What is a facelift?
A: A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that is used to improve the appearance of the face by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles. It is typically performed on the lower half of the face, including the jawline and neck, but it can also be used to treat wrinkles and sagging skin on the upper half of the face.
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
A: Ideal candidates for a facelift are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the procedure. A facelift can be effective for people who have sagging skin, wrinkles, or a loss of definition in the lower half of the face. It is most commonly performed on people over the age of 40, but can be done at any age.
Please take some time to look at the Before & After facelift pictures in our Gallery, to see the broad range of patients we’ve worked with.
How is a facelift performed?
A: There are several different techniques that can be used to perform a facelift, and the specific approach will depend on the individual’s unique needs and goals. In general, the procedure involves making incisions in the skin to access the underlying muscles and tissues. The surgeon will then reposition and tighten these tissues, and may also remove excess skin to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
How long does a facelift take?
A: The length of a facelift procedure can vary depending on the complexity of the case and what other procedures will be performed during the same surgery. We perform every facelift as an outpatient procedure in our own accredited Surgery Center, under the same roof as our L&P Aesthetics office in Palo Alto where you may have your consultation.
What is the recovery time for a facelift?
A: Recovery from a facelift can take several weeks. During this time, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication. Most people are able to return to work and other normal activities within a few weeks, although strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks.
Are there any risks associated with a facelift?
A: As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with a facelift, including bleeding, infection, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are rare, and most people are able to undergo the procedure without experiencing any complications.
How long do the results of a facelift last?
A: The results of a facelift can last for several years, although the exact length of time will depend on factors such as the individual’s skin type, age, and lifestyle. To maintain the results of a facelift, it is important to follow a healthy skin care routine and protect the skin from sun damage.
What’s the difference between a facelift and a necklift?
A: A facelift improves the look of the lower two-thirds of the face – from the midface to the jawline – by removing excess skin and “lifting” the underlying structures.
A necklift, on the other hand, is a surgical procedure that is specifically designed to improve the appearance of the neck, which includes everything from the jawline to the collarbone. It may involve a combination of techniques such as liposuction, skin tightening, and muscle repositioning to address issues such as excess fat, sagging skin, and muscle laxity in the neck.
At L&P Aesthetics, the surgeons most often perform a facelift and necklift during a combined procedure – the L&P Signature Facelift. However, younger patients who haven’t started to see changes in the midface and jawline that just want to reduce bulk or excess laxity in the neck may be candidates for an isolated midline neck lift that focuses specifically on that area.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lieberman, Dr. Parikh, or Dr. Curti to learn what would be the best course of action for you. Their consultations are extremely detailed and include meticulous examination – visual observation and tactile feeling of the face and neck structures – in order to make a personalized, specific recommendation.
About Facelift and Neckline Consultations at L&P Aesthetics
For patients that are good candidates for a facelift or necklift, the consultation is the first, very involved step of the doctors’ surgical planning and they spend significant time with the patient. The consultation fee is a well-spent investment for people who are serious about their inquiry, and it’s always credited toward the procedure, when and if it’s performed.
Contact us by phone (Palo Alto for Drs. L&P, or Los Gatos for Dr. Curti), send an email, or use our Contact form to schedule a consultation.
