A facelift in Phoenix can take years off the face by improving the sagging skin on the neck, jawline, and mid-face and leaving you with a refreshed, more youthful appearance. Dr. Craft also uses Renuvion cosmetic technology that delivers a proprietary blend of helium plasma and radiofrequency energy to gently contract tissue with exceptional control and precision. This allows for additional tightening and contouring of the neck and jawline above and beyond what he can achieve with surgery alone.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift takes the sagging facial skin and underlying supporting structures that comes with age and lifts and tightens it to make you appear years younger. Gravity can be particularly cruel to the area from your neck and jowls to the cheeks, and a facelift beautifully improves this area.
Key Benefits of a Facelift
- Reduces wrinkles, lines, and creases of the lower face and neck
- Removes sagging skin under the chin and jawline
- Tightens deeper tissues of face
- Re-positions volume around the jawline and cheeks to a higher position
Why get a facelift?
While there are many effective anti-aging treatments that are minimally invasive, once the aging process has reached a certain point, there is nothing that will turn back the clock in the same way a facelift will. A facelift procedure is far more effective than any other treatment or procedure, often taking 8-10 years off the face and lasting up to 15 years.
Sagging jowls, sunken cheeks, and deep lines and wrinkles require a facelift procedure to truly restore your youthful appearance. The results are tighter skin, defined facial features, and a natural-looking, beautifully rejuvenated face.
Before & After Facelift in Phoenix
Surgical Details
The right facelift technique for your particular needs will be determined by your facial structure, previous facial surgeries (if you’ve had any), and your desired outcome.
Facelifts can be performed on the upper, mid, or lower face alone, or on the entire face. A neck lift is often performed along with a facelift to enhance the results of the facelift and to achieve optimal results.
To begin your facelift procedure, you will be put under general anesthesia. Dr. Craft will draw on your face to show where your incisions will be, based on your surgical plan and which type of facelift you’re having.
Facelift surgery begins with an incision made in front of the ear, made as inconspicuously and carefully as is possible. Dr. Craft uses a perfected technique for this which results in the least conspicuous facelift scarring as can be achieved.
Once the incision is made, the following steps vary based on the type of facelift you’re having. Facelift types include:
- Deep plane
- SMAS
- Mini
- Traditional
- Facelift with fat transfer
- & Others
If your facelift is more extensive, other incision points may be used to achieve your aesthetic goals. What is common for every facelift is that Dr. Craft will sculpt, tighten and reposition the tissues of your face. He will tighten the underlying muscle, smooth unwanted fat pockets, and refine facial contours. Once this step is complete, he will redrape the skin over your face and trim away excess skin to achieve a natural-looking, firmer and more youthful appearance. The final step is artfully closing the incisions.
What happens during your Facelift consultation?
During your thorough consultation with Dr. Craft, he will carefully examine your face, study your skin type and facial concerns, take photographs and discuss your expectations about the facelift surgery, including target areas such as wrinkles, sagging cheeks or jowls and excess skin and fat on the neck. During this time, Dr. Craft will determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.
If you are a candidate, Dr. Craft will walk you through the procedure step by step, covering any risks, what to expect during recovery, and how to best prepare for this surgery. You will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions or talk over concerns, as Dr. Craft wants to be sure you feel comfortable and prepared. This is an important procedure for you, and Dr. Craft wants to ensure you are educated about it and feel confident going forward, without any pressure being placed on your decision to have the procedure.
How to prepare for a Facelift
- Have a medical evaluation with Dr. Craft to ensure you are fit for surgery.
- Stop taking or make adjustments to medication based on Dr. Craft’s instructions.
- If you smoke, stop smoking 3-6 weeks before your appointment.
- Stay hydrated to help ensure a faster recovery.
- Stop taking aspirin, Advil or any other anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements.
- As instructed, stop eating the night before surgery.
- Prepare for your recovery at home by arranging a comfortable environment in which to recuperate.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
Facelift candidates
If you’re interested in getting a facelift in Phoenix, you may be an ideal candidate. Individuals who are just starting to notice the appearance of sagging skin of the mid-face and neck are ideal candidates for the procedure. Ideal candidates also:
- Have enough sagging/excess skin for the surgery to be beneficial
- Have realistic expectations for what a facelift can accomplish
- Are in general good health
- Are non-smokers
- Are in their 40s to 70s
Recovery After Facelift Surgery
Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common in the first week after a facelift procedure. Dr. Craft may prescribe or recommend medication to help during this period. For the first few days post-op, you should rest and be sure to keep your head elevated, even during sleep. Limit your activity to walking and simple tasks. Your dressings will be removed within a couple of days, but you will still have some bruising, swelling, and soreness. Most patients decide to take 10 to 14 days off of work, and high-intensity exercise should be avoided for six weeks. You will be given thorough home care instructions to help with your recovery, and our staff is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Results
After the first week post-surgery, you will still have some bruising and swelling, but these subside greatly over the next few weeks. Most patients feel comfortable around others in 2 to 3 weeks. Although you’ll look great by week three, you may still have some slight swelling and occasional tingling or tightness in the treated area. Your scars might appear bright pink for a few months after surgery, and final facelift results are achieved within about four months. With a good skin care regimen, you can expect your results from your facelift in Phoenix to last up to ten years.
Facelift FAQs
What is the best age for a facelift?
There is no “right age” for a facelift because this varies from patient to patient. The age process affects each person differently. Regardless of age, if you have excess or sagging skin in the face and neck, this may be the best time for your facelift.
How much younger will a facelift make me look?
Depending on which type of facelift you choose, a facelift will take between 7-12 years off your face. According to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, two separate studies done recorded that patients rated themselves looking about 12 years younger after the surgery.
What are the different types of facelifts?
Mini-facelift - This shorter facelift procedure is generally done on patients with moderate signs of aging. It targets minimal or moderate skin sagging, early jowls and excess skin. Traditional Facelift - This is the usual facelift done to reposition the skin and muscles on the face and the neck, firm the jaw and reduce the effect of sagging muscles, wrinkles and deep lines. SMAS - SMAS, or Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System, refers to the system of muscles deep in the mid and lower face. The SMAS facelift addresses both the top layers of sagging skin and the muscular structure to lift the mid and lower face, creating a firmer, more youthful face and neck. Liquid Facelift - A nonsurgical facelift incorporates specially-designed combinations of facial fillers and skin injections to target wrinkles, contour the jawline and provide volume to the cheeks.
What is the cost of a facelift?
The cost varies depending on the type of procedure and the complexity of the surgery. You will be provided with a detailed quote tailored to the right approach for you within 24 hours of your consultation.
When will I see the results of my facelift?
For most patients, the final results will be visible after about three months.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for a facelift?
Facelift surgery is individualized for each patient. The best candidates for facelift surgery have sagging skin, wrinkles and unwanted fat deposits on their face and neck line.
Will I have scars after my facelift?
Yes. These are usually hidden in the hair.
How long will my facelift results last?
A facelift usually lasts up to 10 years.
How painful is a facelift?
A facelift recovery involves swelling and bruising and creates a sensation of fullness and pulling for the first week or so. Patients usually manage this with pain medication.
When can I go back to work?
Most patients return to work within a couple of weeks.
When can I exercise again after a facelift?
After about six weeks you should be able to exercise vigorously again.