Facelift – also known as a rhytidectomy – is a cosmetic surgery used to restore a more youthful appearance to the face and neck. This surgery is often used when less invasive office procedures, such as cosmetic injections, fail to deliver adequate results. Facelifts can elevate sagging of the face and smooth out deep lines and creases. They can also be used to restore youthful volume to the face and improve underlying muscle tone that contributes to the formation of jowls.Though facelift procedures cannot stop the aging process, they can take many years off the face – especially when paired with other procedures such as brow lifts or eyelid surgery, which help lift and rejuvenate the eyes and brow line. Facial fat grafting and skin resurfacing are also commonly performed simultaneously to restore volume and improve the skin for long term results.
Dr. Nagy can perform a variety of facelift techniques depending on the patient’s individual needs and recovery time. She specializes in deep plane facelift and necklift which elevates beneath the muscular layer called the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to resuspend the soft tissues of the face for longer lasting, more natural results. This technique is only performed by those well trained in facial anatomy. Dr. Nagy is double board certified in head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery, therefore, is a specialist in this type of surgery.
Did you know…
that facelifts are among the top five cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States each year? More than 100,000 of the procedures are administered in America every year – the majority of which are performed on women who are over the age of 40. Therefore, Dr. Nagy brings a uniquely female understanding and aesthetic to this type of surgery.
However, many men seek facelift and necklift surgery as well and Dr. Nagy authored a paper on the nuances of male facelift for fellow surgeons to learn those techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for a facelift?
You may be a candidate for a facelift if you are a healthy non-smoker who is bothered by changes to your facial and neck muscle tone or skin. There is no “right age” for a facelift, but rather depends on your anatomy and when those facial changes become concerning for the patient. To find out more about facelifts and whether this procedure could be right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nagy.
What should I expect during a facelift procedure?
Your surgery will either be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will form an incision along the crease where your ear meets your face. Depending on the extent of your procedure, your incision may also extend upward along the hairline or behind the ear and into the hairline. Your surgeon will then sculpt and redistribute fat within the face, neck and along the jowl. Excess skin will be trimmed away and the underlying muscles and tissues will be lifted to form a more youthful appearance. After surgery, you will have a compression dressing around the face and neck which will be removed by your surgeon the following day.
Will I need to follow any special post-operative instructions after my facelift?
Facelift recovery takes several weeks, during which time it is normal to experience soreness and swelling. You will wear a compression dressing for a week and have all sutures removed at your 1 week appointment. Be sure to take all prescribed medications as instructed by your surgeon, and follow up with your doctor to ensure that healing is progressing normally. It is recommended to have facelift surgery at least 3 months before any major event such as a wedding or public speaking engagement.
Before and After
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a candidate for a facelift?
You may be a candidate for a facelift if you are a healthy non-smoker who is bothered by changes to your facial muscle tone or skin. To find out more about facelifts and whether this procedure could be right for you, schedule a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.
What should I expect during a facelift procedure?
Your surgery will either be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will form an incision along the crease where your ear meets your face. Depending on the extent of your procedure, your incision may also extend upward or downward along the hairline. Your surgeon will thin sculpt and redistribute fat within the face, neck and along the jowl. Excess skin will be trimmed away and the underlying muscles and tissues will be lifted to form a more youthful appearance.
Will I need to follow any special post-operative instructions after my facelift?
Facelift recovery takes several weeks, during which time it is normal to experience soreness and swelling. Be sure to take all prescribed medications as instructed by your surgeon, and follow up with your doctor within a few weeks to ensure that healing is progressing normally.
