Question 1

What is the typical age for a facelift?

Accepted Answer

The typical age of a facelift patient has been trending lower and lower in recent years to early and mid 40’s as more patients are realizing the benefits of having the procedure sooner rather than later.  Numeral age is not as important as degree of changes with laxity of skin, muscle, and fat pads in the face.  A thorough examination and analysis during your consult with Dr. Carson Huynh will help you determine if a facelift is appropriate for you.

Question 2

What is a SMAS facelift?

Accepted Answer

The SMAS name in a facelift is an abbreviation for the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System, which is a layer of tissue under the skin.  During a facelift, the SMAS tissue is carefully dissected from its attachment to the underlying tissue and repositioned in a higher position to create a more youthful appearance.  This technique of facelifting gives more natural and longer lasting results than superficial facelifting technique where little  to no dissection is done to reposition the SMAS.

Question 3

What is the difference between a Extended Deep Plane Facelift and a Mini-facelift?

Accepted Answer

A traditional deep plane facelift is the gold standard for correction of tissue laxity along the cheeks and jawline.  The deep plane facelift technique gives more superior and long lasting results compared to a mini facelift.  A mini facelift is typically lower in cost but your results will not last as long and will typically require another treatment after several years.

Question 4

How should I prepare for my facelift consultation?

Accepted Answer

You can prepare for your facelift consultation by asking yourself what are your realistic expectations and discuss this openly with your cosmetic surgeon.  If your spouse will be involved in your financial decision or supporting you with your postoperative care, it is important for him/her to be present during your consultation as well.

Question 5

How long does a facelift procedure take?

Accepted Answer

A facelift usually takes about 3 hours to complete.  Facial aesthetic surgery work requires time for meticulous work and attention to detail.  When combined with additional procedures such as brow, eyelid, or neck lift, surgery may last for 8 hours or more.  This is perfectly safe and typical for healthy patients.    During your consultation, your facelift surgeon can provide more detailed treatment plan that can meet your specific needs.

Question 6

How should I prepare for my facelift surgery day?

Accepted Answer

Prior to your facelift surgery day, be sure to review your preoperative instructions provided during the pre op visit.  Avoid taking any medications that could increase your risk of bleeding/bruising.  Maintain a healthy balanced diet to optimize your healing and recovery.  You should also pick up prescribed medications ahead of your surgery day.  Those with a prior history of nausea sensitivity should apply the anti nausea medication patch the evening before surgery.

Question 7

What is the recovery time for a facelift?

Accepted Answer

Recovery after a facelift procedure is a gradual process with a social downtime of 7 to 10 days.  The vast majority of swelling and bruising resolved after the first week.  Sutures are typically removed after 5-7 days and makeup can be applied to camouflage residual bruising during the second week.  Minor residual swelling may remain for several weeks and you will look your best after 2 months out.

Question 8

How long will the benefits of a facelift last?

Accepted Answer

Although results can vary, the benefits of facelift should last many years and in some cases forever.  A facelift can help turn back the clock by 5-10 years, but it can’t stop the clock.  It’s important to take care of your skin and face after a facelift to enjoy the benefits for many years to come.

Question 9

How do I prolong my results?

Accepted Answer

A well done deep plane facelift will have natural long lasting results for many years.  For best results, minor adjunctive treatments such as dermal fillers and skin resurfacing with chemical peels, microneedling combined with sun protection are recommended.

Question 10

When can I work out after my facelift procedure?

Accepted Answer

After your facelift, light exercise such as walking is encouraged as soon as you feel comfortable to do so.  You should refrain from more strenuous exercise such as running or aerobics for at least 2 weeks.  Your doctor will advise you for more specific activities along the way as you make progress with your recovery.

Question 11

How soon after facelift can I go out in public or return to work?

Accepted Answer

Recovery time after facelift surgery can vary, most patients can return to social settings after 7-10 days.  Swelling and bruising are to be expected during the first week.  You may wear makeup to camouflage residual bruising after the first week.  You can return to office and desk work after 2 to 3 days.

Question 12

What can I expect from my facelift result?

Accepted Answer

Results from a well done facelift should be natural, youthful, and long lasting.  Once incisions are well healed, no one should be able to tell that you’ve had a facelift from across the dinner table.

Question 13

Are there non-surgical options for a facelift?

Accepted Answer

Facelift surgery is considered the gold standard in facial rejuvenation which can give natural, long lasting results.  Nonsurgical treatment alternatives such as dermal fillers and PDO threads can also provide less dramatic and shorter lasting results.

Question 14

What is the difference between a liquid facelift and a traditional facelift?

Accepted Answer

A liquid facelift refers to injection of dermal fillers in order to sculpt and lift facial structures such as the cheeks. Results of liquid facelift can be further enhanced when combined with treatment using PDO threads to lift the facial skin more effectively without open incisions of a traditional facelift.

Question 15

What are the risks of a facelift procedure?

Accepted Answer

Although facelift is generally very safe in healthy patients, there are potential risks you should know about and to discuss with your doctor.  Excess bleeding can increase your risk for a hematoma which is a collection of blood under the skin which may require evacuation.  Although rare, nerve injury and infection are other potential risks of the procedure.

Question 16

How much does a facelift cost?

Accepted Answer

At Radiance Plastic Surgery &amp; Aesthetic Medicine, the cost of a facelift starts at $8,000 for the surgeon's fee plus anesthesia and operating room fees.  Many patients often combine facelift with additional procedures such as neck lift, brow and forehead lift, eyelid and lip lift, etc. for comprehensive facial rejuvenation and best results.  At Radiance Plastic Surgery, we offer additional savings when combining multiple procedures.  You also have additional savings with reduced anesthesia and operating room facility costs this way.

Question 17

Will I have drains after my facelift surgery?

Accepted Answer

By combining meticulous surgical techniques with careful management of the patient's blood pressure, Dr. Huynh typically does not have to use drains after facelift and neck lift.  In addition, he also use a tissue fibrin product called Artiss, which minimizes postoperative bleeding and bruising for quicker healing.

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