The rhytidectomy, or facelift, has been one of the most comprehensive facial plastic surgeries available for decades, and it is still the gold standard for restoring youth and rejuvenating facial aesthetics. People with sagging skin, jowls, loose neck skin and wrinkles can look years younger as well as slow down the rate of aging with a facelift, creating natural-looking rejuvenation that lasts for years.
Dr. Michael L. Schwartz, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, is pleased to offer this classic and highly effective surgical procedure at Palm Beach Face to patients in the West Palm Beach area.
- Facelift Before & After Photos
- What is a Facelift?
- Benefits of a Facelift
- Best Candidates for Facelift Surgery
- Short Scar Mini Facelifts Vs Traditional Facelifts
- Your Facelift Consultation at Palm Beach Face
- The Facelift Procedure
- Recovery and Downtime
- Eye Makeup
- Concealer and Foundation
- What to Expect
- Frequently Asked Questions about Facelifts
Facelift Before & After Photos
* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
What is a Facelift?
While many people believe that a face lift merely involves tightening and removing unwanted skin, there is actually a lot more that goes on underneath the surface during the procedure. A traditional facelift is known as a deep plane facelift, and it involves addressing loose skin in the mid and lower face and the neck, while also tightening the underlying facial tissues.
By addressing the skin, facial fat, and underlying tissues, the deep plane facelift yields long-lasting, natural-looking results for patients with moderate to severe sagging skin.
Benefits of a Facelift
Many people are concerned about the invasive nature of facelift surgery and choose less-invasive procedures, but none of these options can approach the kind of comprehensive results a facelift can provide. Patients who choose a facelift with an experienced facial plastic surgeon can look forward to tighter, smoother skin and an overall more youthful appearance. The procedure also helps patients look more rested and will help to slow down the aging process.
A facelift procedure does require some recovery time, but patients will get a lot of value out of the procedure, due to the fact that it is comprehensive and produces dramatic results that last for years. Most patients find that they have increased confidence and self-esteem after the procedure and may feel more empowered in social and work settings.
Best Candidates for Facelift Surgery
Although facelift surgery can be an ideal option for people with moderate to severe sagging skin, it is not the right option for everyone. The best candidates for facelift surgery are men and women with significant signs of aging, such as jowling and loose excess skin on the midface, lower face, and neck. Patients need to be in good health, be nonsmokers (or willing to quit), and have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure.
People with minor sagging skin may be a better candidate for a minimally-invasive or non-invasive treatment, rather than a facelift. Choosing one of these procedures can even help younger patients postpone surgical intervention. Some medications and medical conditions may make patients ineligible for the procedure, but Dr. Schwartz can suggest alternatives for patients who should not undergo elective surgery. Candidacy is highly individual and the doctor will determine yours during the initial facelift consultation.
Short Scar Mini Facelifts Vs Traditional Facelifts
Many patients who seek facial rejuvenation procedures express confusion about the multiple types of procedures available and what is best for them.
The constant marketing of named or branded procedures frequently has patients coming in and asking for a specifically named facelift without really knowing if this will do anything to help them. This is especially true for the variety of mini facelifts or short scar facelifts that attract patients with promises of minimal invasiveness, less pain, and quick recovery while promising wonder results at the same time.
The following two patients illustrate these principles. They each present a different challenge due to their respective ages and facial changes. Both desire a natural and undistorted look.
Both would like to be as cost-effective as possible with their time and their finances but understand that doing what gets the best result is the key to full satisfaction.
Can you describe the main differences between the many facelift techniques and which are considered best?
S lifts refer to a variety of techniques mean’t to be done through limited incisions and surgical dissection. The advantages of them are often quted as usually being performed under local anesthesia and quicker recovery and less cost. The disadvantages are that the best candidates for them are patients with limited facial and neck sagging. They’ll see the best results. Patients with a greater degree of facial sagging who choose to compromise and undergo this type of procedure either because of budget, fear of anesthesia, desire for quick recovery or media promotion are often disappointed with the end result.
