Have you ever wanted to turn back the clock? Sagging, deep creases, and excessive skin can make you feel less youthful. Your face is the first part of your body that people see when they look at you, not to mention, the first thing you see when you look in the mirror every morning. It is imperative that you love how you feel and look when meeting new people and waking up each morning—a Rhytidectomy can help bring back any lost confidence. So, let’s know what is a facelift.
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What Is a Facelift?
A rhytidectomy, better known as a facelift, is a procedure that smoothes and tightens any loose skin on your face and neck. This rejuvenating procedure also removes excess fat and creasing, creating a youthful complexion. Not to be confused with reconstructive surgery, this will not alter your appearance or bone structure, rather, help reduce fat deposits and extra skin.
How Long Do Facelifts Last?
Typically, a Rhytidectomy will last most patients about 10 years. However, as you continue to naturally age, the skin on your face will as well. While most patients find that their facelifts last around 10 years, there are other factors that play into the lifetime of this procedure:
- Stress: Stress causes a variety of different skin issues, including creating deep lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. While stress is not always preventable given our hectic lives, it is important to be aware of any tension held in the face during stressful times.
- Genetics: Genetics plays an important role in the way our face and skin ages. For most, lack of facial definition and saggy skin is often an inherited trait. Depending on genetics, your Rhytidectomy could last longer or shorter than the average 10 years.
- Smoking: Smoking is not only damaging internally, but also impairs our physical appearance. Smoking increases the aging process and creates deep lines around the mouth. While the appearance of these lines is often minimized after a facelift procedure, they can return quicker if smoking continues after having a facelift.
What Is the Average Cost of a Facelift?
Cheaper does not equal better. When choosing where to get a facelift done, it is important to look at the cost to determine the quality of the surgery you are receiving. The average costs around $6,600, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). However, this number can vary depending on whether or not the patient receives supplementing facelift surgeries such as eyelid surgery. Factors affecting the cost of a Rhytidectomy include:
- Surgeon’s Fees
- Anesthesia Fees
- Post-Operation Garments
- Cosmetic Insurance
- Length (Time) of Surgery
Like most cosmetic procedures, the cost depends on what you are looking for. As each person is very different in their wants and needs, scheduling a consultation is the easiest way to understand exactly what your costs will be for a facelift.
Types of Facelifts
1. SMAS Facelift
The superficial muscular aponeurotic system facelift, or SMAS, targets issues of skin and muscle laxity in the lower two-thirds of your face. A SMAS facelift helps to reverse the appearance of aging in the jawline, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jowls. During a SMAS facelift, expect your surgeon to tighten the underlying muscles of your face while removing fat and trimming excess skin.
2. Deep Plane Facelift
This customized surgical procedure addresses severe facial aging, including the cheeks and neck. Targeting sunken cheeks, sagging of the neck, and issues of skin laxity, deep plane facelifts raise the underlying muscle tissue into a more youthful position. This procedure is particularly useful for addressing issues in the mid-face. These often don’t respond to traditional facelift methods. During your procedure, your surgeon will reposition and tighten any loose or saggy facial muscles to restore natural-looking definition and contour.
3. Mid-Facelift
The mid-facelift seeks to lift and contour the lines of the mid-face, addressing sunken, hollow cheeks, loss of definition, and deep creases and wrinkles. Candidates for a mid-facelift should not be experiencing significant issues of skin laxity at the jawline, jowls, or neck. A mid-facelift can refine the contours of the cheeks, smooth deep nasolabial folds, and can improve the appearance of the lower eyelids.
4. Mini Facelift
Younger patients typically desire a mini facelift when the signs of aging become prevalent and he or she begins looking tired, older, and overworked. This procedure is not designed to address heavy sagging of the jowls or neckline, rather, it should be used to create smoother, more uplifted facial lines and contours.
5. Non-Surgical Facelift
If you’re not ready to undergo a procedural facelift, there are alternative options that may create a more youthful, rested appearance—without the need for surgery. Non-surgical facelifts are typically made up of a combination of laser skin resurfacing or rejuvenation, cosmetic injectables, and dermal fillers.
What Is the Difference Between a Facelift and a Mini Facelift?
While you may have heard of a facelift, there is also an option to receive a mini facelift. Mini facelifts have shorter procedure times and are often a more affordable option for those still interested in receiving this surgery without the high costs. Along with a lower price point, mini facelifts are ideal for patients who have small amounts of excess skin, mild signs of aging, and minimal fat deposits. Since mini facelifts are smaller and do not require as much surgery, the mini facelift operation leaves patients with a shorter scar and smaller incision. However, patients should know that mini facelifts do not target the entire face, rather, specific sections that need a little lift. When you go into the office for a consultation, Dr. Mazaheri will let you know whether or not you are a good client for a full facelift or a mini facelift.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost Compared to a Mini Facelift?
