FACELIFT IN AUSTIN

The Mini-Facelift procedure (or limited incision facelift technique) is a great option for patients who wish to address common signs of aging, such as sagging skin and wrinkles on the face and neck, without undergoing more invasive traditional facelift procedures or short-lasting treatments, such as anti-wrinkle injections.

Mini facelifts performed by our board-certified plastic surgeons at Personique always appear natural without having a pulled or stretched appearance. You will have the option of having a mini facelift plastic surgical procedure performed awake under local anesthesia or twilight sedation, which generally results in a more pleasant and relaxing experience for you, along with a faster recovery time.

It can also be an excellent cosmetic procedure for younger patients, who are experiencing what is commonly known as “filler fatigue” or “laser fatigue,” which often occurs in patients in their 30s and 40s who have been using injectable fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, lasers, and facial tightening devices to keep themselves looking young and rejuvenated.

The Deep Plane Facelifts has slowly grown in popularity due to its ability to produce more natural-looking and longer-lasting results. Unlike traditional facelifts that rely on more superficial skin tightening, these “deep” lifting cosmetic plastic surgery procedures elevate or lift the layers of muscle beneath the skin, leaving the skin attached. This allows for a more natural look without giving your facial features that “overly tight” look and reduces the risk of scarring or irregularities.

By releasing all the tethering points and deep planes of the face and performing a comprehensive deep plane lift release between the muscle layers, we can counteract the effects that gravity has incurred over the years. With the release of the deep planes of the face, we reposition the muscles and fat tissue to a more youthful position, which in turn gives the face a lifted, rejuvenated appearance.

In addition, since this advanced technique involves release and repositioning as opposed to the suture pull typically used in the majority of other face lift procedures, there are no opposing tension forces. As a result, patients can enjoy a much longer-lasting result without having to worry about their facelift wearing down over time.

When you come in for your Facelift procedure, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss the details of your surgery one more time, and then when you are ready, we will administer general anesthesia.

There are several different techniques widely used to perform facelift surgery. The common practice in a traditional facelift is to make an incision in your natural creases, usually behind or in front of the ear. In some cases, the incision is extended to the scalp. The surgeon may also make an additional incision beneath the jawline or the chin if necessary. These incisions are made as inconspicuous as possible within the hairline so that they are easily camouflaged later on.

Next, the skin is gently separated from the underlying fat and muscle. Excess fat may then be excised or removed via liposuction to give the face a sleeker look. Your surgeon will then reshape and tighten the various underlying tissues and facial muscles to restore a more youthful facial contour. Tightening this underlying structure lifts the cheeks, restores definition to the jawline, and firms the neck area.

Once this phase is complete, your surgeon will pull the skin back up over the area, removing excess skin, and reshaping the loose skin around the face as needed. Finally, the incisions are closed up and stitches are placed within the hairline to be hidden by the hair. (As you undergo surgery, staples are put in place. Upon completion, a protective dressing is applied.)

Knowing what to expect after your procedure can help you get through the recovery period a lot easier. Most of our Austin facelift patients can return home the same day as their procedure. You will need to arrange to have a trusted friend or family member pick you up from the surgery center after your procedure.

During the initial days of your post-op period, you can expect to experience some bruising, swelling, and tenderness. Puffiness and discomfort during this time are also normal. Any pain or discomfort that you feel can be controlled with the pain medications prescribed to you for post-op recuperation. Some other common symptoms may include tightness and temporary numbness as the tissues begin to heal into their new position. During this time, patients are advised to wear button-down shirts to avoid disturbing the incisions or facial tissue. Sleeping with the head elevated will help to reduce the amount of swelling.

Most patients will see their plastic surgeon for their first follow-up appointment a few days after their surgery. At this time, your doctor will remove your drainage tubes (if used) and check under your bandages to ensure the healing process is going smoothly.

Your recovery time typically lasts anywhere from one to three weeks. Most facelift patients can return to work within a week or two. Patients are advised to wait a few weeks before resuming exercise or other physical activity. Although the initial recovery phase from a facelift performed takes only a few weeks, the final results of your facelift surgery will not be completely visible until a few months after surgery.

The majority of patients find the facelift recovery time to be well worth the dramatic improvements that this procedure delivers. Facelift surgery is the most effective approach when it comes to comprehensive facial rejuvenation.