Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
Facelift (Rhytidectomy)
A facelift is a procedure that addresses visible signs of aging in the lower face and upper neck, such as loss of muscle tone, loose skin, and jowling. These issues can make individuals appear to be older than they actually are, which can result in a loss of self-confidence or general dissatisfaction with one’s appearance.
This aging of the face is caused by a combination of factors, but is primarily due to a diminished production of collagen, gravity, and weakened supportive tissue, all of which play a role in the skin and muscles beginning to move downward and losing its elasticity and firmness.
Patients who are unhappy with this change in appearance may be excellent candidates for a facelift procedure. At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, we offer a full range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, specializing in facial reconstruction, facial surgery, corrective jaw surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and wisdom tooth removal. If you would like to learn more about our services, or schedule an appointment for a facelift, contact us today. New patients are welcome and a referral from another doctor is not required.
The Facelift Procedure
The following options are effective in minimizing the aging process that can be present in the neck and lower face:
- Facelift: The SMAS layer is tightened, which improves the laxity of the skin from the jaw line to the cheekbone.
- Mini Face Lift: Shorter incisions and less skin are removed, which results in a subtler correction and less invasive surgery.
- Neck Lift: Eliminates “turkey neck” by creating a smoother, slimmer appearance of the upper neck by tightening neck muscles and removing unnecessary skin.
- Adjunctive Procedures: Supplementary procedures that treat the lips, chin, lower and upper eyelids, cheeks, nose, lips, skin, hairline, and brow/forehead. Procedures include fat transfer, skin resurfacing, injectable fillers, and other options.
At your initial consultation, we will discuss what your goals are in pursuing a facelift procedure. We will also perform a thorough examination of your face and review your medical history to determine whether or not you are a viable candidate for this procedure.
Each surgical technique involves slightly different steps, but in general, a facelift procedure will involve tightening the skin, muscle repair, and excising excess tissue. Surgery typically takes between 2-4 hours, but this can vary depending upon the severity of the individual case. Once surgery is complete, recovery will typically consist of keeping your head elevated for one week and applying dressings. It is common for patients to experience swelling and some bruising immediately following surgery, but this will typically go away after two or three weeks.
Facelift (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for a facelift?
Facelifts are generally recommended for patients who have issues affecting the lower face. If you have jowling around the jawline, sagging occurring in the mid-face, or loose skin through your neck, a facelift may be right for you.
Will this procedure improve or remove my crow’s feet and frown lines?
Because this procedure is designed to improve signs of aging that develop in the lower section of the faction, issues like crow’s feet and frown lies which typically manifest in the area of the forehead or eyes will generally not be improved by a facelift. If you are looking to improve these areas, talk to your dentist or physician about brow lifts, eyelid surgery, BOTOX, or other surgical or nonsurgical treatment options that can help address lax skin, wrinkles, or lines that have developed in the upper section of the upper face.
How old do I have to be to get a facelift?
There is no ideal age when a facelift should be performed, but due to advancements in surgical techniques, facelifts can now be performed on patients in their early 40s, though this procedure is typically reserved for patients who require preventative measures to stymie early onset aging. Performing this procedure at a younger age has the added benefit of the skin being more elastic, compared to older patients.
What will the surgery and recovery process be like?
Due to minimally invasive surgical technique, most patients who have a facelift will benefit from a short surgical procedure and fast recovery time, although it is important that patients plan on allowing a few days recovery period. It is common for patients to experience initial facial soreness following surgery, though this can be mitigated with oral pain medication. Swelling and bruising typically goes away after one week and residual discoloration will typically be gone or easily covered by makeup within two weeks of the recovery process.
What are the risks involved?
As with any surgical procedure, the risks of having a facelift performed include infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia. Though uncommon, additional concerns include persistent pain or numbness, contour irregularities, or nerve injury.
Cost of Facelift
The cost of your facelift will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your condition, any unique oral or health issues you have that may complicate the procedure, and what type of insurance plan you have. Our office will file your claim, handle the paperwork, and ensure you maximize your insurance reimbursement. The remaining balance following your insurance coverage will be your responsibility.
Prior to performing the procedure, we will discuss the expected cost, as well as payment plan options that are available to you, such as Lending Club and Care Credit, which offer 6 and 12 month interest-free payment plans.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, we are committed to treating our patients the way we would expect to be treated. Because Dr. Haigney is a Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, you can be confident you will receive care that implements the latest dental advancements and is informed by current research and best practices, resulting in you achieving the results you deserve.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, contact our staff at (704) 255-5888 or request an appointment online.