Facelift

Initially, you’ll need to talk to us about the procedure. The surgeon may also examine your bone structure, the shape of your face, your fat distribution, and the quality of your skin. We will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery.

In preparation for a traditional facelift or mini facelift, you may be asked to avoid taking certain medications or adjust how you are taking your currently medications. You will also need to stop smoking if you smoke and avoid taking medications or supplements that can affect bleeding such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs. You can talk to us about your expectations for the procedure and have any questions answered. It’s also a good idea to stock up on any items you will need for your recovery such as very gentle cleanser for your face, mild shampoo, or button-up tops so that you can avoid clothing that goes over your head. Arrange for any help you will need during recovery.

Before any facelift surgery decisions are made, Dr. Buinewicz leads a thorough consultation with the patient. This allows him to get a medical history, ask questions in order to understand the ultimate aesthetic goals, develop a personalized treatment plan, answer questions to ensure patients are fully informed and comfortable with his recommendations, and more.

There are two types of facelift surgery Dr. Buinewicz performs: traditional and mini facelift. These techniques differ a bit in how they work, as well as in the results that are possible. Dr. Buinewicz will suggest a specific strategy, chosen based on the degree of correction needed.

All facelift surgeries involve the use of an anesthetic to reduce sensation and keep the patient comfortable. This can range form an “awake facelift” performed in the office under local anesthesia to a full general anesthesia where the patient is completely asleep.

Sometimes patients have other issues as a result of aging that can be addressed at the same time. These can include textural changes and wrinkles that can be addressed with lasers or volume issues that can be addressed with either fat injections or fillers.

A patient’s recovery timeline and experience will depend on the type of facelift they receive, as well as individual healing factors and other unique variables. In general, expect a degree of swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days after the surgery. These side effects can last for a few weeks but will gradually ease and resolve on their own.

Dr. Buinewicz typically recommends that patients take a week to rest and keep their head elevated in order to minimize swelling. Side effects tend to peak at day three or four. The first week post-op typically ends with removal of any sutures. After this, most facelift patients can return to work and light activities—but nothing that could increase their blood pressure and heart
rate, such as strenuous exercise. All normal activities may typically be resumed after four to six weeks, and the ultimate results should be apparent by the third month after the surgery.

Throughout all this time, it is important to avoid direct sun exposure and to wear sunscreen whenever going outside. In addition to prematurely aging the skin, ultraviolet rays can also cause healing scars to darken and become more visible.

Patients can expect a more youthful and rested appearance, along with a boost in confidence. The results of a full facelift will generally last for ten years or more, but it won’t prevent your face from continuing to age. The results of a mini facelift depend on the individual and the extent of the procedure which can vary by the health of their skin, environmental factors, and genetics. Nonetheless, most patients will benefit from the results of a mini facelift for between five to ten years or even longer.

What you do in the years after your surgery can affect your results, so it’s important to care for your skin. Daily sun protection and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help to preserve the results of any type of facelift. It’s important to avoid deliberate tanning and wear sunscreen everyday as UV ray exposure can break down important proteins in the skin. Use the right topical skin products for your skin type and concerns. We recommend medical-grade products containing ingredients such as retinoids, peptides,
and antioxidants. You can also use non-surgical cosmetic treatments that complement your skincare regimen such as chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing. These treatments gently remove the outer layer of skin, revealing more youthful and radiant looking skin underneath. You will need to give yourself enough time to fully rest and heal before trying other cosmetic treatments.