Facelift

As time goes by, facial skin can loosen and sag. Lines form on your forehead and around your mouth and eyes. Facelift surgery can lighten up your look by removing and tightening skin that’s lost its youthful appearance.

Your choices range from a mini-facelift to a full facelift with related procedures. At Faith Regional Physicians Services in Norfolk, Nebraska, we offer facelift surgery and other surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon offers safe options to give your look and spirits a lift. 

Your Facelift Choices

If you think your face could use a lift, talk to a trusted plastic surgeon about options. At your visit to Faith Regional for a free consult, you’ll learn about whether facelift surgery is right for you.

A facelift can lift and tighten skin, but it won’t remove spots, scars, sun damage, or other skin injuries. Your surgeon can recommend nonsurgical skin enhancement procedures alternatives.

The doctor will discuss your goals, health, lifestyle, family and medical history, and other factors. Your surgeon evaluates your skin quality, including whether the skin is thin, thick, oily, or dry. Other considerations include bone structure, facial shape, and fat distribution.

Related Procedures

Types of facelift surgery include a mini facelift, a full facelift, and related procedures, such as a neck lift. Your doctor can talk with you about tailored procedures such as:

  • Chin and jawline– Your surgeon can tighten skin to treat jowls, a fatty chin, and lower face and jawline areas. Silicone-filled implants can augment a weak chin and define your jawline. Fat grafting can transfer fat from other fatty areas of the body to add fullness.
  • Ear surgery – Protruding ears or torn ear lobes are sometimes part of facelift procedures.
  • Eyelid and eye area procedures– Your surgeon can treat folds of skin, remove fat or use other surgical and nonsurgical treatments for areas under or around the eyes.
  • Liposuction – The surgeon reshapes fatty areas, removes fat, and enhances curves. Fat grafting is a way to transfer fat from fatty areas to the face.
  • Mini facelift – This involves fewer and shorter incisions and focuses on one or more problem areas. Results are effective, but won’t last as long as a full facelift.
  • Neck lift – A neck lift for areas from the jawline to the collarbone is often part of a facelift. The surgeon removes fatty deposits and tightens the skin around the neck.
  • Nonsurgical fat reduction – Your surgeon can transfer fat from fatty areas, such as the belly, to problem areas of the face.
  • Nonsurgical skin rejuvenation – There are nonsurgical ways to smooth, tighten and renew skin. Your surgeon can discuss fillers, skin resurfacing, and medical-grade topical treatments to enhance neck and facial skin.
  • Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) – When planning facelift procedures, it’s common to consider correcting a nose injury or enhancing undesired features.

Risks of Facelift Surgery

Your doctor will disclose any risks, which vary by condition and procedure. Any surgery carries some risk, such as bleeding, clotting, infection, or reaction to anesthesia. Risks of facelift surgery include problems with skin sensation, fluid build-up, or swelling. There is a small risk of nerve injury, hair or skin loss, or unexpected scarring.

With an experienced, board-certified surgeon, complications are rare. If they occur, most are manageable with medical or surgical therapies. To lower risks, follow instructions carefully. If results aren’t as expected, your surgeon will discuss treatments, including revision surgery.

Preparing for Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery is done at Faith Regional Health Services, which includes inpatient and outpatient surgery services. Your pre-surgery office visit may include:

  • Facial evaluation and photos
  • Lab testing, health evaluation, and medical history
  • Medication review and guidance
  • Pre-surgery instructions

Notify the doctor’s office of any health changes before or after surgery. You’ll have 24/7 contact information, should urgent concerns arise.

Facelift Surgery

During office visits, your doctor reviews procedure steps and answers questions. You’ll see the surgeon before surgery to share any last-minute concerns.

Your nurse administers medications. If you’ll have IV sedation, the nurse may place an IV line in your hand or arm. If you have general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist gives medication through a mask. You won’t feel anything during the procedure. 

You’ll need to arrange post-surgery care including transportation and someone to stay with you overnight. Recovery processes vary. Your doctor will tell you what to expect, from planning to follow-up care. You’ll be instructed about the use of hair shampoo and facial cleansers before surgery.

Facelift Surgery Steps

Facelift procedure steps are generally as follows:

  • Facial areas are thoroughly cleaned and fully sterilized before surgery.
  • The surgeon may make an incision around your hairline or inside ear creases. Your surgeon will discuss the size and location of incisions during earlier office visits. Incisions are discreetly placed so scars are barely perceptible.
  • Your doctor removes excess fat, repositions skin and tissues, and lifts facial muscles. The doctor may treat the chin, neck, or other areas.
  • Your surgeon closes incisions with stitches or skin adhesives.

After Surgery

You can expect redness, bruising, soreness, and swelling during the first few days. You may experience tightness and discomfort.

Most symptoms improve soon after your procedure. Scarring subsides and visible scars should be minimal. Most are beyond the hairline or within the ear. Results vary, but symptoms and soreness typically resolve in two weeks or less. Within two to three months, most people are fully healed.

Results of Facelift Surgery

As symptoms subside, you’ll see positive results. You’ll have a more rested and youthful appearance that can give your confidence a boost.

Results can last 10 years or more, depending on variables including stress, age, skin condition, weight changes, and lifestyle. For longer-lasting results, follow instructions closely. You’ll learn about proper skincare, sun protection, and ways to and extend the life of your facelift.  

Your Plastic Surgery Team

At Faith Regional, your plastic surgeon, a specialized nurse and other healthcare professionals such as an advanced care practitioner and aesthetician may be involved in your care.

Dr. Mark Shashikant

Schedule a Consultation

You can reach us at 402-844-8167 or email frpsclinics@frhs.org to schedule an appointment.