How Long is Recovery from a Facelift?
The best time for a facelift is during your 40s to early 50s. Reducing signs of sagging, wrinkles, and loose skin does wonders for your confidence and restores the bright complexion of your youth. At … Read On
West Michigan Plastic Surgery
8175 Creekside Drive, Suite 100
Portage, MI 49024
Phone: (269) 222-1611
Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
West Michigan Plastic Surgery
3035 Capital Ave SW, Suite 110
Battle Creek, MI 49015
Phone: (269) 222-1611
Tuesday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 12:30 p.m.–4 p.m.
Refresh and Rejuvenate Your Face
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, the facelift has been the ‘gold standard’ for many years. Despite the rise of non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments, facelift surgery has an enduring appeal. Like most medical procedures, facelift surgery has evolved and improved over the years thanks to advances in techniques and technology, so results now look more natural than ever.
The facelift is an artful procedure that board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Holley has mastered, so he is able to create attractive, natural-looking facelift results for patients from Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Holley’s goal is not to make you look younger, but to make you look like a refreshed version of yourself.
Facelift
Before & After Photos
Case: 1 of 8
Before & After
Case: 5 of 7
This 59 year old from Coldwater, Michigan presented with a desire for aesthetic facial enhancement. She chose to undergo browlift and facelift returning fantastic results.
Before & After
Case: 6 of 7
This 66 year old from Kalamazoo, Michigan presented with severe dermatochalasis and blepharoptosis of the upper eyelids causing visual obstruction. He chose to undergo facelift, necklift, as well as upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
Before & After
Case: 7 of 7
This 55 year old from Delton, Michigan presented with a desire for comprehensive facial rejuvination. He chose to pursue a plan that included facelift, hairline browlift, upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, and limited facial fat transfer.
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift or rhytidectomy is a surgical procedure that reduces signs of aging on the lower 2/3 of the face and the neck. It restores a more youthful appearance by addressing side-effects of the aging process, such as:
- Sagging skin
- Deep folds around the nose and mouth
- Loose skin of the neck
Most facelift patients are in their 40s to 50s. Younger patients may opt for a less invasive mini facelift.
Procedures Commonly Combined With a Facelift
To further enhance results, Dr. Holley often combines facelifts with other facial rejuvenation procedures, including:
- Neck lift
- Brow lift
- Eyelid surgery
- Facial fat transfer (fat grafting)
- Neuromodulators like BOTOX® Cosmetic
- Dermal fillers, such as JUVÉDERM®
Candidates for a Facelift
Individuals with signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face such as sagging skin, creases around the nose and mouth, and shifting facial fat, are good candidates for a facelift. Each patient is unique. Some show more aging in the face, others more in the neck. Regardless, a face/neck lift will address both. While there is literally no age limit to having a facelift, you should be in good overall health, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations regarding surgery.
Your Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Holley will discuss your aesthetic goals and reasons for wanting a facelift. He will also evaluate your medical history and determine the approach that would be most suitable based on your specific concerns, and the degree of correction required. This is the time to raise any and all questions related to your facial aging. Dr. Holley can create a plan to overcome specific concerns of the lower face and neck or craft a complete facial rejuvenation strategy to also address any concerns of the eyes and brow.
How Does It Work?
Facelift surgery is carried out under general anesthesia and takes about 3 to 4 hours. Dr. Holley uses different surgical techniques to perform facelifts, including the traditional facelift and the neck lift.
The traditional facelift addresses the mid to lower face. The incision, carefully placed to minimize the appearance of scars, typically starts at the temples in the hairline, continues in front of the ear and then behind the earlobe. The procedure involves repositioning underlying tissue in the jowls and neck, redistributing fat on the face, and lifting or plicating the underlying support tissue of the face, called SMAS. When the facial recontouring is complete, the skin is redraped and the incisions closed.
A neck lift focuses on sagging skin in the lower half of the face and neck, as well as excess fat below the chin. The neck is approached through the facelift incisions around the ears and a small incision below the chin. It involves tightening the underlying neck muscles and removing excess fat.
Results
Improvements will be noticeable within a few days once swelling and bruising subside. Your face will look more youthful and refreshed after facelift surgery. Often, the most dramatic changes involve the neck and jawline. Those who maintain a healthy lifestyle can expect results to last 10 to 20 years.
Your Recovery Timeline
Facelift recovery is typically not as painful as people expect. Most people experience some bruising, soreness, and swelling initially. Here is a general timeline of recovery milestones (patient experiences vary).
- Day of surgery: Return home in the care of an adult friend or family member
- First 48 hours: Discomfort fades.
- 2 to 3 days: Swelling and bruising peak
- 7 to 10 days: Swelling and bruising fade. Ready to gradually resume bending, lifting, and strenuous activities.
- 2 to 3 weeks: Return to work and social activities
- 6 to 12 months: Final results attained
- 6 to 18 months: Scars, though fine and well concealed, become thinner and lighter
Be sure to follow Dr. Holley’s post-op instructions closely and contact our office if you have any questions or concerns.
Facelift Related Blog Posts
What is the Best Age to Get a Facelift?
A facelift can help rejuvenate the overall appearance of the face. However, many wonder what the best age is to get a facelift? What is a Facelift? A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a … Read On
How Long Does a Facelift Last?
If you feel self-conscious about signs of aging, deep lines and wrinkles, and loose skin around the neck, a facelift offers a comprehensive solution to these problems with one long-lasting procedure. Other non-invasive techniques can … Read On