Facelift FAQs
What is a facelift?
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery designed to ‘turn back the clock’ on aging of the face and neck. The procedure focuses on re-orienting and re- distributing the soft tissues of the midface and cheek, lower face and jaw line, as well as below the jaw in the neck. The surgery can smooth wrinkles and creases, while ‘lifting’ droopy skin and deeper tissues that have started to sag with time.
How long is the procedure?
This is a heavily individualized process, and based on this specific needs of the patient as well as the additional procedures, surgery can last from a couple to several hours. It is an outpatient procedure, and patients need to arrange for transportation to and from surgery as well as care overnight the first night after surgery.
How long do the results of a facelift last?
While a facelift can ‘turn back the clock’ on facial aging, surgery unfortunately does not ‘stop’ the clock. There are a variety of factors that can affect the longevity of surgical results, however with modern facelifting techniques patients can expect to enjoy their results for up to a decade or slightly more.
Where is surgery performed?
While more limited facial rejuvenation procedures can be done in-office, we perform facelift and necklift procedures in the operating room setting here in Lawrence, KS.
What can I expect for recovery after surgery?
Facelift surgery is generally very well tolerated from a pain standpoint, with the majority of soreness improving over the first few days after surgery. Bruising and swelling can take up to 2-3 weeks after surgery to resolve. Patients see Dr. McCann 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery to ensure your optimal healing process and outcome, and additional visits are spaced further apart over the following months. Activities such as strenuous physical activity can be resumed a couple of weeks after surgery once the majority of swelling and bruising have resolved.
Am I a good candidate for facelift surgery?
Great question! There is no ‘perfect time’ or ‘perfect reason’ to undergo this procedure. Each person’s aging process and goals for their appearance are unique, and the best place to start answering this question is a face-to-face conversation with a qualified surgeon such as Dr. McCann. The goals of this conversation and your treatment are driven by you as the patient, so we can help you feel and look as good as possible.