the deeper layers of facial tissue, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). By fully releasing, lifting, and repositioning these layers, it provides a more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. This approach effectively addresses issues such as sagging skin, jowls, and deep wrinkles, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Who is a good candidate for a Facelift?
Men and women who experience sagging skin over the midface, jawline, and neck, along with deep creases, wrinkles, and loss of youthful volume, can often benefit from a facelift procedure. Ideal candidates for a facelift are healthy, both physically and mentally, and have realistic expectations regarding the potential outcomes of surgery. A consultation with either Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas is necessary to determine whether a facelift is right for you.
During the consultation, Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas, both Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, will ask you to describe your concerns about your face and neck. They may also inquire about related areas such as skin tone, facial hollowing, neck fullness, or cheek position. It’s important to be specific about the changes you’d like to see, as identifying the precise areas to address is crucial for achieving the best possible results.
Next, your medical history will be reviewed, and additional information may be requested. It’s especially important to mention any smoking habits or use of nicotine products (such as e-cigarettes, gum, or patches), as nicotine can significantly impair healing after surgery. Your medical history will also be carefully considered, particularly regarding any conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure or medications/supplements that could thin the blood. In general, all over-the-counter pain relievers (except Tylenol) should be avoided for two weeks before and after surgery, including aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, and arthritis medications. Supplements such as fish oil, flaxseed oil, vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and St. John’s Wort must also be avoided.
After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas will examine your face to determine the best course of action for achieving optimal results. Most patients require lifting along the jawline to address jowls, as well as excess fullness or sagging in the neck and under the jawline. Some patients may also need laser treatment to improve skin texture, especially if they have extensive aging changes or significant wrinkling. Additionally, some may wish to enhance other facial areas, such as the eyelids, brows, chin, or earlobes, for more balanced results. Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas will take time to discuss these options with you to ensure they align with your personal aesthetic goals.
Types Of Facelifts
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift, also known as a short scar lift or S-lift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the lower face and neck by tightening sagging skin. This less invasive option provides a more subtle improvement compared to a full facelift and is suitable for those who have only the earliest signs of aging.
Extended Deep Plane Facelift
There are various facelift techniques that can yield impressive results, but for those with advanced signs of aging, only the extended deep plane facelift can provide a truly transformative and comprehensive rejuvenation. This advanced procedure targets the attachments of facial tissue beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which is composed of muscles and fascia that can weaken and sag as we age.
The deep plane facelift works by releasing the ligaments that anchor the SMAS layer, allowing it to be repositioned and lifted independently of the overlying skin. This technique eliminates the need for extensive skin elevation, as required in traditional facelifts, to achieve lifting of deeper tissues. As a result, the deep fibrous layer is repositioned to a higher, more youthful location without tension, and the skin is redraped without tension. The procedure offers a more complete and harmonious rejuvenation, addressing every layer of the face for a natural, refreshed look.
Facelift Recovery
Before and After Photos
Because Dr. Brostrom and Dr. Homas incorporate minimally invasive techniques into the extended deep plane facelift, recovery is often smoother and faster compared to other facelift methods.
After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery room, where your surgeon will check on your progress and provide detailed post-operative care instructions before discharging you to a friend or family member who will drive you home.
Typically, drains are placed overnight following facelift surgery, and a bulky dressing will be applied over the incisions. A compression garment is usually worn for several weeks after the surgical dressings are removed to help optimize healing while limiting swelling. Bruising and swelling are normal, and pain medication will be prescribed to help manage any discomfort. There is normally very little discomfort related to this procedure. To reduce swelling, it’s recommended to elevate your head over the initial 2 weeks rather than lie flat. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks, and direct sun exposure should be minimized to prevent sunburn or irregular pigmentation.
Follow-up appointments with Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and remove sutures as needed.
FAQ
What is a Facelift, and what does it involve?
A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to reverse the visible signs of aging on the face and neck. It achieves this by lifting and tightening the underlying deep fibrous tissue of the face while removing excess skin to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance. There are various facelift techniques that deliver transformative results, but for advanced aging, the extended deep plane facelift is the most effective in fully rejuvenating the face.
This procedure targets the deep layers of tissue beneath the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), which consists of muscles and fascia that can sag and weaken over time. During the surgery, the ligaments anchoring the SMAS are released, allowing it to be repositioned and elevated independently of the skin. This approach eliminates the need for extensive skin elevation, as required in traditional facelifts, to achieve lifting of the deep tissues. The result is a more complete, natural rejuvenation that restores the face at every layer.
Who is a good candidate for a Facelift?
A facelift can benefit those with sagging skin, deep creases, and volume loss in the midface, jawline, and neck. Ideal candidates are healthy and have realistic expectations. A consultation with Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas will determine if a facelift is right for you.
During the consultation, the surgeons will discuss your concerns and review your medical history, including smoking or nicotine use, as it can affect healing. Certain medications and supplements should be avoided two weeks before and after surgery.
The surgeons will assess your face to recommend the best approach, which may include lifting the jawline, addressing neck fullness, and improving skin texture, with potential enhancements to other areas like the eyelids, brows, or chin.
What is the recovery time for a Facelift?
Following your Deep Plane Facelift, patients can expect some swelling, mild bruising, and mild discomfort, all of which can be effectively managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Most patients are able to resume light activities within a week, though it’s important to avoid bending, lifting, or any actions that could increase blood pressure. Swelling and bruising should begin to subside, and patients can typically feel comfortable going out with makeup to cover any remaining discoloration.
By the second week, swelling and bruising will continue to decrease, and many patients can return to work and resume normal social activities. However, it’s important to continue avoiding heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Some residual swelling may remain, but it is generally not noticeable to others.
