Facelift & Neck Lift

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Facelift – Creating a Natural Appearance

When plastic surgeons evaluate a face for rejuvenation, they take all of its parts into consideration, including the forehead, cheeks, eyes, chin and neck. They even look at such things as the nasal tip and the earlobes, which can, in some people, droop and add to an aged appearance. It is very important for us to assess each face in its entirety because the final goal of facelift surgery for Scottsdale and Phoenix residents is a natural, aesthetic and blended appearance. The various parts of a face maintain a natural balance during the aging process, and if the different components become too “out of sync,” a person’s face can take on an unnatural appearance. In some people, certain facial regions appear to age faster than other parts, and in these cases, more limited rejuvenation can achieve an excellent result.

Who Is a Good Facelift Candidate?

Contrary to popular belief, the majority of patients seeking plastic surgery are not women who, for the first time in their later years, seek out a plastic surgeon and ask for “the works.” Women and men are seeking rejuvenation at a much younger age and asking for less extensive maintenance-type procedures. At some point, however, nonsurgical treatments are no longer enough to achieve the patient’s aesthetic goals, and a facelift is the best solution.

In more advanced cases of facial aging, individuals may need to recontour the deeper face and neck tissues, in addition to removing excess skin, to provide the best outcome. Dr. Sigalove offers a range of techniques available to fit the needs of each individual patient.

How Long Does It Take To Recover After a Facelift?

Recovery from a facelift and neck lift varies per patient but generally follows this timeline:

• First few days: Rest is essential during the initial recovery phase. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common but can be managed with prescribed pain medication and cold compresses. Bandages may be applied to protect the surgical area.
• 1 to 2 weeks: Many patients feel comfortable resuming light activities and may return to work within 10 to 14 days. Swelling and bruising begin to subside, but it’s important to avoid strenuous activities for a few more weeks.
• 3 to 4 weeks: You can gradually resume low-impact exercises and most daily activities. The majority of swelling diminishes, and incisions begin to fade. Makeup can often be used to conceal any lingering discoloration.
• 6 weeks and beyond: By this stage, most patients feel fully recovered and can resume all activities, including high-impact exercise. Scars continue to fade, and the final results of your facelift and neck lift become increasingly apparent over the next several months.

Our caring plastic surgeons provide personalized recovery guidance and support to ensure a smooth healing process and the best possible results.

If you are interested in learning more about what to expect during facelift recovery, we encourage you to read our Post-Op FAQ. It offers information about postoperative issues such as care for incisions, time away from work, and the ability to engage in exercise and other activities.

Facelift Alternatives

In the milder cases of facial aging, subtle removal of excess skin combined with a skin-fitness program can significantly improve a patient’s youthful appearance. Often, our surgeons will also recommend facial resurfacing with a non-invasive energy device or chemical peel if the skin has signs of significant sun damage or fine wrinkling. Our aesthetician is an expert on these topics and is open to discuss different options with our patients.

Popular Procedures to Complement a Facelift

Other facial cosmetic surgery procedures can be performed at the same time to maintain facial harmony. Popular options include:

Regardless of which techniques our patients and our surgeons choose, we always strive for a natural result. People, in general, do not want to look excessively pulled, and they do not want to look like someone else. It has been our board-certified plastic surgeons’ experience that patients just want to look like a younger, natural, and refreshed version of themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a deep plane facelift?

A deep plane facelift is a surgical technique similar to the traditional SMAS facelift, which focuses on elevating the tissue and muscle instead of pulling the skin tight. This approach creates natural-looking results but is more invasive than a traditional facelift.

What’s a liquid facelift, and how is it different than a surgical facelift?

A liquid facelift blends injectable treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers to temporarily smooth wrinkles, restore volume, and lift the face without surgery. While effective for mild to moderate signs of aging, it cannot address significant sagging or provide the long-lasting results of a surgical facelift.

What’s the best age to get a facelift?

There is no “perfect” age for a facelift; it depends on individual aging concerns. Most patients are in their 40s to 60s when they seek a facelift, but, as this blog post shares, good candidates usually have noticeable sagging, jowling, or deep wrinkles regardless of their exact age. We enjoy helping people of all ages rejuvenate their look and feel their best!

How painful is facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery itself is not painful because you are placed under anesthesia. Postoperative discomfort is usually mild and well-managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients report feeling tightness or soreness rather than significant pain. Our surgeons provide detailed post-op instructions to enhance your comfort during healing.

Is facelift surgery always combined with a neck lift?

Facelift surgery is often combined with a neck lift for more comprehensive rejuvenation, especially if there is loose skin or banding in the neck. However, the procedures can be performed separately based on your specific needs. We’ll explore your options and recommend the best approach during your personalized consultation.

What’s the most natural-looking facelift?

A natural-looking facelift focuses on subtle, harmonious results rather than dramatic changes. Our surgeons tailor their approach based on the severity of your aging symptoms. They strategically lift and reposition deeper layers of tissue to avoid an overly “pulled” appearance. The key to a natural-looking facelift lies in choosing an experienced facial plastic surgeon who can customize your facelift so that you look like a naturally younger version of yourself.

Take the Next Step

Request a cosmetic consultation to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sigalove. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have about facial sculpting procedures. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sigalove welcomes patients from all over Arizona, as well as other states and countries. Our facility serves Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley.

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