A facelift can revitalize aging facial features and reduce visible signs of aging, including sagging skin in the mid-face, a double chin, and loose fatty deposits. Our Orange County plastic surgeon uses a custom facelift technique to produce results that look natural.
Several factors determine the cost of a facelift. Here are some things to consider when deciding whether or not this procedure is right for you:
Cost of the Surgeon
For women and men with loose skin on the face and neck, a facelift can be a great way to turn back the hands of time and restore a more youthful appearance. While many consider a traditional full facelift, less-invasive procedures can achieve similar results. A SMAS facelift, for example, is a tightening technique that targets the muscular layer of the face. It is a popular alternative to a facelift and comes with a lower price tag.
During a consultation, our Orange County plastic surgeon will help you determine if a facelift is the right choice to achieve your goals. Ideal candidates will be in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations for the procedure’s outcome. Our surgeon will also evaluate your facial structure, including the underlying tissue and muscle structure. This information will be used to design a unique facelift plan that will produce natural-looking results.
When choosing a surgeon, it is important to find one with extensive experience performing facial surgeries and is board-certified in plastic surgery. It is also good to look at before-and-after photos of past patients to understand the surgeon’s aesthetic eye. In addition, finding out how much the surgeon will charge for the facelift and what other fees will be included in the total cost is crucial.
Cost of the Facility
The cost of facelift surgery in Orange County can vary from one facility to another, depending on the surgeon’s fees, operating room and anesthesia costs, the facelift technique is chosen, and whether or not additional aesthetic enhancement treatments are included in the overall treatment plan. In general, patients who undergo comprehensive facial rejuvenation will spend more than those who elect to receive a minimal facelift.
The facelift procedure begins with well-hidden incisions camouflaged within natural skin creases around and behind the ears. Once these incisions are made, the skin is elevated and tightened, and any excess is removed. The underlying tissues and muscles are also compressed, which helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, jowls, and loose skin in the neck and jawline.
Drainage tubes are placed once the incisions are closed and the surgery is completed. Most patients experience mild discomfort and a tight pressure sensation after the operation, which can be controlled with pain medication. Over the next several days, swelling and bruising will gradually dissipate as the body’s lymphatic system flushes away the incision sites. As the swelling diminishes, patients can expect intermittent tingling bursts, indicating that the facelift has successfully restored sensation to all affected areas.
The results of a facelift can last for years, but the longevity of these results will ultimately depend on how well a patient cares for their face. To help our Orange County clients maintain optimal facelift outcomes, we recommend avoiding smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that will protect your skin for the long term.
Cost of the Procedure
Several different facelift techniques can be used to achieve the desired outcome. Typically, a traditional facelift involves long incisions around the ears and hairline to provide better access to the underlying tissues. This type of facelift is often recommended for patients showing significant signs of aging, including sagging skin and deep wrinkles. The minimal incision facelift is for patients with mild to moderate facial wrinkles and sagging.
The cost of a facelift depends on the treatment that you choose. The price of the procedure will include the surgeon’s fees, operating room fees, and anesthesia costs. Your type of facelift will also determine if additional aesthetic enhancements are included in your treatment plan.
Some patients combine a facelift and a neck- or brow lift to achieve a uniform facial rejuvenation. Fat grafting or eyelid surgery are also popular ways to improve the appearance of sagging skin. The most experienced facial surgeon in Orange County is the best person to guide you to the facelift technique that will produce the results you desire. These results are usually natural-looking and will last as long as your skin is protected from the sun and you take care of it.
Additional Treatments Cost
A facelift can reduce wrinkles and fine lines. However, it may be necessary for some patients to undergo other procedures. For example, a patient may need a neck lift to reduce loose skin and tighten muscles in the neck area. This can create a slimmer, more defined profile. It’s important to discuss these additional treatments with your doctor to find a customized treatment plan that works best for you.
A facelift typically takes three to four hours and is performed under general anesthesia. A well-hidden incision is made within the hairline or along natural creases around and behind the ears, allowing a smooth recovery. Incisions are then closed with sutures, tape, or drainage tubes. The surgeon repositions the skin of the face and neck and trims away any excess. The wound is then stitched or stapled closed, and a dressing is applied.
Once healed, a facelift can significantly reduce sagging facial skin and lax musculature. It can also help restore the natural symmetry of the jawline and neck. The results of a facelift can last up to 15 years. Patients who are younger and have less loss of elasticity can extend the longevity of their results by following an overall healthy lifestyle, including drinking plenty of water and using daily skincare products.