When it comes to plastic surgery, you want to be able to customize your procedure as much as possible. These days, our understanding of the effects of aging is much better than it once was, and facial plastic surgeons understand that everyone ages at a different rate, and in different areas of the face more quickly than others. This is why a full facelift can be a great idea for people with significant signs of aging in several areas of the face. The procedure is comprehensive and completely customizable, helping each patient achieve a rejuvenated appearance according to their goals and their aging progression. There are many factors that can influence aging, but there are also many solutions with facial plastic surgery. The customized facelift is one of the most powerful tools available for facial rejuvenation.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a combination of comprehensive facial surgery procedures used for full-face rejuvenation. It nearly always uses the basic template of necklift/neck rejuvenation and lower face anti-aging surgery, in a procedure known as a rhytidectomy. The lower face tends to exhibit signs of aging quickly, and most patients can look years younger when the muscles are tightened in the area and excess skin and fat are removed. In addition to this basic procedure, patients often elect to add other surgical techniques to their rejuvenation plans for even better results.

Potential Additional Procedures

Facial plastic surgery is so customizable because there are currently a great many effective options to choose from, many of which can be performed during a single surgery. Here are some of the procedures patients elect to include as part of their facelift surgery:

  • Mid-face/Cheek Lift
  • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
  • Rhinoplasty (Nasal Surgery)
  • Chin Implant
  • Browlift

Facelift Surgery and Recovery

Facelift surgery typically takes a few hours to complete, and is performed through long incisions in the hairline, so as to help disguise potential scars. The length of the incision will depend on how much improvement to sagging skin is needed for the patient. The procedure involves tightening the underlying facial muscle, removing excess skin, and repositioning or removing fat as needed.

One of the major drawbacks of facelift surgery is the recovery, unfortunately. In order to get good results, patients need to be committed to pre and post-operative care, and be prepared to deal with discomfort, numbness, swelling, and bruising during the recovery period. Most patients can return to work in about two weeks after the procedure, but residual swelling and numbness can persist for several months. Despite these inconveniences, most patients feel the outcome is worth the lengthy recovery period.

Do You Need a Full Facelift?

While facelift surgery is a great option for many patients, that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Facelifts are best for patients with loose facial skin and jowls, but who maintain enough skin elasticity for good results. If you do not have at least moderate signs of aging in the lower face, then you may want to consider one or two less extreme standalone procedures, such as a blepharoplasty or brow lift, perhaps combined with a minimally-invasive skin treatment. If you start early with anti-aging treatments, you may be able to avoid an invasive surgery to get the results you want.

Talk About Your Options

Facelift surgery is a major decision, and it’s one you should consider carefully before moving forward. Consultations are extremely important, not only for choosing your surgeon, but also for determining your candidacy for surgery and asking questions about your specific procedure. While facelifts are highly effective and can produce dramatic results, they are also costly and invasive, and you will want to be sure you are setting yourself up for success.

The best way to set yourself up for a good outcome is to choose a dedicated, board certified facial plastic surgeon who has your best interests at heart and will help you meet your goals by customizing your procedure to suit your needs. If you are looking for expert advice and skill in Newport Beach (949-650-8882) or Beverly Hills (310-467-2180), double board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Rami K. Batniji focuses exclusively on facial plastic surgery and facial treatments, and has extensive experience in facial rejuvenation. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Batniji, call either location today to schedule your consultation.