Facelift FAQs

In Denver, Colorado
Renew Your Look    And Your Spirit

What does a facelift do exactly?

There are some different meanings of the term “face lift”.

  • Traditionally it meant work on the cheeks, jaw, and neck, pulling them upwards to remove sagging, wrinkles and jowls.
  • The term “full face lift” is sometimes used to mean the above, plus the brow as well.
  • In more recent years, the term has been used as a catch-all for any customized combination of procedures on the face, all of which are localized and specific. For example, you could have combinations such as:

In general, you could define a face lift or "rhytidectomy" as a surgical procedure to improve the most visible signs of aging by removing sagging skin, elevating the facial muscles and fat, tightening the muscles beneath the skin of the neck, and often removing excess fat from the neck.

What incisions are used for a facelift?

The exact placement will depend on the exact kind of facelift you’re having, and Dr. Fante will explain it beforehand. But generally, incisions are made within the hairline on each side of the forehead, and sometimes in front, inside, and around each ear. Their exact length will vary.

Will I have a scar from the face lift?

All incisions leave scars. Scars fade over time, although it might take most of a year for the final results to be visible.

Facelift incisions are largely behind the hairline and therefore will leave barely visible scars. If they’re also around the ear, your hair can cover them pretty well there too.

Another factor with scars is that we’re all individual when it comes to scarring. Heredity plays a role, and the exact outcome isn’t totally predictable in individual cases. However, it’s possible to repair scars that are too prominent, with further minor surgery.

Would I be a good candidate for a facelift?

If you’re:

  • Over 30
  • In good general health
  • Aren’t a longtime smoker, and
  • Are willing to be realistic about the potential,

you’re likely a candidate for some kind of face lift. In recent years, younger people have been asking for them, and although a younger person can heal more quickly, there’s no ideal age for a facelift.

Dr. Fante will explain all the possible procedures for your particular face and together you can arrive at the best one, or the best combination of procedures.

How long does a facelift take?

A basic facelift will take 2 to 4 hours, and it depends on what exact combination of procedures you’re having.

What sort of anesthesia is used?

Usually a local anesthetic is used, along with some IV sedation. Sometimes general anesthesia is used. You can discuss this with Dr. Fante.

What is the SMAS?

SMAS stands for Sub-Muscular Aponeurotic System. And what’s that? It’s the tissue beneath the skin, consisting of muscle and fat, with associated blood vessels, nerves, etc.

In the early days of facelifts, only the skin was tightened, leaving the SMAS as is. That made for a “tightened” look, that expression of perpetual surprise that we all want to avoid.

In present-day facelifts, the SMAS is involved too, so that the results are more natural, longer-lasting, and more individualized.

What is the recovery time like?

  • There’ll be some bruising and swelling at first. The bruising will fade after 2 or 3 weeks.
  • There could be some numbness but it will be temporary.
  • During the first week or so, keep your head elevated, including while you sleep.
  • Stitches will be removed after about a week.
  • If any bandages were used, they’ll be removed the following day. A second, lighter bandage might be used for a few more days.
  • You’ll usually look good enough to return to work after about 2 weeks, although you’ll probably feel fine after the first few days.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise during those 2 weeks.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about eyelid surgery, cosmetic surgery, eyelid lift, facelift, eyelid tuck, necklift, puffy eyelid, brow lift, plastic surgery, blepharoplasty, or any other cosmetic surgery, in Denver or Boulder, Colorado, contact Dr. Fante for an initial consultation.