Planning a Facelift: What to Expect From Consultation to Recovery

Every facelift we perform starts with planning around your anatomy and your goals. This summer we posted a short clip from inside the operating room on Instagram. Below is what happens before and after that day, for patients in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and across Metro Detroit who are considering a facelift.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dr. Hajjar & Dr. Lumley – Detroit Plastic Surgery & Med Spa (@detroitplasticsurgery_)

Your consultation

It starts with a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at our Bingham Farms office. You’ll talk through what you’d like to change, and after examining your face, your surgeon will give you an honest opinion on the best way to get there. They’ll also review your age, health, medical history and medications, since those affect how safe and effective surgery will be for you.

A facelift tightens loose skin along the cheeks, jawline and neck and lifts the lower third of the face. It’s most often used to:

• Smooth sagging skin in the midface
• Soften the deep creases that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth
• Lift fat that has dropped or started to sag
• Correct jowls or a double chin

Good candidates are in good health, with no medical conditions that would raise the risk of complications.

Short scar or full facelift

We offer two types. A short scar facelift uses minimally invasive techniques and smaller incisions, so it usually takes less time in surgery, recovery is quicker and the scars are smaller. A full facelift is the longer procedure. Your surgeon will recommend one after examining your face and hearing what you want to change.

Many patients combine their facelift with another procedure in the same surgery, such as a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, facial implants or rhinoplasty. Some also add laser skin resurfacing, which stimulates collagen and evens out skin tone.

Getting ready for surgery

Preparation starts about three weeks out. Tell us about every medication you take well before your surgery date.

• Three weeks before and after surgery, cut back on alcohol and tobacco.
• Two weeks before and after, stop aspirin, ibuprofen and anything else that thins the blood.
• The night before, don’t eat, drink (including water) or smoke.
• On the day, skip makeup, lotion, perfume, jewelry, hairpins and contact lenses, and wear comfortable clothes.

Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and help you for the first 24 hours. If you come down with a cold, sore throat or fever before surgery, call us right away.

Surgery day

Before you go back, your surgeon will answer any last questions and you’ll meet the staff who will assist during your procedure. Surgery is done in our surgical suite under general anesthesia and takes two to four hours, depending on which type of facelift you’re having.

Recovery

Most patients feel comfortable after about a week. Avoid heavy lifting and direct sun for a couple of weeks. Most people are back to their normal routine within a few weeks, though everyone heals at a different pace. Your surgeon will see you a few days after surgery to check your healing.

If you’re working around a holiday, an event or time off work, bring the date to your consultation and we’ll plan backward from it.

How long results last

How long a facelift lasts depends on your skin, your age and how much laxity you start with. Patients in their forties typically keep their results for up to ten years. Patients in their sixties can expect five to seven years. We aim for a face that looks refreshed and balanced, and still looks like you.

To schedule a consultation, call Detroit Plastic Surgery at (248) 208-8844 or request one online.

 

Frequently asked questions

What are the risks?

As with any surgery, there’s a risk of infection, and some patients feel groggy or nauseated from anesthesia for a short time. Other possible risks include bleeding, scarring, slow wound healing, asymmetry, numbness and changes in skin sensation. Your surgeon will go through each one with you and review your full medical history before surgery.

Will insurance cover a facelift?

Usually not, since a facelift is elective. If it’s done to correct a medical condition, check with your insurance provider about coverage.

Will people be able to tell I had work done?

We use minimally invasive techniques to keep scarring small, and we plan every facelift for a natural result. Your surgeon will explain what to expect for your face at your consultation.