Complete healing can take several months, as the facial tissues continue to settle, and the final results become more apparent. Over time, scar visibility significantly diminishes, and numbness gradually fades as nerve regeneration occurs. It’s essential to protect healing skin from the sun to minimize scarring and promote proper healing.
Regular follow-up appointments with Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas are essential to track progress and address any concerns. While the recovery process requires patience, the long-term benefits of the Deep Plane Facelift offer a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance that lasts.
Are the results of a Facelift permanent?
While a facelift can significantly rejuvenate your appearance, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t halt the natural aging process. The longevity of the results varies based on several factors, including the type of facelift performed (mini, traditional, or deep plane facelifts each have different lifespans), your age (younger patients tend to enjoy longer-lasting results due to better skin elasticity and fewer signs of aging at the time of surgery), skin elasticity (maintaining healthy skin with proper skincare and sun protection can help prolong the results), and lifestyle choices (smoking, excessive sun exposure, and poor diet can accelerate aging and shorten the lifespan of facelift results).
What is the ideal age range for considering a facelift procedure?
While there’s no single “ideal” age for a facelift, most people find the procedure most beneficial in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, when signs of aging such as sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls become more noticeable. However, the right time to consider a facelift depends on individual factors like skin elasticity, bone structure, and the severity of aging signs.
For some, a mini facelift may be sufficient to address the earliest signs of aging, while a full deep plane facelift is typically recommended for more significant changes. Ultimately, the best approach is to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to assess your unique concerns and determine if a facelift is the right option. Genetics and lifestyle also play a key role in when you’re ready for the procedure, as factors like sun exposure, smoking, and diet can impact how you age.
What are the risks and complications associated with a Facelift?
While a facelift is generally safe, it carries potential risks, including scarring, infection, bleeding, nerve injury, asymmetry, skin necrosis, poor healing, and anesthesia complications. Factors like smoking, certain medications, or pre-existing health conditions can increase the likelihood of complications. Additionally, there is a possibility of unsatisfactory results requiring further adjustments. Consulting with our skilled surgeons, Dr. Brostrom and Dr. Homas, and following post-operative care instructions can help minimize these risks and achieve the best outcome.
What techniques are used to minimize scarring after a facelift surgery?
In the weeks and months following your facelift, your incisions, which are strategically placed around the hairline and ears, will gradually become less noticeable. Initially, they may appear pink, raised, and stiff, but they can be easily covered with makeup. By 3 to 4 months, the pinkness will fade, and the incisions will start to flatten. To minimize scarring, it is important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions, which include wearing a compression garment, keeping the incisions clean and covered, avoiding direct sun exposure, using scar cream, and refraining from picking or scratching the scars.
During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Brostrom or Dr. Homas will assess the progress of your healing and provide additional recommendations to ensure the best possible outcome.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives to a facelift for facial rejuvenation?
Non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers and skin tightening treatments can achieve impressive results, addressing wrinkles, fine lines, and mild skin laxity. However, they are unable to achieve the dramatic lift and tightening that a surgical facelift can provide. While these treatments offer temporary improvements for small areas of volume loss, they are not capable of addressing significant sagging or excess skin, which are key concerns for many facelift candidates.
For those seeking long-lasting, transformative results, particularly for advanced signs of aging such as sagging cheeks, jawline, and neck, a facelift remains the most effective option. While non-surgical procedures can complement a facelift or be used for subtle improvements, they cannot deliver the same level of rejuvenation that a facelift can achieve. In cases of tissue sagging, only a facelift can provide a lasting, comprehensive lift and tightening that delivers a youthful, refreshed appearance.
How long will my Facelift results last?
Facelift results are generally quite durable, often lasting 10 years or even longer before touch-ups are needed. The longevity of your result depends on factors such as the type of facelift, age, skin elasticity, lifestyle choices (like sun exposure and smoking), and genetics. While a facelift doesn’t halt the natural aging process, it provides significant rejuvenation. Maintaining a solid skincare routine and incorporating occasional nonsurgical treatments can help extend the life of your results.
What other procedures can be done at the same time as a Facelift?
A facelift can be combined with a variety of procedures to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation and address multiple areas of concern. By pairing a facelift with additional treatments, you can enhance results for a more youthful, harmonious, and refreshed look. Here’s a breakdown of complementary procedures:
Surgical Procedures:
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Targets sagging or puffy eyelids, often paired with a facelift for a more revitalized appearance.
- Brow Lift: Elevates the eyebrows and smooths forehead wrinkles, creating a more youthful and awake look.
- Neck Lift: Tightens loose skin and contours the neck, normally performed alongside a facelift for a seamless, harmonious, full facial rejuvenation.
- Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): Reshapes the nose to improve facial harmony and balance.
- Fat Transfer: Transfers fat from other areas of the body to the face to restore volume and reduce wrinkles.
- Chin Augmentation (Genioplasty): Enhances chin shape and contour for better facial balance.
- Facial Liposuction: Removes excess fat from the chin and neck to enhance overall facial contours.
- Buccal Fat Removal: Removes fat pads from the lower cheeks to reduce fullness and enhance cheekbone definition. It’s commonly performed on individuals seeking a more contoured, sculpted facial appearance.
Non-Surgical Procedures:
- Botox: Smooths fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the forehead and eyes.
- Dermal Fillers: Restore lost facial volume, filling in deep lines and wrinkles.
- Laser Skin Resurfacing: Improves skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.
- Chemical Peels: Enhance skin tone and smooth out rough patches.
- Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production for a smoother, firmer appearance.
By combining these procedures with a facelift, patients can address a broader range of aging concerns, achieving more natural, harmonious, and long-lasting results.