A facelift can counteract the effects of aging and help you look more like the person you remember. Aging can be a shock, as the person you see in the mirror no longer looks like how you envision yourself. So many factors can affect the aging process, including genetics, sun exposure, gravity, and overall health.
A facelift surgery can address skin laxity, thinning of facial fat, and the effects of gravity as the cheeks become hollow, jowls develop, and deep creases and folds form on the face. Through tightening and toning the skin and underlying tissue, it restores the shape of a youthful oval face, with the greatest fullness across the cheeks and tapering toward the chin.
For this reason, facelift surgery is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Dr. Steve Montante has performed countless successful facelifts in Richmond, providing dramatic improvement that looks natural. He also uses techniques that will make your results long-lasting.
Some patients opt to combine their facelift with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a neck lift, Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift, or rhinoplasty. Facial fillers or facial fat grafting can enhance the results of a facelift, and laser skin resurfacing can help to reduce fine lines on the skin’s surface.
What to Expect During a Facelift in our Richmond Office
A facelift can correct the following:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Wrinkles on the cheeks and mouth
- Loss of facial fullness from the cheeks to chin
- Hollowed cheeks
- Tear troughs under the eyes
- Nasolabial folds from the nose to the mouth
- Marionette lines from the cheek to the chin
Dr. Montante will spend time with you during your initial facelift surgery consultation in our Richmond office to hear your concerns and goals, as well as answer your questions. He will review your medical history, followed by an examination of your facial structure. This will allow him to recommend a surgical plan tailored specifically for you.
VECTRA 3D imaging will show you how you will look after your surgery and will ensure that you and Dr. Montante are in agreement about your surgical plan and predicted results. If you have less significant signs of aging, you might be a candidate for a mid face lift / mini lift using the MACS lift technique. Dr. Montante will advise you of all preparations to take prior to your operation. If you are a smoker, for example, you will need to stop for a period of time before surgery.
A facelift is usually performed using general anesthesia and takes approximately 3 hours. If you are having more than one surgical procedure at the same time, Dr. Montante may recommend you spend a night in the hospital. Dr. Montante makes several small incisions that are hidden within your hairline and extending behind the ear. The muscles, soft tissue, and skin are trimmed, if necessary, and lifted for a tighter but natural-looking appearance.
Recovery for Facelift Surgery in Richmond
Sutures are removed in about a week. Scars are hidden by your hair or behind your ears. You should be able to return to work and resume normal activities within 2 weeks. You should avoid strenuous exercise for about 6 weeks. The full results of your surgery will be visible in approximately 3 months, although you will see significant improvements shortly after the procedure.
Expect to feel some post-operative discomfort, but this can be managed with oral pain medication. You may also feel some weakness in your facial muscles for a few weeks. Some bruising and swelling are normal, but swelling can be reduced with cold compresses and elevating your head during sleep for the first few nights.
Dr. Montante will monitor your progress carefully in follow-up examinations. Turn back the clock with a facelift surgery in Richmond. Call us today to schedule a consultation to find out more about facelift surgery to combat the signs of aging.