Are you considering a facelift but unsure what to expect when it comes to your results? You are not alone. No matter how certain you are that a facelift is the right choice for you, it is normal to feel a bit apprehensive about what you may look like after your transformation.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled real facelift before-and-after photos, reviews, procedure diagrams, and more to help you understand what is in store before, during, and after your surgery. Read on to get all the details.
What Does a Facelift Do?
A facelift is a plastic surgery procedure that addresses multiple signs of aging in the mid- to lower face and neck, including:
- Jowls
- Loss of jawline definition
- Excess fat on the lower face and neck
- Deep lines and folds in the bottom third of the face
You can learn more about what a facelift achieves and whether it may be right for you in this blog post.
What Does a Facelift Not Do?
Despite what the name may imply, a facelift does not address the entire face. It does not extend up to the upper two-thirds of the face, such as the brows and forehead, eyelids, cheeks, and temples. If you have concerns in these areas in addition to your lower face, you may want to consider combining your facelift with another procedure—more on that later.
Additionally, facelift surgery does not improve skin texture and quality. While it does smooth away deep wrinkles and folds, you may still have uneven skin texture, dark spots, fine lines, and other signs of aging in the skin.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
You may be a good facelift candidate if you are primarily concerned with lower face and neck laxity, jowls, and excess skin. Candidates should be generally healthy non-smokers (or willing to quit) with realistic expectations and a healthy self-image.
What Is the Best Age To Get a Facelift?
There is no real “best” age for a facelift, as everyone ages at their own rate. Some people have the surgery done in their 40s, whereas others wait until their 70s and beyond. The right age for you is whenever you find yourself looking older than you feel.
How Are Facelifts Performed?
Every facelift is customized. Our surgeons believe in fitting the procedure to the patient to achieve the best results. That said, there are a few categories of techniques most facelifts fall under:
- Traditional sub-SMAS facelift: Tightens and lifts the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) separately from the skin and other tissues.
- Traditional deep-plane facelift: Tightens and lifts the SMAS while it is attached to the skin and other tissues.
- Mini facelift: Targets specific issues for those with mild to moderate signs of aging.
- Mid facelift: Addresses hollows under the eyes and smooths smile lines; usually performed in conjunction with a traditional facelift.
Your surgeon will discuss the best technique for you during your one-on-one consultation.
Can I Achieve the Results I Want With a Mini Facelift?
The mini facelift is a less extensive version of a facelift, and its shorter recovery time is alluring to many. However, a mini approach is best for those with minimal signs of aging or a previous full facelift that needs a touch-up.
If you have significant aging concerns and opt for a mini lift, you may not be entirely pleased with the results. Or, you may need additional work sooner than you would like.
The right option depends on the individual, which is why the consultation process is so vital. You can find suggestions for questions to ask your surgeon in this resource from The Aesthetic Society®.
Can I Combine Other Procedures With My Facelift?
It is very common to combine a facelift with other procedures for comprehensive results. Popular options include:
- Upper and/or lower blepharoplasty: Corrects drooping upper eyelids and/or removes puffy bags from the lower eyelids.
- Brow or forehead lift: Lifts the upper face to create a naturally more refreshed look.
- Fat transfer: Moves excess fat from one area to another in need of volume.
- Deep neck contouring/neck liposuction: Removes excess fullness from the neck and below the chin (“double chin”).
Will My Facelift Results Look Natural?
This largely depends on your surgeon’s skill, experience, and aesthetic eye. Exceptional surgeons will make sure you still look like you, only younger and more refreshed. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Vito C. Quatela, Dr. Heather Lee, and Dr. Alex Montague, take great care to create improvements while maintaining your unique natural features.
Are Facelift Results Different for Men?
Facelifts for men address many of the same concerns, including jowls and lower face laxity. When performing male facelifts, our surgeons emphasize maintaining masculine features and creating results that look natural and do not convey any signs of having “work done.”
Will I Have a Scar After My Facelift?
Facelift incisions are hidden very close to the ear in natural creases and fade to thin, faint lines over time. Even when you know what you are looking for, the scars are very difficult to spot. Just take a look at this real before-and-after transformation and see if you can spot the scars.
How Long Does Facelift Recovery Take?
Most people return to work after 1 to 2 weeks, covering any remaining bruising with makeup. While most bruising and swelling subside after 2 weeks, it may take 6 months to 1 year for residual swelling to subside and final results to take shape.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
While no procedure can stop the aging process altogether, facelifts turn back the clock by as much as 10 to 15 years. You can extend your results with maintenance treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, and Ultherapy®.
Are Facelifts Worth It?
Only you can answer that question for yourself. However, our former patients would answer with a resounding “yes.”
My results are even better than I had hoped for. I can look in the mirror and not feel the disconnect between my appearance and the way I feel internally that I was having before.
Barbara, Google review
I always knew that one day I would want a facelift- the heavy jowls of my mother’s sister haunted me! … I cannot express how thrilled I am with the outcome. My husband was wary of me having elective surgery, but when he wrapped his head around it, he insisted I go to the best – Dr. Quatela. I am so glad I did!
Mary, Google review
It is now only 8 weeks and I have a lot more healing to do but I am so very happy and everyday i look better. A friend I saw yesterday told me I lost 15 years! … I am so happy I did this and look out when I am 6 months out!
Lori, Google review
Ready to Get Started?
If you would like to schedule a facelift consultation with one of our experienced facial plastic surgeons at the Quatela Center in Rochester, NY, please request a consultation online or call our Rochester, NY, office at (585) 244-1000.
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