What Is a Facelift & How Does It Work?

Are you considering a facelift but not sure exactly what this procedure entails? Our facelift surgery at Modern Surgical Arts of Denver can help rejuvenate your face and neck, restoring a more youthful appearance. It can be a good way to achieve dramatic results while still looking natural.  

If you have questions about the surgery and are ready to learn more, we would love to help. We can guide you through the types of surgery that may be right for you, what the surgery itself is like, and what to expect from your recovery. You can also find out more by scheduling a consultation at our clinic in Denver, CO. We provide patient-centric care in an accredited, comfortable, and state-of-the-art facility. 

What Is a Rhytidectomy?

A rhytidectomy, commonly called a facelift, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to improve the visible signs of aging on the face and neck. This can include wrinkles and lines, skin laxity and sagging, excess skin, and more. During this procedure, excess skin is removed and underlying muscles and tissues are restructured and lifted to create a more refreshed appearance. 

What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift is a more extensive surgical procedure that can address more significant signs of aging. Larger incisions are required for this type of procedure, typically around the ears and along the hairline, to allow for more skin removal and a wider treatment area. This type of facelift procedure can address wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of muscle tone in the mid- to lower face and the neck. 

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is less invasive and can be used to address less severe concerns. While still designed to correct sagging skin and wrinkles, the procedure offers a more subtle change with a smaller incision and a shorter recovery. This surgery may be indicated for younger patients who want a quick boost but who aren’t ready for a full facelift yet. 

How Does a Facelift Work?

Determining Your Candidacy Through Consultation

Because facelift surgery is an invasive procedure that requires incisions and restructuring of underlying tissues, it is important that we select candidates who are in good health and who have the right understanding of the results that this surgery can provide. 

Performing the Anesthesia and Making Incisions

During your facelift surgery, you will receive intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Then we will make the incisions. Incisions often begin at the hairline above your ear, extend along the front of your ear, and then proceed into the hairline behind the ear. The length of your incision will depend on the type of surgery you are receiving. 

Tightening Facial Muscles

The incisions will allow us to gain access to the underlying muscles and tissues of your face. Correcting these is essential for giving your face a more lifted and youthful appearance. We may also remove excess fat from the area as well as any excess skin.

Repositioning Tissues and Incision Closure

When we reposition the skin, we allow it to drape naturally across your face, avoiding a tight or pulled look after surgery. Once the skin is in an aesthetically pleasing position, we will close the incisions, completing your facelift procedure. 

What to Expect From Your Facelift Recovery

After your rhytidectomy, you can expect to have some bruising, swelling, and soreness in the area. These are all normal parts of the recovery. We will help you to manage swelling and pain by giving you a prescription for pain medication. 

You can expect to stay home and rest for one to two weeks after your surgery, depending on the type of surgery you have. During this time, you should continue to avoid smoking or using tobacco products since this can slow the healing process. You should wear sunscreen when you go outside and care for your skin according to all of the instructions that your surgeon gives you after your surgery. 

Your Facelift Results

Results from facelift surgery can be long-lasting for many people. A mini facelift can continue providing results for five years or more while a full facelift can provide even longer results. If you want to maintain your facelift results, we recommend prioritizing the health of your skin and the rest of your body.

Focus on developing a good skincare routine that keeps your skin more elastic and youthful. Protect it with sunscreen every day since sun damage can cause skin laxity. Maintain a healthy diet and continue drinking plenty of water every day to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. For best results, avoid smoking or excessive amounts of alcohol. You can also plan to include special facial rejuvenation treatments such as microneedling or laser treatments to keep your skin revitalized and healthy. 

Lift and Tighten Your Face With a Rhytidectomy

At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver, Dr. Dastoury will take care of you during every step of the process. He is a double board certified cosmetic surgeon and brings a high level of dedication to our clinic. 

Your facelift surgery will take place in our hospital-affiliated facility. This is the same building where you will have your pre-procedure appointments, surgery, and postoperative appointments so that you can receive continuity in all of your appointments. 

If you want to resolve sags and wrinkles in your mid- and lower face and neck, you can consider our facelift surgeries in Denver, CO. Schedule a consultation with us today by filling out an online form or by calling (303) 470-3400