What You Need To Know For Facelift Surgery

Although the changes appear gradually, there may come a day when you look in the mirror and decide that the face you see doesn’t reflect the way you feel. A facelift surgery could be what you need to get back to how you want to feel. Facelifts can address many things such as sagging skin, redefining your neck, and losing your jowls. Learn more about the facelift procedure, and what it can do for you! 

What is a Facelift? 

A facelift also referred to as a rhytidectomy, is a broad term encompassing surgical procedures aimed at enhancing the signs of aging in the face and/or neck. This involves repositioning or removing skin, fat, and/or muscle. The aging indicators that a facelift can address include: 

• Prominent lines or creases extending from the nose to the corners of the mouth. 
• Drooping skin on your cheeks or jaw (known as jowls) 
• Excess fat and sagging skin in the neck, resembling a “double chin.” 
• Relaxed and sagging skin on your face 

Benefits of a Facelift 

A facelift offers a range of benefits that can enhance one’s appearance and boost self-confidence such as  

• Eliminate a double chin  
• Get rid of jowls  
• Tighten up saggy facial skin 
• Reduce deep wrinkles 
• Pairs well with other cosmetic procedures 

Setting up a Home Recovery Area  

One thing that should be done before the surgery is to set up a home recovery area. This should include the following,  

• Gauze, clean towels, washcloths 
• Materials for your entertainment that can be used while resting, handheld games, books, and magazines.  
• Cellphone within reach of where you will be sitting most of the time  
• Supply of loose button-down shirts  

What is the process like during the surgery? 

You will receive the surgery while you are under anesthesia. At Illume, most often we use local anesthesia and intravenous sedation (twilight sleep) for facelift procedures. A board-certified plastic surgeon will discuss this with you, and find out what anesthesia you will receive during the consultation. 

Facelift procedures typically entail the repositioning and/or removal of facial skin and/or fat, along with the tightening of facial muscles. Depending on the specific type of facelift you choose, your surgeon may perform one or a combination of these actions. 

Post Surgery Scarring 

Scarring is something that patients are always curious about during a procedure. Our board-certified surgeons carefully place incisions in discreet locations and use specialized techniques for closure, ensuring that patients’ scars are unnoticeable once they are fully healed. 

Non-Invasive facial rejuvenation procedures  

If you choose not to undergo surgical facelift procedures, there are alternative non-surgical options designed to enhance your skin’s appearance and diminish signs of aging. Explore the non-surgical facelift options available at Illume Offers: 

• Botox  
• Filler  
• Instalift Threads

 Frequently Asked Questions  

What other procedures pair well with a facelift?  

• One of the most common procedures that people get when getting a facelift is blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or forehead lift (brow lift). Having more than one procedure done at the same time reduces the recovery time.  

Should I be accompanied by someone during the surgery? 

• Yes, we recommend a family member or friend stay with you at least 48 hours post-surgery. We also offer post-surgical in-home care. 

As a prominent cosmetic and plastic surgery center in the Milwaukee area, Illume Cosmetic Surgery and MedSpa have nationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeons dedicated to delivering the utmost standard of care. If you’re considering facelift surgery, reach out to us today to arrange your initial consultation.