What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic procedure done to remove excess skin and tighten underlying tissues and muscles to create a more youthful appearance. Known as the gold standard for facial rejuvenation, this procedure can correct marionette lines, sagging in the midface, jowls, and a double chin.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Individuals who feel their sagging and excess facial skin causes them to look older than they feel can often benefit from a facelift. Those who are in good general health and are non-smokers are often good candidates. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ehrmantraut is the first step towards determining candidacy.

The Procedure

Commonly, a facelift focuses on the lower face, such as jowls, cheeks, and jawline, however, it can also address the midface and neck. The incisions created will depend on the area being treated, and will differ based on the type of facelift being performed. There are two main types of facelift procedures: a traditional facelift and a limited-incision facelift.

During a traditional facelift, incisions will be made in the hairline at the temples, continuing down and around the front of the ears and ending in the lower scalp. During a limited-incision facelift, short incisions will be created in the hairlines, beginning at the temples and continuing down in front of the ears. There may also be incisions made in the lower eyelids, near the temples, of under the upper lip.

Once incisions are made, underlying tissues will be repositioned, and excess skin and fat will be removed. If your facelift is being done in conjunction with a neck lift, the neck muscles will be tightened, and liposuction may also be used on the neck and jowls. Lastly, skin will be redraped and incisions will be closed.

Recovery

Following a facelift, patients will need to wear a compression garment to minimize swelling. Bruising and swelling may occur, and any discomfort can be controlled with pain medication. It is recommended that patients sleep with their head elevated for a couple weeks following surgery to further minimize swelling. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for two to six weeks, with full results revealed after six months.

If you are interested in learning more about the facelift procedure, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ehrmantraut. We serve patients in the southern Maryland, Annapolis and Arlington, VA areas.