Facelift in Georgia

Services / Face Procedures / Facelifts

Overview

As the years go by, your face is subjected not only to your genetics but also to the harsh environment around you. The skin will eventually lose its flexible quality and when this occurs, you will notice that lines, wrinkles and jowls appear, marking the physical appearance of age. The goal of a facelift is to improve your appearance and give you a fresher look. You should look like your younger self with exceptionally natural results. It involves repositioning skin, muscles and soft tissues to a more youthful position. You’ll know that you had an excellent result if those around you notice that you look better, but they don’t necessarily know why. 


What Is Involved

Most plastic surgeons perform this surgery with general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia. Dr. Lugo can perform a facelift under local anesthesia and in fact is her preferred way of doing it. Almost all face lifts performed today are safe, more so when performed by a qualified surgeon. An awake face lift is even safer. It removes the need for a general anesthetic and reduces post-operative risks. Many of our patients with either fear of anesthesia or high risk due to other health problems, elect to undergo an awake face lift when they would have avoided a procedure otherwise. Since they are not sedated or placed asleep, they are able to breathe on their own (no need for a breathing tube or anesthesia machine). In addition, remaining awake during a facelift allows their body to remain physiologically stable, maintaining their normal blood pressure throughout the procedure. This decreases the risk of acute accumulation of blood under the skin (hematoma formation) during and right after the procedure. While it seems odd to be on the operating table, fully awake as the surgeon is making incisions in front of you, it is one of the safest alternatives to general anesthetic. This type of procedure is nothing new. The science behind it has existed for many years. Some patients fall asleep through the entire procedure, while others choose to get to know Dr. Lugo better.

Facelift FAQs

  • What is a facelift?

    A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the visible signs of aging on the face and neck. This procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles to give the face a more youthful appearance.


  • How is a facelift performed?

    There are several techniques used in performing a facelift, but in general, incisions are made around the ears and hairline to access the underlying tissues. The skin is then lifted, the muscles under the skin are tightened and excess fat and tissue are removed or repositioned. Finally, the excess skin is excused, the remaining skin re-draped and sutured in place.


  • How long does a facelift take?

    The duration of a facelift surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure, but it typically takes between three to six hours. A facelift can be performed with the patient awake under local anesthesia.


  • Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

    The ideal candidate for a facelift is someone who is in good general health, has realistic expectations, and has visible signs of aging on the face and neck, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume.


  • How much does a facelift cost?

    A facelift is often a combination of multiple procedures to address the signs of aging eyes, face and neck. Because a facelift procedure is highly customizable the price can range from $10,000-$30,000, depending on the procedures and/or type of anesthesia Dr. Lugo recommends.


  • What is the recovery time for a facelift?

    Recovery time for a facelift varies, but most patients can return to work and resume normal activities after two to three weeks. However, swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks, and it may take several months for the final results to be fully visible.


  • How long do the results of a facelift last?

    The results of a facelift can last anywhere from five to 10 years, depending on the patient's lifestyle, genetics, and the quality of their skin.

  • Will I have scars after a facelift?

    Yes, there will be some scarring after a facelift, but the incisions are usually placed in areas that are easily concealed by the hairline or natural skin creases.

  • Are there any risks or complications associated with a facelift?

    As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications associated with a facelift, including bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve damage, and anesthesia-related complications. However, serious complications are rare when the procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facelift surgery.


  • Can a facelift be combined with other procedures, such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty?

    Yes, a facelift can be combined with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation, such as a brow lift, neck lift, or eyelid surgery. A combination of procedures can be discussed during the initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for achieving the patient's aesthetic goals.

More FAQs

Am I a Good Candidate?

The best candidates for this procedure are healthy, non-smokers usually in their 40’s to 60’s who have developed signs of aging in their face. Facelifts can be done successfully on patients in their 70’s and 80’s as well. However, the loss of skin elasticity can limit the outcomes of surgery.  If you’re tired of looking older than you feel, and you want the best care and results, visit top board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lugo.