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Facelift

Facelift surgery is designed to tighten loose skin on the lower third of the face, the neck, and the jawline. The facelift procedure refreshes the natural facial symmetry unique to each individual while removing major folds and wrinkles on the face and neck that naturally occur with aging. The neck and jawline regain more youthful definition. Facelift surgery has grown in popularity over the years, making it the third most desired facial cosmetic surgery procedure.

Who Can Benefit From Facelift Surgery?

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Men and Women

The best results are seen in candidates with reasonable surgical expectations of looking rested, refined, and naturally vibrant. Healthy men and women with facial softening and sagging or laxity in the neck and jowls generally see great improvement.

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Healthy Individuals

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery include healthy individuals who do not smoke and do not have any underlying medical conditions that may limit healing. All patients are evaluated for candidacy during their consultation.

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All Ages

Facelift surgery can be performed on adults of any age. However, most individuals are in their 40s and beyond when they undergo facelift surgery.

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Facelift Techniques

Facelift

A standard facelift is designed for the more mature face that not only has laxity of the skin but also has muscles in the lower face that have relaxed. This patient may have “neck bands” and/or facial fat that has collected under the chin. Most often, the neckline has lost its definition and youthful angles. The incisions begin much as in the mini-lift but extend behind the ear and up into the hairline behind the ear. This facelift addresses all areas of the lower face and neck by tightening the underlying muscle, followed by trimming and redraping the facial skin. Frequently, another incision is made under the chin that allows Dr. Hand to tighten the muscles in the neck that have separated and cause banding and also to remove fat deposits. A neck suspension is also commonly done to improve neck definition.

Mini-Lift

The mini-lift is designed for the younger person who observes a general loosening of his or her face but has no major folds or wrinkles. The incision begins hidden in the hair above the ear and continues in the natural curve in front of the ear, finishing at the base of the ear or slightly behind it. Minimal swelling can be expected since no muscle correction is done.

Mid-Facelift

This procedure is always performed by Dr. Hand on the patient who chooses lower lid blepharoplasty (eyelift) as a facial rejuvenation choice. Through the lower lid blepharoplasty incision, the malar fat pads are repositioned and the mid-face is lifted vertically to assist in softening the nasolabial lines (the lines between the nose and the lip).

Concerns About the Healing Process

Recovery

A compressive dressing will be wrapped around the head immediately after surgery and will be changed to a looser dressing the next day by Dr. Hand. On the third postoperative day, the dressing may be removed and the patient should shower and gently wash the hair. Most patients will see swelling and bruising subsiding within 1 to 3 weeks depending on the amount of muscle correction. Generally, the more extensive the procedure, the longer swelling continues. Sutures in front of the ear are removed at 4 days after facelift surgery. The sutures behind the ear will be removed at 10 days to 2 weeks after the procedure.

Scars

Most patients will find that their incision lines fade quickly and that scars become difficult to visualize within months of the procedure. It is always recommended that sunscreen and a hat be utilized when outside until the incision lines have totally faded. Cover-up creams may be used after about 7 days to cover redness.

Cost

The cost of facelift surgery will vary from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including the extent of correction required and whether they are combined with other procedures. Dr. Hand will provide you with a cost estimate for your facelift procedure during your initial consultation.

Pain

The patient will not feel any pain during surgery, as local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia will be administered. Any postoperative discomfort can easily be controlled with oral pain medication that Dr. Hand will prescribe.

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Before & After Results

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Testimonials

I have been a patient of Dr Terry Hand for nearly 20 years. My surgeries include an eye and upper face lift, followed about 15 years later by a neck and lower face redo. This has been complimented by non surgical laser treatments to minimize fine lines and enhance my complexion. My results are natural looking and exceptional. Dr Hand provided clear, comprehensive expectations for treatments, recovery, and realistic results. Follow up was a high priority me. Dr Hand is very patient and thorough, every step of the way. The office is warm, friendly and professional. Everyone clearly takes pride in their work and made me feel that I am their priority . I cannot offer a higher recommendation. I first chose Dr Hand because of his experience and abilities. I returned over and over because of his integrity and kindness.
I have been a happy patient of Dr. Hand’s for many years. He’s performed several surgeries for me over the years, including eyes, a mini facelift, and lateral brow lift. I see him regularly for Restylane and Botox, and removal of pre-cancerous moles. In addition, he’s treated me and members of my family for emergencies such as bike accidents and severe cuts. Dr. Hand is a very skillful plastic surgeon, but just as important is that he’s a doctor who cares about his patients’ wellbeing. Every procedure he’s performed has yielded a result that exceeded my expectations. One reason I rely on Dr. Hand is because he’s conservative. He won’t do a procedure just because you ask for it……he’ll make sure it’s something that will look natural and is healthy, as well as something that gives you the result you want. And the after-care that Dr. Hand and his staff provide is amazing! They are truly compassionate, and excellent medical professionals.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Neck lift is commonly performed in combination with facelift surgery. Dr. Hand will place a secondary incision under the chin and tighten separated neck muscles that cause banding. Fat deposits are removed, and a neck suspension can improve neck definition.
The goal of facelift surgery is to attain a firmer and more youthful appearance. Results from facelift surgery will be long lasting, but the procedure will not stop the natural aging process. In some situations, achieving optimal results may require an additional procedure. All possibilities will be discussed during your consultation.
Younger patients with minor signs of aging such as fine line and wrinkles can consider injectable treatments. BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM®, and Restylane® help smooth the skin and restore diminishing volume.
Your surgical goals and concerns will be carefully evaluated, and surgical solutions along with nonsurgical treatments will be discussed. Dr. Hand will review your general health status and make recommendations that will best address your desired outcome. Preoperative preparation as well as postoperative care and explanations of surgical options will be explained. A cost estimate will be provided, and if desired, patient financing options can be discussed with our patient coordinator.