Facelift
A New Reflection
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, CA
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts, tightens, and rejuvenates the face. As we get older, the effects of gravity and other factors mean our faces can give our age away. Skin loses tone and elasticity, creating sagging skin and folds. The procedure tackles these issues by bringing smoothness and firmness back to your best features. The overall goal is to produce a natural appearance that’s gorgeous, subtle, and striking.
Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, and Dr. Culbertson are highly trained and experienced surgeons who understand the complexity and delicate anatomy of a facelift procedure. To schedule a consultation to find out more about a facelift in Northern California, call our Santa Rosa facility at (707) 537-2111, or fill out this form today.
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Facelift Before & Afters
Facelift at a Glance
- Procedure: Surgically tightens and lifts facial skin and underlying tissues
- Benefits: Reduces signs of aging, improves facial contours, restores a more youthful appearance
- Downtime: Typically 2-3 weeks for initial recovery; full results visible in 3-6 months
- Duration: Results can last 7-10 years or more, depending on individual factors
- Candidacy: Ideal for adults with moderate to severe facial sagging and signs of aging
About Facelift Surgery
What is a facelift?
One of the most sought-after surgeries at Plastic Surgery Associates is the facelift. This procedure focuses on distinct areas of the face to tighten loose skin and smooth wrinkles to create a tauter, softer appearance. The technique used for an individual’s facelift depends on the desired outcome. Skin health and the extent of the skin’s laxity are also considerations. It can also be determined by anatomical factors, your age, and certain lifestyle choices.
HOW IT WORKS
No matter the issue you wish to correct, there are various different facelift techniques to think about. Some facelifts address the upper area of the face, and others focus on the lower two-thirds. In addition, some methods are more invasive than others. It’s very common for some patients to have an eyelid lift, brow lift, or Botox and fillers to complement and enhance their final results. Your facelift options include:
FULL FACELIFT
A common surgery for older adults, the full facelift most often makes an incision close to the hairline, extending down to the area near the temples, and stopping near the base of the ears. The deeper layer of facial muscles is carefully stretched and tightened to create a lifted outcome, which reduces excessive loose skin and droopy features. This facelift is for individuals who have moderate-to-severe signs of aging. During a full facelift, various other procedures may be included, like blepharoplasty to address the eyes or a neck lift.
LOWER FACELIFT
This lift corrects the chin area, neck, and sometimes the jowls. Methods of a nonsurgical nature, such as a Kybella injection, can also be applied for chin augmentation to attain a younger, tighter-looking neck.
MINI FACELIFT
When undergoing a mini facelift, a thin, small incision is placed near the ears to lift the skin to a higher position, which enhances the mouth, jawline, and jowls. This process creates subtle enhancements that look beautiful and natural. (1)
From Sagging to Sensational
What is the facelift procedure like?
Personal Consultation
At Plastic Surgery Associates we take your cosmetic goals very seriously. During your private consultation with one of our three highly qualified and experienced surgeons, we will evaluate your face to determine which facelift technique suits you best. They will ask you a series of questions to familiarize themselves with your specific situation, and to let you explain exactly what your cosmetic goals are. After testing the elasticity of your skin, they will advise you on which procedure will give you the best results.
You will inform us about any prior health concerns or past procedures you may have had. Your surgeon will give you complete and detailed preoperative instructions that you must follow carefully to be fully prepared for your procedure.
Preparation
In order to prepare for your procedure, please follow these instructions:
- Refrain from using tobacco products and drinking alcohol
- Refrain from taking NSAIDs and all other blood-thinning medications
- Find a trusted individual that can take you home after the surgery
- Pick up any prescriptions before your procedure date
It is important to prepare yourself and your home for a smooth and swift healing period. It can be helpful to pick up healthy food options and anything else you might need to be comfortable after your surgery.
Facelift Procedure
Depending on the technique outlined in your treatment plan, your facelift procedure can vary. Although many facelifts involve general anesthesia, some procedures can be performed using local anesthesia and sedation. Your surgeon will then make their incisions, perform liposuction if applicable, and then lift the facial skin to the desired position. They will then safely remove the excess skin. The surgeon might perform a blepharoplasty or a neck lift if necessary. They will suture the incisions, and you will be on your way to recovery. (2)
Complementary Procedure – Eyelid Surgery
Often performed during full facelifts, blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure that uses suturing and skin extraction to lift and open up the eyelid region of the face. It can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, and it can help bring a youthful and awake appearance to patients experiencing skin sagging. The combination of a facelift with eyelid surgery can give patients comprehensive, younger-looking results in one procedure.
If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, you can inquire with your surgeon during your consultation, or you can check out our blog.
