Age can take a toll on the face and neck. Sagging skin around the jaw and neckline and deep fold lines between the nose and the corners of the mouth make people look old and tired. It creates dissatisfaction with our appearance and negatively impacts self-esteem. Lifestyle changes and non-surgical treatments may help to an extent, but it’s often not enough. Pronounced facial and neck sagging can both be corrected with a facelift.
What causes sagging skin?
There are several reasons why a person’s skin may sag. Skin loses its elasticity as we age because the skin no longer produces enough of the protein elastin. This means the skin is not able to recover well when stretched. Collagen production also declines with age. Collagen is the fiber that helps skin maintain structure and firmness. Too much exposure to UV rays from the sun and tanning beds causes the skin to wrinkle and sag. Significant weight loss is another factor that can lead to loose and saggy skin. Finally, some people are just more prone to develop saggy skin due to their genetics.
How can a facelift help?
A facelift doesn’t just target facial sagging. It also corrects jawline and neck issues as well. A facelift is a highly individualized procedure that can tighten the skin and remove excess neck fat to reduce droopy jowls. The surgeon can reposition the facial muscles and smooth the skin. This procedure can take years off a patient’s appearance, especially if their sagging was significant.
What is surgery and recovery like?
A facelift is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made around the ears, in the hairline, and underneath the chin. Tissue below the skin is contoured and facial muscles are repositioned. Excess fat may be removed through liposuction. The skin is tightened, extra skin is trimmed away, and incisions are closed.
Patients should expect to feel mild to moderate discomfort and tightness post-surgery. There will be some swelling and bruising for several weeks. Patients may usually return to work sometime in the second week after their procedure.
What results are expected from my facelift?
Patients should see noticeable results right away. Optimal results are visible several weeks later, when swelling has diminished. Then the patient will see smoother, younger looking skin with much reduced facial and neck sagging.
In general, a facelift lasts about ten years. It doesn’t stop the aging process, so some wrinkles and sagging may happen again with age. Additional procedures can be done in conjunction with a facelift including an eyelid lift and a brow lift.
Schedule a consultation
Dr. Cristina Keusch, a board certified plastic surgeon, is experienced in facelift surgery. Boca Raton Plastic Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center serving patients in southeast Florida. Contact us today for an appointment.
