Facelift in San Diego, CA
Men and women who want to rejuvenate their facial appearance and eliminate signs of aging in Southern California can take advantage of the excellent comprehensive care provided at Pollack Plastic Surgery, located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, and serving residents of La Jolla, Alpine, and surrounding local communities.
What constitutes a Facelift?
A facelift (or rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to refresh the facial appearance by reshaping the muscle and fatty tissue in the face, improving facial contour, and creating a smoother, tighter appearance by lifting and trimming away sagging skin. A facelift is often combined with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or forehead lift.
How much does a Facelift cost in San Diego, CA?
Because the facelift is customized for each patient depending on the extent of tissue to be re-sculpted, costs will vary between patients. To help patients manage costs not covered by health insurance, Pollack Plastic Surgery provides simple financing options for all our patients. Our office also accepts payments in cash, personal checks, and credit cards for your convenience.
Why should I consider a Facelift?
If you are beginning to notice sagging, lack of definition in the facial region, jowls along the jawline, or the accumulation of fat beneath the jaw creating a double chin, a facelift can correct all of those conditions. A facelift restores a smooth and youthful facial appearance by eliminating sagging skin around the face, neck, and jaw, as well as erasing lines, creases, wrinkles, and folds, creating a smooth, tight contour. Every facelift procedure is customized for each patient, and in some cases, fat may be transferred and repositioned from one part of the face to another to fill in areas that have become hollowed or sunken.
Am I a good candidate for a Facelift?
You may be an ideal candidate for a facelift if you are a healthy adult who wants to eliminate signs of aging; however, based on certain factors, our doctors may recommend an alternative procedure. Your candidacy will be determined during your initial consultation when our surgeon evaluates the following factors:
- The overall condition of your skin: A facelift is generally more successful in patients whose skin still retains some suppleness and elasticity.
- Your underlying bone structure: Your facial bone structure must provide the required support for fat and tissue that is relocated during a facelift procedure.
- Your weight: If you are in the process of dramatic weight loss, it may be best to postpone the procedure until you have reached your ideal weight since future weight loss might create additional sagging skin that would need to be removed later.
- Your overall health and lifestyle: As with any surgical procedure, patients must be in good overall health, free from any major medical conditions, and a non-smoker.
What happens during a Facelift?
The facelift is a surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. It requires an incision above the hairline beginning at the temples and extending along the natural hairline and then in front of, and behind, the ear. During the procedure, the surgeon will lift skin and muscle tissue and separate it from the underlying bone structure, allowing access for fatty tissue to be removed or relocated and tightening of the underlying muscle tissue. Excess sagging skin is trimmed away, and the remaining skin is repositioned and pulled tautly.
Recovery after a Facelift
You should plan to have someone drive you home after the surgery and provide basic care at home while you rest quietly for a few days. Immediately after the surgery, your head will be wrapped in a bandage to help alleviate swelling and protect sensitive tissue. After a few days, the bandages will be removed, and you will be free to shower and wash your hair. Sutures will be removed in about two weeks, at which point you may begin to gradually resume light activity. Full recovery requires a period of four to six weeks, during which you may gradually increase your activity levels, and any residual swelling will subside, revealing the full results of the facelift procedure.
Does a Facelift leave scars?
A facelift leaves a hairline scar that is typically camouflaged by the natural hairline and contours of the ear. In some cases, scars may be hidden in natural creases of the face and neck. These scars are very thin and barely visible, and will eventually fade.
Are the results of a Facelift considered permanent?
The removal of fatty tissue may be considered permanent; however, even though a facelift can take years off your appearance, it cannot eliminate gravity or the natural aging process, and several factors may affect the results of your facelift, such as your age, overall skin condition, and lifestyle.
For example, in younger patients, the results will last much longer, due to the suppleness and condition of the younger skin. If your skin lacks elasticity as a consequence of aging, sun damage, smoking, or weight fluctuations, it will naturally become more vulnerable to the aging process and may exhibit signs of aging again after a few years.
Proper care of your skin will also extend the duration of your results. Daily protection against sun exposure through the use of a product with a minimum 30 SPF is critical. You should also avoid smoking and maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise routine for optimal, long-lasting results. Depending on your age at the time of the original procedure, you may wish to have a follow-up treatment after several years.
If you long to restore your youthful facial appearance, improve facial contour and eliminate sagging skin, contact Pollack Plastic Surgery. Located in the Hillcrest area of San Diego, our facility provides facelifts and other cosmetic procedures with excellent results for residents of San Diego, La Jolla, Alpine, and surrounding communities in California.