At some point in life, the face looking back at you in the mirror isn’t quite the same as you remember or wish for it to be. A loss of muscle tone and skin elasticity is a normal part of aging, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept the changes brought on by time if you don’t want to. Rhytidectomy can help restore a youthful look. What is rhytidectomy? It is the medical term for facelift surgery, and it may be the answer you are looking for. 

At Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, we offer several options for a facelift procedure, including deep plane facelifts and mini facelifts. When you schedule a consultation, we can discuss all of the options and answer any questions you may have about getting a facelift. 

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic surgery that tightens and lifts the facial tissues. The main reason people choose to get a rhytidectomy is to help erase the visible signs of aging on the face. 

The procedure focuses on the bottom two-thirds of the face and may extend to the neck and decolletage. A facelift does not include surgery around the eyes or brows. However, we may be able to perform these services at the same time. 

What Is Rhytidectomy Recovery Like?

Every person is different and responds differently to surgery. Facelift procedures are performed in the hospital on an outpatient basis. Because it is surgery, you must be healthy enough to receive general anesthesia.

After your procedure has been completed, you will leave the hospital with your face and neck still wrapped in dressings. We recommend that clients who are traveling to our clinic plan to stay in the Tampa area for seven to 10 days. We can assist you with travel planning if needed. 

The entire facelift procedure takes only around two hours to complete, but it can take up to 10-20 days for bruising and swelling to completely disappear. Sutures are removed within the first 14 days, depending on your rate of healing. 

You can expect to start enjoying the benefits of your facelift within four to six weeks after the surgery. Results continue to improve over the next several months. As the weeks go by, you’ll see a more youthful appearance, and your facial skin will have a naturally toned look. During your consultation, we will discuss all aftercare needs and answer any additional questions you may have about facelift surgery.

What Are the Types of Facelift Surgery?

Making the decision to get a facelift is only the first step in your rejuvenation process. Next, you must decide which type of procedure is best for you. 

A Mini-Facelift

Sometimes referred to as a “quick lift,” a mini-facelift is specifically for the cheeks and jowl area at the jawline. The surgery time is shorter, and so is the recovery time. With a mini-lift, you experience less swelling and bruising and fewer side effects. 

This option uses either intravenous sedatives or local anesthesia, allowing you to return home the same day. A mini-facelift may be right for you if you are developing marionette lines — those deep wrinkles that form around the corners of your mouth. It can also help rejuvenate sagging skin in the cheek and jaw area. 

A Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is a type of SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift. It involves surgery in layers of muscle and soft tissues directly under the skin. Deep plane procedures lift the muscle and skin at the same time, creating a more natural result. 

Deep plane facelifts automatically include lifting the skin of the neck but not the forehead, brow, or eye areas. You might choose to combine services for complete rejuvenation. Fat transfers, laser skin resurfacing, and chemical peels are a few of the procedures that may enhance a facelift. 

A deep plane procedure requires a longer recovery time for most people. However, the results are long-lasting.

Preparing for a Facelift Procedure

During your consultation, we will advise you on everything you need to know to prepare for your procedure. To make certain you are healthy enough for the surgery, we start with a presurgical evaluation that includes bloodwork. You may be asked to:

• Stop smoking
• Temporarily discontinue any anti-inflammatory or OTC pain relievers like aspirin
• Stop using certain herbal supplements
• Maintain a specific skin care regimen prior to your procedure

You will also need to arrange transportation from the hospital to your home or accommodations after the procedure.  

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift Procedure?

Most healthy men and women can enjoy the benefits of a facelift. You are likely a good candidate for this surgery if you:

• Don’t smoke or are willing to quit smoking
• Have realistic expectations
• Have loose skin under the chin or around the jaw
• Have deep creases at the corners of your mouth
• Have sagging facial skin
• Do not have a medical issue that would impair wound healing

If you have tried non-surgical options and are still unsatisfied with the results, facelift surgery may be right for you. 

Would You Like to Learn More?

If you want to learn more about the different types of facelift procedures available, let us help. At Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL, we offer a full suite of surgical and medical spa services designed to help you look more youthful. Whether you are interested in turning back the clock a few years or doing what you can to maintain a natural glow, we can help. Contact us today for more information.