Facelift Surgery
Our plastic surgery facility in Washington, DC, is dedicated to helping patients look and feel their absolute best with advanced cosmetic services. Patients experiencing the early signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loose, saggy skin can reclaim their youthful appearance with a facelift procedure.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve visual signs of aging of the face and neck. As people age, the skin and muscles of the face region begin to lose tone. A facelift improves the sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin by lifting the soft tissues.
Dr. Olding is well-known internationally for his natural-looking facelifts and ability to analyze each patient to provide an individualized rather than a “cookie-cutter” approach. He takes the time to discuss and evaluate your goals and allows adequate time for your questions, as his initial consults usually last one hour.
He likes to review old photos of you from 10, 20, 30, 40, etc. years ago to evaluate the aging effects on your face and the skin, which bears the brunt of damage because of the ultraviolet light effects of sun exposure.
For some patients, a facelift is appropriate in conjunction with other procedures, such as fat injections, a brow lift, or eyelid surgery. Dr. Olding will work with you to decide whether a facelift is the right surgical procedure for you. In some cases, non-surgical techniques may enable you to postpone your procedure for years.
I DON’T LOOK OLD AND TIRED, SO I DON’T FEEL OLD AND TIRED
A week after my facelift I was working in the yard when two women walked by. They asked, “What happened to the lady who lived here?” I told them it was me – I’ve lived here for 35 years. One woman said, “Oh, it must have been your mother.” I have felt more energetic too. I don’t look old and tired so I don’t feel old and tired. Thank you Dr. Olding for changing my life at the age of 69!
Janice S.
Ideal Candidates for a Facelift
A facelift is highly recommended for patients with sagging faces and necks. It is also beneficial for patients with wrinkles around the nose and mouth. Patients experiencing volume loss in the cheeks and around the mouth are good candidates for facelift surgery.
A facelift is an excellent option if you’re looking for longer-lasting results than you would achieve with non-surgical facial treatments. Patients must have a positive outlook and realistic expectations.
Facelift candidates must be healthy and have no medical conditions that affect healing. Non-smokers are ideal.
Your Consultation
You will meet with Dr. Michael Olding for your consultation. The facelift consultation will start with a discussion about your goals and concerns. A review of your medical history and an evaluation of your face will allow Dr. Olding to determine if a facelift is right for you.
Dr. Olding will create a facelift plan based on your goals and his facial evaluation. He will discuss all the details of the plan with you. Relevant details will include pre-surgery instructions, surgery details, recovery directions, and a cost estimate. Feel free to ask any questions you may have during your consultation.
What to Expect During the Facelift Procedure
A facelift can last several hours. The exact duration will depend on the details of the surgical plan. Surgery is usually performed on an “in-and-out” basis, and the patient breathes “on their own” without the use of an endotracheal tube (a tube that passes below the vocal cords).
The “lift” of the face and neck is just that. A thin layer of tissue beneath the skin and fat called the “SMAS” is elevated up (rather than pulled back). The skin, muscles, and other tissue essentially “come along for the ride.” This creates a more “natural,” not artificial, look because there is no tension on the skin.
The skin is then re-draped and “cut along the dotted lines” under no tension, and therefore the scar is almost invisible. Because this deeper tissue (the SMAS) is not exposed to the harmful ill effects of the sun, the result lasts much longer than any tension applied to the skin (which has lost elasticity due to the sun and aging).
After the Facelift Procedure
Dr. Olding will release the patient once their condition has stabilized. He will provide the patient with instructions for a safe and smooth recovery. Patients either spend the night at their own home or a local hotel.
Arrangements are made in advance for out-of-town and international patients. Someone must spend the first night with the patient. That individual can be a nurse arranged through our office or a responsible family member or friend.
All facelift patients are seen the next day after the dressings and drains are removed. Patients begin showering the next day, and suture removal starts the next office visit.
Most patients can socialize comfortably after 2 to 3 weeks, but that varies greatly depending upon how easily you bruise.
Dr. Olding asks that you not increase your heart rate or blood pressure (which increases bruising and prolongs the recovery period and possible bleeding) for two weeks postoperatively. That means no working out for two weeks!
Results typically last seven to ten years.
Patients experience temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, and skin dryness or tenderness. Potential complications include nerve injury (which is usually temporary), infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry or change in hairline, skin loss, or hair loss.
For patients interested in cosmetic facial surgery related to aging, please bring with you any photos of yourself 5, 10, 15, or 20 years past so Dr. Olding may see the changes in your face.
Please also look at the list of all medications and supplements you may not take two weeks before your surgery.
Facelift Cost
The cost of a facelift depends on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, technique, surgical complications, and even allergies. Schedule a consultation to find out more.
Facelift Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the results of a facelift last?
Facelift surgery in Washington, DC, can provide long-lasting results of seven to ten years. Factors such as genetics, skincare regimen, and lifestyle choices can prolong the results.
What is the difference between a full facelift and a mini facelift?
A full facelift corrects sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loose tissues across the entire face and neck. The incisions are made along the hairline and around the ears.
A mini facelift, on the other hand, corrects signs of aging on the lower face and neck. Smaller incisions are used, resulting in a shorter facelift recovery time.
Both procedures aim to achieve a more youthful appearance, but the choice depends on the extent of correction needed.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, a facelift can be combined with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery, brow lifts, or dermal fillers. Combining procedures can enhance overall facial harmony and reduce total recovery time. Consulting with the best facelift surgeons in DC, like Dr. Olding, will help you determine the most effective combination for your needs.
Will there be visible scars after a facelift?
While facelifts involve incisions, a skilled surgeon will place them in natural skin folds or hairlines to minimize visibility. Dr. Olding does this so that over time, scars fade and become less noticeable with proper skin care and healing.
How should I prepare for a facelift?
Preparing for a facelift involves discussing your goals and medical history with Dr. Olding. You may also need to avoid certain medications that can increase bleeding.
Stop smoking in advance to promote better healing. Lastly, follow aftercare instructions on diet, skincare, and medications.
How do I choose the right surgeon for my facelift?
Choosing the right surgeon is important for a successful facelift. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facelift surgery. Reviewing facelift before and after photos and reading patient testimonials can provide insight into their expertise and patient satisfaction. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Olding to learn more about his surgical expertise and results.
What is the best age to get a facelift?
There is no specific “best” age for a facelift, depending on individual aging signs and skin conditions. Generally, patients in their 40s to 60s seek facelifts, but younger or older individuals may also benefit. Contact Dr. Michael Olding for more information.
Contact Our Office
If you want to learn more about the facelift procedure in our Washington, DC, plastic surgery facility, contact our office to schedule an informative consultation with Dr. Michael Olding today.