Facelift

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The results of a facelift are more lasting than any other alternative. On average a deep plane facelift can last for up to 10 years. While the mini facelift typically last up to 5-10 years. Variations are based numerous factors such as one’s skin type, genetics, and overall health.

A mini facelift incorporates shorter incisions, typically the incision starts along the sideburn region continuing along the front of the ear and ending around the ear lobe. While a traditional facelift incision utilizing the same incision as described above and extends along the back of the ear and into the hairline. Both techniques can utilize a deep plane component to address the SMAS layer. In general, the traditional facelift is reserved for those individuals with more significant facial and neck jowls.

Some mini facelift surgeries can be performed under local anesthesia (patients are alert but injections are made with anesthetics to numb the region).

For any deep plane component of the facelift and for all traditional facelift surgeries, Dr Kwak recommends “twilight” anesthesia. (Patients are given medication intravenously by a board-certified anesthesiologist. They type of anesthesia provides comfort to the patient while breathing on their own)

We recommend for the first week after surgery staying home and recovering. Most patients are able to return back to work around 2 weeks after surgery. Anticipate no strenuous activities or exercising for the first two weeks. Most patients may resume some light activities 3-4 weeks after surgery. At 6 weeks after surgery there are typically no restrictions.

You will may be ineligible for a facelift if:

• Significant medical issues (i.e. stroke, heart failure, uncontrolled diabetes)
• You take blood thinners
• You have an active skin ailment or infection
• You have had multiple fluctuations in weight, resulting in constant stretching of the skin
• You are a smoker

Results are fairly immediate, once the swelling and bruising have subsided, which is usually around two weeks after surgery.

When your New York facelift is performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, using modern surgical techniques, your face should look naturally rejuvenated. The key is to lift the underlying musculature itself, which creates a more youthful appearance with results that last longer.

A pulled unnatural look is the result of poor surgical procedure, just pulling the skin tighter, rather than addressing the underlying muscle structure. Dr. Kwak is a perfectionist and understands that no patient wants a facelift that looks strange and unnatural!

While recent technological advancement has been promising. No current non-surgical option on the market today can deliver the same outcomes as a facelift. A facelift is still the gold standard for facial rejuvenation of the midface and lower neck.

Mild improvements can be seen with non-surgical procedures, but for those of you who are looking to address the more extensive signs of aging, a facelift provides the greatest results.

In most cases, this can be corrected or revised to give you an appearance that you feel is more desirable. Dr. Kwak will assess the work that has been previously done and determine the best course of action to help you correct any aspects of the previous procedure, so you feel better about your appearance.

Some common reasons to consider a revision facelift are:

• Sightly scarring
• Persistent skin laxity or jowling
• Recoiling of the muscle
• Progressive aging

Dr. Edward S. Kwak specializes in facial plastic surgery. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Edward S. Kwak focuses his professional skill on surgeries for the face, head, and neck, and uses a precision approach, along with a depth of understanding that have led to his reputation for excellence in facelifts and other face and neck procedures.