Harmoniously Youthful
Complementary Procedures
While a facelift offers extensive benefits on its own, it can also be combined with virtually any other facial procedures to deliver enhanced results and reduced overall downtime. Some of the most common procedures included in a facelift treatment plan include:
NECK LIFT
A neck lift can beautifully complement a facelift by addressing sagging skin and excess fat in the neck area. This procedure can create a more youthful and harmonious appearance by tightening the skin, defining the jawline, and reducing the appearance of excess skin and fat in the neck. When combined with a facelift, a neck lift can provide a more comprehensive and rejuvenated look.
EYE LIFT OR BLEPHAROPLASTY
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can enhance the results of a facelift by addressing sagging eyelids and bags under the eyes. This procedure can create a more refreshed and youthful appearance by removing excess skin and fat, improving the appearance of the eyes, and complementing the overall facial rejuvenation achieved with a facelift.
FAT GRAFTING
Fat grafting can add volume and fullness to the face, helping to restore a more youthful appearance. When combined with a facelift, fat grafting can be used to address areas of volume loss, such as the cheeks, temples, and lips. This procedure can create a more natural and balanced result, enhancing the overall rejuvenation achieved with a facelift.
LIP LIFT
Combining a lip lift with a facelift can create a more youthful and vibrant appearance. A lip lift can help to elevate the upper lip, revealing more of the teeth and creating a more youthful and attractive smile. When combined with a facelift, this procedure can provide a comprehensive facial rejuvenation that enhances both the upper and lower face.
BUCCAL FAT REMOVAL
Buccal fat removal can enhance the results of a facelift by contouring the cheeks and creating a more defined facial structure. This procedure involves removing excess fat from the cheeks, helping to achieve a slimmer, more sculpted appearance. When combined with a facelift, buccal fat removal can provide a more dramatic and rejuvenated look.
NON-SURGICAL SKIN REJUVENATION
Non-surgical rejuvenating treatments, such as laser resurfacing, can complement a facelift by addressing skin texture, tone, and fine lines. These treatments can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin, creating a more youthful and radiant complexion. When combined with a facelift, these non-surgical treatments can provide a more comprehensive and long-lasting result.
Conditions Transformed by a Facelift
What conditions does a facelift address?
At Plastic Surgery Associates, our expert surgeons tailor each facelift procedure to address your specific concerns, ensuring comprehensive rejuvenation that looks natural and harmonious with your unique features.
Sagging Cheeks
- Condition: Loss of volume and drooping in the mid-face area
- Treatment: Lifts and repositions cheek tissues for a more youthful contour
Jowls
- Condition: Sagging skin along the jawline
- Treatment: Tightens and lifts lower facial skin to restore a defined jawline
Deep Nasolabial Fold:
- Condition: Pronounced lines from nose to mouth corners
- Treatment: Smooths and softens these folds by lifting underlying tissues
Marionette Lines
- Condition: Downward lines from mouth corners to chin
- Treatment: Lifts lower face tissues to diminish these lines
Neck Laxity
- Condition: Loose, sagging skin on the neck ("turkey neck")
- Treatment: Tightens neck skin and underlying muscles for a smoother profile
Double Chin
- Condition: Excess fat and skin under the chin
- Treatment: Removes or redistributes fat and tightens skin for a more defined chin
Facial Volume Loss
- Condition: Hollowing in cheeks and temple areas
- Treatment: Repositions facial fat pads to restore youthful fullness
Skin Laxity
- Condition: Overall looseness of facial skin
- Treatment: Removes excess skin and tightens remaining skin for a firmer appearance
Facial Asymmetry
- Condition: Uneven appearance of facial features due to aging
- Treatment: Balances facial structures for improved symmetry
Aging On Your Terms
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
There are various possible benefits patients can experience from getting a facelift. Here are a select few for your consideration:
- Tackles many signs of aging in one procedure
- Eliminates stubborn loose skin and jowls
- Reduces the look of deep wrinkles and fine lines
- A long-term solution to the visible effect of facial aging
- Safe and effective cosmetic procedure proven to give patients excellent results
Beyond Wrinkles
Ideal Candidates
Men and women who are suitable for facelift surgery will have drooping skin, lines, and wrinkles on the face, whether it be the face as a whole or on the upper, mid, or lower face. A facelift can target one or more areas, depending on your unique goals and desired outcome. It’s also important to note that age doesn’t always define the time in life to have cosmetic facial surgery. There are countless aspects and factors, and also numerous lift techniques, depending on the cosmetic concerns of the patient.
The lifting technique chosen will be different for patients who are between 30 and 40 years old vs. those who are older, such as 60 or 70 years old. The condition of the skin is one of the key elements in the decision-making process. Patients should be physically healthy and be a nonsmoker, and also have expectations that are realistic.
