What Is a Facelift?
Our plastic surgeons provide a wide variety of cosmetic facial surgeries in Scottsdale, AZ. One of the most common surgeries at Forma Plastic Surgery is a facelift. This procedure addresses certain areas of the face to tighten saggy skin, reduce fine lines, and create a more youthful-looking, supple complexion. Depending on your specific concerns, a facelift can focus on the lines and wrinkles near the eyes, the mid-face area and cheeks, the bottom two-thirds (including the mouth, jowls, neck), and more for an all-over youthful look. The facelift technique we select depends on your goals, the health and condition of your skin, the amount of skin laxity, age, lifestyle, and other factors. Some men and women may be candidates for a full facelift while some may only need a mid-facelift. Each of our plastic surgeons is highly trained and experienced. Our group understands the complexity and delicate anatomy of the face. Overall, our goal is to produce a natural appearance that's gorgeous, subtle, and still striking.
What are the benefits of a facelift?
At Forma Plastic Surgery, we encourage patients to consider a facelift if they are interested in one or more of the following benefits:
- Natural-looking, amazing anti-aging results
- Treatment option for deep folds and wrinkles
- Eradication of excess skin around face and jawline
- Redefine the neck area and achieve an ideal profile
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Am I a candidate for a facelift?
Most individuals interested in a surgical facelift are frustrated by noticeable skin laxity around the mid or lower regions of the face. A facelift can target various aspects, depending on your unique goals. Candidates should note that age doesn't necessarily determine the best time to seek out cosmetic facial surgery. There are many individual aspects and also numerous lift techniques that come into play. The lifting technique used will be different for patients between 30 and 40 years old vs. those who are older. Skin elasticity is one of the key elements in the planning process. Further, facelift candidates should be physically healthy, refrain from smoking, and have realistic result expectations.
What to Expect from a facelift
Commonly, patients interested in a facelift often want to address skin laxity, sagging skin, appearance of jowls, neck banding, and excess skin on the neck (“turkey neck”). A facelift can target many areas, depending on your specific goals. Candidates should understand that age doesn't always determine the best time to undergo facial surgery. We use different lifting techniques for candidates in their 30s vs. those in their 60s and 70s. Skin elasticity is one of the primary factors in the decision-making process.
Depending on your individual needs, there are different types of facelift techniques available. Some facelifts treat the upper area of the face, and others focus on the lower two-thirds. Also, some methods are a bit more invasive and intricate than others. A few of the well-known facelift options include:
Full Facelift
Considered the gold standard, the full or “traditional” facelift treats cheeks, midface, and neck. Not only does this type of facelift address loose skin, but also focuses on the underlying tissue that often descends as we age. By resuspending the underlying tissue to bring fullness back to where we want it in the face, we then re-drape the skin creating a refreshed look. In addition, we treat the neck area in a similar fashion. The physician will tighten the platysma muscle of the neck to decrease neck banding, and re-drape the skin creating a more youthful appearance and more defined jawline. This procedure does not address the upper 1/3 of the face. In many instances, other treatments like eyelid lift or brow lift can be combined with a facelift.
Mini Facelift
At Forma Plastic Surgery, our surgical procedures are developed based on the needs and desires of the patient. A mini facelift can come in many forms, but mainly encompass the slight lifting and adjustment of the facial skin. This procedure is ideal for younger patients that are not ready for a full facelift but notice the signs of aging.
Lower Facelift
This particular facelift focuses on treating the chin and neck. A candidate for this type of facelift would mainly struggle with sagging of the neck skin (“turkey neck”), or excess fat in this area. There are many options to treat these concerns including tightening the platysma (neck) muscle, re-draping excess skin, liposuction of excess fat in this area, or a direct excision of skin.
Facelift FAQ
Which technique is best for me?
The best surgical facelift technique for you will vary based on your needs, goals, degree of skin laxity, what areas of your face are being addressed, and other factors. To produce the results you want, our skilled surgeons will discuss the different techniques during your consultation. We will then help you decide which technique is best for you.
What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?
Injectable wrinkle fillers and relaxers, like BOTOX and JUVÉDERM®, have become more popular in recent years to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Also known as a liquid facelift, injectable wrinkle treatments can give early signs of aging, but the results are temporary. A facelift will produce more significant improvements than injectables, with results that can last for a long time. Ask our skilled staff about injectable treatments during your consultation.
Will my results look natural?
Many patients worry that a facelift will make their skin look too tight, shiny, or like they are in a wind tunnel. Our group focuses on giving you a natural-looking result — so you look refreshed, not fake. We listen to your concerns and goals before developing your custom treatment plan to produce your best results.
How much does a facelift cost?
The total cost of your facelift will vary based on the technique used. During your consultation, we will create your unique treatment plan based on your needs and goals. Once this is established, we can go over cost estimates. Forma Plastic Surgery can give you information on low-interest financing that will make your surgery easier to afford.
How long do the results of a facelift last?
A facelift can provide long-lasting results, but it does not stop the natural aging process. The procedure can generally turn back the clock by several years, and the results can last up to 10 years or more. However, the exact duration of the results can vary depending on various factors, such as individual aging, lifestyle choices, and skin quality. It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, protect your skin from sun damage, and follow a good skin care regimen to help prolong the results of a facelift.
Are there any risks or potential complications associated with a facelift?
Like any surgical procedure, a facelift carries some risks and potential complications. However, serious complications are rare, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon. Any questions or concerns you may have can be discussed with your surgeon at Forma Plastic Surgery during the consultation process. In addition, carefully following pre- and post-operative instructions will minimize the chances of complications.
The Right Facelift for You
A Forma Plastic Surgery, we strive to meet and exceed our patient’s facial surgery goals. Our board-certified plastic surgeons emphasize the importance on delivering a natural-looking appearance that is refreshed and rejuvenated, not overdone. To learn more about these treatments, we welcome you to contact Forma Plastic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ to schedule an in-person consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.