Book Consultation Now >>

Search
Close this search box.

Blog

All of Your Facelift Questions Answered

Facelift

Are you interested in facelift surgery to achieve a younger-looking appearance? Facelifts are a popular cosmetic procedure that can lift and tighten sagging skin to reduce wrinkles. 

At Maryland Plastic Surgery and PURE MedSpa, we offer facelifts for patients in the Glen Burnie area. Take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions that clients have about facelifts in the guide below.

What Is a Facelift?

Also known as rhytidectomy, facelift surgery is a plastic surgical procedure that can resolve several age-related changes. During a facelift procedure, the skin is lifted and placed in a higher, tighter position on the face. Any loose or excess skin is resected and removed to reduce sagging. This creates a smoother, more youthful appearance. 

Who Is Facelift Surgery Meant For?

Facelift surgery is meant for patients with mature skin. These adults have seen significant changes in their skin due to the loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This group typically includes patients in their late 40s and older. 

When you reach middle age and later, the natural decline in collagen and elastin can cause your skin to lose elasticity. Your skin might droop downward and have a sagging appearance that is most notable around your cheeks and jawline. 

The decline in collagen and elastin also causes wrinkles or creases to form. Facelifts help patients with severe sagging, creasing, and wrinkles restore their younger-looking skin.

What Are the Benefits of Rhytidectomy vs. Botox?

Many people wonder if non-surgical options like Botox and dermal fillers can produce the same results as a facelift. While these treatments can create more youthful skin, the results are not as significant or lasting as facelift results.

Botox is an injectable treatment that uses a neurotoxin to reduce wrinkles and create smoother skin. Botox works by interacting with the nerves and muscles in your face to restrict movement and prevent wrinkle formation while tightening your complexion.

Dermal fillers are another injectable that can help your skin look younger. Dermal fillers increase volume beneath the skin to fill mild fine lines and wrinkles while giving the skin a more supple appearance. 

Both Botox and dermal fillers produce temporary results that last anywhere from three months to one year. Facelift results last much longer. If performed correctly on well-maintained skin, your facelift results can last five to ten years.

Botox and dermal fillers are also less pronounced than facelift results. These injectable treatments are meant for patients with mild to moderate wrinkles and fine lines. Facelifts are meant for patients with significant sagging, wrinkles, and deep facial creases.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a variation of the traditional facelift procedure. While a traditional facelift raises all of the facial skin, a mini facelift only works on the lower portion of the face. Mini facelifts are a less-extensive procedure meant for patients with sagging and wrinkles in the midface and around the mouth or jawline.

Is a Facelift Performed Under Anesthesia?

Facelifts are performed under general anesthesia to provide optimal comfort for the patient and allow the surgeon to operate with precision. Since you will be put under anesthesia for your facelift, you need to receive complete medical clearance before surgery. This ensures that you are healthy enough to be under general anesthesia.

Where Are the Incisions Made During a Facelift?

In traditional facelift surgery, the doctor makes an incision along the hairline that runs down behind the ears. This placement allows the skin to be lifted and repositioned while leaving the incisions in discreet areas. 

In a mini facelift, the surgeon makes incisions only in the ear area to lift the bottom portion of your facial skin. In certain cases, they may make incisions in additional areas to remove loose skin.

How Long Does Facelift Surgery Take?

The duration of your facelift surgery depends on your individual needs. Most facelifts take from one to three hours to complete. This does not include the post-operative time spent in aftercare for monitoring.

What Is Facelift Recovery Like?

After facelift surgery, you may be sent home the same day to begin your recovery process. Some patients will have to remain overnight for observation. This will be determined based on the extent of your procedure and any extenuating circumstances. 

Once you are discharged, you will be sent home with sutures in place along the hairline and behind the ears. These sutures are usually removed five to seven days after your surgery. 

For about four to six weeks, you will need to avoid anything that applies direct pressure or impact to your face. Otherwise, you can resume most of your normal activities within days of your procedure.

Will My Facelift Results Be Permanent?

Facelift results last much longer than other anti-aging aesthetic treatments. If you take good care of your skin, your facelift results can last around ten years or longer. 

We recommend washing your face daily with a mild cleanser and using a nourishing moisturizer with anti-aging properties. You should also avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure and always wear an SPF sunscreen when outdoors.

Facelift Surgery in Glen Burnie, MD

If you want smoother, tighter, more youthful skin, facelift surgery may be right for you. The only way to confirm that you are a candidate for rhytidectomy is by consulting with the team at Maryland Plastic Surgery and PURE MedSpa. 

We work with patients throughout Glen Burnie, MD, and the surrounding areas. Contact us by phone or via our website to schedule your facelift consultation today. We’re ready to answer all of your questions.

Request More Information

Patients Are Talking

Before & After

Recent Blogs

Chemical Peels in Millersville, MD
Your confidence is

our commitment