Schedule an Appointment
Cosmetic facial surgery can turn back the hands of time for your face and give you a rejuvenated appearance. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of choices for surgery, depending on your unique goals. For more information, we welcome you to schedule your appointment with Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa, California, or you can call us at (707) 537-2111.
Renewed Beauty
Facelift Recovery
Following your procedure, we will monitor your health until you can be safely released to be taken home by a friend or family member. Prior to your procedure, we will schedule your follow-up visits and go over suggestions to help you feel more comfortable during your recovery.
It’s normal to have bruising and swelling, slight to moderate pain, and soreness, which may be reduced by pain medication. You should feel and look better after several weeks. You can expect a rejuvenated look with fewer lines and sagging. Overall, your face will appear lifted and younger looking.
IMMEDIATE POST-SURGERY (1-3 DAYS):
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours
- Sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling
- Apply cold compresses as directed
- Take prescribed pain medication and antibiotics as instructed
FIRST WEEK:
- Continue sleeping with your head elevated
- Avoid bending, lifting, or strenuous activities
- Keep incisions clean and dry; follow our specific wound care instructions
- Wear any compression garments as directed
WEEKS 2-3:
- Most patients can return to light, non-strenuous work
- Continue to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise
- Bruising and swelling will start to subside
- Follow-up appointment to remove sutures (if necessary)
WEEKS 4-6:
- Gradually resume normal activities and exercise, as approved by your surgeon
- Continue to protect your skin from sun exposure
- Swelling and tightness continue to improve
LONG-TERM CARE:
- Maintain a healthy skincare routine to prolong results
- Protect your skin from sun damage
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
Remember, everyone's recovery is unique. Our team will provide you with personalized instructions to ensure optimal healing and results. Always feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns during your recovery process.
Timeless Elegance
Facelift Results
While you'll notice immediate changes after your facelift, it's important to understand that the full results unfold gradually. In the first 2-3 weeks, as most visible swelling and bruising subside, you'll get a clearer picture of your new look. Over the next 1-3 months, you'll see continued improvement as residual swelling resolves. By 6 months post-surgery, your final results will be apparent as all swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new position.
The results of your facelift are typically long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their refreshed appearance for 7-10 years or more. However, it's important to remember that while a facelift turns back the clock, the natural aging process continues. Proper skincare and healthy lifestyle choices can help prolong your results.
"The results have been huge for my self-esteem and my self-image. I can now move my body in ways I couldn’t before with the loose skin I had after my weight loss. I love my body now. I love myself. Before I’d wear baggy clothes, and now I wear clothes that fit. For the first time in 20 years, I have a flat stomach. I’m so proud of the results. I do yoga, and my recovery was so easy, nothing like what I was expecting."
Testimonials
Facelift
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of your facelift will depend on the technique used and other factors. In your consultation, our plastic surgeons will create your unique treatment plan to match your needs and goals. When this is complete, we can go over estimates of fees. In general a facelift costs anywhere from $25,000-$35,000. To avoid unnatural-looking results, it’s better to concentrate on finding a skilled surgeon, like Dr. Canales, Dr. Furnas, or Dr. Culbertson, instead of the lowest price. Plastic Surgery Associates of Santa Rosa can give you information on low-interest financing that will make your facelift affordable.
The best technique for you will vary based on your concerns, goals, level of skin laxity, what areas are being addressed, and other factors. To produce your best results, your surgeon will go over the different techniques in your consultation.
Although there are several great noninvasive skin tightening treatments, these can only give you small improvements. For moderate to severe skin sagging, facelift surgery is the best choice to improve your appearance. In your consultation, we will discuss your choices, including nonsurgical procedures, to help you select which is best for your goals.
Wrinkle relaxers and fillers, like Botox and Juvéderm, have become more popular to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Also known as a liquid facelift, nonsurgical wrinkle treatments are good for early signs of aging; however, the results won’t last more than 1 – 2 years. A facelift will produce more significant improvements than injectables with long-lasting results. Ask your surgeon about nonsurgical wrinkle treatments in your consultation.
Some patients worry that a facelift will make their skin look shiny, overly tight, or like they are in a wind tunnel. Experienced and highly-trained surgeons focus on giving you results that look natural so you appear refreshed, not fake. They listen to your concerns and goals before creating your custom treatment plan to produce your best results.
References
- Pourdanesh F, Esmaeelinejad M, Jafari SM, Nematollahi Z. Facelift: Current Concepts, Techniques, and Principles. IntechOpen; 2016. Accessed October 12, 2023. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/50616
- Wahdan W, Yasmeen El Saloussy. The Use of Multifilament Suture for SMAS Plication in Rhytidectomy. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2023;11(8):e5199-e5199. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005199
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