At Smith Facial Plastics in Columbus, Ohio, Facelift surgery is our specialty. With Dr. Stephen P. Smith Jr. and Dr. Scott Smithβs medical training and art background, surgeons can offer unparalleled results. You can restore your natural beauty with a facelift in Columbus. During your consultation, our doctors will be able to recommend the best facelift technique for you and tailor your treatment to enhance your natural beauty and take years off your appearance for a beautiful, long-lasting result. Below, weβve detailed the characteristics of each facelift method, the surgery, recovery, tips from our experienced physicians, and frequently asked facelift questions and answers. We look forward to beginning this exciting journey with you!
A facelift, technically known as rhytidectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to tighten loose or sagging skin in the face and neck and reduce jowling. This is achieved by surgically removing excess fat and excess skin itself, tightening the underlying muscles, and re-draping the skin. Dr. Stephen Smith and Dr. Scott Smith are highly qualified, experienced plastic surgeons and facial enhancement specialists.
Candidates for a facelift are generally in good health and have realistic expectations for improving the appearance of loose, sagging skin on the face and neck and jowling. The best results are typically achieved in patients whose skin still retains some elasticity. Younger patients who are just beginning to experience the signs of aging may be candidates for less extensive facelift surgical techniques such as the Mini Facelift or Mid-Facelift.
Our Columbus facelift is the best surgical procedure to address signs of aging that non-surgical or medical spa treatment canβt alter. The board-certified facial plastic surgeons will work with you to create a plan that:
The first step to getting a facelift is setting up a consultation with one of the esteemed surgeons at our practice. You must be very clear with the doctors about your goals for the surgery. The surgeons will explain the process and their technique during your personal consultation, creating a blueprint for the surgery. Patient safety is of the utmost importance, so the surgeons will want to know your medical history and walk you through the pre and post-op steps.
Facelift surgery generally lasts several hours and is performed with either general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. Incision patterns may vary; however, for the traditional facelift, the incision begins above the temples in the hairline and continue in a natural line in front of and behind the ear, ending in the lower scalp. In some cases, a small incision may also be made under the chin to address the neck area.
The skin is separated from the underlying fat and muscle, and fat suction to remove excess fat from the neck and tightening of facial tissues around the underlying muscles may be necessary. The skin is gently re-draped, and excess skin is trimmed. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures.
The cost of a Columbus facelift can vary. Our doctors will go over a plan that best suits your personal needs during your consultation and provide you with a price. Financing options are available that can help manage the payment for our patients.
The head is often wrapped loosely in a bandage after surgery, and this may remain in place for anywhere from one to two days. Itβs very normal for the remaining skin on the face to have a puffy, swollen appearance after the facelift. Bruising and numbness may also occur. Any discomfort that patients experience can be managed with pain medication. It can take anywhere from two to three weeks for the bruising to fade, and the swelling will slowly subside over several weeks to months. Male patients may find they need to shave behind the ears after surgery if beard-growing skin has been re-positioned to this area.
Stitches are usually removed within five to seven days of the facelift. Many patients find that they are well enough to return to work and many other everyday activities after ten to fourteen days. Strenuous activities should not be resumed for at least two weeks or more. Sun exposure will need to be minimized for several months. The results of the facelift procedure are generally long-lasting, but the face does continue to age. Some patients find that they can benefit from a touch-up procedure after about ten years.
Not all patients need a full traditional facelift. We also offer a non-surgical facelift, a lower facelift, and a mini-facelift for patients who are not ready for a traditional facelift yet.
The mini facelift is an excellent procedure for men and women who have just begun to see the side effects of aging. A min-facelift can correct sagging around the neck, cheeks, jawline, and facial wrinkles.
Candidates for the Mini Facelift are generally in good health and have realistic expectations for improving aging signs in the face. The Mini Facelift is usually reserved for individuals who are just beginning to see the first signs of the aging process, including minor sagging or drooping around the cheeks, jawline jowls, and neck. Many patients are in their 40s and 50s, making this an excellent procedure for those who are not yet ready for a full facelift but still seeking facial rejuvenation. For patients with more extensive sagging, the traditional full facelift may be advised. A consultation is the best way to determine whether or not the Mini Facelift can help you to meet your aesthetic goals.
Surgical times for the Mini Facelift are much shorter than the traditional full facelift. The surgery typically takes just one hour to complete. In addition, the surgery can be performed with local anesthesia and sedation rather than general anesthesia. This is a quick, easy procedure that fits well into many patientsβ active lifestyles.
During the surgery, much smaller incisions are made, and unlike a traditional facelift, the incision often extends only to just below the earlobe. Working through the incision, sagging facial tissue is lifted, repositioned, and removed and the skin is carefully re-draped before closing the incisions with fine sutures.
