what is Facelift Surgery?
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino provides a full variety of facial plastic surgery procedures to his patients in Doylestown, PA, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and surrounding areas in Philadelphia. In fact, one of the most frequently performed surgeries at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa is a facelift. This procedure focuses on specific areas of the face to address loose skin and wrinkles and create a smoother, more youthful appearance. Depending on your concerns and goals following aesthetic surgery, a facelift can concentrate on the areas around the eyes, the cheeks and mid-face, the bottom portion of the face (including the jowls, mouth, and neck), and more for an all-around youthful look.
The facelift technique used will be based on your goals, the health and condition of your skin, the degree of skin laxity present, your lifestyle, age, and anatomy. Some individuals are of age and have skin laxity for a full facelift while others may only require a mid-face lift. Dr. Tamburrino is an experienced surgeon who understands the complex anatomy of a facelift procedure, and it is one of his most popular surgical procedures. The goal of this advanced treatment is to craft a natural look that's both seamless and more youthful.
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who can get a facelift?
Patients could consider facelift surgery if they experience one or more of the following signs of aging:
- Sagging skin and loss of muscle tone in the cheeks, jowls, or jawline
- Deep creases from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Marionette lines that extend from the corners of the mouth and down to the chin
Facelift surgery can address one or more areas, depending on your unique needs. It's also important to note that age doesn't necessarily determine the appropriate timing to have cosmetic facial surgery. There are so many unique concerns and reasons that could lead one to get a facelift, as well as numerous lift techniques, depending on what needs you would like addressed. The technique chosen will be different for patients who are 35 years old versus those in their 60s and 70s. The amount of skin laxity present is one of the most decisive factors in the decision-making process. Patients should be in good physical health and refrain from smoking and also have expectations that are realistic. At Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, patients may also receive a neck lift surgery along with their facelift, depending on their concerns and goals.
What are the benefits of getting a facelift?
Problems like sagging and smile lines occur when our skin gradually loses elasticity and firmness. These signs of aging can only become deeper and more visible over time. If you feel self-conscious about your appearance as you age and over-the-counter creams aren't as effective as they used to be, Dr. Tamburrino can remove sagging skin and give you a youthful, well-rested look. Now you can attend social functions and events, go to work, and feel confident after a facelift. Best of all, results are expected to last years longer than other noninvasive procedures.
how is facelift surgery done?
No matter the issue you want to address, there are a number of facelift techniques to consider. Some facelifts treat the upper area of the face while others target the lower two-thirds. Moreover, some procedures are a bit more invasive than others. It's very common for some patients to have an eyelid lift, brow lift, a neck lift, or fillers and BOTOX to complement their final results. Some of the more well-known facelift techniques include:
- Full Facelift
Considered the gold standard of all available techniques, the full facelift requires an incision near the hairline, which extends to the area near the temples, stopping near the base of the ears. The underlying facial tissues and muscles are delicately raised and tightened to produce a lifted look, which diminishes excessive lines and wrinkles. This type of facelift can be performed for men and women who have experienced visible signs of aggressive aging. With this method, many techniques may be used, including an eyelid lift to enhance the appearance of the eyes or a neck lift to improve your profile and chin. - Mid-Facelift
Using a similar approach to the mini facelift, the cheek lift (known as a mid-facelift) focuses on the hollow and lax areas around the cheekbones and the upper jaw. The mid-facelift works great for those who seek improvement in the middle to lower region of the face, including the jowls. - Lower Facelift
This type of lift corrects the chin area, neck, and sometimes the jowls. Nonsurgical methods, such as laser skin tightening or Kybella, can also be performed for chin reduction to attain a younger, tighter-looking neck. - Mini Facelift
During a mini facelift, a small incision is made around the ears to lift the skin, which affects the mouth and jawline. This method creates nice and subtle enhancements that look beautiful and natural.
What to Expect
Following your procedure, you will be closely monitored by our team until you can be safely released to be taken home by a responsible adult. Prior to your surgery, Dr. Tamburrino or a member of his team will schedule your follow-up appointments and go over detailed instructions to help accelerate your healing process. You should expect to see bruising and swelling at and around the treatment areas, some moderate pain, and soreness, which can be eased by prescription pain medication. You should feel and look better after 2 – 4 weeks post-op, noticing a smoother and younger-looking facial appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which technique is best for me?
The best technique for you will depend on your needs, goals, level of skin laxity, which areas are being addressed, and other considerations. To produce the results you want, Dr. Tamburrino will explain the different techniques during your consultation. From there, he can then help you decide which technique is best for your goals and needs.
Should I get a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?
Although there are several great noninvasive skin tightening treatments available, these can only produce mild improvements. If you have moderate to severe skin sagging, facelift surgery is often the best choice to improve your appearance. During your one-on-one, Dr. Tamburrino will discuss your choices, including nonsurgical treatments, to help you decide which option is best for your goals.
What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?
Injectable wrinkle fillers and relaxers, like Juvéderm and BOTOX, have become more popular to refresh the face. Sometimes known as a liquid facelift, nonsurgical wrinkle treatments usually help with early signs of aging, but the results are temporary. A facelift can produce more dramatic improvements than injectables, as well as results that last for years. If you're curious about the benefits of dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxers or how they can be paired with a facelift, ask Dr. Tamburrino about nonsurgical wrinkle treatments during your consultation.
Will my results look natural?
Many patients worry that facelift surgery will make their skin look too tight or unnatural. However, Dr. Tamburrino focuses on giving you a seamless and youthful result so that you look refreshed rather than artificial. He will listen to your concerns and goals before creating a personalized treatment plan that will allow you to produce your best results.
How do I know if it's the right time for a facelift?
The right time for a facelift varies for each individual. If sagging skin, deep lines, or creases significantly affect your self-confidence, and if minimally invasive treatments are no longer effective, a facelift might be a suitable option. There's no specific age cutoff for this procedure as long as you're in good general health.
What's recovery like after a facelift?
Post-facelift, the initial recovery is around 10 days, with stitches typically removed after the first week. Most people return to normal activities around the two-week mark. Aiding recovery includes eating healthy, resting well, and following your surgeon's guidelines.
The Right face for You
Cosmetic facial surgery can take years off your appearance and create a rejuvenated look. Today, there is a wide variety of choices for surgery, depending on your individual needs and goals. This procedure is designed to help you achieve a younger look that is also natural. To learn more, we welcome you to call Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Doylestown, PA to schedule your consultation with Dr. Tamburrino.