Deep plane and SMAS lifts are done through longer incisions and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. They produce the most dramatic and long lasting results for patients. They are techniques that have stood the test of time. Some patients are hesitant to have these due to longer recovery and cost. My best advice to patients is have and find the doctor who’ll fit the technique needed to your face, don’t fit yourself to the technique regardless of name. This is your face we are talking about. It’s not some belly or thigh lipo that will be hidden. This result is going to be seen by everyone, everyday. Spend a little more or take a little more recovery time. Your beautiful face is worth it!
Case Study 1
This patient presents with early to moderates signs of facial aging. There is deflation of the cheeks, early jowling and moderate skin laxity with loss of a defined jaw neckline.
She is an excellent candidate for a short scar facelift. Done in-office under local anesthesia, the doctor will use a smaller incision with less facial dissection. Tightening of the underlying skin and muscle is performed and a good rejuvenation can be achieved. The result is natural and not distorted. The patient returns to normal activities after a week.
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Case Study 2
The second patient presents with more advanced problems of facial aging. She has heavier tissues, which will not reposition easily. There are deep nasolabial folds and heavy jowls with distortion of the jawline. The cervical mental angle is obtuse with a blunted chin and no defined jaw neckline.
She is not a candidate for a mini lift. A facelift with dissection in the deep plane allows lifting of the heavy cheek and jowls without pulling or distortion. Extensive lifting of the neck skin as well as release, repositioning and tightening of the deep neck muscles with a pre-jowl implant to the chin creates a defined jaw neckline.
Although this remains an outpatient procedure it is not an office procedure. So the surgery requires a specialist to apply general anesthesia in a surgicenter. Initial recovery is two weeks for a return to work and normal activity. Swelling could stay for a bit longer and the result will continue to improve over 3-6 months.
Seen at 3 months this patient’s result is dramatic even with some as yet unresolved neck edema. The patient has not found this a problem given the marked improvement she has already achieved.
Dr. Schwartz offers the full spectrum of both mini and full facelifts. He counsels patients though to not fit themselves to a technique but to get the procedure that best delivers the results they are looking for. You are doing this to look and feel better. This is your face and everyone is going to see it. If you are the right candidate for a mini lift then you’ll be very happy. If you need more then isn’t a week or two of additional recovery worth getting the result you are looking for?
Your Facelift Consultation at Palm Beach Face
We customize the facelift procedure to each individual patient during an in-person consultation with Dr. Schwartz in West Palm Beach. During the consultation, Dr. Schwartz will go over your medical history and ask you questions about your lifestyle to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery safely. Dr. Schwartz will ask you about your goals and go over your expectations for the surgery. He will also evaluate your facial aging and make treatment recommendations, whether that involves a facelift procedure or not.
This is your opportunity to get to know Dr. Schwartz and learn more about your options before you make a decision about your treatment plan. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions about the facelift procedure and address any concerns you may have. Once you have all the information you need and Dr. Schwartz has determined your candidacy, you can schedule your procedure for a convenient date.
What happens during a consultation for a deep plane face and neck lift?
During the consultation with Dr. Schwartz you will discuss what it is that you dislike about your face and neck and what you hope to achieve through surgery. Your face, neck, and skin will be examined, a thorough medical history taken, and your options discussed. All details of the deep plane face and neck lift procedure will be explained and any questions or concerns that you may have will be addressed.
The Facelift Procedure
A facelift procedure begins with anesthesia to ensure patients are safe and comfortable throughout the surgery. Typically, we use general anesthesia or IV sedation, as this is a fairly invasive procedure.
Once the specialist administers the anesthesia, Dr. Schwartz will make the incisions. Notice that the surgeon will camouflage the deep plane facelift incisions within the hairline to avoid visible scarring. Through these incisions, Dr. Schwartz can access the deeper layers of tissue. Working layer by layer, he carefully lifts, tightens, and repositions the different layers of the face. This involves tightening the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, removing or repositioning facial fat, and trimming and tightening excess sagging skin. Once Dr. Schwartz rejuvenates all the layers, he then closes the incisions and places dressings. A deep plane facelift takes an average of four hours to complete.
Recovery and Downtime
One of the tradeoffs of undergoing facelift surgery is the downtime. While modern techniques have reduced recovery times, patients will still typically need to take about two weeks off from work to heal. Swelling and bruising are normal and you should expect them. It is surprising for many patients to find that the discomfort from facelift recovery is typically minor and they can manage it with prescribed medications.
