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Facelift

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Incision

During facelift procedure, the surgeon will make incisions in discreet locations. 

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ANESTHESIA

Options include local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

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PAIN MANAGEMENT

Pain and discomfort are usually mild to moderate.

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STITCH REMOVAL

Stitches are typically removed within 7-10 days after the procedure.

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

The procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and repositioning the remaining skin to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

OVERVIEW OF FACELIFT

A facelift involves the repositioning of facial tissues, tightening of underlying muscles, and removal of excess skin to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Here is an overview of the facelift surgery process:

Month before a facelift: In the month prior to surgery, you should undergo any medical testing that is required. This may involve a health physician, blood test, and EKG. You should have your final preoperative visit with your surgeon during this time. Postoperative medication such as pain medication and antibiotics may be prescribed. 

Night before a facelift: Patients should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. This ensures that the patient’s stomach is empty the morning of surgery, increasing the safety of anesthesia.

Morning of a facelift: A patient should arrive at the hospital or surgery center 1-2 hours prior to the start time. A nurse will check you in, and you will change into a patient’s gown. 

Anesthesia: On the day of the surgery, you will be given anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. The options include local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation and the extent of the surgery. 

Incisions: The surgeon will make incisions in discreet locations, typically within the hairline at the temples, extending down in front of the ear, and possibly along the natural creases behind the ear. The incisions are carefully placed to minimize visible scarring.

Tissue repositioning and muscle tightening: The underlying facial tissues, including the muscles and deeper layers, are repositioned and lifted to a more youthful position. This helps to restore volume and contour to the face and address sagging or drooping.

Skin redraping and trimming: Excess skin is gently redraped over the repositioned facial tissues. The surgeon trims away any excess skin to create a smoother, more toned appearance.

Fat grafting: Fat grafting may be performed to add volume to the cheeks, lips, or nasal labial lines.

Closure: The incisions are closed with layers of sutures. The surgeon takes care to ensure proper wound closure and minimal tension on the incisions.

Recovery and aftercare: After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area before being allowed to go home. You will receive detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, manage any discomfort or swelling, and what activities to avoid during the initial healing period.

Follow-up appointments: You will have follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress, remove drains and stitches, and address any concerns or questions you may have during the recovery process. That’s one of the benefits of choosing a local plastic surgeon and staying in the VA area for your facelift recovery.

BENEFITS

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The procedure involves removing excess skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and repositioning the remaining skin to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

During a facelift, the surgeon makes incisions in the hairline and around the ears, through which they can access the underlying tissues. They may then lift and reposition the muscles, remove excess fat, and trim away any loose skin. The remaining skin is then pulled taut and sutured into place.

Facelifts can be performed alone or in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, or neck lift, to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck. While a facelift can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls, it does not address issues such as skin texture or pigmentation, which may require additional treatments such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels.

Facelift surgery can be a highly satisfying procedure for many people who wish to rejuvenate their appearance and address signs of aging in the face and neck. While individual results can vary, several studies have shown high levels of patient satisfaction after a facelift.

According to a survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 97% of facelift patients reported being satisfied with their results. Another study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found that 96.7% of patients rated their satisfaction as good or excellent, and 97.3% said they would undergo the procedure again.

If you would like to learn about additional procedures that can further enhance the outcome of a facelift, read “What are the steps of a facelift procedure”. Some of the additional treatments that Dr. Domanski can recommend to you are: chemical peels, RF microneedling and skin resurfacing with  fractional laser.

Dr. Mark Domanski, MD, is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Fairfax, VA, with all the experience and ready to enhance your confidence. Specializing in cosmetic and body surgery, including mommy makeovers, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, breast lifts, facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, among other cosmetic, face, and body procedures, book your appointment now at (703)-596-1660.

CANDIDATES FOR FACELIFT

A good candidate for a facelift procedure is an individual who is experiencing visible signs of aging in the face and desires to restore a more youthful appearance. Here are some characteristics that make someone a suitable candidate for a facelift:

Age: Candidates are usually in their 40s to 70s, although age alone is not the sole determining factor. The extent of facial aging and the overall health of the individual are more important considerations.

Skin elasticity: Ideal candidates have relatively good skin elasticity, meaning their skin can bounce back after being stretched. This allows for better results as the surgeon can reposition and tighten the skin effectively.

Facial sagging: Candidates often have noticeable sagging or laxity in the mid-face, jowls, and neck area. These signs of aging may include deep creases around the nose and mouth, jowls forming along the jawline, and loose skin in the neck.

Realistic expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. While a facelift can significantly improve the appearance, it cannot completely stop the aging process or change one’s fundamental facial structure.

Good general health: Candidates need to be in good overall health, free from any significant medical conditions that could impair the healing process or increase the risks associated with surgery. A thorough evaluation of medical history and a physical examination are typically conducted to determine suitability.

Non-smoker: Smoking can impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Ideal candidates are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking for four weeks before and after the surgery.

Mental and emotional stability: Candidates should have a positive mindset and be emotionally prepared for the surgery and recovery period. It is important to have a realistic understanding of the procedure and to be mentally prepared for the potential temporary changes in appearance during the healing process.

Commitment to recovery: Candidates need to be willing to follow the post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This includes proper incision care, limiting physical activities, avoiding certain medications, and attending follow-up appointments.

RESULTS YOU CAN SEE

Before and after results of our procedures.

Before Image After Image

RECOVERY AFTER FACELIFT

The recovery period after a facelift can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing rates, but typically takes a few weeks to a few months. Here are some general guidelines for what to expect during the recovery period:

Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after a facelift and usually peak around 2-3 days after the surgery. Ice packs and elevation of the head can help reduce swelling and bruising.

