Facelift

What Is a Facelift?

Facelift surgery is a cosmetic procedure designed to rejuvenate one’s appearance through the lifting and tightening of skin and underlying facial/neck tissue. Depending on a patient’s needs and concerns, this treatment can help smooth lines and wrinkles, eliminate excess skin and jowling, combat skin sagging, restore lost facial volume, and tighten muscle band laxity in the neck (known as the platysma). By customizing each facelift to meet the specific goals of the individual, Dr. Boynton is able to help patients achieve the more youthful facial aesthetic they desire with results that appear entirely natural. A facelift and a neck lift in many cases are “interlinked” as one procedure; however, most times colloquially it is referred to as a “facelift.”

What Is a “Mini Facelift/Neck Lift”?

Some patients—generally those who have too much excess skin, sagging jowls, etc.—may need more than a non-surgical facial rejuvenation option, such as a liquid facelift (described in its section below), can effectively accomplish. These patients often benefit from a more comprehensive approach called the short-scar facelift and neck lift. Dr. Boynton has been trained in many different types of facelift techniques; however, for younger patients in their 40s and 50s who mostly complain of jowling in the lower face, he has found one of the most ideal solutions to be the mini face/neck lift. This eliminates the vast majority of the scar behind the ear and along the lower hairline that is included in a “classic facelift,” or “full facelift,” that is often more visible when women wear their hair up. This also leads to a faster recovery and is mostly done in a simple office setting under local anesthesia with valium alone. Dr. Boynton’s technique performing the mini facelift has evolved a bit over the years. Originally it was a true short-scar facelift, meaning the incision stopped at the bottom of the earlobe. Now the incision typically goes very well concealed behind the ear, but still not down the hairline—you still don’t see any incisions. In cases where that needs to be performed, Dr. Boynton utilizes a specialized technique developed by one of the masters of hair transplantation to keep this incision concealed within the hairline.

Dr. Boynton’s mini facelift and neck lift procedures are typically performed in the office without traditional hospital care, anesthesia, or overnight stay. Patients often enjoy not having to go to a hospital, and most are very comfortable with local anesthesia and valium medication for mild relaxation. Some benefits of this procedure may include a much faster recovery than a traditional facelift because of limited incisions, as well as not having to undergo anesthesia. It is also more economical for patients since there is generally no hospital stay.

The mini facelift and neck lift involves a well-concealed incision that typically avoids the classical, longer incisions behind the ear that often extend down the back of the hairline. This has always been the most objectionable part of a facelift incision to most patients since the behind-the-ear incision can be seen (especially in patients that like to wear their hair up in a ponytail). Additionally, a small incision may need to be made under the chin that allows direct access to sculpting and thinning of any fatty tissue in this area, as well as the platysmaplasty—which is the neck tightening procedure that works like an internal “bolster” in the neck while really helping to sharpen and define the neck line. However, Dr. Boynton is able to avoid the chin incision in some cases if it is possible to produce similar results by utilizing just the primary incisions.

Cheek Lift

It is important to note that a “mini facelift” is often a term that can be used to describe a number of popular treatments at Dr. Boynton’s practice because it is capable of addressing several common concerns. In Dr. Boynton’s hands, a mini facelift is essentially the same as a “jowl lift,” “lower facelift,” and a “cheek lift.”

What is commonly known as a cheek lift (a.k.a. a “mini facelift” at our practice) is defined as a surgical procedure capable of smoothing away signs of age in the cheeks. This treatment can also enhance the lower eyelid areas by reducing under-eye hollows and creating a more youthful and refreshed look in the middle region of the face. Cheek lift surgery offers a variety of potential benefits for both women and men. The procedure can make sagging skin in the area look and feel firmer, and it can minimize signs of nasolabial folds and wrinkles. In the cheek area, Dr. Boynton separately raises the skin and performs a cheek lift. He then tightens the SMAS and lateral platysma (muscle), or deep tissue layer of the face, using a specialized technique to plicate or maximally tighten and suspend the jowl. The tightening of the deep layer of the face and the platysmaplasty really help to ensure a lasting result.
Ultimately, Dr. Boynton seeks to achieve very natural results that are not over-tight or over-pulled. Results from the mini facelift and neck lift are meant to highlight each patient’s natural beauty without changing the way they look. Following the procedure, patients typically need approximately one week to recover.

Full Facelift and Neck Lift

A traditional, full facelift and neck lift may be recommended for patients who are experiencing signs of severe jowling, wrinkles, and loose skin in the mid- to lower face and along the neck. This treatment can provide exceptional results with outcomes that last many years into the future as long as proper skin care is maintained. A full facelift involves the careful placement of an incision in discreet areas—usually above the hairline and following from the temples to the region behind the ear and down the occipital hairline behind the ear (but still well concealed). This allows the surgical scars to mostly remain well-concealed and difficult for others to notice. Dr. Boynton will delicately tighten underlying facial muscles and trim away excess skin. The remaining skin is then smoothed to create a more youthful aesthetic. Dr. Boynton is extensively experienced with facelift procedures and utilizes techniques that can provide a firmer appearance without an artificial or “windswept” look. The goal is to effectively take years off of one’s appearance with results that look both beautiful and natural. If the neck is also being addressed during a facelift (which is usually the case), another incision will be made to allow Dr. Boynton to tighten the muscles, eliminate excess skin, and pull the remaining skin taut for smoother results and an improved neck contour.

