Facelift
A facelift reverses the visible signs of aging by removing lines, wrinkles and excess skin while providing an overall lift to the lower third of the face.
About Facelift
What is a facelift?
The natural aging process often results in a loss of muscle tone and an increase in excess skin on the face and neck. A facelift is a surgical procedure, commonly referred to as plastic surgery, or cosmetic surgery, that can help reverse the visible signs of aging by removing lines, wrinkles and excess skin while providing an overall lift to the lower third of the face, tightening loose skin in the cheeks, neck and jawline. This gives the results of lifting the face.
Two types of facelift options are available at Detroit Plastic Surgery in southeast Michigan: short scar facelifts and full facelifts. A short scar facelift is performed by one of our expert plastic surgeons in southeast Michigan using advanced, minimally invasive techniques, usually takes less time to perform and allows for quicker recovery time and smaller incision scars. Your plastic surgeon at Detroit Plastic Surgery will help you to decide which option is best for you after a complimentary consultation in our southeast Michigan plastic surgery office.
A facelift is most commonly performed to achieve the following results:
- Smooth sagging skin in the mid-face region
- Smooth deep creases below and along the nose to the corners of the mouth
- Correct fat and mass that has fallen or sags
- Correct jowls and/or a double chin
Understanding your desired results and specific needs an Detroit Plastic Surgery plastic surgeon will take the time to explain the facelift options that are available and answer any questions you may have. The first step would be to call our office located in Bingham Farms, Michigan – just minutes away from Detroit, Ann Arbor and Novi at (248) 208-8844.
What to expect
- Step 1Consultation
- Step 2Preparation
- Step 3Surgery
- Step 4Recovery
- Step 5Results
Step 1 Consultation
A thorough consultation is an important first step when deciding if a facelift is the right option for you. One of our board certified surgeons will discuss your desired results with you and provide an honest, professional opinion on how best to achieve those results. We also make certain that you are a good candidate for the procedure, taking into account your age, health, medical background and other factors that could affect the safety and effectiveness of your surgery. All of our consultations are conducted with the goal of making sure our patients feel comfortable, confident and informed about the facelift process.
Step 2 Preparation
Well before your surgery, let Detroit Plastic Surgery know of any medications you take. Three weeks prior and three weeks after your surgery, we strongly suggest limiting your alcohol and tobacco intake. Two weeks prior and two weeks after, you should not take any medication that may thin your blood such as aspirin or ibuprofen products.
The evening before your surgery, refrain from eating or drinking anything including water, and do not smoke. If you develop a cold, sore throat, fever or any other symptoms of illness before your surgery, let Detroit Plastic Surgery know right away.
The day of your procedure, refrain from wearing makeup, contact lenses, hairpins, jewelry, lotion or perfume. We also advise wearing comfortable clothing. Prepare to have a responsible adult provide you with transportation after your procedure and make arrangements for any care or assistance that you may need 24 hours after surgery.
Step 3 Surgery
Before your procedure, your surgeon will answer any questions that may have come up since your consultation. You will also have the opportunity to meet the Detroit Plastic Surgery staff assisting your surgeon during your procedure. Every effort is made to make certain that all of your concerns are addressed and you are as comfortable as possible.
When it is time to begin, you will be taken to our state-of-the-art surgical suite and comfortably fall asleep under general anesthesia. A facelift procedure generally takes two to four hours, depending on whether you are having a short scar facelift or a full facelift.
Step 4 Recovery
Patients generally feel comfortable after a week. We recommend no heavy lifting and avoiding direct sunlight for a couple of weeks. In just a few weeks, you will be able to resume your daily activities, but it is important to remember that everyone recovers differently, and you may need more or less time before you feel 100% again. A few days after your surgery, your Detroit Plastic Surgery doctor will follow-up to see how you are healing and prescribe any necessary medication.
Step 5 Results
While results vary based on the individual, most facelift patients experience a natural, more youthful appearance of the face and neck with a dramatic decrease in fine lines, wrinkles and excess skin. Overall, the result is a lift of the lower third of the face and a significant tightening of loose skin.
Younger patients tend to enjoy longer lasting results. Patients in their forties typically enjoy results lasting up to ten years. Patients in their sixties can expect to maintain results for five to seven years. During your consultation, your doctor will thoroughly explain what results to expect.
Facelift
FAQs
Q: Is a facelift right for me?
If you want to restore the youthful appearance of your face, improve muscle elasticity and tighten loose and sagging skin, a facelift may be the right option for you. All facelift candidates must be in good health and have no pre-existing medical conditions that could create complications.
Q: What causes wrinkles and sagging skin on the face?
