FEMALE FACELIFT IN WASHINGTON DC

Also Serving Mclean, Alexandria, Loudoun County and Arlington

A facelift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that aims to reduce the signs of aging by tightening the facial skin and muscle tissues. The steps involved in a facelift procedure may vary depending on the specific technique used by Dr. Rad, but generally, the following steps are involved:

1. Anesthesia: Before the surgery, the patient is given anesthesia to ensure that they are comfortable and pain-free. This can either be general anesthesia, which puts the patient asleep, or local anesthesia with sedation, which numbs the face and makes the patient feel relaxed.
2. Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions in the skin, typically starting at the hairline and continuing down in front of and behind the ears. The length and shape of the incisions may vary depending on the extent of the facelift and Dr. Rad’s preference.
3. Lifting: After the incisions are made, Dr. Rad will lift the skin and muscle tissues of the face and neck, repositioning them to create a more youthful appearance. The deeper tissues may also be repositioned and tightened as needed.
4. Removal of excess skin: After the facial tissues have been lifted, the excess skin is trimmed away, and the incision is closed with sutures or staples.
5. Recovery: The patient is monitored during the recovery period and may be given pain medication and antibiotics to manage any discomfort and prevent infection. The face is typically wrapped in bandages or compression garments to help reduce swelling and promote healing.

It’s important to note that a facelift is a major surgical procedure, and the recovery period can be several weeks. It’s essential for patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible results.

An ideal candidate for a facelift is typically someone who is in good overall health and shows signs of aging in the face and neck region, such as loose or sagging skin, deep creases around the nose, mouth, and chin, jowls, and a double chin. A facelift can improve the appearance of these issues, but it is important to have realistic expectations and understand that it is not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. It is also important for potential candidates to have a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if the procedure is appropriate for them and to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MINI FACE LIFT AND DEEP PLANE FACE LIFT?

The main difference between a mini facelift and a deep plane facelift is the extent of the procedure and the degree of correction achieved. A mini facelift is a less invasive procedure that focuses on addressing mild to moderate signs of aging in the lateral (outer) face, such as sagging jowls and outer facial wrinkles. It involves small incisions around the ears and can be performed comfortably under local anesthesia. A mini facelift typically has a shorter recovery time of around 1-2 weeks.

A deep plane facelift, on the other hand, is a more extensive procedure that addresses signs of aging on the face and neck, including significant sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls, as well as “turkey neck” and large saliva glands. It involves deeper incisions and repositioning of the muscle and tissue layers in the face. A deep plane facelift requires general anesthesia and may take several weeks for full recovery. Overall, the choice between a mini facelift and a deep plane facelift depends on the individual’s specific needs and desired level of correction.

It is important to consult with a highly experienced (>10 years of practice with specialization in facelift surgery) board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best approach for achieving your facelift goals.

WHAT IS A SMAS FACELIFT?

A SMAS facelift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that aims to reduce the signs of aging on the face by lifting and tightening the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System). This technique is a modified version of a traditional facelift and is considered to be a more advanced and effective method for achieving optimal results. The surgeon makes a small incision near the ear and the hairline, and then lifts and repositions the SMAS layer.

This provides a more natural-looking lift to the face and also helps to reduce wrinkles and sagging skin. The SMAS facelift may be done on its own or in combination with other procedures, such as a neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery, to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the face. This procedure requires general anesthesia and a recovery period of several weeks.

CAN I SAFELY COMBINE FACELIFT WITH EYELID LIFT OR BROW LIFT?

Yes, in general, for healthy patients, it is safe to combine a facelift with eyelid lift or brow lift procedures and Dr. Rad commonly performs multiple procedures simultaneously safely and effectively. In fact, combining these procedures can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and help achieve a more natural-looking result. Also it offers patients the ability to have a “one and done” refresh with significant advantages in cost, as well.

It is important to note that combining multiple procedures can increase the overall surgical risk, and prolong the recovery period and so you should discuss this with Dr. Rad if you desire more complete facial aesthetic improvement. However, since aging affects the entire face, Dr. Rad has treated many hundreds of patients with comprehensive aesthetic improvements.

WHERE ARE FACELIFT SCARS?

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY AFTER FACELIFT

The recovery after a facelift can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s overall health. Here are some general guidelines for what to expect after a facelift:

1. The first few days after surgery, the face will be swollen, bruised and sore.
2. Pain medications can be prescribed by Dr. Rad to help manage any pain or discomfort during the recovery period.
3. The surgeon will provide instructions for caring for stitches, drainage, and bandaging.
4. It is important to get plenty of rest and avoid physical activity or strenuous exercise for at least two weeks after surgery.
5. Patients should also avoid bending down or lifting heavy objects during the first few days of recovery.
6. Swelling and bruising will begin to subside after the first few days, but it may take several weeks for the majority of the swelling to go down.
7. Patients can usually return to work and other normal activities after two to three weeks post-surgery. However, they may still experiencing some residual bruising and swelling.

