Facelift

Conveniently located to serve St. Petersburg, FL and Tampa, FL

Over time, gravity and other environmental factors affect us all and can cause the face to sag and droop which creates a tired and older appearance. Facelift surgery can turn back the hands of time and help you look as young on the outside as you feel on the inside.

A facelift is a surgical procedure that resuspends the facial tissue and removes excess skin creating a younger and more refreshed appearance to the face and neck. A facelift generally lasts about 10 years, or removes about 10 years of aging from the face.

A facelift is most effective for correcting the following:

Facial wrinkles
Nasolabial folds
Jowls

Facial sagging
Loose skin and bands in the neck
Loss of jawline definition

Candidates for Facelift Surgery

The best candidates for facelift want to correct one or more of the signs of aging indicated above; have some facial sagging, but still have good elasticity in their skin; are generally healthy; do not smoke; and have realistic expectations regarding the possible results from facelift surgery.

Types of Facelift Procedures

A facelift is typically performed in an office-based facility, surgery center or hospital. Patients may have a choice of oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. There are many different approaches and techniques that can be used during the procedure. A thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of each will help decide the best approach for you during your consultation with Dr. Caceres

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift rejuvenates the face, jowls, and neck by releasing the deep facial ligaments and resuspending the deep facial tissue as well as removing some excess skin. This corrects the natural signs of aging while creating natural and long-lasting results. The incision usually begins at the temples, and travels down the front of the ear, around the back of the ear, and into or along the hairline behind the ear. In some cases, an additional incision below the chin may be used to access the central tissue of the neck. The pros and cons of the exact incision placement will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Caceres so, together, we can make the best decision for you.

Mini-Facelift

A mini facelift is a surgical procedure that resuspends the facial tissue creating a more refreshed and youthful appearance on the lower half of the face. The mini facelift is less invasive and uses a shorter incision than a traditional facelift resulting in less downtime and a faster recovery than a traditional facelift. Due to the limited approach, the results of a mini facelift are also less dramatic compared to a traditional facelift but in the right patient, a mini facelift may be the perfect procedure. The pros and cons of each procedure will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation with Dr. Caceres.

RECOVERY FROM FACELIFT

A facelift is usually performed as an outpatient procedure but, depending on your risk factors and comfort level, you may stay overnight in the hospital. You can expect some swelling, bruising, numbness and discomfort in the treatment area for a few days after surgery but these are temporary and will subside. Patients often take about a week off from work and need to avoid strenuous activity for about four weeks after surgery. Most patients are ready for social events in about a month after surgery.

RESULTS OF FACELIFT

A facelift will generally remove about 5-10 years of aging from the face and neck depending on the patient and chosen approach. Although patients will continue to age, the time taken off the facial aging clock will be permanent. The incisions usually heal imperceptibly and are hidden in key areas.

Contact Us to Learn More

To learn more about facial plastic surgery procedures, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Dr. Caceres is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and specializes in traditional and modern facelift techniques. Arrange an appointment today by contacting us at Kevin Caceres, MD., Facial Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg, FL.

FAQs: Facelift

What Happens During a Facelift Procedure?

During a facelift procedure, also known as rhytidectomy, Dr. Caceres makes incisions typically around the hairline, extending down around the ears and sometimes under the chin. Through these incisions, the doctor tightens underlying facial muscles, removes excess fat, and re-drapes the skin to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it may also involve lifting and repositioning deeper tissues. The incisions are then closed with sutures or other techniques.

How Long Does Facelift Surgery Take?

The duration of a facelift surgery can vary depending on factors such as the techniques used, the extent of the procedure, and the individual patient's anatomy. On average, a facelift surgery typically takes anywhere from two to six hours to complete. However, more complex procedures or additional combined treatments may extend the duration.

What Is the Recovery Like After a Facelift?

After a facelift, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which is usually managed with pain medication and proper post-operative care. Patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few weeks following surgery. Most swelling and bruising subside within a few weeks, but it may take several months for the results to fully emerge. Patients are advised to diligently follow their post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Caceres to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal outcome.

Will I Have Visible Scarring After a Facelift?

While scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure, skilled facial plastic surgeons minimize visible scarring by placing incisions strategically within the natural creases of the skin or along the hairline where they can be easily concealed. Over time, scars tend to fade and become less noticeable, especially with proper wound care and scar management techniques.

When Will I See Results After a Facelift?

Although some initial improvements may be visible shortly after surgery once swelling subsides, the full results of a facelift typically become apparent gradually as swelling continues to diminish and tissues settle into their new position. Most patients can expect to see significant improvements within a few weeks to a few months after surgery.

How Long Do Results from a Facelift Last?

The longevity of facelift results can vary depending on factors such as individual aging, lifestyle choices, and skin quality. On average, results from a facelift can last anywhere from five to ten years or more, with many patients opting for additional procedures or non-surgical treatments to maintain their rejuvenated appearance over time.

What Are the Risks and Complications Associated with A Facelift?

Like any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries potential risks and complications, which may include infection, bleeding, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. It is essential for patients to discuss these risks thoroughly to ensure they are informed and prepared before undergoing surgery.

Can I Combine a Facelift with Other Cosmetic Procedures?

Yes, combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and costs. Dr. Caceres specializes in combining facial plastic surgery procedures, such as facelift and eyelift surgery, for a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation that addresses the upper, mid, and lower regions of the face.