A facelift is an effective procedure to improve signs of aging in your face and neck. It involves the removal of excess or sagging skin before being lifted and tightened to give you a smoother, younger, and healthier look. If you are considering a facelift, you could be wondering how exactly surgeons perform the procedure.
Below, our board-certified plastic surgeons at Jefferson Facial Plastics explain what happens during a facelift and whether it might be the right procedure for you.
The 4 steps of a facelift procedure include:
1. Consultation
Each procedure is specific to the person’s unique face and needs. An initial consultation involves having a candid discussion with your plastic surgeon before the procedure. During this stage, your doctor will ask about your wants and goals, any medical conditions, and previous surgeries you may have had. He will also evaluate your physical, psychological, and emotional health and discuss your facelift options.
2. Preparation
During your preparation, Dr. Heffelfinger and his team may get a blood test or a medical evaluation done. Your doctor may also advise you to take certain medications or adjust your current medications. You will be asked to quit if you smoke or use certain foods and beverages. A day before your surgery, arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic and home after the procedure.
3. The surgical procedure
When you arrive, you will be situated and put under anesthesia, so you don’t feel discomfort during your surgery. Your plastic surgeon will mark your face to create guidelines and begin the procedure with incisions. If the procedure is a full facelift, the incisions will extend from the hairline around the temple and ears to the lower scalp. Next, Dr. Heffelfinger lifts the skin from the muscles and repositions the foundational tissues. This step is crucial as it forms the base for your youthful appearance. The surgeon may redistribute fat to plump up some areas and thin out others. Afterward, the surgeon pulls the skin and positions it over the foundation tissues while eliminating excess or sagging skin. If you prefer a mini facelift, your plastic surgeon will only lift and reposition the skin linking the temples. The procedure enhances the appearance of your skin around the cheeks and eyes, ultimately removing several years off your face.
4. Closing the sutures
The physician will then use dissolvable sutures or skin glue to close the incisions. Once the procedure is over, the medical team will monitor you in the recovery room before being sent home.
Get a facelift at Jefferson Facial Plastics
A facelift can wipe several years off your face helping you look younger and more confident with your appearance. The procedure reduces sagging skin and helps smooth skin folds on the jawline and skin. For more information about getting a facelift, schedule a consultation online or call us at 215-503-FACE.
