For many, the realities of aging are not as easy as they may have hoped. As lines and wrinkles develop and the skin begins to lose the elasticity it once had, it can be challenging to feel as polished and put together as you may have in the past. One of the most trusted and popular methods for turning back time is a facelift. If you have been considering a facelift, here is what you need to know:
Facelifts Involve the Skin and Muscles
When most people think of a facelift, they assume that it primarily deals with the sagging skin around the cheeks and neck. However, this is just one part of the facelift procedure. The underlying cause of all of that sagging is lax muscles. As a result, a facelift procedure pulls the muscles in the face taught, resculpts the facial contours and then redrapes the skin. The result is a beautiful and natural look that is lifted and vibrant.
The Procedure Requires Multiple Steps
Given the fact that each patient is different, the specifics of the procedure will vary. However, generally speaking, incisions will be made in the hairline, tightening, resculpting and redraping is performed, and any excess skin is removed. The entire process can take anywhere from two to four hours.
Recovery Time is Necessary
Due to the invasive nature of a facelift, it is not uncommon to experience swelling and bruising after the surgery is complete. In general, our patients tend to only need pain pills for the first few days of their recovery, and then may transition to Tylenol to handle the tight sensation in the skin, which is a normal part of the healing process.
In most cases, we recommend taking one to two weeks to recover from your facelift. Although some results will be immediately evident, they will become more apparent as the swelling subsides, and most evident within two to six weeks after your surgery. As for the results, many of our patients enjoy the results of their facelift for the rest of their lives.
Considering a Facelift? We are Here to Help
If you are considering a facelift, you may want to take a look at the before and after photos from our own patients. We understand that this is no small decision and will do everything we can to provide you with the information you need to determine if this surgery is right for you. Led by Dr. J. Phillip Garcia, a double board certified Facial Plastic surgeon with 10,000 cosmetic and reconstructive facial procedures under his belt, you can rest assured that by choosing our practice, you will receive the most natural and beautiful results possible.
Located near Jacksonville (Town Center), Julington Creek, Fleming Island, Avondale and Palm Coast, we are never too far to assist you with your facelift needs. If you have questions and are ready to take the next step, do not hesitate to contact us today to get started.
