The Art of Aging Gracefully
As the most perceptible feature of your body, the face represents all you take in and all that you wish to put out into the world. It can also show telltale signs of aging over the years. Patients with advanced signs of facial aging may consider surgical options like a facelift.
74 year old female desiring facial rejuvenation. Patient underwent deep plane rhytidectomy, temporal brow lift and lip lift.
Surgeon: Dr. Virginia Teti
Patient Age: 74
Patient Gender: Female
What is a Facelift?
A facelift or rhytidectomy, is a surgical technique designed to combat these conditions in a holistic way. The procedure tightens and lifts the structures in the mid-to-lower face, resulting in a youthful and natural-looking outcome. Keep in mind that a facelift will not fundamentally change your appearance; Instead, it helps restore features typically associated with youth.
Am I a candidate for a Facelift?
- Double chin
- Marionette lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Vertical neck bands
- Loose, sagging jowls
- Crêpe-like skin texture
- Sagging neck skin, or “turkey wattle”
Deep Plane Facelift
To address the three fundamental signs of aging, Dr. Teti performs the newest technique, the “modified deep plane” facelift. The goal is to achieve an age-appropriate facial appearance and never overdone. By going under the muscle, releasing tension points from the ligaments, and redistributing the skin, the incision has a better chance of healing without tension, resulting in a finer scar.
Choosing a Facelift Procedure
THE FACELIFT PROCEDURE
Benefits of a Facelift
Patients should be made aware that a facelift is designed to rejuvenate key areas of the face that are subject to aging, without making the person look different or losing their unique beauty.
Consultation and Preparation
You may need to temporarily adjust prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary supplements in preparation for facelift surgery. Smokers will need to quit well in advance and remain dedicated to a nicotine-free lifestyle for several weeks afterward. Dr. Teti will provide a complete list of pre-operative instructions ahead of time.
Complementary Procedures
- Neck Lift
- Rhinoplasty
- Temporal brow lift
- Dermal treatments
- Modified upper lip lift
- Upper and lower blepharoplasty
Brow Lift
Blepharoplasty
Rhinoplasty
Neck Lift
Lip Lift
Facial Fat Grafting
Results, Recovery, and Aftercare
Following your facelift Virginia Beach plastic Surgeon Dr. Virginia Teti will provide you with comprehensive aftercare instructions (and prescriptions for any necessary medications). While every patient heals differently, here is a quick overview of what most patients generally experience as they recover from facelift surgery.
Week 1
Swelling, bruising, discomfort, and a tight sensation are most pronounced during the first week of recovery. There can also be some numbness. The sutures usually come out at seven days post-op.
Week 2
Much of the swelling and bruising starts to fade. Some patients are ready to go back to sedentary job duties, while others find they need a few extra days to heal before venturing out into public.
Weeks 3 and 4
By now, most patients look socially presentable and feel comfortable enough to return to work and light social activities. Bruising is generally absent. Any lingering swelling is usually minor and should continue to resolve in the coming weeks.
Week 5 and Beyond
Most patients are cleared to engage in strenuous exercise and heavy lifting at this stage. With each week that passes, the final results begin to emerge. The final outcome is usually apparent at three to four months after making a complete recovery.
Maintaining the Results of a Facelift
While a facelift counteracts the visible effects of aging, it cannot stop the process altogether. A healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise, and a quality skincare regimen) are wise investment, even for patients that have had the surgery. You should also protect your skin from the sun. Prolonged sun exposure is proven to degrade collagen and elastin, exacerbating how quickly the skin ages.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The procedure is virtually painless due to local anesthetic, which may be combined with sedation. In some cases, Dr. Teti may opt for a general anesthetic if combining multiple procedures or if the patient prefers not to be awake for the operation.
A facelift can usually take place at the same time as eyelid surgery, a forehead lift, a neck lift, laser skin resurfacing, and many other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Dr. Teti utilizes refined surgical techniques such as the modified deep plane facelift. Using this approach, she has found that the windblown look associated with older facelift techniques is generally less of a concern. As with any surgery, the exact results can be unpredictable. Some patients may achieve a more natural-looking outcome than others.
All surgical procedures carry risks, and facelift surgery is no exception. Before your surgery, Dr. Teti’s office will provide you with a consent form to sign that lists all known risks and complications associated with facelifts, some of which may be life-threatening. Here are some potential complications to watch for:
- Skin flap necrosis
- Collection of blood
- Numbness or nerve injury
- Compromised blood supply
- Bleeding, infection, sudden increase in swelling
If you suspect you may be having an abnormal reaction to surgery, call the office immediately, and they will see you for a follow-up right away.
Facelifts can be expensive, but their costs cover a broad range. Factors such as the extent of the surgery, any supplemental procedures, and the skill and expertise of the surgeon all play a role in determining the cost.