Facelift

The effect of genetics, environment, lifestyle, and the natural aging process can have a significant impact on one’s facial appearance over time. For many people, these factors often lead to lines, wrinkles, jowls, skin laxity, or excess skin characterized by deep facial folds and creases. Dr. Stafford Broumand specializes in facelift surgery procedures designed to correct these common signs of aging performed in our premier plastic surgery practice conveniently located in the heart of New York City. Serving clients in Manhattan and beyond, Dr. Broumand understands that the face is a reflection of one’s inner vitality and self-confidence, and is dedicated to helping patients achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance through the transformative power of facelift surgery.

In this bustling city, where timeless elegance meets modern trends, we recognize the desire to look and feel your best in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 740 Park Plastic Surgery combines the artistry of aesthetic enhancement with the precision of surgical expertise, tailored specifically to meet the unique needs and desires of our discerning clientele in NY, New York.

• What Is Facelift Surgery?
• Preparing For Facelift Surgery
• The Facelift Procedure
• Facelift Recovery
• FAQs About Facelift

What Is Facelift Surgery?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It involves tightening the underlying muscles, removing excess fat, and repositioning the skin to create a more youthful appearance.¹ Using the most advanced, safest methods possible, our Harvard-trained New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Stafford Broumand will customize a treatment plan to help address your specific concerns, achieving a more vibrant, youthful appearance with natural-looking results.

Preparing For Facelift Surgery

Preparing for facelift surgery begins with an initial consultation where you’ll meet with Dr. Broumand to discuss your aesthetic goals, medical history, and any medical conditions you may have. Dr. Broumand will evaluate your facial tissues and structure, skin elasticity, and overall health. If it’s determined that you are a suitable candidate for the procedure, your surgery will be scheduled.

Prior to your procedure, it is crucial to abstain from blood thinners for a duration of two weeks. We strongly advocate for optimizing your skincare routine at home, and our knowledgeable office staff can offer tailored recommendations to suit your specific requirements. To ensure your safety, routine blood tests or suitable medical clearance will be obtained. You’ll also be provided with a pre-surgical packet, outlining important instructions. To streamline the process, prescriptions will be electronically submitted, allowing for convenient pickup and bringing them with you on the day of the procedure.

The Facelift Procedure

Facelift surgery requires an average of three to four hours. This outpatient surgery is most often performed under general anesthesia in 740 Park Plastic Surgery’s on-site, fully-certified ambulatory surgical suite. In certain circumstances, the surgery may be performed at a hospital, depending on the patient’s needs.

The surgical technique employed to perform your facelift procedure will be tailored to your exact needs. Each patient is different and therefore requires individual attention and personalization. This is a major part of the consultation process and will be discussed and agreed upon together, well in advance of surgery.

Dr. Broumand will mark your face on the day of surgery to ensure a full picture of your unique facial animation. During the facelift procedure, he will begin by placing strategic incisions discreetly in the hairline and around the ears, before carefully tightening the underlying tissues and muscles of the face. The skin is then gently pulled taut, and any excess skin is meticulously removed.

There are many different names for facelift surgery. It is important to note that many of these various facelift techniques, such as mini facelifts, are often simply used as a marketing tool to downplay the reality of having a facelift. Regardless of the name, facelift surgery is a very commonly performed operation that can yield beautiful, long-lasting results.

Facelift Recovery

Immediately following facelift surgery, some degree of bruising and swelling is often present. These symptoms will subside within several weeks.² Pain is generally rare, and any discomfort experienced can typically be controlled effectively with pain medication. Individuals should expect to look and feel well enough to return to all non-strenuous daily activities within approximately ten days, but Dr. Broumand advises against resuming vigorous exercise or strenuous physical activity for at least two to three weeks to ensure an ideal outcome.

Any residual scarring from facelift surgery should be virtually undetectable with incisions and sutures well-hidden along the hairline, in front of the ears, and under the earlobe. Once the recovery period is complete, patients will notice smoother, firmer skin and a contoured jawline that looks fresh, natural, and revitalized.