Dressings and Stitches: The surgeon will apply dressings and possibly drains to help reduce swelling and promote healing. The drain may be removed as soon as the next day. Stitches are typically removed within 7-10 days after the procedure.

Pain Management: Pain and discomfort are usually mild to moderate and can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.

Activity Restrictions: Most patients can resume light activity, such as walking, within a few days after surgery, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. Patients should also avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, or anything that increases blood pressure or puts strain on the face and neck in the first week after surgery. 

Follow-Up Appointments: Patients will have several follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor healing, remove stitches, and ensure there are no complications.

Why us?

With over 70 plastic surgeons in the Northern Virginia area, patients choose Dr. Domanski because they trust him. We believe you will not find a more honest surgeon than Dr. Domanski.

FAQs

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to improve the visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

A mini facelift addresses signs of aging in the face and neck with less extensive surgery than a traditional facelift. It typically focuses on lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissues in the lower third of the face, which includes the jawline and upper neck. 

The benefits of mini-facelift vs traditional facelift are smaller incisions, and quicker recovery. However, the results are more subtle and might be less long lasting then those of a traditional facelift. 

A mini facelift can be a good option for those looking to refresh their appearance with less downtime and a more conservative approach to facial rejuvenation.  Especially those who want to target mild to moderate signs of aging and do not desire the changes of a full facelift.

The average cost of a facelift in the U.S. is regularly updated on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website, which lists the surgeon’s fee. However, the surgeon’s fee is just part of the overall cost. To get a full picture of the price of facelift surgery, you need to include:

  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Anesthesia fee
  • Facility fee (hospital or certified surgical center)
  • Prescription medication
  • Pre-surgical labs cost

 

It’s not possible to provide an exact price for a facelift surgery without a consultation. Several factors must be considered, including the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure needed to meet your aesthetic goals, and your geographical location. To give you a broad estimate, in Fairfax, VA, the total cost of facelift surgery typically ranges between $12,000 and $48,000.

In general, an ideal candidate for a facelift is someone who is experiencing visible signs of facial aging and is motivated to rejuvenate their appearance for a more youthful look. 

There are certain criteria for a facelift candidate that should be met:

  • Signs of aging: Typically, individuals in their 40s to 60s or older with sagging skin, deep facial wrinkles, jowls, or loose skin on the neck are good candidates.
  • Good skin elasticity: Candidates should have skin with enough elasticity to adjust well to the new contours after surgery.
  • Good overall health: Candidates should be physically healthy and free from conditions that could impair healing, like uncontrolled diabetes or unstable heart issues.
  • Nonsmokers: Tobacco smoke interferes with healing and increases the risk of bleeding, poor healing, and scarring. Dr. Domanski performs cosmetic procedures on  non-smokers or those willing to quit before surgery.  The effect of marijuana smoke is less understood but we recommend patients refrain from smoking marijuana leading up to surgery.
  • Realistic expectations: The candidate should have a clear understanding of what a facelift can and cannot achieve, aiming for a refreshed, natural look.

There isn’t a specific “ideal” age for getting a facelift, as it depends more on individual factors than on age alone. However, most people who opt for a facelift are typically between 45 and 60 years old, when the signs of aging like sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls become more noticeable.

There are various terms related to facelifts such as the Deep Plane Facelift or SMAS (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System) facelift.  Some terms relate to the facial area where the procedure is concentrated such as the mid-facelift or lower facelift.  Other terms try to highlight a supposed benefit of the procedure such as mini-facelift being less invasive.  Ultimately, asking what is the best facelift surgery is like asking what is the best car?  The best car for a 40 year old may not be the best car for a 70 year old.

Incision lines are a frequent patient’s concern during the consultations. In plastic surgery, we refer to them as ‘incision lines’ rather than ‘scars.’ While it’s impossible to avoid incision lines with a facelift, Dr. Domanski makes sure that these are as inconspicuous as possible by hiding them in lines of relaxed skin tension, in the hairline, or behind the ears.

Over time, plastic surgery incision lines typically fade and become barely noticeable. To ensure the best possible results, we provide you with a scar cream to support healing and offer treatments such as CO2 laser resurfacing to further diminish the appearance of incision lines.

Recovery time after a facelift depends on the extent of the procedure and how quickly your body heals. Generally, the more extensive the surgery, the longer the recovery time and the more noticeable the results. 

For remote work, we recommend 1 week.  For in person work, we recommend 2 weeks.  For on camera or high visibility work, we recommend 3-4 weeks off. 

It’s very common to experience some swelling and bruising initially, which gradually subsides.  With a mini facelift, recovery is quicker, and most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks. 

At most points in the recovery after facelift, it is possible to wear foundation and makeup to cover up any bruising.

After a facelift, most patients can expect to take 2–3 weeks off from work, depending on factors such as the physical demands of their job, their comfort level with any remaining bruising or swelling, and the progress of their healing.  For remote work, we recommend 1 week.  For in person work, we recommend 2 weeks.  For on camera or high visibility work, we recommend 3-4 weeks off.

Facelift results are long-lasting.  A facelift will wind back the “conveyor belt of time” but will not stop it.   Thus, a facelift can reduce signs of aging by tightening the skin and underlying tissues, the natural aging process continues.  Most patients enjoy their results for at least 10 to 15 years, depending on factors like skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics. 

You can extend the results of your facelift by:

  • maintaining a healthy diet, 
  • staying active
  • protecting your skin from sun exposure
  • undergoing non-surgical treatments to stimulate collagen production such as radiofrequency microneeding
  • using medical-grade skincare products.

 

“Be Yourself,
Everyone Else Is Taken.”

– Oscar Wilde

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