How is a Facelift Performed?

A rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, is a cosmetic procedure that tightens the skin and underlying muscles of the face, removes excess fat from the neck area, and brings youthful definition back to the cheekbones and jawline. As a Charlotte facelift expert, I bring  a unique Beverly Hills approach. I firmly believe that because no two patients are the same, no two facelifts should be the same. I tailor each procedure to the patient’s specific needs and desires, and emphasize natural looking results. Here in Charlotte, I offer the traditional surgical facelift, as well as a mini facelift procedure.

Surgical Facelift in Charlotte

The traditional surgical facelift in Charlotte is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. I begin the procedure by making a small incision that is carefully hidden underneath the chin and removing excess fat from the area. Then I tighten the neck muscles to bring the desired definition, reduce the neck banding, and smoothen jowls.

The next step of the facelift procedure is to make incisions in the temple and hairline that are carried around to the ear. As a Beverly Hills-trained facelift surgeon, I make sure the incisions are hidden in a natural crease or inside the ear to minimize the visibility of scarring. The superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) is then identified. The SMAS is the underlying musculature of the face that is lifted upward in the cheek area and outward in the neck during a facelift to bring a natural looking definition to the entire face. Once the SMAS is lifted and attached with sutures, the superfluous skin is removed. Finally, the incisions are closed and a dressing is applied to protect the face for the first day.

Charlotte facelift patients generally stay one night in a recovery suite and return home the next morning. I will give you specific post-op instructions to ensure your health and safety during the recovery period. You will return to Carolina Facial Plastics for a follow up visit to remove the sutures about one week after surgery, and my team and I will be available throughout your recovery to ensure all of your questions are answered and the healing process is smooth.

The Mini Facelift

Here at Carolina Facial Plastics, I also offer my patients a comfort minilift, or mini facelift. This facelift procedure is performed under local or light anesthesia and often a good option for patients experiencing the early signs of aging. The minilift is a minimally invasive facelift in which I use small incisions to tighten and rejuvenate the lower third of the face, particularly the neck and jowls. Recovery is shorter than with the traditional facelift and the procedure is often performed in conjunction with facial liposuction for optimal results.

Contact the Charlotte Facelift Expert for a Consultation Today!

If you have ever considered a facelift or mini facelift, contact my office today to schedule a consultation to see if it is a good option for you. Facelifts are commonly performed at the same time as complementary procedures such as chin augmentation, fat transfer, or liposuction for ideal results. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your desired outcome to create a treatment plan tailored to specifically to you. Contact Carolina Facial Plastics today at (704) 842-3644 to schedule a consultation with Charlotte’s premier facelift surgeon!