When beginning facelift research, our Denver plastic surgery patients usually start in one place: the internet. In today’s modern world, there’s a wealth of free information right at our fingertips. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the internet, you may feel overwhelmed when searching. It’s hard to know where to look and which questions to ask.
At the Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we want all our patients to feel well-informed when heading into treatment. To begin that education, here are our honest answers to the web’s most-searched facelift questions.
How does a facelift work?
Facelift surgery rejuvenates the face by lifting and tightening the cheeks, jawline, and neck. This is done by making short incisions in front of and behind the ears, allowing the doctor to adjust the tissues and muscles underneath the skin. The doctor removes excess skin, elevates the cheeks, and creates a strong jawline. These changes strengthen the underlying facial muscles and make you look like a more youthful version of yourself.
Watch this video with Dr. Steven Vath to learn more about how a facelift works.
Does a facelift improve the eyes?
A facelift is most effective at rejuvenating the mid to lower part of the face, so it doesn’t generally address aging around the eyes or brow. However, many patients choose to complement their facelift results with other procedures such as a:
Some of these procedures can be performed at the same time as your facelift, while others may need to wait until your face is healed. If you are interested in addressing facial aging around the eyes and brow, talk with your surgeon about your goals so you can explore all your options.
What is a good age for a facelift?
In most cases, patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are ideal candidates for a facelift. Patients in their 40s often see the best results, as they typically have slightly more skin elasticity. But anyone in good health can consider a facelift procedure. If you struggle with loose skin, saggy jowls, or sunken cheeks, a facelift may be right for you.
How painful is a facelift?
You may feel mildly uncomfortable the first week after surgery. Temporary swelling and bruising are common and reach their height around day 3 or 4. Your doctor can prescribe pain medication to make your recovery easier. After around 2 weeks, you should feel more comfortable and able to resume normal activities.
How long does tightness last after a facelift?
Tightness after a facelift can last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. This feeling is actually a positive sign, as it means your face is properly healing and reestablishing neural pathways. Patients may also experience other sensations during facelift recovery such as numbness or tingling. These, too, will fade with time as your face fully recovers.
Always do plenty of research before choosing any surgery. If you decide that a facelift is right for you, find a board-certified plastic surgeon in order to better guarantee safe, satisfying results.
Browse our facelift before-and-after pictures to see examples of real patient results. If you’d like to learn more about your best plastic surgery options here in Denver, request a consultation online or call (303) 951-2100.
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