Face Lift
Our age tends to show up first in our faces. Skin loses elasticity and the production of collagen slows, leading to loose skin and wrinkles. Facial tissue also thins and muscles weaken, creating sagging, deep lines and shadowing. All of these changes contribute to the “tired face” look associated with aging. Getting a facelift can be the best way to reverse some of the most noticeable effects of time, helping your outer appearance better reflect your inner vitality.
With an office near Boston Common, facelift surgeon Dr. Waleed Ezzat is the lead surgeon at the Boston Center for Facial Plastics. He is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He prides himself on creating natural-looking facelift results that enhance your existing features so you look refreshed, never “done.”
Contact us online to learn more
about your facelift surgery options
or to schedule your consultation.
When to Consider a Face Lift
The most common reasons women and men consider getting a facelift include:
- Deep facial creases, such as in the nasolabial folds
- Loose skin around the lower face and near the jowls
- Sagging in the cheeks and midface
The best facelift candidates are in good overall mental and physical health and have realistic expectations for what the procedure can accomplish.
Before Your Face Lift
Prior to scheduling your facelift surgery, you’ll have a private consultation with Dr. Ezzat. During this appointment, you can learn more about the procedure and the results you can expect. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions you may have and discuss any concerns about getting surgery.
Dr. Ezzat will evaluate your candidacy and listen to your cosmetic goals so he can make further recommendations on the best approach to enhance your face and get you natural looking results. Since areas of the face are in harmony with each other, many facelift candidates choose to combine their procedure with a neck lift, while those who are more concerned with a loss of volume through the mid face may see better results from a cheek lift. Adding a blepharoplasty or brow lift can also provide a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.
Your Face Lift Procedure
Facelifts can be performed either under local or general anesthesia, depending on the individual and the surgical technique. This is an outpatient procedure and all incisions are placed in discreet areas such as the hairline and behind the ear.
During your facelift surgery, Dr. Ezzat will carefully lift the skin and tighten the underlying musculature. He will also reallocate fatty tissue to create more youthful contours before gently tightening the skin and smoothing out facial wrinkles. The incisions are then closed and dressed.
Your Face Lift Recovery
Your recovery after a facelift will depend on the extent of your procedure, whether you included additional treatments, and how your body responds to surgery. During the first few days, the bandages should be kept dry and the head elevated. It’s normal to experience some amount of discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications or a prescription. Swelling and bruising is to be expected, and should gradually subside over the coming weeks.
Most people take 10 days to 2 weeks away from work and their normal routine after a facelift. You should avoid strenuous activities for at least 1 month after getting your facelift, and keep your incisions protected from direct sun exposure for at least 6 months. Studies show that it takes the body one year to fully heal, so your results will continue developing over the next 12 months.
Your New Look
After recovering fully from your facelift, your natural features should still look as much like you as ever, while sagging and wrinkles should be minimized. You should notice a smoother and more youthful contour to the face, helping you greet your reflection with a smile.
Face Lift FAQ
How much does a face lift cost?
Total cost depends on the type of facelift and procedures that you require to attain the look that you desire. The total cost will include items such as surgeon’s fee, facility or anesthesia fees, medications, and other costs.
A mini face lift is a less invasive surgical technique that generally costs less than a full face lift. But the results of mini face lift are not as extensive as those of the full procedure.
How do I choose a face lift plastic surgeon near me?
Choose a facial plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and who focuses on facial cosmetic surgery to not only achieve optimal results but to also ensure your health and safety. Additionally, look for credentials such as fellowships, memberships and appointments with accredited medical institutions. Finally, schedule a consultation with your top one or two picks and make sure you feel comfortable and confident working with this plastic surgeon and his or her staff members.
Is a mini or a full face lift the best technique for me?
It depends on what your goals are, your skin elasticity and the severity of wrinkles and skin laxity that you’d like to treat. Generally speaking, a full face lift is going to provide more dramatic results, as it addresses the lower two-thirds of your face. A mini or SMAS face lift, on the other hand, addresses only the lower third of your face, tightening sagging jowls. The best candidates for a mini face lift are typically younger in age and are looking for very specific and limited results.
Is a face lift painful?
You won’t feel any pain or discomfort during your face lift procedure, as it will be performed under general anesthesia. Afterward, most people report a tight feeling more so than pain, which can take several days to begin to resolve. Dr. Ezzat will provide prescription medication and detailed aftercare instructions to make your recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible.
How long does it take to recover from a face lift?
Most people plan to take around two weeks off work and social events to recover from a face lift, although this can vary from person to person. You will need to avoid strenuous physical activity for four weeks after your procedure, gradually introducing new levels of physical activity into your routine. Sun protection in the following months is crucial, as the sun’s UV light can negatively impact your face lift results.
When will I see my results?
It usually takes two weeks for the majority of swelling and bruising to subside. After this point, you should have a better idea of what your final results will look like. However, face lift results will continue to develop over the coming weeks and months, sometimes taking a full year to completely develop.
How long does a face lift last?
A face lift can last 10 years or more when properly performed and with the right lifestyle and skincare habits. However, this procedure cannot stop aging altogether, so the longevity of your results can also depend on your age when you first got the procedure.
Contact us online or call our Boston office at 857-350-4205to take the first step toward reaching your ideal look with a face lift.
Telephone No.857-350-4205