Facelift in Charlotte – FAQs
Face Lift FAQ
- What is the difference in a facelift and a mini facelift?
- What is the procedure like?
- Who are good candidates for facelift?
- Does the procedure hurt?
- What is the typical recovery time?
- What are the risks associated with the procedure?
- How much does facelift cost?
What are the differences in a facelift, necklift and a mini facelift?
There are variations of facelift procedures. We would need to see you for consultation and evaluation to discuss your specific aesthetic needs and desires to recommend the most optimal surgical plan.
Mini facelift mainly improves the mid-face area such as the nasolabial folds and may moderately improve jowls. Mini facelift does not address the neck area or under the chin. Mini-facelift requires just minimal recovery of 5–7 days.
Necklift addresses the neck, under the chin, and jowls, but does not improve the nasolabial folds (smile lines). Recovery for necklift is approximately 7–10 days.
Facelift improves all lower facial areas (nasolabial folds, neck, and jowls). Recovery for traditional facelift is 2–3 weeks.
Face-lift suspends the sagging muscles to their original position to create a more youthful appearance. The skin is then gently tightened for the final effect. Most of our Charlotte facelift patients feel they look 5–10 years younger, but some have an even more dramatic improvement.
Who are good candidates for facelift?
Patients who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for a facelift procedure. Facelift candidates have all or a combination of loose facial and neck skin, sagging muscle and possibly extra fat.
Everyone wants to know if the surgery hurts. Surprisingly, virtually all patients report tightness in the cheeks and neck, but no pain. We like to hear that the surgery feels tight, as that means that the procedure will last a long time.
What is the typical recovery time?
The procedure is done in our facility under twilight anesthesia, in which the patients are totally asleep, feel nothing and remember nothing, but they are breathing on their own. We feel this is a major safety advantage. Many times facelifts are combined with eye lifts or brow lifts to maximize the rejuvenation effect. Most patients go home after these procedures, but some stay overnight with a registered nurse to be more comfortable. Our written post-operative instructions tell patients to rest with their head elevated and apply ice compresses to keep swelling down. The dressing will usually come off at two days. Patients can then wash their hair and begin to move about more. There are no sutures to remove, but staples in the hair come out at 7–10 days.
Patients may drive when they can make evasive movements without hesitation. We advise no major social or business engagements for 2-3 weeks to ensure plenty of time for healing. Many patients are ready sooner, but we like to be conservative on our recovery time.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
As with any surgery, there can be potential complications like bleeding or infection, but these are rare. Wounds healing poorly because of bad blood supply are almost always linked to smoking. Smokers should stop smoking at least three months before surgery to help reduce the chance of healing problems. Patients can experience temporary alterations in their facial expressions caused by tissue swelling and skin tightness. Bruising to the muscles and nerves can also produce the same result. These are all temporary. If a nerve or muscle was actually cut a permanent change in the facial expression would occur. This is why you want to have a surgeon with excellent training and years of experience to avoid this rare problem. Everyone experiences numbness in the cheeks after surgery. This usually resolves within 1–2 months.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees. Please contact us at 704.375.7111 or click here for a personal consultation
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