Many factors influence the way our faces age. The most common factors are the loss of elasticity, the loss of collagen, genetics and gravity. When skin loses its elasticity, it can begin to visibly sag. Loss of collagen under the skin can reduce volume and support, which creates visible wrinkles. Family genes also can be predisposed to showing early signs of aging. And unfortunately, gravity is constantly pulling down our skin, which over time leads to sagging.
Q: Why choose Detroit Plastic Surgery for my facelift?
When choosing a plastic surgeon for a facelift, there are three important qualifications to consider: training, experience and personal attention. Dr. Hajjar is Board Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Above all, your doctor should be someone you trust to deliver exceptional results and perform a safe and effective procedure.
Dr. Hajjar is a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and vast experience in facial plastic surgery and facelift procedures. Our surgeon spends the necessary time with every patient to answer any questions and address any concerns. We make it a priority to ensure our patients are well-informed and completely comfortable with their decisions. We know that your time is valuable, which is why we maintain an efficient procedure calendar and use the latest techniques and technology to minimize your recovery time and your maximize results.
Q: Will my insurance cover a facelift?
Insurance companies commonly do not cover an elective or cosmetic surgery like a facelift unless it is performed to correct a medical or health condition. If you plan to use insurance as payment, we strongly suggest consulting with your provider to discuss if the procedure is covered in part or in full by your current plan.
Q: Will my facelift results look natural?
At Detroit Plastic Surgery, we use the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques to reduce the possibility of scarring or other visible signs that a procedure was performed. While results vary based on the individual, we focus on creating the most natural results possible. During your consultation, your doctor will thoroughly explain what results to expect.
Q: How long will results last?
The longevity of results varies and is dependent on the amount of excess fat, the laxity of the skin and skin type. In general, younger patients enjoy longer lasting results. Patients in their forties typically enjoy results lasting up to ten years. Patients in their sixties can expect to maintain results for five to seven years.
Q: What are the risks of a facelift procedure?
As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complication related to infection. Some people may wake up from surgery feeling groggy and experience an upset stomach, side effects of the anesthesia that are very temporary. We are happy to explain in detail any of the risks involved prior to your surgery. We carefully review your complete medical history and all medications you are on to prevent any complications.
Other risks associated with facelifts may include:
- Unfavorable scarring
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Poor wound healing
- Facial asymmetry
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Fluid accumulation
- Skin contour irregularities
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Correctible hair loss at the incisions
Q: Can I have additional procedures in combination with my facelift to enhance results?
Yes, your Detroit Plastic Surgery doctor can recommend additional services that may enhance your desired results including a brow lift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, facial implants or rhinoplasty. Detroit Plastic Surgery also offers the option of combining your facelift with a laser skin resurfacing treatment. Lasers promote collagen growth under the skin, which naturally helps to fill in wrinkles and restore volume, giving your skin a more even tone and youthful glow.
Trust our clients as
much as they trust us
I was highly recommended Detroit Plastic Surgery by a very good friend of mine to boost my confidence after having my baby. I made an appointment with Chris + form the moment I stepped inside the office, I felt extremely comfortable. She was SO friendly, knowledgeable, and honest while working with me on what I said bothered me. Chris was conservative in her approach with my face, and I can not be happier or recommend her enough! I am SO happy with the results, and will certainly be maintaining and visiting again very soon.
I couldn't be more happier with the entire process. Dr. Hajjar and his staff were extremely competent, professional, and caring throughout the procedure, and the follow up. His skills at suturing are top-notch, and after a couple of weeks I couldn't even see the incision. So thankful that my family doctor referred me to him.
I absolutely love Dr. Lumley!! He is an excellent plastic surgeon and his staff is awesome. I cannot say enough good things about him and the awesome revision job he did on my breast reconstruction surgery. I have recommended him to all of my fellow breast cancer cancer survivors as well as friends, family and coworkers that are looking to have elective surgery. You will not be disappointed.
Dr. Hajjar is highly respected, intelligent and undeniably talented. He worked around an existing condition that could have been a disaster for someone less qualified. He appears to be all business, but does have a good sense of humor and a kind heart. I am thrilled with his office, the procedure and the results 100 percent. Equally as impressive, one of his Fellows, Scott Kreitzberg is probably one of the kindest people I have ever met. He followed up in hospital after surgery and at the first office visit. He is compassionate, listens and truly makes one feel comfortable. I am so thankful for the recommendation of Dr. Raymond Hajjar.
Saw Dr. Hajjar for a breast reduction as I was having health issues due to the size of my breasts. I am now 15 days post op and I look amazing. The scars are healing amazing and they’ve been there for all the questions and concerns I have. I’m already feeling relief in my back and other parts of my body. Best decision I’ve ever made. Highly recommend!