As we age we tend to lose facial volume; our cheeks tend to look like they are sagging; and we develop wrinkles and creases over our faces and necks. This can make us look tired, worn, and older than we feel. A facelift can help turn back the clock and restore facial anatomic structures to more youthful positions. Combined with other procedures and good skin care, the results can be dramatic and long lasting.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Amir Nasir, has helped numerous patients achieve a more youthful appearance through facelift surgery, while ensuring they receive the most natural-looking results. He constantly strives to revise and improve his facelift techniques, combining the latest innovations with tried and true techniques that have stood the test of time.
To learn what the facelift procedure entails, please see the sections below. Our team at Lotus Cosmetic Surgery Connecticut is committed to providing a safe, pleasant, and comfortable facelift experience with beautiful results.
- What Is a Facelift?
- Facelift Candidates
- Facelift Procedure
- Facelift Recovery
- Facelift Scars
- Facelift Results
- Facelift Cost
- Facelift Procedure
- Non-surgical Facelift
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift is a comprehensive cosmetic surgery procedure to reduce or eliminate facial wrinkles and provide a subtle lift to the sagging facial skin. The procedure can help to correct mid-face sagging, improve marionette lines, reduce jowls and a double chin, and restore a more youthful-looking face. The procedure focuses on improvement of the lower two-thirds of the face, but may be combined with upper face procedures as well as a neck lift for more harmonious results. Every patient is different, and Dr. Nasir will tailor your procedure to your anatomy and goals.
Our three-dimensional facelift procedure can sometimes be combined with non-surgical procedures—such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and other skin care—for a more polished look.
Am I a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
An appropriate candidate for facelift surgery will have one or more of the following facial characteristics:
- Sagging jaw line and mid-face area
- Nasolabial folds or deep creases between the nose and the corners of the mouth
- Marionette lines, which extend from the corners of the mouth to the chin
- Depleted or displaced facial fat volume
- Appearance of jowls due to loss of muscle tone in the lower face
- Excess fat tissue below the chin and jaw
- Sagging skin and creases in the neck
What Does the Facelift Procedure Involve?
In most patients, facelift procedures are performed under local anesthesia in several hours without an overnight hospital stay. They are seen the next day in the office when dressings are changed. Surgical time varies depending on the combination of procedures performed and the extent of surgery required to achieve your aesthetic goals. Incisions are discreetly located in the contour between the ear and face and sometimes into the hairline and under the chin.
Facelift techniques are usually aimed at addressing the lower and mid facial areas such as the jowls, jaw line, and cheeks. In some cases, the procedure may involve tightening or repositioning of deeper facial tissue to restore a more youthful contour. In other cases, removal or addition of fat tissue may be required to achieve a proportionate facial look.
Dr. Nasir will place discreet incisions in pre-determined locations to perform varying degrees of skin “undermining” and lifting of the deeper tissue layers. Undermining allows for the separation of the facial overlying skin from the tissue and muscles in the deeper layers. This frees the facial skin so that it can be re-draped smoothly once the surgery is completed.
At this point, Dr. Nasir will lift the skin from the cheeks, temples, and neck and reposition the underlying connective tissue, while removing excess skin and fat. Additional procedures such as facial liposuction or implants may be performed at this stage as per the surgical plan.
Once the procedure is completed, Dr. Nasir will re-drape the skin over the new underlying structure and use sutures to close the incisions. Temporary drain tubes may be inserted below the skin in the incision sites, and the face will be initially covered with a supportive dressing.
How Long Is Facelift Recovery?
Patients should expect a few weeks of bruising and swelling following facelift surgery. Many patients are unable to do a great deal for several days after surgery, so it is extremely important to have a bedside prepared and aftercare planned. Thin drains may be placed to assist in the removal of excess fluid, and are removed during post-operative appointments. Patients may resume moderate to light activities after one week. Results are fully visible after swelling has subsided.
What Will My Facelift Scars Look Like?
Scarring will depend on the extent of facelift surgery performed and the type of technique used. In many cases, the facelift scars are undetectable, as they are placed behind the ear and in the hairline. An experienced surgeon will be able to create incisions in areas that are inconspicuous and in other sites where the scars appear like natural creases. To ensure proper healing and minimize scarring, you should follow Dr. Nasir’s recovery instructions closely.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
The results from your facelift surgery should offer permanent improvement to your facial appearance. This means you should always look younger than if you had never undergone your facelift surgery. Keep in mind, however, that while your rejuvenating results are long lasting, you will continue to age. Facelift surgery simply helps you navigate this process in a more graceful manner.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
The average cost of facelift surgery in the U.S. is $7,655, which includes the surgeon’s fee. Since the facelift procedure is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, this cost will be different for every individual. Factors that influence how much you can expect to pay include the details of your surgical plan, expertise of your surgeon, geographic location of the practice, and surgical facility fees. Our team will provide you with an estimated quote before your procedure to help you budget for your surgery. If you would like to divide your total cost into smaller monthly payments, you can take advantage of our financing options.
Is a Facelift Without Surgery Possible?
Facelift surgery provides the most dramatic improvement for the aging face, but non-surgical alternatives can still offer noticeable facial rejuvenation. A non-surgical facelift (or liquid facelift) with fillers or neurotoxins is ideal for those with less prominent wrinkles and sagging skin, or for patients seeking a less invasive solution compared to surgery. Dr. Nasir also offers the thread lift procedure, which gently repositions facial tissues to a more youthful placement.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation
Dr. Amir Nasir performs facelift surgery to patients coming from Westport, Fairfield, New Haven, and the surrounding areas. If you would like more information on this procedure, please contact us today by completing our online form, or at (203) 221-5809 to schedule your consultation.
