Deep Plane Facelift

Contrary to patient expectations, facelifts tend to be far less painful than expected. Pain control begins before the operation starts with local anesthesia and careful attention to local sensory nerves. Post-operatively, patients find they feel a sense of tightness but are quite comfortable with regard to pain. Postoperative pain control is usually managed with oral pain medication for approximately 2-5 days as needed.

People age at different rates, and both skin laxity and early jowling can occur as early as in the 40s. Some patients prefer to wait longer until the jowls are extremely bothersome, while other patients prefer to intervene sooner. With limited jowling, a less invasive procedure may be available to sharpen the jawline and improve the early signs of aging without a full facelift. However, as the jowl becomes more noticeable, usually in the mid-50s to mid-60s, a facelift will likely be the appropriate procedure. The sagging jowl is lifted and the jawline tightened. Most importantly, the facelift corrects the lower third of the face and the cheeks. Additional procedures can be performed concurrently to address aging in the eyes and neck.

Commonly misunderstood as a procedure to improve nasolabial folds, or the line between your lip and cheek, a facelift in fact is most useful in improving the jawline and correcting age-related jowls. Facelift procedures serve to address age-related changes primarily in the lower half of the face, such as jowling and other shape changes. This is the area where a patient can expect to see maximum improvement in their overall facial aesthetic from a facelift. The procedure can also, and is often, paired with other surgical procedures to address various aspects of the face. These procedures include a brow lift, neck lift, and more.

Yes, a facelift can produce facial rejuvenation, providing an overall more youthful appearance. In aesthetics, there are three types of facial aging: skin texture changes, volume loss, and shape changes. Skin texture changes are best addressed with quality skincare regimens that incorporate both products and resurfacing treatments. Volume loss is targeted with dermal fillers, and shape changes are addressed with more invasive procedures such as surgery. Facelift procedures serve to correct age-related shape changes, specifically in the lower third of the face where jowling occurs. Contrarily, skin treatments correct skin quality by addressing a multitude of concerns, including superficial wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation, sun damage, and more.

Common methods to reduce post-procedural swelling include R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compress, and elevate). Our post-operative protocol includes reclined sleeping, a facial compression sling, and limited activity levels. Additionally, avoiding certain medications prior to treatment and procedure can help minimize swelling. We recommend patients discontinue any use of NSAIDS or other blood-thinning agents (fish oil, vitamin E, red wine, etc.)

There are various types of facial aging, including skin quality decline, shape changes, and volume changes. For example, facial shape changes are typically addressed and corrected with surgical intervention. Skin quality is best addressed with more conservative measures, such as proper skincare, resurfacing treatments, and consistent maintenance. However, there are a few surgical procedures that can address skin laxity. FaceTite is a procedure that utilizes radiofrequency heat energy to increase collagen production. This can serve to secondarily tighten the skin in the treated area (typically the jowls and jawline).

There are several options available to those seeking to tighten their jawline. One option most patients often overlook is injectables, particularly dermal fillers. With the appropriate product and treatment plan, fillers can be used to restore volume in facial regions to provide an overall rejuvenated appearance. Other minimally invasive treatments to tighten the facial skin include Morpheus and Forma, which both utilize radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production. Alternatively, FaceTite is a surgical procedure that utilizes radiofrequency heat energy to tighten the appearance of jowls.

Here at CARE Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of services and treatments that can help address excess fat in the chin and submental area. Some patients may choose a surgical procedure, such as liposuction. Contrarily, if a patient is more concerned with loose skin in this region, appropriate treatments may include FaceTite and/or Morpheus (microneedling with radiofrequency energy).

In efforts to reduce overall swelling, we recommend our patients follow our standard post-operative instructions. These include limiting activity, increasing water intake, avoiding high sodium foods, and sleeping upright for the first two weeks after surgery.

While patients can expect to continue to age, there are recommendations we encourage patients to implement into their day-to-day regimens. Proper skincare routines with medical-grade products serve to improve, maintain, and protect skin quality, further enhancing your facelift results. Oftentimes, taking care of yourself and maintaining good health secondarily benefits your skin. This can be done with simple habits such as staying hydrated, limiting sun exposure, and abstaining from smoking/nicotine use.

To reduce the risk of postoperative complications, we recommend our patients wait until 6 weeks after surgery before resuming normal exercise routines. We want to avoid any increase in heart rate or blood pressure to minimize complications.

Every patient responds differently to major surgery. With most patients who receive a facelift, bruising tends to resolve by approximately two weeks after surgery.

Contrary to common belief, pain is not a commonly reported side effect of facelift procedures. Typical descriptions include discomfort similar to a headache. This type of discomfort is managed well with proper pain management protocol, and patients can expect it to resolve typically within the first 1-2 weeks after surgery.