Facelift

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  1. What Is A Facelift?
  2. Facelift Benefits
  3. Before And After Photos
  4. Good Candidates For Facelift
  5. Types Of Facelift
  6. Preparing For Facelift
  7. Facelift Procedure
  8. Facelift Recovery
  9. Results Of Facelift
  10. Risks Of Facelift
  11. Alternatives/combination Procedures
  12. Cost Of Facelift
  13. What To Expect From A Facelift Consultation
  14. Frequently Asked Questions
  15. Schedule A Consultation

Over time, your body becomes less effective at turning over cells and generating new collagen. Without a healthy, supportive collagen matrix, the natural aging process can cause the skin around your neck and jaw to sag, producing deep folds around the nose and mouth.

If you’re looking to reverse symptoms of aging like these, unfortunately, skincare products or fillers may not always be enough to produce the anti-aging results you’re hoping for. In this case, a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lisa DiFrancesco can create a personalized and significantly transformative surgical plan for you.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck, providing a refreshed and more youthful appearance. By targeting sagging skin, deep folds, and loss of facial volume, a facelift can rejuvenate the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Dr. DiFrancesco uses advanced facelift techniques to achieve natural-looking results, tailored to each patient’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.

Facelift Benefits

Facelift enhancements help restore a youthful, refreshed appearance while preserving natural expression and movement. The surgery can provide transformative benefits, including:

  • Restoring facial definition
  • Improving skin laxity for a smoother, firmer appearance
  • Enhancing the jawline by reducing jowls
  • Diminishing deep creases around the nose and mouth
  • Tightening loose skin on the neck

Before and After Photos

Dr. DiFrancesco’s Before and After Gallery can help you envision the potential results of a facelift and make an informed decision about your options.

Before & After Photos

Take a look at the results Dr. DiFrancesco can achieve!

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Good Candidates for Facelift

Ideal candidates for a facelift are generally healthy individuals seeking to address visible signs of aging in the face and neck such as:

  • Sagging skin
  • Jowls
  • Deep lines in the mid to lower face

 Suitable candidates are typically non-smokers who maintain a stable weight and have realistic expectations about the results.

Types of Facelift

Dr. DiFrancesco offers a variety of facelift techniques tailored to individual needs, from subtle lifts to more extensive rejuvenation:

Subcutaneous Facelift

The subcutaneous facelift approach focuses on tightening and lifting the skin without addressing underlying tissues, making it a less invasive option for patients with minimal sagging.

Subcutaneous Facelift With Fat Suspension

In addition to skin tightening, this technique includes repositioning fat to restore lost facial volume, enhancing the natural contours of the face.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift targets deeper tissues, addressing both skin and muscle layers. This method is ideal for those with more advanced aging concerns.

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Preparing for Facelift

In preparation for facelift surgery, Dr. DiFrancesco will provide pre-operative instructions to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Patients may be advised to avoid certain medications, supplements, and smoking, and to arrange for post-surgery support. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle leading up to the surgery can help optimize results.

Facelift Procedure

During a facelift, Dr. DiFrancesco will make incisions around the hairline and near the ears to access and reposition facial tissues, removing excess skin and tightening underlying structures. The procedure is performed under anesthesia and generally takes several hours, depending on the technique used and the complexity of the case.

Facelift Recovery

Following surgery, patients can expect some bruising, swelling, and discomfort, which typically subsides within a few weeks. Dr. DiFrancesco will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support healing and maximize results. Most patients can return to light activities within a couple of weeks, with full recovery occurring over a few months as the face settles into its refreshed shape.

Results of Facelift

A facelift can produce dramatic, lasting results, with many patients enjoying a more youthful and restful appearance for years to come. As swelling resolves and tissues settle, the full results will become evident, highlighting refined facial contours and a firmer, smoother skin texture.

