Facelift Surgery in Gainesville, FL

The face is one of the first parts of the body to show early signs of aging. As we get older, the supporting structures of the skin become loose causing the skin on our face and neck to reposition and sag. The most prominent signs of aging tend to occur around the jawline, cheeks, the nasolabial folds, and the forehead. Facelifts are the most inclusive and effective approach to treating sagging skin and facial wrinkles due to aging. There are various kinds of facelifts that can be performed, each with their own techniques, extensiveness, incision sizes, and recovery times, but overall they share the same goal. Facelifts aim to tighten underlying muscles and tissues, remove excess skin and reposition it on the face and neck to give a more youthful appearance.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a form of cosmetic surgery where a surgeon works to eliminate the early signs of aging such as wrinkles or excessive skin by tightening the skin, underlying tissues and muscles of the neck or face. This procedure is used to provide the patient with a more youthful complexion and improve the overall appearance of the face and jaw by creating more aesthetically pleasing contours.

Types of Facelifts

The term facelift refers to various surgical facial rejuvenation procedures. These procedures can target the upper, lower, or middle third of the face. When considering facelift surgery it is important to meet with your surgeon to decide which procedure will be most beneficial for you. Sometimes multiple procedures in different areas of the face, such as the lower and upper third, are recommended to create an even look throughout. A more youthful appearance in the lower part of the face could call attention to imperfections in the upper region and vice versa. Your surgeon will also determine if your are a good candidate for facelift surgery depending on your expectations, skin elasticity, bone structure, and overall health. If your cosmetic goals do not require an invasive procedure, your surgeon might recommend another alternative.

Full Facelift

Full facelifts can address more dramatic signs of aging since they encompass the lower, mid, and upper regions of the face. Because it focuses on a larger area, the procedure requires a longer incision than the others. The incision typically runs down the temple, around the ear and down to the neck. The procedure can address multiple issues at once such as sagging around the cheeks, excess fat and skin under the chin, jowls, and deep creases below the eyes. A full facelift offers the most harmonious overall facial enhancement and is most popular for patients of 50 years of age and over.

Lower Facelift

Lower facelifts address the lower third of the face and are great for contouring the jaw, removing jowls and reducing nasolabial folds. Incisions are made along the ears and hairline, skin is then adjusted and removed as necessary. Lower facelifts decrease the signs of aging and are ideal for patients of all ages who want a more rejuvenated face.

Upper Facelift

The upper facelift, also known as a browlift, focuses on reducing the lines and wrinkles on the upper third of the face. The surgery tightens the skin and muscle tissues of the forehead and can also lift the eyebrows. It is performed through incisions in the hairline that result in easily concealed scars. Upper facelifts are great for a more rejuvenated, well rested appearance.

Mid Facelift

Mid facelifts target the area from the cheekbones to the jaw and can lift and tighten the muscles around the cheeks and below the eyes. Similar incisions to the full facelift are made around the ears, the underlying tissue and skin are then pulled towards the ears. At this point the surgeon can also rearrange fat tissues to further contour the face. Since the procedure doesn’t address all signs of aging it is often suitable for people in their 30’s and 40’s.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift focuses specifically on the jawline to restore definition. Incisions are smaller than other procedures and are located along the hairline and behind the ears. Because of this, the surgery usually requires less recovery time. Like with mid facelifts, the procedure is usually preferred by younger patients with less signs of aging.

In order to achieve the best results, other procedures are often done along with facelifts. Surgeries like rhinoplasty and otoplasty that focus on improving the proportions of the nose and ears to achieve facial harmony are great complements.

What To Expect After a Facelift Procedure

After a facelift it is common to experience minor pain and discomfort. Bruising and swelling of the face can be expected following the procedure. It usually takes around a week for the patient to begin recovery, and anywhere from two to three weeks for full recovery. Your cosmetic surgeon will schedule follow-up visits and sutures will be removed within five to fourteen days after surgery. All patients should follow their surgeon's instructions before returning to their normal daily routines.

Gainesville Facelift Surgeon

Facelifts have the ability to restore a more youthful complexion to both women and men, as well as improve facial defects. Every year, thousands of people decide to undergo facelift surgery for its successful results. Having facelift surgery performed by a professional cosmetic surgeon is crucial as it will help tailor the surgery specifically to your case and facial structure. Dr. Poser has more than 30 years of active practice in plastic Surgery. At Poser Plastic Surgery Center we offer several options for a facelift Gainesville, FL, residents can trust to meet their individual needs. Schedule a consultation with us today.