When nonsurgical anti-aging solutions no longer produce the dramatic results you’re looking for, a facelift could be an appropriate solution. A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, addresses the lower half of your face, tightening loose skin and jowls, while simultaneously smoothing away lines, wrinkles and creases. Many men and women who have facelift procedures report looking and feeling years younger and rejuvenated after surgery.
Dr. Reo Pugao of Martin Plastic Surgery in Las Cruces focuses on facial cosmetic procedures, helping men and women throughout Southern New Mexico put their best face forward. Please contact us online or call our office at (575) 521-7111 to schedule your consultation today.
Am I a Good Candidate?
The ideal candidate for a facelift will be in good physical health and have moderate skin laxity, wrinkles and creases that are no longer responding to nonsurgical solutions like injectable fillers. Keep in mind that facelifts treat the lower half of your face, not including your eyes. If a drooping brow, crow’s feet and other eye-area concerns are bothering you, you might consider including a brow lift with your facelift.
While a facelift can help to smooth away the appearance of jowls, a neck lift offers more comprehensive jawline definition, as well as platysma band correction. Brow and neck lifts are very commonly combined with facelifts for enhanced results.
Types of Facelifts
There are two main types of facelift procedures: the mid and full facelifts. The primary difference between the two is the scope of what they can address.
Mid Facelift
If your primary concern lies within the area around your nose and mouth, such as nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks, you may be a good candidate for a mid facelift. This procedure is less invasive than its full counterpart, with a shorter recovery period. However, the overall results are not generally as dramatic as those of a full facelift.
Full Facelift
Most people ultimately see the most comprehensive results with this technique. A full facelift addresses more pronounced skin laxity, wrinkles, creases and jowls.
If you’re not sure if a mid or full facelift could be right for you, discuss your needs and goals in more detail with Dr. Pugao during your consultation to help you decide.
If you would like to learn more about how you can address the sagging and jowls on your face, then schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Pugao today!
Facelift FAQs
How much does a facelift cost?
The average cost of a facelift in 2018 was $7,655, according to data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This figure does not include other fees, such as anesthesia, operating room facilities or other costs associated with your procedure. The price of a facelift also varies by location and plastic surgeon. If cost is a concern for you, discuss financing options at your consult.
How do I choose the best facelift cosmetic surgeon near me?
First and foremost, look for credentials such as memberships with the American College of Surgeons and American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, as well as ample experience performing facelifts.
What’s the best facelift technique for me?
The decision to get a mid or full facelift will depend on a variety of factors, including your specific goals, the quality and elasticity of your skin and the severity of the signs of aging you’d like to treat. The best way to determine which technique could be right for you is to schedule a consultation.
Does a facelift hurt?
No, facelifts are performed under general anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain during your procedure. Afterward, expect to have some swelling, bruising and discomfort as your body begins to heal over the next few days. Dr. Pugao can prescribe pain medication to help make you more comfortable during this initial phase of recovery.
How long does it take to recover from a facelift?
Many people are able to get back to work and other normal daily activities within two weeks after a facelift. However, you will have to limit physical activity for around 4 to 6 weeks.
How long does tightness after a facelift last?
Most feelings of tightness, tingling and numbness should go away after the first few weeks of recovery. But it can take up to one year for small amounts of residual tightness and swelling to fully resolve themselves, revealing your final results.