FAQs About Facelift

Can I combine any other treatments or procedures to optimize my facelift?

Several cosmetic procedures are available to accompany facelift surgery, and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Additional facial plastic surgery procedures that may be recommended include a neck lift, which can tighten and reshape the neck area, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to address loose skin and/or fat in the upper and lower lids, or a brow lift, a surgical procedure aimed at lifting and repositioning the eyebrows and forehead. Fat transfer can restore lost volume to the midface and area under the eyes. A chin implant can be placed to enhance the structure and definition of the jawline. Resurfacing techniques can be employed to improve facial skin, including elasticity, texture, pigmentation, and tone. Injectable products such as Botox or dermal filler can also be performed to enhance your surgical results.

What’s the minimum age for a facelift?

There is no minimum age requirement for facelift surgery. In general, facelift surgery is more commonly performed on individuals who are in their 40s or older, as they typically exhibit more noticeable signs of aging. However, those younger than 40 are often good candidates and often preferred as this age demographic has longer-lasting results and high overall satisfaction.³ It is crucial to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual needs and determine the most appropriate age for a facelift in your case.

Along with these qualifications, ideal facelift candidates must be in good overall health, have no unmanaged medical conditions, and have stopped smoking for at least two weeks leading up to their procedure. All of these factors will be discussed in full detail at the time of your consultation.

Am I a candidate for facelift surgery?

Facelift candidates are typically individuals who have noticeable signs of facial aging, such as deep creases and facial folds, sagging skin, jowls, and loss of facial volume. Good candidates should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. You should have ceased smoking at least two weeks prior to the procedure, ideally with no intention of starting again after surgery.

What results can I expect from a facelift?

A facelift can help improve the appearance of wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls, and other signs of aging in the lower face and neck. It can provide a more youthful and refreshed look. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that a facelift cannot stop the aging process entirely.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?

Yes, there are non-surgical alternatives to a facelift that can provide some degree of facial rejuvenation. These options include injectable fillers, Botox injections, laser treatments, and skin tightening procedures. However, the results of non-surgical treatments are typically temporary and may not be as dramatic as those achieved with a facelift.

How long is the recovery period after a facelift?

The duration of recovery time can differ based on individual factors and the scope of the procedure. Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for most of the swelling and bruising to subside. Patients may experience some discomfort, tightness, and numbness during the initial recovery phase. It’s important to follow Dr. Broumand’s post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing.

Does facelift surgery have any risks?

Like any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries inherent risks and the possibility of complications. These can include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, scarring, nerve damage, hair loss around the incisions, and changes in skin sensation. However, serious complications are rare when the surgery is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.

How long do facelift results last?

While the effects of a facelift can endure for multiple years, it’s important to acknowledge that the natural aging process remains ongoing, and over time, some sagging and wrinkling may reappear. However, many patients still look younger and more refreshed compared to if they had not undergone the procedure. By practicing diligent skincare and employing effective sun protection measures, you can potentially extend the longevity of your facelift results.⁴

Will a facelift eliminate all facial wrinkles?

While a facelift can significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles, it may not eliminate them completely. Deep creases and fine lines caused by sun damage or other factors may require additional treatments such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels to achieve optimal results.
 

¹ Johns Hopkins Medicine. Facelift. Available: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/facelift#. Accessed May 24, 2023.
² Cleveland Clinic. Facelift (Rhytidectomy). Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11023-facelift. Accessed May 24, 2023.
³ Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Long-Term Results of Face Lift Surgery Patient Photographs Compared with Patient Satisfaction Ratings. Available: https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2012/01000/Long_Term_Results_of_Face_Lift_Surgery__Patient.44.aspx. Accessed May 24, 2023.
⁴ ASPS. What results should I expect after a facelift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/results. Accessed May 24, 2023.