A facelift, performed by Dr. Manuel Lopez, addresses sagging skin, deep creases, and loss of muscle tone in the face and neck. This procedure rejuvenates your appearance by tightening underlying tissues and removing excess skin, effectively treating signs of aging.
Reduce Signs of Aging on the Face and Neck
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The procedure involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ears, then lifting and tightening underlying tissues and muscles. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a smoother, more youthful appearance. By addressing sagging skin, deep folds, and jowls, a facelift rejuvenates the overall facial contour, offering long-lasting results that enhance your natural beauty.
Facelift Treats:
- Sagging skin in the midface and neck
- Deep creases below the lower eyelids
- Deep folds and lines between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Jowls or loss of muscle tone in the lower face
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw
- Overall tired or aged facial appearance
- Loss of youthful facial contours
Types of Facelift
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift addresses moderate to advanced aging around the midface, jowls, and neck. Incisions are typically made around the hairline, extending down around the ears and sometimes into the lower scalp. This allows the surgeon to lift and tighten deeper facial tissues, including muscles and fat. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped for a smoother appearance. This procedure can significantly reduce the signs of aging.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift, also known as a “weekend facelift,” targets early signs of aging with minimal downtime and a shorter recovery period. The procedure involves smaller incisions, typically made around the hairline and ears. These incisions allow for the tightening of skin and tissues, focusing primarily on the lower face and jawline. This technique is perfect for younger patients or those with mild to moderate sagging who desire subtle enhancements.
Neck Lift
While often performed with a facelift, a neck lift can also be a standalone procedure. It addresses issues such as loose, sagging skin, and excess fat in the neck and under the chin. The procedure involves incisions made behind the ears and under the chin, allowing the surgeon to tighten neck muscles and remove or redistribute excess fat. Excess skin is then trimmed away, and the remaining skin is smoothed for a more defined neck and jawline.
SMAS Facelift
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift targets the deeper layers of facial tissue, providing a more natural and long-lasting lift. This technique involves making incisions similar to those in a traditional facelift, but the focus is on repositioning and tightening the SMAS layer, which lies beneath the skin and above the muscles. By addressing this deeper layer, the SMAS facelift improves skin laxity and enhances the underlying structure of the face.
Benefits of Facelift:
- Addresses multiple aging signs for a youthful appearance
- Provides significant improvements that last for a decade or more
- Tightens facial tissues for a more defined look
- Enhances appearance and improves self-esteem
- Achieves natural-looking results without a “pulled” look
- Can be paired with other treatments for overall rejuvenation
Candidates for Facelift:
- Should be in good overall health without serious medical conditions
- Have sagging skin, deep creases, or jowls that they wish to address
- Want durable improvements rather than temporary solutions
- Can take time off to recover and follow post-operative care instructions
- Should have realistic expectations and understand what a facelift can and cannot achieve
- Desire improvements that maintain their unique facial features
- Should be willing to avoid smoking before and after surgery to promote healing
Your Facelift Surgery
Your facelift surgery begins with detailed consultations to understand your goals and evaluate your facial structure. On the day of the procedure, you will be administered anesthesia to ensure comfort. Dr. Lopez will make precise incisions, usually around the hairline and ears, to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, he will lift and tighten the underlying muscles and tissues. Excess skin is carefully removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Dr. Lopez meticulously closes the incisions with sutures or skin adhesives, ensuring minimal scarring and optimal healing. After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area before being allowed to go home. Dr. Lopez will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to follow, ensuring a smooth recovery and maximizing the longevity of your results. By following his guidance, you can look forward to a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance.
Facelift Recovery & Aftercare
After your facelift surgery with Dr. Lopez, you will spend some time in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are normal and will subside over time. Dr. Lopez will provide you with pain medication and detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, including keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses to reduce swelling.
During the first few weeks, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and follow Dr. Lopez’s guidelines to ensure proper healing. You will have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and remove any sutures. Most patients can return to normal activities within two to three weeks, although it may take several months for all swelling to resolve and for the results to fully appear. With proper aftercare, you can enjoy a rejuvenated appearance for years to come.
Schedule Your Consultation
With Dr. Lopez
Dr. Manuel Lopez is a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive training and experience in delivering outstanding results. He completed his residency at the University of Cincinnati and a fellowship in facial plastic surgery at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Lopez is committed to helping you achieve a natural, youthful appearance that helps you look and feel like your best self. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Lopez today to discuss your facelift options.
