At Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we want to help you feel better about yourself and boost your confidence. That is why we offer Facelifts to our clients. During a Facelift, we can address wrinkles and excess skin by tightening your facial tissue. Some of the most visible signs of aging occur in the face and neck. Fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin can change your appearance and be difficult to treat once they’ve arrived. Our facelift procedure will reverse the aging process to restore youth and vitality to your skin. If you are interested in this, read on to learn more about our Facelift procedures.
Contact us today at our locations in Marietta and Atlanta to schedule a consultation and find out how a facelift can improve your appearance.
What is a Face Lift?
A Facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a procedure that involves moving your facial tissue, skin, and muscle to re-contour your face for a smoother, more youthful appearance. Not only is your skin lifted, but your face’s underlying structures are restructured and elevated for more defined facial contours. The procedure involves three layers of tissue, namely:
- Elevating the skin.
- Working on the fat below the skin.
- Working on the muscle layer below the fat.
We may also use liposuction to remove any excess fat deposits. Your facial muscles are also tightened to tone your face. A Facelift is an invasive surgical treatment and can achieve results that non-invasive treatments can’t.
During a facelift, the plastic surgeon makes incisions in the hairline and scalp to minimize the appearance of scars after healing. The skin is not only lifted and redraped but the underlying structures are also elevated and restructured for improved facial contours. When necessary, liposuction is also added to remove localized fat deposits, and muscles are tightened to improve overall tone and shape.
As facelift procedures are completely customized at Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, scar length and the extensiveness of the surgery depend on the individual. Facelifts can also be performed in conjunction with other procedures, which can be discussed during your consultation.
In 2011 one of our plastic surgeons, Dr. Stanley Okoro, was given the distinction of Top Face Lift Doctor by RealSelf.com.
What Can a Face Lift Treat?
Facelifts can effectively treat several visible signs of aging, including:
- Excess skin and fat on the neck and jaw line
- Deep smile lines
- Diminished skin tone and decreased skin laxity due to gravity, weight fluctuations or aging
- Jowls near the chin
- Localized fat deposits, if liposuction is used.
How Can I Benefit from a Facelift?
A Facelift can treat visible signs of aging, such as sagging, deepening folds, fallen fat, jowls in your cheeks and jaws, and excess fat under your chin. A Facelift can restore a youthful glow to your face. While a Facelift is perfect for combating signs of aging, it can also be used on younger patients trying to tighten excess skin and other facial depressions.
What a Facelift Can’t Do
It is crucial to know the limits of a Facelift procedure. For instance, a Facelift is a restorative surgery that cannot change your fundamental appearance. A Facelift cannot improve brown spots and fine lines or treat thinning skin. A Facelift only addressed the quantity of excess tissue, not the quality. Lasers and other facial rejuvenation procedures can be used to address these issues.
Types of Facelifts
There are three kinds of Facelifts that will address different areas of your face. Each type of Facelift uses various incisions to achieve your aesthetic goal.
Mini-Lift
A mini-lift will address the upper part of your face, such as your cheek down to your jawline.
NeckLift
This type of Facelift primarily works from your jawline down to your collarbone. It will improve sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and excess fat under your chin.
Full Facelift
A full Facelift will address both of these areas during one surgical procedure.
Where to Start: A Consultation
If you are eager to begin your Facelift journey, we can guide you through the process. Consultation
The first step towards a Facelift is a consultation with us. We will examine you and ask you about your medical history so that we can understand any underlying medical conditions that may complicate or prevent the procedure. You should be fully prepared to answer all questions about your past and current medical conditions. Previous surgeries and plastic surgeries, as well as any complications experienced, should also be mentioned at this point. We also need to know if you use alcohol or cigarettes.
The Medical Review
You will need to provide the names and dosages of any medication you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, herbal medication, vitamins, and any other dietary supplements.
A physical exam is the following step. At this point, we may also request records from your healthcare provider to ensure that you are suitable for surgery.
One of our professional surgeons will take photographs of your face from various angles, including close-up shots of particular features to assess the area that we will be working with. Factors such as bone structure, facial shape, skin quality, and fat distribution will be examined and documented for the procedure. This part of the exam helps us find the best options for your Facelift procedure.
At this stage, you will be asked a series of questions regarding your expectations. We will explain in detail what your procedure will entail, including what a Facelift cannot address and what changes you are likely to see in your face.
The Procedure
A Facelift procedure requires the administration of an anesthetic since this is an invasive surgical procedure. We will determine the most suitable type of anesthesia for you based on the results of your medical review. Incisions are made along your hairline to keep them concealed when they heal. We will either use glue or dissolvable sutures to seal the incision.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Face Lift?
Ideal candidates for a facelift maintain a stable body weight, do not smoke and do not have serious medical conditions that would impair surgery or healing. Our medical team will evaluate your health history and give you an exam during your consultation to determine whether this procedure is right for you.
During the consultation, your skin laxity, facial bone structure, and fat deposits will be examined, as well as the muscle actions of your facial expressions. We also recommend bringing photos of yourself from 10-15 years ago in order to create a natural look. Your cosmetic goals and concerns will also be discussed, including what treatment options are available to you.
What Is Recovery Like?
Depending on the incisions and types of procedures that occur during your facelift, recovery can be different for each individual. Bruising and swelling will be present after surgery, and thin tubes may be placed to drain excess fluid. Bandages will be placed around your face to minimize swelling and bruising. We will use small tubes to remove excess blood or fluid. We will give you instructions to help you recover and discuss the dates for your post-procedure follow-ups.
Several follow-up appointments are necessary within the next 60 days following your Facelift procedure. This will ensure that you are recovering properly and within the appropriate period. Your drainage tube will likely be removed a day after your Facelift, and you will have antibiotic ointment applied to the incision. Old bandages on your face are also replaced with fresh ones. In this follow-up appointment, your bandages are likely to be removed depending on the healing progress of your face. You will instead be given an elasticized facial sling to wear to further support your face.
Professional Facelifts to Restore Your Youthful Glow
At Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we strive for excellence. Our client’s comfort and satisfaction are our priorities. We will answer all your questions to ensure that you are comfortable with the procedure. If you would like to know more about our Facelift procedures, contact us or visit our offices in Marietta, GA.