As mentioned above, a full facelift cost starts at around $6,000. Generally, mini facelifts cost about half the price but still include surgeon’s fees, local anesthesia fees, post-operation garments, and cosmetic insurance. Since the length of surgery time for a mini facelift is significantly shorter–typically about 45 minutes–the more affordable cost of a mini facelift reflects this.
What Should I Expect from a Facelift Procedure?
Surgery
One of the first steps when undergoing surgery is the administration of anesthesia which your surgeon and anesthetist will talk you through. After this point, the procedure will take place.1. Making Incisions
The results of any facelift will depend on the exact facelift procedure undergone. One option is the full or traditional facelift which involves an incision along part of the hairline, starting at the temples, around the ear, and finishing at the lower scalp. Alternatives include the ‘mini lift’ which is ideal for those with less skin relaxation, and therefore, a limited incision is chosen
2. Fat Sculpting
Depending on the rejuvenation needs of each patient, fat can be sculpted or redistributed from the face and neck, tightening underlying tissue while lifting the muscles.
3. Repositioning the Skin
The skin now needs to be repositioned over the uplifted contouring, and any excess skin can be trimmed away.4. Neck Lift (Optional)
Some patients opt for a neck lift as a standalone procedure, but it may also be necessary as part of your full facelift procedure if further incisions are required to address issues in this area. This includes sagging jowls, accumulated fat under the chin, and loose skin around the neck. Incisions take place around the earlobe, finishing at the posterior hairline behind the ear. Once your surgeon feels your rejuvenation procedure is complete, incisions are closed using sutures or skin glue. Incision lines are concealed in the hairline and natural contours, leaving you looking naturally more rested and youthful. Once the swelling and bruising reduce, and bandages are removed, you’ll be able to see the results more clearly.Recovery
Recovery is a gradual process and differs for everyone. Most patients go home on the same day. However, you may need to remain in the hospital overnight. The amount of time varies depending on the procedure, type of anesthesia, general health, age, and other factors. Facial numbness generally resolves itself over several months, and full recovery takes up to two or three weeks. For more details, you can read our in-depth guide to facelift recovery below.
Read Our Facelift Recovery Guide
Pain Management
Pain management is important for smooth recovery and healing. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will treat your pain so you can rest and recover comfortably. If your pain becomes excessive: call your doctor right away as it may be a sign of a complication.
- Complications
- Persistent pain
- Facial asymmetry
- Surgery to revise unsatisfactory results
- Facial nerve damage
- Fat necrosis, or death of fat in the skin
- Changes in skin color or contour
- Fluid collection under the skin
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
Patients find that regaining a youthful appearance enhances their self-esteem as well as their overall look. That being said, a rhytidectomy can’t stop the natural aging process. Factors such as skin elasticity, exposure to the sun, and lifestyle choices (e.g. smoking, weight changes) can impact the longevity of your improvements.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
Facelifts are designed to rejuvenate the mid-to-lower face and neck. If you’re looking to address any of the following issues, you’ll most likely be a great candidate for our facelift procedure:
- Midface sagging
- Loose skin and fat under the chin and jaw
- Nasolabial folds, between the nose and mouth
- Deep creases under the eyes
- Sagging areas of excess fat
- Jowls, due to loss of muscle tone
Keep in mind that a facelift won’t necessarily rejuvenate the brow, eyelids, nose, and other similar parts of the midface. Combining your facelift with a brow lift or eyelid surgery, however, is a great way to address multiple areas of concern. Be sure to consult a trustworthy, board-certified plastic surgeon to choose the best procedure for your physical characteristics and esthetic concerns. Dr. Mazaheri’s precision and commitment to excellence make him an ideal choice to help you achieve natural-looking results.
Choosing the Right Facelift Surgeon
Receiving a facelift or a mini facelift is a surgical procedure, which means that you should be careful and thorough when researching and selecting the right facial surgeon for you. Choosing a Board Certified Surgeon, like Dr. Mazaheri, is the safest option when receiving cosmetic surgeries. Along with Dr. Mazaheri’s Board Certification, he also has over 20 years of experience, ensuring that you are in the safest of hands! We highly recommend scheduling a consultation at our Beverly Hills or Scottsdale office. Or, feel free to call either of our locations to learn more about such procedures and one of our friendly and knowledgeable team members will help answer any additional questions or concerns you may have.
Dr. Mazaheri is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. After more than sixteen years of education and advanced training, Dr. Mazaheri opened his Scottsdale practice in 2003. He is a thorough and experienced surgeon with a strong focus on achieving patient needs. Dr. Mazaheri’s areas of specialty include breast and body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation, mastopexy, tummy tucks, liposuction and other body sculpting procedures. He and his friendly staff will only recommend procedures that will help you achieve your desired results. Focusing on your needs both before and after a procedure is Dr. Mazaheri’s top priority.
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