what is a Facelift?
Skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi performs a full spectrum of facial rejuvenation treatments in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., and Beverly Hills, CA. At Mesbahi Plastic Surgery, we offer surgical facelifts and liquid facelifts to address a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. Based upon your unique concerns, a facelift can focus on the lines and wrinkles near the eyes, the mid-face, the bottom portion of the mouth, or your full profile for an all-encompassing treatment. The facelift technique used depends on your cosmetic goals, general health, degree of skin laxity, age, lifestyle, and other factors. Some men and women want a full facelift while others may only want a liquid lift. Dr. Mesbahi is an experienced surgeon who has helped countless men and women to achieve a refreshed and natural-looking appearance with facial rejuvenation treatments.
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What are the benefits of a facelift?
As we age, our skin undergoes various changes, leading to sagging skin, wrinkles, and a more worn appearance. A facelift, skillfully performed by Dr. Mesbahi, can effectively address these age-related concerns. The benefits of a facelift include:
- Tightening sagging skin
- Strengthening facial muscles for a more youthful appearance
- Improving facial contours
- Addressing wrinkles, crow's feet, and other signs of aging
Dr. Mesbahi's expertise in facelifts ensures results that look natural and enhance your overall confidence and satisfaction with your appearance.
who is a Candidate for a facelift?
Ideal candidates for a facelift have noticeable facial wrinkles and lines, whether it be on the entire face or on the upper, mid, or lower sections. A surgical or nonsurgical facelift can address many aspects, depending on your unique signs of aging. The treatment chosen will be different for patients who are between 30 and 40 years old vs. those who are over 60.
How Is A Surgical Facelift Performed?
Regardless of your aesthetic concerns, there are numerous facelifts available. Some facelifts rejuvenate the upper area of the face while others focus on the middle and lower. In addition, some techniques are a bit more invasive than others. It's very common for some patients to have an eyelid lift, brow lift, or BOTOX and fillers to complement and enhance their results. Some of the more known facelift techniques include:
- Full Facelift
A common surgery for older adults, the full facelift generally puts an incision along the hairline, extending down to the temple region, reaching the base of the ears. The deeper layer of facial tissues and muscles are delicately stretched and securely tightened to create a lifted appearance, which reduces excessive loose skin and droopy features. This facelift is reserved for individuals who have signs of advanced aging. With this lift, various techniques may be used, including an eyelid lift to enhance the eyes or a neck lift for the lower region. - Mid-Facelift
Incorporating a similar method to the mini facelift, the mid-facelift (cheeks) addresses the droopy features close to the cheekbones, as well as the upper jaw. This lift works great for those who seek improvement in the middle to lower region of the face, including the jowls. - Lower Facelift
This lift corrects the chin area and neck and sometimes the jowls. Nonsurgical methods, such as a KYBELLA injection, can also be applied for chin augmentation to attain a younger, tighter-looking neck. - Mini Facelift
When undergoing a mini facelift, a thin, small incision is placed around the ears to lift the skin to a higher position, which affects the mouth and jawline. This method creates subtle improvements that look natural.
What Is A Liquid Facelift?
A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical procedure that allows patients to experience the benefits of a facelift without having to undergo a major aesthetic surgery. A liquid facelift uses a combination of injectable wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers to enhance the face. Fillers add volume to achieve a natural fullness while relaxers help smooth facial lines and wrinkles for a softer profile. During your initial visit, Dr. Mesbahi will build a custom treatment plan that meets your specific goals. On the day of your appointment, the specific combination of injectables will be administered to various areas of the face. Since this is a minimally invasive procedure, patients will be free to go home immediately afterward.
What To Expect after your Facelift
The recovery period will look different, depending on whether you undergo a surgical or nonsurgical facelift. With a surgical lift, you can expect to experience some bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort, but these sensations are normal. Typically, most patients feel and look better after about 2 – 4 weeks. For those who received a liquid facelift, you may experience some swelling and bruising, but optimal results are usually seen after about 7 – 10 days. The results of a liquid facelift are temporary, and if you'd like to maintain your results, future touch-ups will be needed. Patients often return every 4 – 6 months to refresh their results.
facelift faqs
Which technique is best for me?
The best technique for you will depend on your concerns, goals, level of skin laxity, what areas are being addressed, and other factors. To produce your best results, Dr. Mesbahi will go over the different surgical techniques and injectables in your consultation. He will then help you decide which approach is best for you.
Should I get a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?
Although a nonsurgical facelift can provide stunning results, it's not as long-lasting as a surgical lift and cannot address loose skin. If you have moderate to severe skin sagging, a surgical facelift is the best choice to improve your appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Mesbahi will discuss your options to help you decide which is best for your goals.
Will my results look natural?
Many patients worry that a facelift will make their skin look too tight, shiny, or like they live in a wind tunnel. Dr. Mesbahi focuses on giving you a natural-looking result so you look refreshed and not fake. He listens to your concerns and goals before developing your personal treatment plan with the technique that will produce your best results.
How long does a facelift procedure take?
The surgery typically takes between 2 – 5 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether additional surgeries are performed simultaneously.
Will there be visible scars after a facelift?
Scars are typically hidden in natural skin creases and along the hairline. With proper care, they fade significantly over time and become less noticeable.
Can I have a facelift if I smoke?
Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Our team at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery recommends quitting smoking at least several weeks before and after the surgery.?
The Right Facelift for You
A facelift can make you look years younger and create an overall rejuvenated appearance. Patients can also choose from a surgical facelift or liquid lift to achieve their aesthetic goals. If you'd like to learn more about how this procedure can restore your profile, reach out to Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA today to schedule a private consultation. We look forward to meeting you.