All About the Facelift | A Comprehensive Guide to Your Facelift Surgery in Santa Rosa

Age affects all of us, but sometimes it changes the body in ways that don’t line up with how we feel on the inside. If you are frustrated by the aged appearance of your face and are ready to look as young as you feel, then you may be an ideal candidate for facelift surgery in Santa Rosa.

Plastic Surgery Associates in Northern California is the premier destination for all facial surgical treatments. Our skilled and passionate surgeons, Dr. Heather Furnas, Dr. Francisco Canales, and Dr. Eric Culbertson are highly trained in complex and delicate facelift procedures. So if you’re deciding whether facelift surgery is the right path for you (or have already decided), then keep reading to learn all the ins and outs of the procedure.

What is a facelift?

Rhytidectomy, also known as a facelift, is a surgical procedure that focuses on tightening distinct areas of the face to create a more youthful, vibrant appearance.

There are a variety of procedure techniques that can be tailored to your unique aesthetic goals. Depending on the recommendation of your surgeon, a specific technique will be used to achieve the desired results. Some of these methods may be less invasive, and some may require more downtime.

What does it treat?

Facelift surgery in Santa Rosa can correct many different things about the face! Most clients come to us with a desire to tighten sagging skin on the face, but plastic surgeons can tailor the surgery to correct things as specific as:

  • Lines and wrinkles near the eyes
  • Wrinkles in the mid-face area and drooping of the cheeks
  • Forehead wrinkles
  • Drooping mouth and fine lines around the lips
  • Sagging skin on jowls and neck

There are a few procedures not typically included in facelift surgery, such as a browlift or eyelid lift. You can combine these procedures with the facelift to produce more dramatic results. 

Surgical techniques | Different types of facelifts

a doctor prepares surgical instruments for a facelift surgery in santa rosa

A facelift is a customizable surgery, and you and your surgeon will discuss your options prior to your procedure. Your surgeon will recommend a type of facelift based on which area of your face requires the most attention, as well as your unique goals. The types of facelift techniques we offer at Plastic Surgery Associates in Northern California are as follows:

  • Full Facelift

Offers the most dramatic results, but may require more downtown

  • Lower Facelift

This method addresses sagging skin in the chin and neck area.

  • Mini Facelift

Producing a very natural and subtle result, this facelift is best suited for those with mild skin laxity around the mouth and jawline.

Bonus lift: Lip lift

A powerful adjunct to any facelift technique, the lip lift rejuvenates the mouth area and minimizes the need for further lip filler.

Each of these techniques is going to provide different results. To learn more about which type of facelift is right for you, schedule a consultation with our highly-trained plastic surgeons. 

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery in Santa Rosa

Ideal for men and women, the facelift is one of our more common and sought-after surgical procedures. Typically, the ideal candidates for this procedure will have moderate to severe skin laxity, but will have otherwise healthy skin. Healthy lifestyle is important for the success of the procedure, and the candidate must be a non-smoker.

Age is not a defining factor in deciding candidacy. There are myriad factors that contribute to deciding on a facelift. However, the lifting technique chosen for those in their 30s or 40s tends to vary from one chosen for someone in their 50s or 60s.  

How to prepare for your facelift surgery

Just like any other operation, you’re going to have to adjust your daily routine for the first week or so following your surgery. Here are some ways you can make your recovery period easier:

Make a grocery store run

Before your surgery, stock up on food at the grocery store. It’s one less thing you have to worry about during your recovery. You’ll want to avoid heavily processed foods or carbohydrates before and after your surgery, as they could cause inflammation. Instead, choose whole foods, like fresh fruits and veggies, fish, eggs, and whole grains. Eating healthy snacks and meals will help your body heal during your downtime. 

Set up a recovery station

It can be a good idea to set up a “recovery station” near where you’ll be resting so that you can easily reach whatever you need. Set up your water bottle, phone charger, snacks, and TV remote to make life easier when you don’t want to get up and move around. 

