Facelift
A Facial Renewal
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, improves the appearance of the lower two-thirds of the face by surgically lifting and tightening facial skin and underlying muscle for smoother, more youthful skin. The surgery also removes excess fat to correct a jowl-like appearance to smooth the deep creases from the base of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
The term “facelift” sometimes sounds unappealing, as most individuals are afraid of resulting stigma of facial cosmetic surgery where they have seen natural features look distorted, pulled, and mask-like. The goal of facelift surgery is not to change your appearance, but to create a natural-looking youthful appearance so that you look like yourself, only years younger.
Dr. Strazar focuses on natural results. Distortion or immobility of facial expression, visible scars, and an overdone, pulled-look is unacceptable. Maintenance of existing hairlines is also important so that patients are comfortable in short hairstyles and women feel at ease wearing their hair up or tied back. Dr. Strazar feels that the best plastic surgery is when it looks like it hasn’t been done.
Facelift Techniques
There are several different techniques used in facelift surgery. Each approach to facial plastic surgery is individualized per patient, taking into consideration areas of concern and personal goals. An efficient, effective, and minimally invasive procedure is desired along with longevity of results. Procedures can involve part or all of the following: full face lift, neck lift, neck liposuction, mini-facelift, fat grafting to restore lost volume, and skin resurfacing to smooth wrinkles.
Full Facelift Vs. Mini Facelift
If your concerns are focused primarily on the lower area of your face, including the mouth, jawline, and chin, a mini facelift may be more appropriate for your needs and goals. This procedure is a more conservative option for patients who do not have significant signs of aging on their neck or midface. A shorter incision is used, and recovery is often faster with a mini facelift. Dr. Strazar will discuss this option with you during your initial consultation if it can optimize your outcome.
Facelift And Neck Lift Recovery
Patients are able to return home the same day. It is common to experience some swelling, tenderness, and bruising. You should relax at home for one to two weeks, after which you may be able to return to normal activity. You should notice significant improvement in the treated area within the first month, but some swelling may continue with full recovery around 8 weeks.
Facelift FAQ
A traditional facelift requires an incision from the temple to the lower hairline, but the scars will be well concealed within the hairline and natural creases on the face. The scars heal well and should be unnoticeable once fully healed.
Most patients can return to their normal routine after one to two weeks. This will vary depending on the type of facelift procedure you have performed and your unique rate of healing. If facial fat grafting is performed, swelling may continue for a little bit longer than facelift surgery without fat transfer. You should also avoid strenuous activity and exercise (jogging, biking, many types of sports) for at least a month.
The majority of the benefits will be visible after a few months; however, some minor swelling and inflammation may persist for some time after. While this process may require some patience, the outcome should be noticeable without being conspicuous. Furthermore, the enhancement should last many years as long as you take excellent care of your skin.
When choosing a facelift surgeon, it is important to chose someone that explains the process and makes you feel comfortable. Facelift surgery is generally safe if it is completed by an experienced surgeon. Dr. Strazar has trained with some of the foremost facelift surgeons in New York City. He will inspect the desired areas in which you’d like to have refreshed and create a customized surgical plan for you to achieve your refreshed look.
Why Choose Dr. Strazar?
When choosing a facelift surgeon, it is important to chose someone that explains the process and makes you feel comfortable. Facelift surgery is generally safe if it is completed by an experienced surgeon. Dr. Strazar has trained with some of the foremost facelift surgeons in New York City. He will inspect the desired areas in which you’d like to have refreshed and create a customized surgical plan for you to achieve your refreshed look.