Neck Lift and Neck Rejuvenation

Many individuals who have concerns that can be addressed by a facelift procedure simultaneously experience concerns with the appearance of their neck, as well. In most cases, a surgical neck lift or other neck rejuvenation treatment can be performed in tandem with a facelift procedure to provide comprehensive rejuvenation of the mid- to lower face and the neck. If neck rejuvenation alone is all that’s necessary to meet the patient’s goals, aesthetic neck treatments can be performed as standalone procedures.

Dr. Boynton offers several neck lift and neck rejuvenation options, including neck liposuction (neck lipocontouring), the state-of-the-art Suture Suspension Neck Lift – which sharpens the cervicomental angle with a suture and is less invasive than a full neck lift, and T-Z Plasty (also known as a central or direct neck lift), which can remove “the turkey gobbler” centrally and most directly with a single incision in less than an hour and has appeal in certain men that do not want a facelift. A T-Z Plasty can be done without a facelift and involves removing lax skin, thinning central neck fat, and tightening the neck muscle that serves as an internal “hammock,” also called the platysma—this is known as a platysmaplasty.

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What Is Recovery from Facelift Surgery Like?

Recovery following a facelift will depend on the specific technique employed, as well as one’s natural healing process. After a liquid facelift, there may be some degree of swelling and/or bruising in the targeted areas, though these symptoms are generally minimal and should fade relatively quickly. Whether performed alone or in combination with liposuction or with certain neck lift/rejuvenation procedures, many individuals are able to return to normal activities the following day.

When the short-scar facelift and neck lift are performed, patients can usually expect some bruising, swelling, and/or tenderness to occur initially throughout the treated region. Like the liquid facelift, these side effects are temporary and should resolve over time. Any discomfort experienced can typically be managed with medication, and the majority of women and men are able to resume office jobs, school, and other non-strenuous activities after approximately one week. Any heavy lifting, intense exercise, and other strenuous physical actions will need to be avoided for a bit longer to help ensure proper healing.

Recovery from a full/traditional facelift is different among patients depending on the technique utilized and the individual’s unique anatomical response. Temporary swelling and bruising in the treatment areas can be expected in the days and weeks following full facelift surgery; however, these effects should fade as the areas continue to heal. Some patients may need at least two to three weeks of recovery before resuming normal daily activities. Dr. Boynton can provide recommendations on when to resume work or strenuous exercises routines based on each patient’s needs.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

The length of results from a facelift will depend on the technique that is performed. A liquid facelift utilizing only injectable treatments is designed to yield long-lasting, though temporary, results. When the effects of the injectables begin to fade, patients will need follow-up injectable treatments to maintain the outcome. A mini facelift is designed to produce results that can last 5-10 years with the proper care, and a full/traditional facelift may yield outcomes that last up to 10 years or longer with good skin care and excellent maintenance of general health. The overall quality of an individual’s skin and genetic factors will play a part in terms of how long the outcome can last. With that in mind, there are other factors involved in maintaining results that are completely within your control. A healthy diet, adequate skin protection from the sun’s harmful rays, a good at-home skin care regimen, keeping a stable weight, and living a generally healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward maintaining the effects of facelift surgery years into the future.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

Here at Boynton Plastic Surgery, the price of facelift surgery often starts in the range of $11,000 – $12,000 and upwards depending on the complexity of the treatment. With that in mind, it’s important to note that this treatment is customized, so the total cost of a facelift will depend on several different factors. These include the specific concerns being addressed, the particular technique utilized, whether or not additional treatments are being performed to provide an even greater enhancement, and other components. Due to this number of variables, an in-office consultation will be necessary to determine pricing. At this time, Dr. Boynton will listen to your aesthetic desires, perform a complete facial evaluation, and formulate a custom treatment plan that can help you achieve your goals. Based on the proposed approach, he can then provide a close approximation of the overall cost of your facelift surgery.

At Boynton Plastic Surgery, we never want the price of treatment to keep patients from receiving the cosmetic care they desire, which is why we have partnered with CareCredit^® to offer several plastic surgery financing options. With a variety of choices available, qualified applicants can find a monthly payment plan that enables them to comfortably cover the cost of facelift surgery with little to no interest.

Is it Possible to Have a Facelift without Surgery?

While no other procedure will have results that are as extensive or that last as long as a surgical facelift, it is possible for many patients to achieve significant facial rejuvenation without surgery. As noted in the section above, a liquid facelift utilizing cosmetic injectables and dermal fillers can smooth out fine lines, add volume to facial features, and give the face a more refreshed and youthful appearance. Non-surgical options like laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels can also be effective for reducing signs of age and skin damage. If your aesthetic concerns are fairly mild or minimal, or if you simply want to avoid surgery at this time, these less invasive treatments may be suitable options for your needs. During your initial consultation, Dr. Boynton can help you determine the best course of treatment for your goals.

Schedule a Facelift Consultation

If you would like to learn more about how facelift surgery can help you meet your goals, please contact Dr. Boynton to schedule a consultation. He can discuss all aspects of a facelift with you and answer any questions you may have.