Facelift in San Diego

A loose, sagging facial appearance can leave you feeling older than you actually are. Facelift surgery provides hundreds of thousands of women and men with a firm, more youthful look every year. People choose facelift surgery to tighten and smooth their facial skin that has begun to sag and wrinkle. If you lack confidence or are uncomfortable with how you look due to a drooping facial appearance, facelift surgery may be the right procedure for you.

Do you desire...

A firmer facial contour
To eliminate excess skin from the jowls
A more defined neck and jawline
To smooth creases under the eyes
A more youthful appearance
To soften lines around the mouth and nose

If you lack confidence or are uncomfortable with how you look due to a drooping facial appearance, facelift
surgery may be the right procedure for you.

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Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

While there is no minimum or maximum age for undergoing facelift surgery, it is important that you are in good health and have realistic expectations about your results.

Candidates often lack attractive definition at the jawlines and have excess tissue that creates the unwanted appearance of a double chin.

Some facelift candidates have volume loss along their cheeks or under their eyes, which may be improved by redistributing fat.

Potential patients should have facial aging in the lower third of the face. Facelift surgery cannot provide significant improvement to the upper two-thirds, but combination procedures are available if necessary.

Standard Facelift

• Targets the neck, jowls, and cheeks
• Incisions are created in the hairline from the temple to down behind the ear
• A secondary incision may be made underneath the chin
• Drooping facial muscles are lifted, fat is redistributed, and excess skin is removed or repositioned

Facelift Techniques

Short-Scar Facelift

• Targets the neck, jowls, and cheeks but utilizes a much shorter incision
• The incision is placed just behind the ear in a more concealable location
• May be ideal for patients who require less dramatic facial improvements
• Faster recovery and easier healing

Should I Combine a Brow Lift?

Brow lift surgery may be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with your facelift. A brow lift is designed to treat a low or sagging brow, which can make us look tired or angry even when we are not. Along with a facelift, it can reduce the furrows in the forehead and minimize the creases that we refer to as “frown lines.” This procedure can be done through tiny incisions in the hairline to avoid placing any visible scars on the face or forehead. Combining a brow lift with your facelift procedure can help you achieve more dramatic, complete, and long-lasting results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery?

What type of anesthesia is used during facelift surgery?: Facelift surgery is performed using general anesthesia to ensure the safest procedure possible with no pain for the patient. Dr. Pollack will recommend the best choice for your procedure.
How will I feel following my facelift surgery?: You may experience bruising, swelling, and redness following your surgery. Drains may be placed to help minimize excess swelling. Mild discomfort following your surgery is common, and it can be controlled by taking an oral pain medication.
How long will my recovery take?: Most patients can return to work 10 days to two weeks after their surgery. You can resume your regular exercise routine after three to four weeks. Most significant swelling should subside after six weeks of recovery, at which time your final results will become more visible. Residual swelling can take up to six months to resolve. Dr. Pollack and his staff will help you decide when you can return to specific activities.
What are the possible complications following facelift surgery?: Your risk of complications following facelift surgery is low. Bleeding and infection can occur. Temporary facial numbness may occur in some patients, but it usually does not last. Visible scarring may initially develop along your hairline but is likely to fade over time.
How long will my facelift results last?: Your facelift results are long lasting, offering a visibly younger face for many years. However, you should note that as you naturally age and your skin becomes loose again, your results will be impacted.
Will there be scarring after my facelift?: All surgeries result in scars because incision points are required for the procedure. However, if you pick an experienced and skilled doctor, such as Dr. Larry Pollack, they will strategically place your incisions close to the hairline where they are barely noticeable. The scars should fade over time.
Can fillers or laser treatments give me the same results as a facelift?: Laser treatments can remove brown spots and reduce fine lines, while fillers can add volume back to the face (in places like the lips and cheeks), concerns that facelift surgery cannot always correct.
Both of these are great benefits that can improve your appearance, but they do not address sagging skin or underlying tissues. Only a surgical procedure can remove and tighten the loose skin around your face and neck.
Many individuals opt for laser treatments or fillers as “touch-ups” post-facelift.
Will my results look natural, or will my face look extremely tightened?: Your results will depend on the experience and skill of your plastic surgeon. To ensure you get the best results, it is essential to take your time when picking the right doctor for you. Always consider their training and experience and ask to see before and after pictures to see the doctor’s work for yourself.
How long does a facelift procedure take?: The length of your facelift surgery will depend on your needs and the extent of work you are having done. On average, a facelift can take between three and four hours.
What will prevent me from a facelift?: Facelift surgery is the best way to tighten sagging skin on the lower two-thirds of the face, jawline, and neck. A facelift is not appropriate for those looking to tighten the upper third of the face or only improve skin tone and texture.
Additionally, if you are a smoker, you will be asked to temporarily stop before and after your surgery.
I have bags and circles under my eyes. Will the facelift fix that?: No, a facelift does not address the eye area. To rejuvenate the eyes, patients should inquire about an eyelid lift. An eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) can remove excess fat and skin to fix bags and circles on the upper and lower eyelids. Many patients choose to combine their facelift with an eyelid lift. If you are interested in doing so, you should ask your doctor whether this is the right approach for you during your consultation.

Before & After

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Dr. Pollack is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is dedicated to providing patients with safe and effective procedures. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of plastic surgery and looks forward to meeting you. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Pollack, please call our La Jolla practice at 858-450-9100 today.

Face Rejuvenation With Dr. Pollack