Facelift & Neck Lift

in Aventura, Florida

Facelifts and neck lifts are among the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures at our Aventura Facility. Facelifts and neck lifts are beneficial for patients seeking to obtain a more defined and youthful contour of their face, jawline, and or neckline. These procedures are designed to reshape and smooth loose skin and tissues that have aged or changed over the years. Similarly, improvements and corrections can be made to improve certain inherited or genetic traits, such as a heavy or fatty neck, a poorly defined neckline, or a poorly defined or small chin area. Thus, the procedures are designed to improve the foundation of the face and neck areas under the skin so that the overlying skin can then be gently redraped over the enhanced improved underlying anatomy. This then can result in a much more natural appearance, without looking “pulled”, or “plastic”, or “operated upon”. These deeper alterations generally involve working with the underlying muscles, fatty tissues, and a layer under the skin referred to as the SMAS layer.

Download a Facelift/Necklift Handbook Here

The individual neck lift procedure generally removes fatty deposits from under the skin in the neck area, and then tightens, and redrapes the skin and superficial muscles (platysma). These muscles frequently cause the vertical “bands” or “cords” that develop in the front of the neck as we age. These facelift and neck lift procedures are designed to create a more youthful and attractive overall appearance. These procedures are often done in conjunction with one or more other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or laser skin resurfacing procedures.

General Information and Philosophy

The term “facelift” has today become a very broad and general term that covers a wide variety of facial and neck plastic surgical procedures.
Dr. Sarraga feels very strongly that each procedure must be carefully designed and customized for the specific goals, needs, and desires of each individual patient. No two individuals are ever exactly the same, and the procedures must be carefully tailored to the specific objectives of each individual.

Starting with the initial consultation, Dr. Sarraga will carefully examine the areas of concern for the patient. He will then review the past medical history and overall medical condition. He will then fully discuss and explain the various procedures that can be performed to help obtain that individual’s desired results. The various options will be discussed, including possible advantages, disadvantages, risks, and limitations.

The “top priorities” for Dr. Sarraga is the safety and comfort of each patient. This must be combined with the objective of obtaining a completely natural, pleasing, and “unoperated” appearance. Obtaining the desired result often requires the combining of several procedures such as eyelid, forehead, chin, or skin resurfacing procedures. The procedures can also include various types of lasers, chemical peels, dermabrasions, fat transfers, and the use of injectables or fillers such as Radiesse, Restylane or Juvederm Voluma and neuromodulators such as Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport.

Again, Dr. Sarraga feels it is vitally important that each patient is informed and aware of the choices that exist in their particular situation before deciding upon their own specific course of action.

The facelift consultation, therefore, becomes a very important part of determining what should or what will be done in each individual case. The goal is to always obtain the most aesthetically pleasing and natural appearance in a safe and comfortable environment.

Recovery

Bruising and swelling usually fade within approximately two weeks. Shortly after the surgery, you will generally be able to apply makeup to help camouflage areas of discoloration or bruising. Most people find they can comfortably return to work and go out socially after approximately two weeks. Complete healing generally takes from 6-12 months. Contact us to learn more about the recovery and importance of post-operative care.

Longevity

Facelifts done at our facility today will generally last many years, (Usually between 6-15 years), though everyone is different. Many limited or “minor” procedures can be done to keep you looking your best for many, many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a facelift make you look younger?

facelift surgery can take years off your face. By repositioning and sculpting your tissues, the excess skin and fat is removed and we restore volume and shape to your cheeks by internal tightening.

How can I tighten loose skin on my face?

Tightening skin can be done in 3 waysn1. Facelift surgery with incisions n2. Energy Based treatments - for example ultherapy (MicroFocusedUltraSound) that induces new collagen formation and tightening. (other examples are RF (Radiofrequency energy) or SofWave (Electromagnetic energy)

How do you reduce swelling after a facelift?

Swelling is expected after surgery. Keep your head elevated with pillows and se ice compresses around the eyes.nTry to avoid salty foods as it may worsen the swelling nIn addition I reccommend use of supplements like arnica and bromelain which help with swelling and bruising.n7-10 days after surgery I recommend starting lymphatic drainage in office with LED light therapy.

How do I prepare for a facelift?

Getting a facelift is a very personal decision, preoperative testing may be required prior to anesthesia. I you dye your hair regularly you should do this a few days before your procedure (you should hold off dyeing your hair for abot a month after surgery).nMake sure you have your preop instructions and have filled your medications days prior to the procedure.nYou should start your anti-bruising medication the day before surgery.nMake sure you have planned who will help you at home the first few days and have travel arrangements for the office and back.

How long after a facelift can I exercise?

Typically I recommend for you to avoid exercise for 3 weeks. Then restart exercise slowly.

How long does it take for bruising on the face to go away?

If bruising appears after surgery, it may take up to 3 weeks for it to go away. Most of it should dissipate after 2 weeks.

How long do ears hurt after facelift?

Ears may be sore or numb after surgery; it can take up to 6 weeks for that to improve.

What is a facelift called?

This ca be confusing because many different surgeons have names for their facelifts. For example lifestyle lift was a an advertised procedure, which included tightening your face but was not a procedure in particular. There are also other terms that are used such as deep plane lift or facelift with internal tightening.nIn general each provider may have a different definition of what their facelift is called. nIn my hands I recommend the procedures that I feel you need for your particular bone structure, laxity, volume distribution.to rejuvenate your face.

What is a mid face lift?

Mid facelift is a procedure that is done to rejuvenate the just central part of your face (eyes and cheek); it usually requires eyelid surgery at the same time.

What is a neck lift called?

Neck lift is sculpting of the neck and jawline without the cheek. Typically requires an incision under your chin and an incision around the earlobe and behind your ear.

What is best age for facelift?

There is not a best age for a facelift. Most women start to seek out facelift surgery after 50. From my experience and other facelift surgeons is that when done around this age the recovery is much faster and the results last longer. nSome patients may benefit for it at a younger age (late 30s or 40s) .nnAlso remember that the longer you wait to get your face done, that more work will be required to turn the clock back, meaning more recovery and healing time.nnThe moral of the story is that when you start feeling like your face is drooping and aging faster, consult with your plastic surgeon. nnA lot of times fillers and non-surgical tightening may help but have never been superior to in results or longevity than a well done facelift.

What is a thread lift?

Threads are implantable special sutures with anchors that get slowly dissolved in the tissues. These threads allow some of the tissues to be repositioned but the results seldom last more than a year

How painful is a facelift?

There is actually minimal pain after facelift. Most patients take tylenol or ibuprofen for pain. The neck may feel a little sore and around the ears.

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Conclusion

Dr. Sarraga feels that you should not let a few correctable or objectionable facial features or imperfections hide the attitude, energy, and vigor that you may truly feel within. Please feel free to call our office for a consultation to investigate and discover the possibilities, cost, and options that may exist for you.

Visit our plastic and cosmetic surgery office located in Aventura, North Miami Beach, Florida (FL), conveniently near the Miami area today.

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