Facelift in Phoenix, AZ
Facial aging happens to everyone. Sometimes it slowly creeps up on us, and other times it seems to happen overnight. Regardless of the pace, it is never enjoyable to see our face change and age. People often express that they feel youthful on the inside, but their exterior does not reflect this. As skin ages, it loses elasticity and the snugness against the underlying musculature. Facial muscles can lose tone, and facial fat can decrease in volume. This leads to increased sagging and the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles. Makeup can only hide so much, and over-the-counter treatments only prolong inevitable aging and are often insufficient to remedy what we see in the mirror and photographs. When topical therapy stops being functional, more comprehensive treatment is often warranted. Facelift surgery provides a long-lasting solution. Dr. Boll’s experience can enhance the appearance of the face while reducing the signs of aging and restoring a youthful look!
What a Facelift Can Achieve
Tightening of the Skin
Part of the aging process includes a decrease in collagen production. This essential protein helps the skin stay healthy and smooth. As its levels decline, the skin begins to lose elasticity, which causes it to start sagging around the face. Facelift surgery addresses the sagging by tightening the skin and removing any excess to leave behind smoother skin, which will immediately restore a youthful look.
Decreased Jowls and Wrinkles
Aging is expressed in all structures of the face, including the underlying soft tissue and musculature. The superficial muscles of the face are very thin. Loss of their tone can contribute to the descent of the soft tissue, causing pronounced nasolabial folds and jowl formation. These underlying structures are tightened and elevated in a facelift to restore a firmer facial structure.
Contouring of the Neck
For many people, neck contour and neck skin laxity are more bothersome than facial aging. Necks age in a similar manner as faces do, but in some people, the laxity is more pronounced in this location. Genetics can also play a significant role. Aging of the neck is often first detected in photographs. As a component of a facelift, excess fat is removed from the neck, the underlying soft tissue and musculature are tightened, and the extra skin is removed to provide greater definition to this area.
Restoration of Volume
Another key component of facial aging is volume loss. Most people understand that their skin thins as they age, but our muscles and soft tissue become thinner as well. This volume loss can cause people to appear more gaunt and aged. By restoring volume in a youthful proportion, the results of surgery are improved and appear more natural. The volume is restored by fat grafting, which involves removing fat from the abdomen, processing it, and then injecting it in tiny aliquots into the face. The fat is placed where it can provide youthful volume, and this is typically customized to the individual.
Facelift Options
Mini Facelift
This technique is most commonly utilized by someone who has already had a facelift and only needs a little “touch up.” A mini facelift may also be appropriate for patients experiencing mild sagging who want to address the issue before it gets worse. It is less invasive than a standard facelift, as the incisions are smaller, which decreases the risk of significant scarring.
The skin is tightened around the cheeks and jowls, which will provide strong definition to the cheeks and jawline. The neck is not addressed with this surgery.
Standard Facelift
This option is appropriate for patients with moderate to severe sagging. Though it’s more invasive with a bit longer recovery, the results are much more dramatic than those of a mini facelift. Multiple longer incisions allow greater access to the underlying tissue and greater ability for the movement of the skin. The incisions are camouflaged around the ears for minimal visibility. With this type of facelift, Dr. Boll is able to lift and tighten deeper layers of skin and muscle as necessary.
A second incision is used, if needed, to pull and tighten any skin under the chin.
Combining Procedures
There are times when additional procedures may be desired to enhance the results of facelift surgery. These procedures can include brow lift surgery, neck lift surgery, eyelid surgery, or even non-surgical skin care treatments to improve the appearance of the skin.
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Concerns
Recovery
Swelling and bruising after any surgical procedure is common. This is temporary and will most likely subside within a few weeks. A compression garment worn on the face will help to minimize these effects.
Resting at home should be done in a reclined position instead of lying down. Keeping the head elevated above the rest of the body will further minimize any swelling.
Light daily activities can be resumed after a few days of surgery. Patients can return to work after a week or two, though they should avoid more strenuous activities, such as exercise, until Dr. Boll clears them. Additionally, following all aftercare instructions will ensure the best possible results and will minimize post-surgical complications.
Scars
The appearance of the incisions will depend on the type of procedure performed and the severity of the sagging corrected. Facelift incisions are hidden behind the ears as much as possible, and these scars will lighten over time. The scars are designed to blend into natural contours so that they are minimally visible.
Cost
The cost of facelift surgery varies depending on multiple factors, including whether the procedure performed is a standard facelift or a mini facelift. Combining a facelift with other procedures will also affect the total cost. During the pre-surgical consultation, Dr. Boll will provide an estimate for the determined procedure. Financing and pre-payment options are available.
Pain
Mild to moderate pain and discomfort is typical after the procedure. The severity and duration of this pain will depend on the number of procedures performed and the conditions being addressed. Dr. Boll will provide suggestions for pain medication to manage any discomfort. For any concerns about pain, or if the pain becomes too severe to manage, our office should be contacted immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will facelift results last?
There are no results that are guaranteed with any surgical procedure, but results from a facelift are long lasting. However, a facelift does not halt the aging process, so the same conditions that caused sagging, lines, and wrinkles will still occur. That said, facelift results will help reduce the appearance of aging, even as the process continues.
What are the risks of facelift surgery?
All surgical procedures have risks, such as:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Facial numbness
- Poor wound healing
The risks are minimized by following the pre-surgical care suggestions and the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Boll.
What kind of sedation is used for surgery?
Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia. There will be a board-certified anesthesiologist monitoring you the entire time.
How can I prepare for my facelift surgery?
Dr. Boll will give you a list of pre-operative care instructions to ensure that you have the best results possible. If you smoke, you will have to stop at least six weeks before your surgery. Cessation of smoking will help improve blood flow, which helps with healing. You will also be asked to refrain from taking aspirin and other medications to minimize the risks of excessive bleeding during surgery.
Want to Learn More About Earlobe Repair in Phoenix, AZ?
To learn more about earlobe repair and your options in Phoenix, AZ, call our office at (480) 833-5200 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule your consultation.
Kind Words From Our Patients
“Thank you all for your professional compassion and kindness while I was your patient. I feel good and appreciate all that you all have done for me. You are the best!”
“I could not have asked for better care. Dr.Boll, along with her staff, are the consummate professionals. I made a consultation appointment with Dr. Boll to discuss a facelift. She discussed, in depth, every aspect of the procedure including what I could expect for an outcome. Her kindness and compassion are genuine. Her knowledge unparalleled. I left that consultation knowing I had made the right decision.”
“Post- surgery attention was outstanding, I felt completely comfortable in Dr. Boll’s care; and I am 68, never having surgery before.”
“Thank you all for your professional compassion and kindness while I was your patient. I feel good and appreciate all that you all have done for me. You are the best!”
“I could not have asked for better care. Dr.Boll, along with her staff, are the consummate professionals. I made a consultation appointment with Dr. Boll to discuss a facelift. She discussed, in depth, every aspect of the procedure including what I could expect for an outcome. Her kindness and compassion are genuine. Her knowledge unparalleled. I left that consultation knowing I had made the right decision.”
“Post- surgery attention was outstanding, I felt completely comfortable in Dr. Boll’s care; and I am 68, never having surgery before.”