The Ultimate Guide to Facelifts: Everything You Need to Know

As we age, the combined effects of gravity and a decrease in collagen production can lead to loose or sagging skin on the face. While this is a natural part of aging, many individuals desire a more youthful appearance by tightening or removing this excess skin. At Dr. Ghazizadeh, M.D. Facial Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, a facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, can help make this wish a reality.

Before deciding to undergo this procedure, it's essential to understand what a rhytidectomy entails and how it is performed. Let’s delve into the specifics of what a facelift involves, explore the various types we offer, and explain how each is performed.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, known medically as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical intervention aimed at revitalizing the face by eliminating surplus skin and adjusting the underlying facial tissues and muscles. This procedure is highly sought after by those looking to mitigate noticeable signs of aging, including: 

• Loose and sagging skin
• Wrinkles and fine lines around the midface
• Hollow or sunken cheeks
• Deep creases and folds around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
• Diminished facial contours and definition

As illustrated, a rhytidectomy is a versatile procedure capable of addressing multiple concerns simultaneously.

Types of Facelift Procedures

If you're contemplating a facelift, it's crucial to understand the various options available. We provide several facelift procedures to suit your unique needs.

• Lower Facelift
• Mini Facelift
• Mid-Facelift
• Full Facelift
• Deep Plane Facelift

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is perfect for those with mild signs of aging. This procedure targets sagging skin on the lower half of the face and neck, featuring smaller incisions and a quicker recovery time compared to more invasive methods. It effectively addresses early signs of aging by tightening loose skin, enhancing jawline definition, and softening nasolabial folds.

Full Facelift

A full facelift, also known as a traditional facelift, is more comprehensive and invasive than a mini facelift, offering improvements across the entire face and neck. This option is ideal for those with moderate to severe sagging, jowls, wrinkles, and other significant signs of aging. It is preferred by individuals seeking more dramatic results and a tighter, more youthful facial profile.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift  goes beyond the traditional approach by targeting the deeper facial muscles and structures. This procedure involves lifting and tightening the underlying muscles to restore lost volume and achieve a more youthful appearance. Due to its extensive nature, a deep plane facelift tends to provide the most substantial and lasting results.

Understanding Facelift Surgery

Prior to your surgery, we will provide specific guidelines to prepare for the procedure, such as discontinuing certain medications or supplements. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for optimal results. While each facelift technique has its nuances, the basic steps are generally the same and include:

• Administering Anesthesia
• Creating the Incision
• Adjusting Facial Tissues
• Eliminating Excess Skin
• Suturing the Incisions

Below, we explore these steps in more detail and explain how they differ among various facelift types.

Administering Anesthesia

The initial step in any facelift procedure is administering the appropriate anesthesia. Due to the length of the surgery, which can take up to six hours, facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia. However, mini facelifts may be done under local anesthesia with sedation if general anesthesia is not preferred.

Creating the Incision

The next step involves making the incision. The type of incision used depends on the specific facelift procedure. Traditional and deep-plane facelifts use an incision that runs along the hairline from the temples, around the ears, and down to the lower scalp. In contrast, a mini facelift uses smaller incisions that follow the natural contours of the ears and hairline.

Adjusting Facial Tissues

In the last phase, we carefully close the incisions using a selection of techniques, such as traditional sutures, dissolvable sutures, or skin glue. Our utmost priority is to ensure that, regardless of the facelift type, the incisions are positioned discreetly in inconspicuous areas, reducing their visibility for a seamlessly natural result.

Eliminating Excess Skin

After repositioning the underlying structures, the skin is gently pulled to its new position, and any excess skin is trimmed away. This step helps to smooth out wrinkles and creases and eliminate sagging skin.

Suturing the Incisions

At the final stage, the incisions are meticulously closed using either traditional sutures, dissolvable sutures, or skin glue. Our priority is to ensure that regardless of the type of facelift, the incisions are strategically located in inconspicuous areas, minimizing their visibility for a more natural outcome.

What to Expect During Rhytidectomy Recovery

After the surgery, you'll spend a few hours in the recovery room before being discharged. The duration of full recovery varies based on the type of facelift, typically ranging from two to six weeks. While most patients can resume their regular activities within two to three weeks, there may be some limitations on strenuous physical exertion. Throughout the recovery process, you'll notice a gradual enhancement in the results of your facelift.

Discover the Ideal Facelift Procedure for Your Needs

If you're contemplating a facelift, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghazizadeh, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA. During this consultation, we'll thoroughly discuss your concerns, evaluate your overall health and skin condition, and tailor a personalized facelift plan that aligns with your needs. Reach out to us today to book your consultation and embark on your journey towards rejuvenation.