Plastic surgeons are constantly getting asked facelift questions. Patients are often curious or concerned about the process of getting a facelift, and they are eager to get as much information as possible before undergoing the procedure. There are a few facelift questions that nearly every patient asks during a pre-surgery consultation. Below, we provide the answers to 9 of the most common questions patients have about getting a facelift.
If you still have questions about getting a facelift, call Dr. Lapuerta to schedule a consultation. Dr. Lapuerta has over two decades of experience in plastic surgery, helping patients in Houston, Pearland and Katy, Texas, get beautiful and natural results.
1. Is a Facelift Right for Me?
When it comes to facelift questions, this should be the very first question you ask yourself. Many individuals who schedule a facelift consultation are unsure if getting a facelift is the right procedure for them or if the timing is right. While each individual case is different, patients generally should seek a facelift if they have tried other treatment methods and still are unhappy with their appearance.
If you have been applying creams and moisturizers daily, using revitalizing serums, and trying nonsurgical treatments like Botox® or Kybella® without getting the results you desire, it may be time for a facelift. If you still are not sure if a facelift is for you, take a look at facelift before and after photos so you can see the kind of results you can get from the procedure.
2. What Are the Benefits of Getting a Facelift?
A facelift is an amazing surgical procedure that can drastically improve the appearance of both your face and neck, while allowing you to still retain your natural beauty. A facelift gets rid of hanging and loose skin around the face and neck, eliminating any existing loose jowls and giving you defined and elegant features. Not only that, but a facelift also tightens your skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines to leave you looking significantly younger. For those who feel that as they have loose skin that has accumulated around their face and neck, a facelift will provide immediate benefits and results.
3. What Happens During Facelift Surgery?
Facelifts are an individualized procedure, meaning that a skilled plastic surgeon will have a unique approach that is customized for each patient. That being said, all facelifts follow the same general steps. First, small incisions are made in an area typically invisible to the human eye, usually hidden along the sideburn or behind the ear. Then, the skin, muscles, and tissues on the face are tightened, and any excess skin is then removed. The incisions are then closed and bandages are applied as you heal toward a more youthful appearance.
4. Where Will the Surgery Be Performed?
Any facelift procedure needs to be performed at an accredited surgical facility. It is important to make sure that your surgery takes place at a facility that is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Some surgeons, such as Dr. Lapuerta, have access to a convenient on-site AAAASF accredited operating room and surgical facility, making the entire process simple and easy.
5. How Long Is the Recovery Process?
In most cases, patients will need to take at least 10-14 days off work following facelift surgery. It is important to give yourself time to heal, and you should avoid returning to work until you feel your very best. Full recovery from the procedure typically takes somewhere between 6-8 weeks.
It is normal to feel some tightness, soreness, and discomfort for the first few days following surgery, and your face may appear swollen and bruised for up to two weeks following the procedure. Even when the bruising has faded away, you need to avoid strenuous activity or exercise for at least six weeks.
6. What Are the Risks Associated with the Procedure?
Any surgical procedure comes with some risk. However, if you choose a trusted surgeon with years of experience, the risks associated with a facelift are minimal. If you are worried about potential complications with the surgery, it is best to contact an expert plastic surgeon to discuss your specific concerns.
7. Will I Have Any Visible Scars After Surgery?
A facelift performed by a skilled plastic surgeon should leave little visible scarring, making it essential that you only choose a trusted and respected surgeon. Incisions are typically very small and are strategically made near the hairline or around the ears in order to hide any resulting scars from sight. In most cases, any scars from facelift surgery will be completely hidden from sight.
8. When Will I See Noticeable Results?
Many people will begin to notice results around week 3 or 4 of recovery. That said, it is important for any potential patient to understand that it can take several months for your final results to be visible. During a consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss a typical recovery timeline with you in order to give you realistic expectations for how you will look after getting a facelift. Essentially, the healing process will require patience as your face fully heals.
9. How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
The cost of a facelift will vary from patient to patient, but the average cost of a facelift is somewhere between $8,000 and $14,000. The final cost will depend on which surgical technique best meets the patient’s needs. If this is your most pressing facelift question and you would like an accurate cost estimate for the procedure, you should contact Dr. Lapuerta for a facelift consultation today.
More Facelift Questions? Request a Facelift Consultation with Dr. Lapuerta
The best way to get all of your facelift questions answered is to request a facelift consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. Dr. Lapuerta has earned an outstanding reputation in Houston, Katy, and Pearland, Texas for partnering with his patients to achieve their goals and communicating with patients in a relatable, down to earth way.
During a consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will answer all your questions, making sure you know what to expect prior to and post-surgery. This allows you to get the information you need to feel safe and secure heading into the procedure. If you are interested in learning more about facelifts or other plastic surgery procedures, contact Dr. Lapuerta today by calling (713) 489-0169.