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WHAT IS FACELIFT SURGERY?

Facelift surgery is perhaps the best known facial rejuvenation surgery, and with good reason! Of all the techniques at our disposal, nothing is more predictable at recreating a more youthful lower face and neck. In terms of tightening and redefining the jawline, the facelift is in its own class. It is the muscle tightening aspect that produces the natural, long-lasting result. This powerful technique often recreates the face the patient had 10 to 15 years earlier.

The facelift has evolved over the past 100 years. Even today it is not the same procedure as the surgery performed 30 years ago. In our practice, patients will be able to go home the same day and rest comfortably in their own home.

In choosing the procedure that is right for you it is important to realize that there are many different kinds of facelifts with a confusing array of names associated with them.

MINI FACELIFT

Patients who benefit from a mini lift often vary from 40 to 55 years in age. The mini facelift generally involves tightening the skin around the front of the ears and is reserved for those patients only with the least amount of jowling. Mini lifts have remarkably quick recoveries and often help the patient look “refreshed” by restoring the lower face and jawline.

MODERATE FACELIFT

When patients experience skin laxity in the lower face and neck, the moderate facelift is a great procedure to remove excess skin, elevate muscle and tissue, and restore the jawline down to the clavicle. Incisions located both in front and behind each ear and extending into the hairline allow for the best vertical elevation and tightening to rejuvenate the lower face and neck.

FACELIFT SURGERY

The full facelift is essentially a Moderate lift with the extension of the tightening incision into the hairlines both in front and behind the ears. This is the best method to rejuvenate the “turkey-neck” or excessive loose skin that can develop under the chin. One indication that a full facelift is needed is that the skin of the neck is “loose” from the jawline down to the collarbone (clavicle). The lift is the most powerful tool that we have to tighten the lower face and neck.

NECK LIFT SURGERY

The neck is usually an area that may show the first signs of aging. Often a patient may consider a neck lift to address the “turkey neck,” sagging skin, banding, or fullness under the chin down to the clavicle. With incisions hidden behind the ears and into the hairline, the neck lift procedure is a great way to elevate and restore an aging neck.

FACETITE AND LIPOSUCTION

The combination of FaceTite and Liposuction contours excess fat in the lower face and submentum while delivering radio-frequency heat to help shrink and tighten the skin. This procedure is ideal for patients who have fullness with minimal laxity, helping to restore and tighten the jawline and submentum.

COOLSCULPTING® AND MORPHEUS 8

CoolSculpting® can be used to create a more defined chin line and reduce the appearance of “double chins”. CoolSculpting® is a revolutionary technology offered at Williamson Cosmetic Center that freezes and eliminates fat cells using non-invasive treatments, reducing unwanted fat and contouring the neck.

CoolSculpting and Morpheus 8 Combination Treatment

Combining CoolSculpting and Morpheus 8 treatments offers an advanced, non-surgical approach to neck tightening and rejuvenation, providing a comprehensive solution for a more defined and youthful neck.

CoolSculpting targets and eliminates stubborn fat in the neck area without the need for surgery. This non-invasive procedure gradually reduces fat over a few months, resulting in natural-looking improvements. The treatment is generally well-tolerated, with minimal and temporary side effects such as mild redness or numbness.

Morpheus 8 enhances neck tightening by stimulating collagen production, which firms and rejuvenates the skin. It improves skin texture, reduces wrinkles, and tightens loose skin on the neck. This minimally invasive treatment has a short recovery period, with temporary redness and swelling.

When combined, these treatments provide comprehensive neck contouring by reducing fat and tightening the skin, resulting in a smoother, more toned neck. The synergistic effects of CoolSculpting and Morpheus 8 offer superior outcomes compared to using each treatment alone. 

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT FACELIFTS

What does the facelift involve?

An incision which lies in the natural crease of the ear is made. The skin is lifted and the underlying muscles and deep-planed SMAS are tightened. Excess fat may be removed with a tiny instrument designed for facial liposuction. The incisions are then closed using fine sutures. The procedure normally takes between 2 to 3 hours to perform.

Who are the best candidates for a facelift?

Ideal candidates for surgery are men and women in good health who have mild to moderate lower facial and/or neck laxity. It is equally well suited for the “younger” patients seeking tightening of the lower face to stay ahead of the aging process as well as the “older” patient who wants improvement of the lower face.

Are the results of a facelift permanent?

Following surgery, the normal aging process resumes. Your lifestyle choices, bone structure, skin type, sun exposure, and heredity all play a part in determining how many years it may last. We recommend doing a Morpheus 8 treatment once per year to help maintain your results. In general, patients who love their facelift procedure might consider a touch-up procedure in 8 to 10 years.

Are there alternatives to a surgical facelift?

We find that there has not been a technology devised that can match the facelift. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! As caring professionals, we are constantly evaluating new technologies to help our patients look younger with little or no downtime. Many technologies promise facelift results with no recovery. While these techniques may offer some benefits (ex: we offer Morpheus 8 for the patient who needs small correction), we find that the most reliable, effective and cost-beneficial result for lower face and neck rejuvenation still comes from the facelift. When exploring these options, always be sure to ask the doctor to show you more than a few standardized before and after pictures of his results, at least 6 months after the procedure. Do not rely on photographs that come from a technology company.

When can I go back to work after a facelift?

Following surgery, many patients may have some bruising and swelling for several days. It is typically on the lower face or below the jawline. A support strap is worn for 7 days all the time and then just at night for a second week. Most patients take a week away from normal activities.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT NECK LIFTS

How is the neck lift procedure performed?

Excess fat is sculpted as needed with liposuction and/or FaceTite. Then through small well well-hidden incisions behind the ear, the surgeon lifts and tightens the neck muscle. The skin is tightened to rejuvenate the neck contour. When appropriate, a patient may choose to have a chin implant to enhance their profile.

What about recovery?

Following a neck lift, you will experience some bruising and swelling for several days. Mild discomfort is usually easily controlled with medication. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses for a day or two will keep swelling to a minimum. The scar is well hidden in behind the ear in the natural skin fold and is relatively inconspicuous. Most people can return to work after a week.

Are neck lifts safe?

A neck lift has proven to be a relatively safe, and predictable cosmetic procedure. Our surgeon takes the time during consultation to provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Additionally, you are required to meet with our nurse and anesthesia provider for a pre-operative meeting to review your health history and any other pertinent history needed to provide you with a safe and successful outcome.

How can liposuction help?

Many people with a receding chin also have an accumulation of fat below it resulting in a”double chin” appearance. At the time of a neck lift, liposuction can be performed to remove excess fat from under the chin and from the neck to better define the jaw line and give a more balanced profile. Liposuction can often be performed through the same incision and only adds a few minutes to the length of the procedure, making it an ideal companion to a neck lift.