What procedures can I combine with my facelift surgery?
A facelift can be well paired with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), a brow lift, a neck lift, chin augmentation or lip augmentation. Results can also be enhanced through non-surgical treatments such as injectables and dermal fillers, laser therapy and chemical peels. If you are interested in maximizing your facelift results by combining multiple solutions, be sure to discuss it with your surgeon during your private consultation.
Will I have any scars from getting a facelift?
Every cosmetic surgery procedure will bring about some degree of surgical scarring. Dr. Rand will customize your facelift operation to your needs and body. There will be small, inconspicuous scars in areas near the ears and the hairline. Our goal is to make sure that every patient has a natural look, not an ‘operated-on’ appearance. Beginning at 1 week, we will provide scar treatment. Scars may look more severe early on in the recovery period, but they will be less noticeable over time.
How long does facelift recovery take?
Facelift recovery typically takes around 2 weeks in most cases. There will be bruising and swelling for the first few days. You should expect to feel better within a week and to be presentable in about 2 weeks. There is usually very little pain during the recovery period, and it is usually manageable using Tylenol. The swelling of the early recovery period may cause some issues with facial mobility but that should quickly go away. We will carefully evaluate the swelling, bruising, and facial mobility at every follow-up visit to ensure your recovery is going well.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for a facelift?
You may need to adjust any medications you are taking. You should start using high-quality skin products on your face for several weeks to help your skin be more elastic. If you smoke, you will need to stop 6 weeks before surgery and until recovery is complete afterward. Avoid taking any anti-inflammatory drugs to avoid increased bleeding and bruising. We will do some medical testing and evaluation to see if you need to do anything else.
What plans should I make prior to my surgery?
It’s also important that you have someone else bring you to and from facelift surgery, as well have someone to take care of you for the first few days and nights after surgery. You will also want to clear out your calendar for the whole day of your surgery and two weeks after to help make sure your recovery is smooth. You will have a drain to help reduce swelling, which will be removed the day after surgery.
We want to make your facelift surgery as comfortable an experience as possible, with the best results possible. We will provide you with a thorough preparation procedure and answer any questions you might have.
Are there any risks to facelift surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks for facelift surgery. Complications may include bleeding, infection, skin loss, facial nerve injury, temporary or longer-lasting hair loss at incision areas, fluid accumulation, changes in skin sensation, numbness, skin irregularities, skin discoloration, and anesthesia risks. Your health and safety are our number one concern. Complications are extremely rare in Dr. Rand’s hands.
Dr. Rand plans each surgery for maximum effectiveness and minimal discomfort for every patient, customizing the procedure for your goals and needs. There will also be a board-certified physician anesthesiologist present before, during, and immediately following your facelift surgery to ensure the process is as safe as possible. We will discuss the potential risks and complications before you undergo surgery.
How long do the effects of a facelift last?
In one respect, the results of a facelift last forever, as you will always look better for having done the surgery. It is usually only after about 10 years that a patient might consider a touch-up surgery to refresh the result. But most patients never feel the need to do the surgery again. Taking care of your general health and the health of your skin, not smoking, and minimizing sun exposure can help the beneficial effects of surgery to last longer. High-quality face products do make a difference in the health and appearance of your skin.
Will I look like myself?
Your facelift in Bellevue can help you feel restored and years younger – but you want to look like yourself, just younger. That’s when you need your surgery to be performed by a top-rated plastic surgeon, known for excellent results. You can look as energized as you feel when Dr. Rand performs this custom age-defying surgery. Please take a look at our photo gallery to see the before and after photos of dozens of our satisfied patients.