Formerly, the facelift was just a tightening of the skin without any tightening of the deeper layers of the face. This resulted in the face being supported by the tightened skin only. As skin can continue to stretch, the results did not last very long. In the early 1970’s, a newer facelift operation was developed where the deeper layers of the face, SMAS/Platysma, was tightened in addition to the skin. Our doctor uses a newer technique that was developed by Belgian colleagues known as the MACS lift (minimal access cranial suspension facelift). This innovative approach to facial rejuvenation uses loops of suture to re-suspend facial structures that have sagged downward with aging. It does not require deep-layer dissection like the SMAS lift and has excellent long-term outcomes.  Dr. Fausett was fellowship trained in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery for two years under Dr. Jeffery Nerad (world renown Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon and former President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.)  He has also attended facelift courses at the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon Seminar and has been mentored by Dr. John Hunts previous owner, partner of Aesthetic Surgical Arts.   

A facelift begins with carefully placed incisions. The incision starts at the sideburn, just above the ear and continues downward along the inside margin of the ear, which makes it well hidden. For some patients, the incision stops here which is a limited or short scar facelift. For others, it continues around the ear lobe, behind the ear and into the hairline. The incision in the front of the ear is planned to fall into the ear so that it will be least visible. Advancements in closing incisions have further improved the results with meticulous attention to stitches.

For most patients, this is an operation performed under twilight anesthesia. Most patients report that there is actually very little pain or discomfort after a facelift. A mild type of pain medicine is needed after the surgery.

In order to best define your neck line, a lower facelift is needed. It is not possible to just tighten the neck without tightening the jowls and cheek region. Localized fat deposits cause the blunting of the neck line and create a double chin or “turkey gobbler” appearance to the neck. These can be removed at the time of the facelift with liposuction.

The recovery from a facelift is usually fairly rapid. Each patient recovers differently. Bandages are usually removed on the day following your surgery. We suggest taking one to two weeks out of the public eye. Swelling and bruising usually resolves within one or two weeks. Patients report sensations of tightness and tingling and numbness around the ears for up to one month after surgery. Your maximum result from the facelift occurs within three to six months after surgery.

Your need for a facelift are usually determined by the rate at which you age. Your aging process is largely influenced by your genetic traits received from your parents. If you notice in yourself a discrepancy between your outer appearance and your inner self in terms of how you feel because of lax facial skin and downward sagging of facial structures, a facelift might be beneficial to improve these signs of aging.

Patients over the age of 70 can have a facelift operation. Often times the result is quite dramatic when there are large amounts of lax skin to be tightened. Most importantly, you need to be in good health without heart or high blood pressure problems. A pre-operative complete physical examination by your personal physician is necessary.

In all forms of surgery, there are risks of bleeding, scarring, infection, or nerve damage. Small amounts of blood may collect under the skin and need to be removed. It is important that your caregiver stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery. Good healing usually occurs without problems when people are healthy, maintain a healthy diet and give themselves adequate time to recuperate. Damage to facial nerves is very rare and generally self-correcting. Additional revisions of the facelift scars are infrequent. It is important that you understand the risks of the facelift operation. These will be discussed with you at your consultation with Dr. Fausett. Our team will be here every step of the way to help you achieve your aesthetic goals in a natural, caring, safe and professional manner. 

Eyelid tightening, or Blepharoplasty, Fat Transfer, CO2 Resurfacing or Liposuction can be performed at the same time of your facelift operation to improve looseness in the eyelid skin and to reposition fat bags. After your surgery, additional fine-tuning of your result may be accomplished with the use of medical skin care, tissue fillers to define the lip lines, Botox to improve wrinkles in the crows feet and between the eyes. Light-based treatments may also be added to improve sun damage skin. The combination of facial rejuvenation surgery and cosmetic medicine by our doctors and their staff can produce a “wow” factor for patients seeking facial rejuvenation.

That is a question only you can answer. At the time of your consultation, ask questions and explain to Dr. Fausett your expectations. We’ll work together to make the decision that is right for you.