Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
Face lifts are one of the most common cosmetic procedures for plastic surgeons to perform. Used to create a more youthful appearance, a facelift generally involves removing and tightening sagging skin to eliminate wrinkles and droopy areas of the face. In a typical full facelift, an incision is made along the hairline and the skin is disconnected from the deeper tissues. Excess skin is then removed and the remaining skin is tightened. The key to a successful facelift is producing a natural, youthful look without over-tightening the skin. Dr. Burstein’s extensive knowledge of facial anatomy allows him to tailor your look to enhance and rejuvenate your appearance.
Facelift FAQ
Q.) Will my skin appear stretched out after I have facelift surgery?
Many of my patients ask this question during their Atlanta, GA facelift consultation. While they want a rejuvenated appearance, they don’t want to come out of surgery with a “wind-blown” look, and even with a refreshed appearance, they still want to look like themselves. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all facelift, I like to look at each patient’s specific concerns and focus on the areas they need rejuvenation.
Q.) Do I need a traditional facelift if I’m only bothered by lines and wrinkles on my forehead?
While a facelift may be a viable option, if your signs of aging are solely expressed by lines and wrinkles on your forehead, you may be a more suitable candidate for a brow lift or upper facelift rather than a full facelift. To determine which procedure will best suit your needs, schedule a consultation.
Q.) Can a facelift reduce wrinkles and bags around my eyes?
During facelift surgery, a plastic surgeon removes excess tissue and then lifts the remaining tissue to tighten skin and reduce the signs of aging. Therefore, a facelift can help reduce wrinkles and bags that may start to appear around the eyes with age. However, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) specifically targets those signs of aging around the eyes. Dr. Burstein performs eyelid surgery, which can typically be in conjunction with a facelift, on the upper and/or lower eyelids to eliminate a hooded appearance, bags, and wrinkles around the eyes depending on the patient’s needs.
Q.) How long is facelift recovery time?
Most traditional facelift patients are able to get back to their normal routines within two weeks of surgery, but “mini” facelift procedures usually require less recovery time due to their less invasive nature.
Dr. Burstein Performs a Facelift Procedure
Mid-Facelift
Mid-facelifts target the middle of the face, helping to smooth areas like the cheeks, corners of the mouth, and under the eyes. Concentrating on the area between the corners of the eyes and the corners of the mouth, a mid-facelift involves an incision above the ear or inside the mouth above the cheekbone and tightens the mid-face area. This procedure is perfect for patients looking to revitalize their look with a less dramatic procedure than a full facelift.
Upper Facelift
An upper facelift involves small incisions near the hairline that allow the surgeon to move the skin toward the upper curves of the hairline. This procedure is similar to a forehead lift or a brow lift in that it eliminates wrinkles in the forehead, in between the eyebrows, and around the eyes. Scars from this procedure are normally hidden behind the hairline making them practically invisible. Just as with a full facelift, Dr. Burstein’s careful attention to detail and years of experience demonstrate his commitment to getting the results you desire.
Lower Facelift
Lower facelifts are ideal for eliminating the signs of aging in the lower face and neck area such as jowls and neck banding. By adjusting the underlying muscles and trimming excess skin and fat from the face that loosen with age, a lower facelift can refresh your appearance, making you look years younger. This procedure involves an incision at the ear and continues down behind the ear. A lower facelift addresses deeper wrinkles and raises the corners of the mouth. Using liposuction, Dr. Burstein can also remove fat from what is considered a double chin to give the lower third of the face a more youthful contour.
Mini Facelift Versions FAQ (Mid, lower and upper)
Q.) Is the recovery time associated with a “mini” facelift procedure shorter than that of the traditional facelift?
Because “mini” facelift procedures focus on specific areas of the face rather than the entire face, they do not require the extent of surgery (i.e. less anesthesia and smaller incisions) that a traditional facelift does. For instance, if signs of aging are isolated to your forehead, you may be a more suitable candidate for an upper facelift, which will have you back to your daily activities in about a week as opposed to two or three.
Q.) Can “mini” facelifts be combined (i.e. mid and upper facelift, lower and mid facelift, or an upper and lower facelift)?
Although partial facelifts can be combined, the more areas you have treated during one surgical procedure, the longer your facial plastic surgery recovery time will be. Most people choose a mini (partial) facelift over the traditional procedure for the shorter recovery time, so while they can absolutely be combined, these patients should be aware of that the amount of anesthesia and recovery time needed will increase with added procedures.
Q.) How do I know which partial facelift best suits my needs?
Partial “mini” facelifts are designed to meet a patient’s specific facial rejuvenation needs. That means if your skin’s starting to sag on the lower part of the face, Dr. Burstein will address that area with a lower facelift (neck lift). Likewise, if you’re bothered by lines around your mouth and other signs of aging in the middle part of your face, Dr. Burstein will perform a mid facelift to correct these concerns.
Q.) If I have a “mini” procedure now can I have another partial facelift in the future?
Yes, many patients view partial facelifts as maintenance facelifts. Rather than waiting until their symptoms require a traditional facelift, they treat specific areas of concern as needed.