The surgeon will remove the stitches approximately one week after surgery, and patients with desk jobs should be well enough to return to work around a week later. People who work more strenuous jobs will typically need to wait an additional week or two to return to work. But you should avoid moderate to strenuous exercise for at least the first three weeks.
What can I expect the recovery to be like after my deep plane face and neck lift?
Patients can expect a recovery time of about one week after the deep plane face and neck lift. Swelling and bruising may occur. Any discomfort that patients experience is typically minor and can be managed with medication. The stitches are usually removed after one week. While patients can often return to work within two weeks, it will take about three weeks before more strenuous activities can be resumed.
Eye Makeup
If you don’t feel fully dressed without a bit of mascara or a touch of eyeliner, you might be itching to put on your eye makeup soon after your surgery. But, when you can get back to your regular eye makeup routines depends on several factors. After a rhinoplasty, your surgeon may give you the all-clear to start wearing mascara and other eye cosmetics the day after your procedure.
After eyelid surgery, though, your best option is to wait for some time before you start using eyeliner or eyeshadow again. Your eye area will be tender and delicate for the first week or so after surgery, and any cosmetics applied in the area can exacerbate the sensitivity. Another reason to hold off on eye makeup after eyelid surgery is to give the incisions ample time to heal. If makeup gets into the still-healing incisions, there’s a chance that it can permanently discolor the area, giving you a tattoo of sorts.
Eye Makeup Advice
You’ll want to use extra care when applying eye makeup after your surgery. It’s usually a good idea to start fresh after eyelid surgery or another procedure, with completely new bottles or tubes of mascara. Your older products can have bacteria on them, which can lead to an infection in the still healing surgical area.
Don’t forget to take off your eye makeup at the end of the day. Sleeping in it can irritate your eyes and make your skin upset. Whether you’ve had nasal surgery, an eyelid lift or a facelift, be very gentle when taking off your eye makeup. Pads or wipes soaked in makeup remover are often the way to go. Using them reduces the chance that you’ll get the cast or splint wet, if you’re still wearing one.
Concealer and Foundation
There are a few basic rules when it comes to applying concealer or foundation after facial plastic surgery. Rule number one is don’t get the cosmetics on or in the incision. You might want to try to cover up your incision areas, but putting makeup on them can permanently discolor them. In most cases, your incisions will be barely visible anyway, because they are in the hairline or just under the nose, so your safest bet is to leave them alone.
What type of concealer you use depends on what you are covering up. If you have bruising, a yellow-toned concealer may provide the best coverage. Try using a green concealer to hide redness. The green tint helps cancel out the red. Some manufacturers create makeup products specifically to camouflage bruising after surgery. You can look for these at higher end makeup stores or talk to your surgeon about where to find them.
What to Expect
Even with the priciest camouflage makeup products, it’s best not to expect a miracle after your surgery. The best thing to do is give your face time to heal. Cosmetics can cover up or minimize discoloration, but they won’t eliminate it. If you find yourself very bothered or upset by the way you look as you heal, it might be helpful to cover up or remove some of the mirrors from your home. Once the bruising and swelling has decreased, you’ll start to feel like yourself again and may feel more comfortable looking in the mirror or getting back to your old makeup routine.
Related Articles
- What are Jowls and What Can You do About Them?
- Male vs. Female Facelift: How Are They Different?
- 4 Things That Influence Facial Aging (and What You Can Do)
- Signs You’re a Facelift Candidate
- 3 Facial Rejuvenation Options: Which one is For You?
Frequently Asked Questions about Facelifts
After a facelift, you will look worse before you look better, due to swelling and bruising that occurs after nearly every surgery. However, you should be able to see the initial results within a few weeks. These will improve further over the next six months, as residual swelling fades.
The deep plane face and neck lift does not address the forehead or brow position or the appearance of the eyelids. You might get better results with other procedures such as a brow lift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Patients who need to address multiple areas of the face might want to discuss a combination procedure with Dr. Schwartz.
Absolutely. Although the aesthetic goals of the procedure are slightly different for men and women, a rhytidectomy can be extremely effective for any patient, regardless of gender. Many men seek facelift surgery to improve their confidence, compete in the workplace, or return to dating.
