Facelift
Conveniently located to serve Richmond, Mechanicsville, and Tappahannock
A restorative surgery that enhances your natural beauty
FAQs About Facelift Surgery
Is a facelift right for you?
As we mature, gravity tends to take over, and if you find yourself looking for turtlenecks in every color or standing in the mirror pulling your jowls back, a facelift in Richmond might be right you. A facelift smooths the loose skin on your face and neck tightens underlying tissues and removes excess fat. As a result, your face will appear firmer and fresher. Today’s advancements allow facelifts to appear more natural than ever before. A facelift procedure is recommended to patients who could not achieve significant results from non-surgical treatments. Patients with moderate to severe wrinkles and skin laxity in their face and neck should consider a facelift procedure. Candidates must be in good overall health with realistic expectations from facelift surgery.What should I expect during a consultation?
We will listen to your expectations and facial concerns at the start of your consultation. You can tell us your skincare routine and the facial treatments you have tried, along with their results. A physical examination will help us evaluate the extent of your facial aging. After going over your medical records, we will recommend a facelift procedure, if appropriate. We will create a personalized surgical plan according to your goals. All the details of the plan will be discussed with you, including the procedure steps, the recovery period, your potential results, and cost. We will also give you specific instructions to prepare for your facelift procedure. Any concerns you may raise during the consultation will be properly addressed.What happens during a facelift?
A facelift procedure can last up to three to six hours, depending on the techniques performed. Anesthesia will be administered to make you comfortable throughout the surgery. Incisions will then be created according to the surgical plan. There are many variations to the facelift procedure. However, the incision is typically hidden in the natural contour of your ear and then extends around the earlobe and back into the hairline. Working through these incisions, the facial skin is freed from its underlying tissues and pulled upward and back. The excess skin is then removed. In some cases, the deeper tissues may also be repositioned to restore a more youthful contour to your face. If necessary, an incision under the chin allows removal of fatty tissue in that area and smoothing of the cord-like structures of the underlying muscle in the neck. Incisions will be closed and bandaged by the end of the procedure.What results should I anticipate?
The goal of a facelift is to improve the overall facial appearance while maintaining your natural beauty. You should anticipate an angle under your chin accentuating your neck and a more youthful face. Looking over facelifts before and after photos helps patients develop a better understanding of their potential results.What can I expect post-surgery?
You can go home after the facelift procedure. The surgeon will provide recovery instructions and prescriptions to aid the healing process. Physical activities will not be allowed for at least a week. You must avoid putting pressure on your face, applying makeup, and applying skincare products. Avoiding sun exposure will also be necessary. Following surgery, the incisions are easily concealed by your hair or with makeup. Recovery is surprisingly quick and typically comfortable. There are some bruising and swelling, and usually 5-14 days of wearing a compressive bandage. Most patients are back to work and their normal activities within two weeks of the procedure. Best results can be seen once all swelling and bruising have disappeared.”