Following the Mini Facelift, many patients experience just five to seven days of downtime. Bruising and swelling are generally minimal. Discomfort is often minor but can be managed with pain medication if necessary. Visible results are often seen immediately.
For some patients, a full facelift is not needed, and many times only the bottom 1/3 of the face needs rejuvenation. We offer a lower facelift for patients who need to tighten loose skin around the jawline or are experiencing a turkey neck. The lower facelift will tighten the neck and provide a more defined jaw. This procedure is ideal for patients who desire a more youthful appearance but are not quite ready for a more traditional facelift full facial rejuvenation. The best way to find out the best procedure for you will be to book a consultation and meet with our esteemed facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Stephen P. Smith, and Dr. Scott Smith.
Their patients consider Dr. Stephen P. Smith Jr. and Dr. Scott Smith as the best facial plastic surgeons in Columbus, offering natural-looking facelifts to Columbus residents. Contact us today to set up a consultation.
From Dr. Stephen P. Smith & Dr. Scott Smith
Facelift Surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the world. When performed by a skilled and experienced facial plastic surgeon, it will instantly give you a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. The surgery will make you look younger, giving you back your natural beauty. If youβre considering a facelift, knowing what to do before and after the surgery will help you best prepare for it and improve the results.
Quite possibly, the number one most important thing to do before facelift surgery is to find a top board-certified plastic surgeon, who specializes in the face. Do your do-diligence and find out the surgeonβs training when researching. Most importantly, you want to find a board-certified surgeon in facial plastic surgery who specializes in the anatomy of the face. At Smith Facial Plastics, we (Dr. Stephen P. Smith Jr. & Dr. Scott Smith) are fourth-generation and expert facial plastic surgeons.
Weβre sure youβve heard nightmare stories about facelift surgeries. Weβve all seen the bad, unnatural results. Often, when a facelift looks unnatural, itβs because the surgeon was not a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. During your consultation, you must be comfortable with your surgeon. Surgery is highly personal, so you must have open communication. If you donβt feel confident during a consultation, donβt feel pressured to book surgery. Itβs perfectly acceptable to speak with a few skilled plastic surgeons until you find one that you feel comfortable with. Dr. Stephen P. Smith Jr. is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Donβt ever be afraid to speak up! If you have a concern or question about the procedure at any time, you must say something. You need to know what to expect before surgery and after and what you can do to make yourself more prepared for the procedure.
Your surgeon will give you a list of medications that you should avoid in the weeks before your facelift. The will include over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen (itβs okay to continue to take acetaminophen, as needed), as well as specific herbal supplements and vitamins.
Always discuss the medications youβre on with your surgeon. Even if it doesnβt sound like it would be a big deal, itβs still essential that youβre honest and forthcoming. Certain medications or supplements can interfere with blood flow which can cause more risks.
You must stop smoking at least two weeks before your facelift. Smoking reduces blood flow, which makes you more likely to have complications after surgery. Ideally, facelift patients will not smoke at all. While this surgery can create a more youthful appearance, smoking does the opposite.
Many patients feel that because they know theyβll be taking a facelift recovery for approximately two weeks off work or other activities, their recovery period will be a good time to do projects. This is not the case! After your facelift, the best thing you can do is rest. Use this time to catch up on a Netflix series youβve been putting off.
During your facelift consultation, your surgeon should inform you of the cost of your facelift. A facelift is a beautiful procedure that can make a drastic change, but itβs not the least expensive procedure. Many practices (including ours) offer financing options, which will help manage the costs, but itβs essential to understand the process before you commit fully.
Your face will be a little bit sensitive, so itβll be smart to have clothing that can easily be put on and taken off.
After getting a facelift, we highly recommend that you have a loved one, friend, or nurse available to help you for a day or so. While there wonβt be much pain from the surgery, having someone on hand will be extremely helpful.
Now is not the time to work out. While the surgery will make you look younger and more rejuvenated. The best thing to do is to rest and heal. Exercise increases blood pressure, which can affect your healing and recovery. Give yourself two weeks before returning to the gym.
Your Facelift Questions Answered
Your Columbus facelift can last for ten years or more. Itβs important that after your surgery, you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Your facelift will leave scars. However, the talented surgeons at Smith Facial Plastics will hide them in the hairline. The scars often fade over time.
Most patients get a facelift in their 50s and 60s, but there is no exact age. The patient must be in good health before the surgery.
Most patients can return to work after ten days to 14 days. Your surgeon will be able to give you an exact date.
A facelift is often combined with eyelid surgery or neck lift. The combination of the procedures can further lead to your desired appearance.