Facelifts are designed to remove excess, sagging skin while simultaneously tightening any loose facial tissues beneath the skin. Typically, candidates for this procedure have concerns in the face that include:

• Wrinkles
• Sagging or loose skin in lower face and neck
• Jowls

Ideal patients for facelifts are in good health, do not smoke, and have achievable expectations. Before the surgery, you will schedule a consultation with Dr. Bridgett Moore to allow her to perform a physical examination, review your medical history, and discuss your concerns and expectations.

A facelift procedure can take anywhere from three to four hours, on average. The incision is made from the temple area and runs down along the front of the ear, wraps around behind the earlobe, and then to the back of the neck. Once the incision is made, the tissues are lifted and repositioned. The skin is laid back over the repositioned tissue and the extra skin is removed. During this process, a small incision can also be made under the chin to allow the removal of excess fat in that area, as well. Additionally, neck muscles can be tightened just as the facial muscles. The incisions are closed in a careful manner along the face’s natural creases to ensure minimal scarring and maximal disguise. Together, these processes tighten underlying tissues, reduce wrinkles and creases, and restore a natural, more youthful look.

Just like with most surgical procedure, patients are expected to have swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following the surgery. These symptoms can be controlled with medication. The dressings from your surgery can be removed within the first few days. Swelling and bruising generally subside over one to two weeks’ time. It is not uncommon to experience numbness; this symptom should fade after several months following surgery. It is important to either stay out of the sun or wear sufficient sun protection to protect the incisions and promote better scar healing.