Considering A Facelift: What Should I Expect?

Our double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, John Hilinski, MD, explains what you can expect during facelift treatment.
 
Our facelift consultations entail a physical examination coupled with a thorough discussion to determine each patient’s specific aesthetic goals. I consider any patient who seeks a more youthful, rested appearance of the lower face and upper neck regions – while maintaining realistic expectations – a good candidate for this procedure. I also utilize a second follow-up consultation to give patients some time to consider our initial conversation, discuss any questions or concerns that may have arisen during the meantime. This second consultation also gives me an opportunity to go into more detail regarding the necessary preparations leading up to surgery.
 
The day of surgery, our patients will check into our own private ambulatory surgery center. Then, the anesthesiologist will interview the patient and come to a decision regarding the exact type of anesthesia that will be used during the facelift (IV sedation or general anesthesia). Next, I will perform my pre-operative markings on the face and neck, just like you would see on television where purple marks are placed [along the face]. The total time for facelift procedures is typically 3-4 hours.
 
Immediately afterward, patients are instructed to remain fairly sedentary. I usually see patients within 24-48 hours of their surgery to ensure that they are healing well. My patients typically begin to resume somewhat normal daily activities after 7 days and many return to work within 10-14 days. Although it can take several more weeks for patients to feel “like themselves” again, the majority of my patients feel well enough to be in public after 2 weeks.
 
To learn more about Dr. John Hilinski and our facelift treatment options, please contact our office today.