The facelift is known for long-lasting results, but these vary depending on the patient’s lifestyle and genetic rate of aging. Patients can expect the results of a facelift to last approximately 5-10 years or more. It is important to keep in mind that although a rhytidectomy can make patients look years younger and slow down the rate of aging, it cannot stop further aging altogether. Most patients only get one facelift in their lifetime, but the results do not last forever. Patients can help to prolong their results by living a healthy lifestyle, avoiding cigarettes, and protecting their facial skin from the sun.
Dr. Schwartz performs the deep plane facelift at an outpatient surgical center. Patients can be driven home by a friend or family member the day of the surgery to rest and recover.
All surgeries produce scarring, but plastic surgeons make sure to hide scars as good as possible, so as not to compromise the aesthetic results of the procedure. The incisions of a facelift are located within the hairline, resulting in well-concealed scars.
During the surgery itself, anesthesia ensures that patients feel no pain. There can be some minor discomfort after the facelift, but this discomfort is often much less than patients initially expect. Dr. Schwartz prescribes medications to manage any discomfort during the initial recovery period.
Exercise and other strenuous activities may need to be postponed for about three weeks after a facelift surgery. Dr. Schwartz will determine when it is safe for you to return to your normal exercise routine.
As with all types of surgery, there are potential risks associated with a facelift surgery. These may include adverse anesthesia reactions, asymmetry, bleeding, excessive scarring, and infection. Working with an experienced plastic surgeon and following all pre- and post-operative instructions will minimize these risks and help to ensure a safe and successful procedure.
Facelift procedures performed for cosmetic reasons are generally not covered by insurance, though patients should consult with their own insurance carrier. There may be financing options available, however.
Facelifts have come a long way, and today’s procedures are customized to suit each patient’s unique needs. This high level of customization helps to ensure a natural result, without a tight or pulled unnatural look. A skilled plastic surgeon can create results that look very natural while still dramatically rejuvenating the face.
The deep plane face and neck lift is a procedure which can correct sagging facial skin, jowls, and loose neck skin. The procedure can dramatically rejuvenate the mid face, lower face, and the neck, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Healthy men and women who are seeking an improvement in sagging face and neck skin along with redundant fat and muscle may be good candidates for a deep plane face and neck lift.
Dr. Schwartz performs the deep plane face and neck lift at an outpatient surgical center.
Dr. Schwartz performs the deep plane face and neck lift with IV sedation or general anesthesia.
The deep plane face and neck lift takes about four hours to perform.
The incisions for the deep plane face and neck lift are located within the hairline.
The incisions for the deep plane face and neck lift are located within the hairline, resulting in well-concealed scars.
Patients can usually return to work within two weeks after deep plane face and neck lift.
Exercise and other strenuous activities may need to be postponed for about three weeks after the deep plane face and neck lift.
The stitches are removed in about one week after the deep plane face and neck lift.
There are financing options available for many plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery procedures.
Endoscopic techniques are primarily used for the forehead and brow area with some mid face applications as well.
Sagging neck and cheek areas are best addressed with traditional facelift approaches.
If you live in the state of Florida, Palm Beach Face: Michael L. Schwartz, MD offers facelift among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
Expert Rhytidectomy in West Palm Beach
Dr. Michael Schwartz is an experienced double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology. Dr. Schwartz trained with some of the most renowned surgeons of the 20th century and has over 24 years of experience in the field of plastic surgery. He stays on the cutting edge of modern techniques and dedicates his time to providing patients with beautiful, natural results.
If you want to learn more about the facelift procedure, call Palm Beach Face in West Palm Beach, FL, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael Schwartz. You can reach our practice at 561-655-5562.
Why choose Dr. Schwartz?
- Dr. Michael Schwartz is certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and American Board of Otolaryngology.
- MD from Baylor College of Medicine, where he completed his General Surgery Residency at Beth Israel Medical Center and ENT Residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center.
- He is also a fellow of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American College of Surgeons.
- Dr. Schwartz is an active staff member with Good Samaritan Medical Center, West Palm Beach, Florida.
- He has over 30 years of experience as a plastic surgeon and is extensively trained in the latest advancements in facial plastic surgery.