Facelift in Rhytidectomy (Pittsburgh, PA)

A facelift is a procedure performed on both men and women to treat sagging skin and deep creases of the face and neck. These are conditions that come naturally with aging, and the facelift procedure works to tighten underlying muscles and tissue, as well as eliminate excess skin. As part of the facelift procedure, Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, takes great care to place any incisions so that they remain hidden after surgery. The earlobes — one of the most telling signs of a poorly performed facelift — are also kept in their normal anatomic position. The end result of the procedure is to rejuvenate the face and neck and create a more youthful appearance that is taut and smooth. The average facelift done today lasts 10-15, and follow-up procedures, such as BOTOX and injectable fillers, can also be performed to keep patients looking good for many more years to come.

An individualized facelift surgery carried out at Accent on Body Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa in Coraopolis, PA is a fantastic surgical choice for those who deal with wrinkles and sagging and are wanting to amplify the look of their skin. Aesthetic and practical advantages of this procedure provided by Dr. James Fernau include:

• Refining total facial details
• Tightening baggy, sagging skin
• Minor scarring that may be conveniently hidden
• Replacing lost volume around the mid-face and under the eyes
• Reducing various age signs
• End results are long-lasting
• Diminishing the look of furrows and creases near your eyes and lips
• Great for diminishing the appearance of average to severe lines and creases
• Tightening drooping cheeks and double chins
• Beneficial for both women and men

The technique used during a facelift is dependent on the patient’s facial features and conditions. Most surgeons will always aim for the less invasive technique, but some patient cases are severe and will require internal tissues, fat and skin to be manipulated. Patients must also understand the procedure in detail, including the level of invasiveness, placement of incisions, what layers of tissues will be corrected, and what risks may be associated with the surgery before moving forward.

The best candidate for a facelift is someone in good physical health and has realistic expectations about their outcomes. Though facelifts can be performed at any age, most of our patients are generally between 40 and 70. Inform Dr. Fernau of any medical conditions that prevent you from undergoing cosmetic surgery. Patients should also have good skin elasticity as this helps to ensure your results are natural-looking and long-lasting. We also recommend that patients maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking and sun exposure, in order to maximize their outcomes.

Also referred to as the cutaneous facelift, this technique removes excess and loose skin to create a tightened look. The remaining skin is repositioned to lift sagging cheeks and jowls. It also improves the profile along the jaw line. With this facelift technique, the muscles or fat tissues are left untouched. As the treatment focuses on the skin only, recovery is quick. This is ideal for those who still have good tone muscle and distribution of fat, but find the skin losing elasticity in some areas.

SMAS is the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system, which is a muscle complex that is primarily active when it comes to facial expression. With normal wear-and-tear due to age, gravity and personal habits, muscle tissue loses its form and becomes displaced significantly for those over 50. This particular facelift is considered the standard when it comes to this cosmetic procedure. With lengthy incisions on the side of the face, from the temple to the lower hairline behind the ear, the skin will be peeled and lifted to reshape contours. If there is excess fat and skin, these will also be removed.

For those who have severe cases of drooping and skin folds that are normal with aging and extensive sun exposure, a deep plane lift may be the best approach. This is especially true for those whose facial profiles need extensive reshaping on areas that typically have the volume and tight contours. This involves a highly specialized skill set and the plastic surgeon must be carefully selected as the nature of procedure has a high chance of damage to the facial nerves.

Also called as a short-scar facelift because of the shorter incisions made, a mini lift is a quick treatment that corrects the middle and lower face. Many patients initially consider this technique, but this doesn’t correct any severe issues and usually renders short-term results. Patients who undergo this procedure are most likely to also stage a full facelift as a final step to fully rejuvenate and reshape the face to its youthful curves.

All facelift procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility with general anesthesia. Even though this is considered an outpatient procedure, there are some cases where the patient stays overnight for monitoring. It is normal to experience bruising and swelling after the surgery, and patients will feel as if their face is being pulled tight. This subsides within a couple of weeks.  Optimal results will be evident after several months. It is important that activities are limited to help create a safe and quick healing.

How much does a facelift cost?

Depending on the technique used and the invasiveness of the surgery, the fees vary. Less invasive facelifts can average between $6,000 to $8,000. The more complex procedures can go as high as $14,000. According to www.realself.com, the average cost of a facelift is $12,025.

Are there noninvasive facelifts?

Cosmetic surgery is constantly evolving and always finding ways to minimize the invasiveness of procedures. There are countless options that are considered less invasive than a facelift, including wrinkle relaxers such as BOTOX®, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion and chemical/laser peels. These alternatives aim to correct signs of aging such as wrinkles, as well flatten and soften folds and contours. The effects, while effective, are often short-term lasting about 6 months to a year. Although these procedures can be safely repeated, for some, a facelift may be a better, more permanent option.

Will I look natural after a facelift?

Immediately following a facelift procedure, the patient will feel tightness and a pulling sensation. This is normal as the facial tissues, skin and muscle adjust to their new positions. It is important to choose a reputable plastic surgeon that has years of experience in facial cosmetic surgery. A doctor with experience in facial surgery will create natural, smooth results that will last for years to come.

Will I have visible scars after my facelift?

A tradional facelift requires a long cut from the temple to the lower hairline, but the scars will be well concealed within the hairline and natural creases on the face. With the lesser invasive techniques, the scars heal pretty well and will almost be completely invisible to the naked eye.

What is the best age for a facelift?

Anyone can consider a facelift as soon as evidence of aging starts taking a toll on the skin. Generally, patients who are age 50 to 70 consider a facelift. Personal habits and environmental conditions can impact the skin and there are patients who are only 40 that are also good candidates for a facelift.

How long do the results of a facelift last?

The length of your results can differ depending on the type of facelift you choose, as well as the state of your skin. However, most of our patients notice results for about 10 years after their procedure.