I’m Considering a Facelift. How Long Will It Last?

For millions of men and women across the country, looking in the mirror is a daily reminder of their age. In fact, many people report feeling much younger than they actually look. This is often because the first signs of aging typically appear on the face and can progress fairly quickly with the pull of gravity, additional sun exposure, and other lifestyle factors. Fortunately, cosmetic surgery offers patients a long list of options for turning back the clock and restoring a more youthful, fresh appearance. Arguably one of the most effective and sought-after cosmetic procedures among both men and women is the facelift. With its ability to help patients appear up to 10 years younger, it is no surprise that facelift surgery continues to grow in popularity year after year.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the exceptional team at VIP Plastic Surgery, conveniently located just 10 minutes from the Las Vegas strip, are proud to help patients achieve the look of their dreams through facelift surgery and additional anti-aging procedures. If you are interested in learning more about how a facelift can change your life, it is important to first understand some of the basics about the procedure, including how it works and how long your results may last.

What does a facelift do?

Generally speaking, the facelift – formally known as rhytidectomy – is a complex surgical procedure designed to give patients a more youthful facial appearance overall. Some of the specific concerns that can be addressed and often corrected using facelift surgery include:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Deeper lines and wrinkles
• Facial folds
• Sagging skin
• Drooping mouth
• Sagging jowls
• Tired or angry appearance

During your initial facelift consultation in Las Vegas, NV, Dr. Khorsandi will thoroughly evaluate your face and skin, discuss your concerns and goals, answer your questions in detail, and explain all of the available facelift options that may best meet your needs.

What is the best facelift procedure?

While the traditional facelift, also called a full facelift, tends to produce the most dramatic and long-lasting results, there are multiple facelift techniques and associated procedures that are also highly effective in restoring a more youthful appearance. In addition, there are several more specific procedures designed to target isolated areas of concern for an enhanced level of precision. Dr. Khorsandi and the knowledgeable team at VIP Plastic Surgery will help you determine which procedures may be most appropriate in your particular case. Some of the most common facial plastic surgeries performed by Dr. Khorsandi include:

• Full facelift
• Midface facelift
• Brow lift
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
• Neck lift
• Nonsurgical facelift

How does a facelift work?

The technique used during facelift surgery will vary depending on the specific procedure(s) being performed. During a traditional facelift, or full facelift, Dr. Khorsandi will likely make a very thin incision starting near the temple, following the hairline, and continuing around the ear. This will allow him to access and manipulate the various layers and structures of the face, including the muscle, fat, and other tissues, to sculpt a more youthful and lifted appearance. In some cases, Dr. Khorsandi may use liposuction, fat transfer, or injectable fillers to further enhance the contours of the face for an even more beautiful result. Finally, the skin will be re-draped over the face, excess skin will be excised, and the incisions will be closed with tiny sutures.

How long does it take to recover from a facelift?

Immediately following facelift surgery, patients can expect some level of discomfort, swelling, and bruising. These symptoms are usually mild and typically resolve fairly quickly. The caring team at VIP Plastic Surgery will provide you with instructions, guidelines, and medications to help make your recovery as comfortable and seamless as possible. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and other social situations after about two weeks, while physical activities – including light exercise – can usually be resumed after about 3 –4 weeks, or when cleared by your doctor.

Once the majority of the swelling has resolved, the final results of your facelift will begin to appear. However, the appearance of your face will continue to improve over the next 12 – 18 months as the healing process continues and the scars fade. Some patients, understandably, have concerns about the kinds of scars they will be left with. Dr. Khorsandi is highly experienced in the level of precision required during facelift surgery and takes great care to strategically place his incisions so that they can be concealed or camouflaged within the natural structures of the face. In many cases, the final scars are difficult for even the patients to identify!

How long does a facelift last?

With the financial, physical, and emotional investment that goes into facelift surgery, it is only natural to wonder how long your results may last. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, the results of a facelift can last for up to 5 – 10 years in many cases, though it is important to remember that the aging process will not stop. Some helpful things you can do to prolong your facelift results include:

• Avoid sun exposure
• Eat a balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Don’t smoke
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Practice routine skin care
• Consistently use injectables and other nonsurgical treatments

How do I find the best facelift surgeon in Las Vegas, NV?

One of the most crucial aspects of a successful facelift is accomplishing a dramatically improved look that still appears natural and appropriate for the patient. Choosing a highly qualified, experienced, and skilled plastic surgeon is essential in achieving this outcome as well as ensuring the longest lasting results possible.

If you are ready to take the first step toward rejuvenating your look – and your life – call VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one facelift consultation with our Chief of Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, or take advantage of an online consultation from the comfort, convenience, and privacy of your own home today!