What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a procedure designed to address visible signs of aging on the face and neck. Common concerns treated with a facelift include deep lines and wrinkles, facial sagging, loss of muscle tone, and excess skin or fat. A facelift can provide a more refreshed appearance by repositioning and tightening underlying tissues and skin.

How Does a Facelift Work?

Facelifts work by lifting and tightening the deeper layers of the face to create a smoother, firmer facial contour. This procedure not only improves the appearance of the face but can also tighten the skin on the neck, addressing multiple signs of aging in one surgery. Unlike temporary solutions such as injectable fillers or Botox, a facelift provides longer-lasting results.

Before Your Facelift Procedure

Before your facelift, you will consult with Dr. Colony to discuss your goals and expectations, and he’ll provide a comprehensive plan tailored to your specific needs. Your medical history, current health status, and any medications or supplements you take will be reviewed to ensure you are a suitable candidate. Preoperative instructions may include avoiding certain medications, stopping smoking, and arranging for post-surgical support at home.

During Your Facelift Procedure

For your comfort, a facelift is performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the type of facelift you choose, incisions are carefully made along the hairline, around the ears, or under the chin. Dr. Colony will sculpt and reposition fat, tighten muscles, and remove excess skin. Many facelift patients opt to undergo additional treatments while they are under anesthesia such as Morpheus8 radiofrequency microneedling, and/or the injection of one’s own collagen into areas that could benefit from increased volume such as the lips, cheeks, or nasolabial folds. 

After Your Facelift Procedure

After the procedure, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are normal and temporary. You will be given detailed postoperative instructions to help manage your recovery, including how to care for your incisions and when to resume normal activities. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your healing process.

Patient Testimonials

I am beyond thrilled with my choice of a plastic surgeon. Dr. Colony is not only incredibly smart and he's got the bedside manner going for him which is quite hard to find in surgeons. I have not only recommended Colony to many friends, but I've actually realized a couple of friends had gone to him before without me realizing.

Dr. Colony is hands down the most gifted plastic surgeon around!

Was very cautious, and thought long and hard about whether I should or shouldn't. Awesome decision. Should have done it a long time ago. A great accomplishment that couldn't have been done without the help of Dr. Colony and his awesome team. If you're living a minute with any self-doubt or low self-esteem about a certain body part, put your Nikes on and JUST DO IT!

What to Expect for Your Facelift Results

The results of your facelift will gradually become visible as swelling and bruising subside. You can expect smoother, tighter skin and a more defined facial contour that looks natural and rejuvenated. While aging continues, the results of your facelift are long-lasting and can help you maintain a more youthful appearance for years to come. Maintenance treatments such as regular Botox and filler injections can help preserve facelift results even longer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Facelifts

FAQs

Does a facelift make you look younger?

Yes - in fact, a facelift can make you look as much as ten years younger than your current appearance. As an additional benefit, youll continue to age from your more youthful appearance, meaning youll continue to look young for your age for many years to come.

How do I prepare for a facelift?

To prepare for a facelift, you will be directed to stop smoking about 4 weeks before your procedure and refrain from taking certain anti-inflammatory medications, as these can increase bleeding during your surgery. Instructions given to you by your provider in preparation for your facelift should be followed for the best results.

How do you reduce swelling after a facelift?

The best way to reduce swelling after a facelift is by following the post-op instructions given to you by your provider. Some tips for reducing swelling can include keeping your head elevated, applying a cold compress, avoiding all strenuous activities, and staying hydrated.

How long is recovery from a facelift?

The exact recovery timeline can vary from patient to patient, but on average people can expect a recovery of 4-6 weeks. It is at this time that your facial sensation will return to normal, and you will be able to resume all activities. It can take up to 6 months or more for your final results to set in.

How long does a facelift last?

A facelift is a long-term solution for restoring a youthful appearance. While the results are long-lasting, they do not stop the aging process from continuing after the procedure. Some people may have a second facelift done 10-15 years after their first. Maintenance procedures such as Botox can help extend the results of your facelift.

What is the best age for a facelift?

There is no one age that is best for everyone when it comes to having a facelift. The best age for someone to get a facelift is when they experience concerns related to aging on the face like loose skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging features.

Are there any risks associated with a facelift?

Some of the risks associated with a facelift include pain, swelling, bleeding, bruising, scarring, and poor wound healing.

Will there be any visible scars with a facelift?

With his advanced skills and decades of experience, Dr. Colony will place your incisions along the hairline and in the natural creases of the face to ensure any scarring is almost invisible. Dr. Colony will also give you detailed recovery instructions to ensure minimal scarring.

What should I avoid after facelift surgery?

After facelift surgery, you’ll want to avoid strenuous activities, sleeping on your face or your side, sun exposure, smoking and alcohol use, makeup, swimming, and taking certain medications like blood thinners.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely! A facelift can be combined with procedures such as eyelid surgery, a brow lift, a neck lift, Botox, and dermal fillers.

Scheduling a Consultation

If you would like more information on getting a facelift in East Lansing, contact Michigan Plastic Surgery® to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Lee H. Colony. will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan to address your specific concerns in order to help you achieve your desired outcome. Call Michigan Plastic Surgery® to schedule your appointment today.

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Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at 

Meet Dr. Lee H. Colony, M.D., F.A.C.S., a renowned Board Certified plastic surgeon known for his expertise in aesthetic plastic surgery. As a respected national speaker and educator, his dedication to patient safety and involvement in esteemed medical societies highlight his exceptional skills.

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