Have a friend or family member to help you

You may experience grogginess and pain post-operation, so having a friend or family member around for the first day or so to help cook, clean up, and do errands might be a good idea. Plus, it’s always nice to have some company!

Frequently asked questions about facelift surgery in Santa Rosa

How long does a facelift last?

The length of lasting results depends on the technique your surgeon uses. When you consult with your doctor to determine which results you’d like to see, he or she will take into consideration how long you’d like the results to last. A full facelift, for example, can yield up to 15 years of results, whereas a mini facelift might last from about 2 to 6 years. 

Lifestyle can also affect the results of your facelift surgery in Santa Rosa. Someone who drinks a lot of water, has a well-balanced diet, and exercises frequently is going to enjoy the benefits of their facelift for a longer period of time.

Here are some tips on how to prolong the results of your facelift:

  • Follow post-operative instructions

Your doctor will provide you with post-op care instructions, and you should read these thoroughly before your procedure! Follow the care guide to guarantee the longevity of your results.

  • Stay hydrated

Your skin loves water, so drink up! Keep a water bottle nearby and try to get at least 90oz of water a day.

  • Don’t smoke!

We are not the first to tell you that smoking is bad for your skin, but in case you need to hear it again; smoking is bad for your skin! Stay away from tobacco (and vapes!) to keep your face looking young and healthy.

  • Level up your skincare regimen 

Don’t underestimate the power of a skincare routine. Not only is it a nice, relaxing way to start and finish your day, but your skin will thank you for it. Medical-grade skincare is a fantastic addition to your daily routine if you want to prolong your facelift results.

  • Incorporate medspa services

Our medical spa offers tons of facial skin treatments that ensure the long-lasting health and beauty of your skin! 

young woman with curly hair sits on patio and enjoys a drink

How much does it cost?

Just like with the duration of results, pricing can depend on which type of facelift one gets. Once you’ve consulted with your doctor, and they have decided on the route to take, you can discuss the price in more detail. Typically, a facelift costs anywhere between $16,000-$20,000.

How long does the facelift surgery in Santa Rosa take?

Typically, a facelift surgery in Santa Rosa can take about 2 to 4 hours, but it can take even longer if other cosmetic procedures are combined. The patient will be monitored for a couple of hours post-operation before being released to a friend or family member.

At what age should I get a facelift?

We all age differently, and there is no defined age at which someone should consider getting a facelift. However, the signs of aging that facelifts aim to correct (skin laxity, wrinkles, fine lines) typically begin to happen in the 40s and can become more pronounced over time. 

Age should not be a defining factor in your decision whether or not to undergo a facelift, but a good question to ask yourself is, “Do I look as young as I feel?”.

Recovery

After your surgery, we will monitor you closely until we can release you into the care of a friend or family member to take you home. Your doctor will have booked a follow-up visit prior to your operation.

Generally, patients can return to normal daily activities about 1 to 2 weeks post-operation. However, patients should wait about 2 to 4 weeks to perform any strenuous activities. Some factors may affect your rate of recovery, such as:

  • Age
  • Health status and lifestyle
  • Diet
  • Hydration
  • Post-operative care guidelines compliance 

It’s normal to have some bruising and swelling for at least the first few days after your procedure.  You can alleviate slight-to-moderate pain and soreness with pain medication, and you should be careful not to apply any pressure to the face while it is still healing. It’s a good idea to sleep on your back with pillows helping to prop up your face and stop you from rolling onto your side.

Results

After several weeks you’ll begin to feel and look better! You can expect a more youthful appearance, with tauter skin and a more lifted and glowing look. Some of our clients report feeling and looking 15 years younger with increased confidence!

Book an appointment 

Now that you’re informed about the procedure, you’re ready to start your aesthetics journey! Plastic Surgery Associates would love to be there with you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation with us now to discuss your booking options. 

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