A smooth and firm jawline, a defined neckline without sagging skin, smooth full cheeks—these are the signs of a youthful face. When sagging facial structures begin to make your face look tired and worn, restoration of the youthful and firm contours of the face can be transforming, both physically and mentally. Many patients experience a greater energy and feeling of well-being after face and neck lift surgery, when the image they see in the mirror finally matches the zestful and youthful way they feel inside. Looking good is a great energizer.
With her wide experience with both facial plastic surgery as well as non-surgical techniques, Dr. Mary C. Herte can help you achieve the most natural and least invasive facial rejuvenation at our Las Vegas cosmetic surgery practice.
What Is A Facelift?
Facelift surgery is a popular procedure designed to address common signs of aging in the face. Dr. Herte always combines the facelift with neck lift surgery to ensure the most natural-looking outcome. During this combined procedure, loose skin and underlying tissues are tightened, and fat is repositioned to create more youthful contours. As we age, the skin gradually loses elasticity, visible wrinkling results from repeated creasing, and excess skin sags along the neck, jawline, and cheeks. Deeper tissues also become lax and sag, adding to your overall tired and worn appearance. There is no substitute for surgical repositioning of sagging deep tissues and removal of the excess skin in rejuvenating your appearance. Face and neck lift surgery creates the foundation that supports the many other rejuvenating enhancements that keep your result looking natural and fresh.
Am I a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
For many patients, a facelift offers the opportunity for a refreshed appearance. While there is no age requirement for the surgery, good candidates tend to experience more advanced signs of facial aging that they wish to alleviate. While everyone will have different needs and goals, ideal candidates for facelift surgery typically:
- Are looking to correct signs of aging, such as sagging facial skin
- Desire a more refreshed and youthful appearance
- Are in good health
- Have no prior medical condition that impairs hearing
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations for surgery results
What Is The Ideal Age For Facelift Surgery?
The aging process is different for everyone and there is no special age at which facelift surgery should be done. The critical issue is what you see when you look in the mirror. Face and neck lift surgery is the best and most reliable treatment for loose skin of the cheeks and neck, neck banding and under-chin fat pads, as well as sagging of the cheeks, jowl and jawline. Early surgical treatment can actually improve the longevity of your result, since more elastic and youthful skin quality can hold your lifted result much longer.
What Does The Facelift Procedure Involve?
Dr. Herte believes in a problem-solving approach to facelift surgery, identifying those areas that concern you the most and targeting your procedure to address those issues, while preserving your special features. A customized approach is key to getting the most natural and fresh result. Dr. Herte performs both mini and full facelifts; the least invasive facelift approach possible can be tailored to fit your special needs.
Many times, a facelift alone, in someone who has lost facial fullness, can create an over-pulled and tight look that doesn’t look younger, just over-done. Sometimes, choosing the most minimal procedure can cause more pulling than a more classical facelift because the skin is just pulled and the facial tissues are not repositioned. In customizing your facelift procedure, Dr. Herte can preserve your special qualities and restore your foundation structures. The addition of volume and the proper direction of lift are essential in restoring and freshening your face and neck without changing your essence.
To help minimize post-operative scarring, Dr. Herte will place your face and neck lift incisions in inconspicuous areas, such as along the ears, behind the hairline, and underneath the chin. Depending on the type of facelift you are undergoing, she may reposition deep tissues and remove excess skin, or simply tighten and lift sagging skin. In addition, hanging muscle bands in the neck can be repositioned for a more defined neckline. During the consultation process, Dr. Herte will help you understand the benefits and limitations of each technique and which is most appropriate for your aesthetic goals.
Whether you consider a full face and neck lift or the less invasive mini-facelift at the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Herte will help you personalize the procedure to meet your personal beauty goals and help you understand the role of supporting procedures in getting you the most natural and long-lasting results possible.
What Can I Expect During The Facelift Recovery?
Although the recovery after face and neck lift surgery will be different for each individual, most patients will require downtime for the first two weeks. It is normal to experience some degree of pain, swelling, and bruising after surgery. These side effects should significantly fade after the first two weeks. Dr. Herte encourages patients to resume light exercise, such as walking around, within their second week of recovery. More strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately four weeks. Most patients are able to return to work three to four weeks after their facelift procedure. More personalized details about your recovery will be discussed with you prior to your surgery.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
In many cases, facelift results can last for about 10 to 15 years. Keep in mind, however, that when a surgical facelift and neck lift is performed, the clock turns back, but it continues to tick. So the length of time you remain satisfied with your new, fresher appearance depends on the quality of your skin, how quickly you are aging, and most importantly, how well you take care of yourself after your surgery. Following your surgery, maintenance with cosmetic injectables and medical skin care or laser resurfacing can be invaluable in preserving your result.
Will My Facelift Results Look Natural?
The most common concern that patients express is a worry that they will no longer look like themselves after surgery. We see this problem all too often with recognizable stars who lose that certain “something” in the process of trying to restore youth. We see obvious and unpleasant face and neck lift results around us. That could give anyone pause in considering a surgical facelift. Those aesthetic missteps are in reality only a tiny fraction of the many, many facelifts that you look at every day. You only see the ones that stand out (badly), and not the truly fabulous results that give a refreshed and rested look.
Too many stars choose to do too many procedures too often, and end up looking artificial. Most patients will rarely need a facelift more than once or possibly twice in their lifetimes. Of course we hope that your long, healthy and active life will lead you to consider that second or third facelift! Dr. Herte can help you choose the right timing and help you customize your face and neck rejuvenation to choose the best procedure to keep that natural and fresh look.
What Will My Facelift Scars Look Like?
As with all surgical procedures, scars are inevitable where incisions are made. Through her experience and advanced skills with performing face and neck lift surgery, Dr. Herte takes great care to minimize the appearance and visibility of scars. By placing the incisions in concealed areas, as well as performing mini-facelifts for those who qualify, she is able to reduce the prominence of scarring. In the beginning of your recovery, your scars may look red and be raised. Over time as the incisions heal, they should begin to lighten and flatten, becoming even less noticeable.
How Much Does A Facelift Cost?
The cost of facelift surgery often varies for each patient based on the unique details of their surgical plan, associated fees, expertise of their plastic surgeon, and geographic location of the practice. Once you and Dr. Herte have agreed upon a surgical plan for your face and neck lift needs, our team can provide you with a quote to help you know what to expect with your cost. Plastic surgery financing is available for those who would like assistance with covering the costs of their procedure through low-interest payment plans.
Can I Get a Facelift Without Surgery?
While a surgical facelift offers more thorough and long-lasting results, some patients may not be ready for a surgical procedure. Many may find that their cosmetic concerns can be addressed with minimally invasive treatments like dermal fillers or BOTOX® Cosmetic, such as in a liquid facelift. Non-surgical facelifts done via injectables can often improve the appearance of sagging skin, loose jowls, sunken cheeks, and facial wrinkles. Cosmetic injectables performed in the liquid facelift can restore volume and smooth creases for a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Herte is happy to discuss available techniques and procedures during your consultation.
Schedule A Facelift Consultation In Las Vegas
If you have questions about how face and neck lift surgery can enhance your facial appearance with a firmer and fresher look, contact our Las Vegas cosmetic surgery center today, and speak to our knowledgeable and caring staff. An in-depth consultation with Dr. Mary Herte will allow you to decide if facelift is your best choice for turning back the clock while preserving your natural individuality and giving you that youthful boost. Schedule your consultation today in Las Vegas.