It is important to follow Dr. Rad’s post-operative instructions closely to ensure proper healing and to minimize risks of complications.

IS FACELIFT PAINFUL?

A facelift is a surgical procedure, so some amount of pain and discomfort should be expected during the recovery period. However, postoperative pain can be managed with prescription pain medications and over-the-counter pain relief medications as needed. Most patients describe the pain as mild to moderate and generally well-tolerated. During the procedure itself, anesthesia is used to ensure the patient’s comfort and minimize any pain. The type of anesthesia will depend on various factors and will be discussed with the patient during the pre-operative consultation with Dr. Rad. Some people may feel discomfort, bruising, and swelling in the days following the surgery, which can be uncomfortable but manageable with appropriate care and medication.

WHAT IS THE CHANCE OF NERVE DAMAGE AFTER FACELIFT?

When speaking about nerves, we must be clear that there are 2 types of nerves: (1) sensory nerves, or those for feeling touch or pressure in the facial skin, and (2) motor nerves which stimulate facial muscles for movement. Sensation nerves are always cut during a facelift and 100% of patients experience numbness in the areas of the neck, jawline, outer face. However, this is not problematic because we don’t rely on sensation of these areas for daily activity. Therfore, all patients having facelift become accustom to reduced sensation and it is not bothersome. To be clear, the lips are NOT included in the area of numbness and the lips, whose sensation is very important, are protected and have normal sensation. Over time sensation does return to the face and neck and it can take 1-2 years. This is normal. The bottom line is that numbness is a normal and expected part of the process of facelifting, it is not bothersome, and over time sensation comes back.

In terms of the risk of motor nerve injury, the risk of nerve damage after a facelift is also low and depends on the individual case and the extent of the procedure. During a facelift, Dr. Rad must reposition and gently stretch deep muscle tissues of the face, which can sometimes cause a temporary “stunning” of a motor nerve that causes the muscle not to function completely normally. The published studies indicate that this chance is around 1-2%, particularly affecting a nerve called the “marginal mandibular nerve” which stimulates a lip “depressor” (pulling-down) muscle called the depressor angluli oris (DAO) muscle. This causes the affected side not to pull down with large smiling or with wide mouth opening (such as with taking a big bite). Although the smile can be slightly asymmetric due to lower lip asymmetry, the nerve nearly always comes back in time, hence the term “nerve stunning”. Permanent nerve injury is very rare due to cross-innervation of the DAO muscle which occurs with nerve regeneration. Temporary lip and smile symmetry can be achieved with Botox to the non-stunned side so that the lower lip position is the same. While this does not accelerate the return of nerve function, it allows the smile and lip function to be symmetric which helps patients feel less self conscious about the asymmetry being noticeable. Botox works for 3 months and can be repeated as needed. Nerve recovery can take 3-6 months or sometimes longer for full function to return.

Although the risk of nerve damage cannot be eliminated entirely, experienced and skilled surgeons take great care to minimize this risk through careful planning, precise technique, and close monitoring during and after the procedure. If nerve damage does occur, it is usually temporary and resolves within a few weeks or months. In very rare cases, permanent nerve damage may occur, which can cause long-term or permanent changes in facial sensation or movement.

While nerve injury is a well-known potential complication of a facelift, the chance is low and depends on several factors, including the skill and experience of Dr. Rad, the extent of the procedure, and the individual patient’s anatomy and health. The facial nerves that control sensation, movement, and expression of the face are often manipulated during a facelift. The nerves can become bruised, stretched, or cut during the procedure, which may cause temporary, or very rarely permanent, nerve damage. The risk of nerve damage can be minimized by choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has a high level of skill and expertise in performing facelift surgery.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN CHOOSING A FACELIFT SURGEON?

Choosing the right facelift surgeon is a crucial step towards achieving your desired results and ensuring your safety during the procedure. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a facelift surgeon:

1. Experience: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience performing facelift surgeries and a proven track record of successful outcomes.
2. Board Certification: Make sure Dr. Rad is board-certified by a recognized plastic surgery board such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
3. Training and Education: Check Dr. Rad’s educational background and training to ensure that they have received the necessary education and training to perform facelift surgery.
4. Before and After Photos: Ask to see Dr. Rad’s before and after photos from previous facelift cases to assess their skill and determine if their aesthetic matches yours.
5. Communication and Rapport: Choose a surgeon who listens to your goals, concerns, and questions and who makes you feel comfortable and confident during the consultation process.

For patients seeking the highest level of skill in their surgeon, a minimum of 10 years of experience is generally recommended, and a level of artistry that is reflected in the details of patient results.