Facelift at Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington
As we age, time and gravity cause our facial skin and tissue to sag and droop, with lines, creases, and wrinkles becoming deeply etched. This leaves you looking old, tired, or even unhappy. Common issues include loss of jawline definition, a double chin that no exercise or weight loss will resolve, and jowls on women and men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s.
A custom facelift in Washington DC performed at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington can improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, can help you achieve a youthful and lifted appearance by restoring your natural beauty and facial structure.
Facelift Before & After
Am I a candidate for a facelift?
Sun exposure, lifestyle choices, and heredity age our faces and create a disconnect between how we look and feel. Facelift surgery can remove years from the appearance of your face and neck, allowing your outward appearance to match your inner vitality. The surgery reduces the signs of aging by targeting troublesome areas in the mid to lower face and neck.
Facelift surgery can provide youthful and natural-looking results when performed on the right candidate. What makes someone a good candidate for our facelift in Washington DC includes:
- Aged 50 or older
- In good general health
- Non-smoker
- Sagging skin and underlying muscles from the cheeks to the jawline
- Loose or “folding” skin on the neck
- Sagging tissues along the jawline, or jowls
- Volume loss in the cheeks and around the mouth
- Loose skin and excess fat around the neck appearing as a double chin or "turkey neck"
- Wrinkles around the nose and mouth
What are the Benefits of a Facelift?
The most significant benefit to getting a facelift is the renewed confidence and self-esteem you will feel when you remove the signs of aging causing your issues. To help you determine whether a facelift is right for you, consider the following benefits:
- Modern procedures restore multiple signs of aging
- Sagging skin is tightened
- Your jawline and neck are recontoured
- Surgical scars are nearly invisible
- Recovery time is manageable, with the ASAPS estimating that you can return to work and your daily routine within two weeks post-surgery
- Advanced techniques produce natural-looking results
- Long-lasting results, generally up to ten years
What is recovery like for a facelift?
After your facelift, reserve several weeks away from work and about four weeks before planning to attend an important social event. You will need to avoid most physical activity, although walks are a healthy form of exercise and can assist in reducing swelling by increasing blood circulation.
It is normal to feel a tight sensation during healing and experience swelling and bruising. Sleep with a wedge pillow to keep your head elevated to minimize the tight sensation and decrease swelling. You should also avoid excessive head motion, especially in the early stages of recovery. For faster recovery, move as if you have a stiff neck, keeping your head forward and avoiding turning it from side to side.
Our team at PSIW will carefully monitor your progress in follow-up appointments. The sutures are removed when the incisions are healed, varying in time slightly from patient to patient. You should begin to see the results of a smoother, firmer, more youthful appearance in about two weeks.
Following your facelift in Bethesda, you will be given specific instructions about:
- How to care for the surgical site
- Medications to apply or take orally
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
How we make your facelift look natural
One of the most significant reservations about facelift surgery is that the results will look unnatural. This is an understandable fear, often due to inexperienced surgeons ignoring the underlying causes of facial aging. When performed correctly by a skilled PSIW surgeon, a facelift can produce some of the most natural-looking results, giving you a rejuvenated and more youthful facial appearance.
When a facelift is performed with modern procedures, such as at PSIW, the result should appear natural, not pulled or tight. Older types of facelift surgeries did not address the underlying muscle structure and merely tightened loose skin, resulting in an odd, pulled appearance. At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, our surgeons use a state-of-the-art surgical technique to produce a natural and fresh look.
How much does a facelift cost?
According to recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average facelift cost is $8,005. However, this average cost is only part of the total price, as it does not include anesthesia, operating room facilities, or other related expenses. Please consult with our office to determine your final fee.
Facelift costs may consist of:
- Surgeon's fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
- Medical tests
Schedule Consultation
Facelift Patient Testimonials
Facelift FAQ
When Will I See Results?
While most people are comfortable presenting to the public within fourteen days, it will take up to three months for the face to feel "back to normal" in terms of texture, sensibility, and loss of tightness.
How Long Does a Facelift Last?
The results of a facelift can last up to ten years with proper sun protection and an overall healthy lifestyle.
What Are the Risks and Complications of a Facelift?
Risks and complications associated with a facelift include: infections, bleeding, scars, sensory changes of the overlying skin, facial nerve injury (temporary or permanent), which may affect the motion of the corner of the mouth, or an uneven result requiring revision surgery. Because our clinic follows the most stringent health and safety procedures, the risk of complications is dramatically reduced.
When Can I Exercise After a Facelift?
You should be able to return to some of your everyday exercise routines within five weeks of your facelift. Heavy lifting and strenuous running are still not recommended, but light jogging and stretching should be safe by this time.
Can Other Procedures Be Combined With a Facelift?
Another benefit is that other procedures can be performed in conjunction with a facelift in Bethesda. Some examples of additional cosmetic procedures include:
- Brow lift and eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes
- Fat transfer or fillers to replace the lost fatty volume
- Skin treatments such as IPL, dermabrasion, peels, or laser to improve the quality and texture of the skin
Take your first step on a journey to a new you.
