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Richmond Plastic Surgeons

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reverse the signs of aging on the face and neck. It involves removing excess facial skin, tightening underlying tissues, and sometimes repositioning fat deposits to create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

woman smiling and looking to the side

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

  • Reduce lines and wrinkles by tightening loose or sagging skin.
  • Enhance natural contours through the removal or repositioning of fat.
  • Achieve a firmer appearance by tightening underlying muscles and ligaments.

Your board-certified plastic surgeon will collaborate with you to create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your specific needs.

If signs of aging affect your entire face, a full facelift might be recommended. For concerns limited to the lower face, a mini facelift could be a less invasive yet effective option.

Facelift Before & After Photos

Facelift Procedure with Dr. Wornom

Dr. Wornom - Facelift

Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

Ideal candidates typically have:

  • Have sagging in the face and neck
  • Good skin elasticity
  • Well-defined bone structure
  • Ages between 40 to 60 years (though facelifts are successfully performed on older patients as well)

The primary goal of a facelift is to help you look younger while maintaining a natural and age-appropriate appearance. Your surgeon will guide you through the procedure and help set realistic expectations for your results.

What Do I Need to Do Before Having a Facelift?

During your consultation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will look at your skin and unique anatomy, walk you through your facelift procedure, and determine the best approach for your surgery, which will be tailored to your personal goals. We’ll also review your medical history to ensure you’re the perfect candidate for surgery in general. 

The process is designed to help you feel well-informed, safe, and confident about your facelift in Richmond at Richmond Plastic Surgeons.

Richmond Plastic Surgeons

What Should I Expect During My Facelift Surgery?

  • While most facelifts involve general anesthesia, some patients may only require local anesthesia and sedation.
  • Your surgeon will make an incision above your hairline, in the temple region, following the hairline to a point in front of your ears and continuing around to the back of your ears.
  • If your surgeon addresses problems in the neck area, an incision will also be made under the chin.
  • The skin of your face will be separated from the muscle and fat, and the excess fat will either be trimmed or removed via liposuction.
  • Next, your muscles will be tightened with sutures, and your skin will be draped across your face, pulled tight, and sutured in place. Any excess skin will be neatly removed.
Picture of surgeons performing a facelift

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What Can I Expect After My Facelift?

Good news! Patients usually don’t experience much discomfort after their facelift surgery. If you find yourself uncomfortable, we’ll prescribe some medication to help take the edge off.

  • You’ll experience numbness in your skin for a few weeks or months until you are fully healed, and you’ll need to keep your head elevated for about two days to keep the swelling down.
  • Your bandages can come off after one to five days. You’ll look a little puffy, bruised, and pale, but this is quite normal, and these symptoms subside after a few weeks.
  • You’ll need to rest for the first day or two and limit yourself to light activity for the first week.
  • Your skin will be numb and sensitive, so be extra gentle and careful when washing or touching your face.
  • You’ll need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
Woman sitting on a bench smiling with a hand under her chin

Facelift FAQs

Will I Have Scars After My Facelift in Richmond?

The incisions along your hairline and scalp will take a bit longer to heal, and you’ll notice pink scars developing as they do. These scars will eventually change to a tan or brown color, fading over the course of a year. They won’t disappear completely, but they also won’t be noticeable unless someone closely inspects your hairlines.

When Will I See My Results?

Your face will be a bit swollen for the first few weeks, with the results becoming more apparent over time. Once the swelling has subsided, you’ll start to see the lovely, youthful results of your facelift.

Are There Any Possible Complications from a Facelift?

Thankfully, our highly-experienced surgeons use the safest available techniques, making complications quite rare. Risk is often based upon the patient’s unique anatomy and healing process. Some patients experience blood under their skin (similar to a bruise), nerve injuries, or infection. Smokers might experience a longer healing time than non-smokers.

How Long Will the Results of My Facelift Last?

Your facelift will have you looking more youthful for years to come...but note that it does not stop the natural aging process.

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If you would like more information regarding a specific procedure, or wish to have a member of our staff contact you, please fill out this contact form and let us know how we can best serve you!

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