Along with liposuction, breast augmentation, and abdominoplasty, a facelift is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. And while the procedure aimed at tightening skin and reversing signs of aging suits many people seeking a refreshed look, facelifts aren’t ideal for everyone.
At our offices in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, and Rye, New York, Robert Schwarcz, MD, and his team provide facial rejuvenation through a range of procedures, including surgical facelifts.
If you’re interested in getting a facelift yourself, here’s what you should know about the procedure – including how to determine if you’re a good candidate.
Each facelift Dr. Schwarz performs is personalized to your needs and preferences, but the basics of the procedure are fairly consistent. While you’re under anesthesia, he separates fat, muscle, and skin then removes a small amount of tissue through tiny incisions.
Once the treatment area has been contoured and shaped sufficiently, which usually takes 3-6 hours, Dr. Schwarz stitches the incisions closed and you begin your recovery. Because he usually hides the incisions in your hairline, you don't have to worry about visible scarring.
Most people can return to work and daily activities within about two weeks following surgery. We give you detailed after-care instructions and recovery guidelines.
Facelifts tend to bring results that last quite a bit longer than nonsurgical options, such as injections like Dysport® and dermal fillers. Other benefits our patients love about facelifts include:
Dr. Schwarcz has years of experience, and his level of skill means you don't have to worry about looking like you just had work done. Choosing surgery means you can avoid the need to come in every few months for repeated injections required to maintain a nonsurgical facelift. In general, you can expect your facelift surgery results to last for about 10 years.
While there’s no maximum age for a facelift, patients generally benefit most from the procedure after age 40. You may also be a prime candidate if you have visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging – factors made worse by a history of sunbathing and smoking – or if you had a facelift 10 or more years ago and could use an update.
Good facelift candidates are also in good overall health and able to safely tolerate anesthesia and surgery. We may recommend a nonsurgical alternative if you’re obese or have high blood pressure, given that both increase your risk of post-surgery infection, heart attack, and stroke.
If you struggle with severely low body image or have a mental illness such as body dysmorphic disorder, we may recommend therapy. A facelift can help you feel more confident about your appearance, but it won’t address deeper issues in need of care.
To learn more about facelifts or find out which cosmetic treatment is ideal for you, book an appointment online with Dr. Schwarcz today or call the office convenient to you.
