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Facelift

While some facial cosmetic concerns can briefly be associated with unfortunate lighting or an unflattering angle, other more visible changes usually become more apparent over time due to aging. From fine lines and deep creases to a “double chin” and jowling, it is very common for men and women to experience these effects. Fortunately, facelift surgery can help to improve aesthetic facial concerns in the lower region of the face (mainly the cheeks, jawline, and neck) to achieve a more youthful, refreshed look while still maintaining one’s natural appearance.

Our board-certified Greensboro plastic surgeon, Mary Ann Contogiannis, MD, is trained in the delicate structures of facial anatomy and works closely with each patient to develop a custom-tailored treatment plan to address their unique cosmetic goals.

“Your skill, knowledge, and attention to detail provided excellent results! I felt comfortable from our first meeting when you took the time to answer my questions and review options. Thank you for everything.”

Denise Clay

What Is Involved in a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure (rhytidectomy) designed to improve your facial appearance and diminish the signs of aging. As you get older, the skin relaxes more, which causes sagging and an increase in facial lines and wrinkles.

There can also be lost volume in the face, which contributes to the development of “jowls” along the jaw and in the cheek area. In addition to getting older, wrinkles, lines, deep folds, and sagging skin can be further exacerbated by years of exposure to UV rays, stress, and environmental pollutants.

A facelift is performed to remove the excess skin, particularly from the lower half of the face, and is frequently done in conjunction with other facial surgeries, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

Most patients are thrilled with their results and are incredibly happy with their decision to have a facelift. Some of the benefits they experience include:

  • Smoother skin and more youthful facial contours
  • Significant boost in confidence and self-image
  • Long-lasting results
  • Saggy skin causing loose jowls and “turkey neck” is tightened or removed
  • Can be combined with other procedures performed at the same time

Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

A facelift focuses on the mid-face, lower face, and neck rather than the eyes or forehead. Refreshing the upper face requires separate procedures, but these treatments can be combined with a facelift if desired.
Good candidates for facelifts should be healthy adults with realistic expectations about their final results. The procedure is also most successful for patients who:

  • Want to reduce prominent signs of aging in the face
  • Understand that no surgery can completely stop the natural aging process
  • Have no uncontrolled medical conditions that may slow down recovery
  • Do not smoke, or who are willing to quit smoking before and after surgery

It’s important to understand that a facelift is not designed to change your fundamental appearance.  Instead, the procedure is performed to address signs of facial aging such as sagging skin, deep creases, jowls, and loss of jawline definition, restoring a more youthful contour while retaining the natural character of your face. During your initial consultation, Dr. Contogiannis will help confirm that your expectations are aligned with the types of results possible, allowing you to determine whether a facelift is your best facial rejuvenation option. If not, she can help you explore other facial plastic surgery procedures that may serve you better.

What Is the Best Age for a Facelift

In general, many patients choose to undergo facelift surgery in their forties to sixties, which is typically when pronounced signs of aging become more noticeable. This can include lines and wrinkles, deeper creases around the mouth, sagging skin, visible jowls, and excess submental fat in the chin and neck region. However, there is not really an ideal age for a facelift, as candidacy and goals for treatment are more important than a particular age range. Dr. Contogiannis can evaluate your facial anatomy and tissue/skin laxity to determine if a facelift or alternative treatment is right for you if you are considering facial rejuvenation.

How Does a Facelift Work?

Dr. Contogiannis performs facelifts in our accredited outpatient center under general anesthesia. Prior to your procedure, she’ll discuss the details with you, such as where incisions will be made.

During the process of removing the excess skin, she’ll also be tightening the underlying muscles as well as the skin tissue. The end result will be a smoother, more youthful, and rejuvenated facial appearance.

What Is Involved in a Mini-Facelift?

Another version of a facelift is known as a mini-facelift. This procedure tends to be a bit less invasive than a conventional facelift, and uses much shorter, smaller facial incisions. Most of the improvements in a mini-facelift are in the mid-face area, and mini-facelifts normally do not involve any other procedures such as a neck lift or brow lift.

What Can I Expect During Recovery Following a Facelift?

Recovery from facelift surgery typically involves one to two weeks of downtime, although residual swelling will persist for several months. Patients usually experience mild to moderate discomfort during the initial healing period, as well as tightness, swelling, and bruising — all of which gradually improve. After your procedure, it’s recommended to keep your head elevated slightly above chest level while resting and sleeping. Pillows can be used to prop your head up accordingly. Your face will likely be puffy and you may experience some numbness for a couple weeks (and potentially up to a couple of months) following your facelift surgery.

You’ll be given post-procedure instructions and should follow them closely in order to achieve the best results and the speediest recovery. Sutures are often removed within 5 to 10 days, and most people feel comfortable returning to work or attending events around the two-week mark. Numbness along the cheeks and ears is common and may take weeks or months to resolve completely. While initial results are noticeable almost immediately, the face continues to refine as swelling subsides and should reveal more sculpted and natural contours over time.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

The facial rejuvenation from a facelift is long-lasting, with many patients enjoying a more youthful appearance for 10 to 15 years or longer. The longevity of the final results depends on factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, sun exposure, and skincare regimen Although a facelift can beautifully restore a more youthful version of yourself, the procedure does not stop the natural aging process. The face will continue to age, but it will always look younger than it would have without surgery.

Patients who avoid smoking, use daily sun protection, maintain a stable weight, and follow a medical-grade skincare routine typically experience the most enduring benefits. Many individuals also  choose complementary non-surgical treatments, such as dermal fillers, laser therapy, or skin rejuvenation services, to maintain and enhance their results.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The cost of your facelift will depend on the complexity and extent of the procedure, including whether or not additional procedures will also be performed.

Dr. Contogiannis will thoroughly discuss your specific case during your initial consultation and should be able to give you a more accurate cost assessment and breakdown at that time.

Facelifts are usually not covered by insurance, so the full investment will most likely be your responsibility. In an effort to keep patient procedures as affordable as possible, we offer financing as an option for your facelift through Alphaeon® or CareCredit®.

If you still have questions about whether a facelift is right for you, contact our office to set up a private consultation with the doctor. The Renaissance Center for Plastic Surgery & Wellness is pleased to offer our services to residents in Greensboro, NC, including Winston-Salem, Burlington, High Point, and the surrounding neighborhoods.