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Risks of Facelift

Dr. DiFrancesco prioritizes patient safety and uses meticulous surgical techniques to minimize complications, but as with any surgical procedure, a facelift carries potential risks, including:

  • Infection
  • Scarring
  • Temporary or permanent changes in sensation
  • Bleeding or hematoma
  • Prolonged swelling or bruising

Alternatives/Combination Procedures

A facelift can be combined with other procedures for more comprehensive rejuvenation or chosen alongside non-surgical treatments:

  • Neck Lift: A neck lift enhances the jawline and neck by reducing sagging skin and excess fat, providing a smooth, defined profile.
  • Brow Lift: A brow lift raises the brow line and smooths forehead wrinkles, which complements a facelift by addressing the upper face.
  • Eyelid Lift: An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, reduces drooping eyelids and puffiness, adding to the overall refreshed appearance.
  • Botox: Botox is a non-surgical option that reduces fine lines and dynamic wrinkles, helping maintain youthful results after a facelift.

Cost of Facelift

The cost of a facelift varies depending on a variety of factors. Dr. DiFrancesco’s team will provide a detailed cost breakdown and discuss financing options if needed during your consultation.

What to Expect From a Facelift Consultation

During your facelift consultation, Dr. DiFrancesco will review your medical history, discuss your aesthetic goals, and examine your facial anatomy. She’ll go over the available techniques and recommend a personalized treatment plan. This consultation is also an opportunity to ask any questions you have about the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a facelift?

You will be given your pre-operative instructions at your pre-op visit. However, good diet and exercise while stopping all herbal medications is recommended.

How many times can you get a facelift?

There is no limit to the number of facelifts you may get.

What are the deciding factors on which facelift procedure to choose (traditional versus limited incision)?

The length of your facelift incision can depend on a number of factors. Longer incisions are usually needed to address more advanced facial aging and patients with a lot of loose skin.

Do you need fillers after a facelift?

We will often use fat grafting to the face during a facelift to add volume. This is a permanent solution and may prevent the need for fillers after surgery.

How long should you ice your face after a facelift?

Most patient keep their head elevated and use gentle ice packs for 48- 72 hours after surgery.

How long will my face feel tight after a facelift?

Within the first two months of recovery, you will feel tightness in your face. As the swelling subsides, you will feel more comfortable and begin to notice your face's natural contour.

How many hours does the procedure take?

A patient can expect their facelift surgery to take between 4-6 hours. Many patients also add additional facial procedures such as a browlift or upper and lower eyelid surgery. Combining procedures will lengthen surgical time.

What is the best age to get a facelift?

The majority of facelift candidates are over 40 years of age. Many have used non-surgical facial rejuvenation methods to delay the aging process until skin laxity is severe enough to undergo surgery.

How many years younger can a facelift make you look?

Many patients marvel at their facelift results, exclaiming they look like old photos of themselves from a decade ago or more.

What should you not do after a facelift?

During the initial recovery process after your facelift surgery, refrain from any activities that increase your blood pressure such as exercise and bending over. However, activities and movements such a slow upright stretching and walking are encouraged. Always refer to your post-operative instructions and call the office with any questions.

How long do the results of a facelift last?

Your results can last for up to 10 years, though you will continue to age throughout those years. You can maintain your results by receiving fillers and lasers throughout that timeframe.

What can you expect after your facelift surgery?

You will be able to see some results immediately, but there will be some swelling and bruising for around 2 weeks post-op. It can take up to 2 to 3 months for your face to settle and your final results to be revealed.

What can a facelift treat?

A facelift can turn your face back by around 10 years. It can be used for a variety of different treatments including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing eye bags, and treating facial volume loss. A facelift can be combined with other options like eyelid surgery, lip lift, neck lift, and other facial surgeries.

Who is a good candidate for a facelift?

A good facelift candidate is usually someone above the age of 40-50, who is in good health and does not smoke or have severe health problems. Having a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can be beneficial to determine your candidacy and how a facelift can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

How can you speed up facelift recovery?

While there are no true ways to “speed up” the recovery process, there are a few things you can do to help settle the swelling and bruising. Keeping your head elevated, even while sleeping, consuming multivitamins, and staying hydrated can all help your results settle faster. Be sure to protect your incisions from direct sunlight and keep them dry.

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Schedule a Consultation

A facelift is one of the premier ways to achieve your anti-aging goals with the help of a plastic surgeon. To meet with Dr. DiFrancesco, who is double board-certified in general and plastic surgery, and begin discussing your options for complete facial rejuvenation, contact our Atlanta office today by calling (404) 531-2478 or filling out our online form.