Facelift  

Dr. Yagoda offers a non-surgical facelift combining neurotoxins and fillers that can successfully address many facial rejuvenation concerns. However, there are some patients who would receive a better outcome from a surgical facelift.

While injectable fillers, Botox and other non-surgical treatments, such as IPL, peels, and radio frequency tightening, can be very effective at reducing the signs of aging, a facelift, whether full or partial, is often your best option to reduce sagging, slack, or jowly skin. This is especially true if your primary areas of concern are the lower third of your face and the neck.

Just to be clear, today’s facelift is nothing like those too-tight, obvious procedures that were once the norm. When properly performed, a facelift is completely natural looking, giving you a more youthful and rested appearance. Sophisticated plastic surgeons no longer just stretch the skin taut and call it a day. Instead, we aim to restore youthful tone, texture, and volume, augmenting the surgery with skin resurfacing treatments and injectables for a far more satisfying result. 

The facelift procedure itself has changed and it’s no longer as invasive. New techniques have made the surgery less risky, the results far more rewarding, and the recovery far easier than traditional facelift surgery.

The areas of the face treated by a facelift include the nasolabial folds running from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth, jowls, crepey, wrinkled skin, and the ropey, sagging skin of the neck (the so-called “turkey gobbler neck”).A facelift can counteract the effects of aging, sun damage, or smoking on the jawline, the neck, and the cheek area.

The Surgery

The surgery is performed in Dr. Yagoda’s office-based surgical facility or hospital under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Small incisions are placed behind the ears and under the chin.  During your consultation, Dr. Yagoda will determine their ideal placement.  The procedure takes approximately 3-4 hours. 

Recovery

The recovery from a facelift takes from 7-10 days. Your stitches will be removed on the 7th and 10th day and are back to work on the 7th post-surgical day. You’ll be able to walk during the first week, ride a stationary bike or use a treadmill on the second week, and return to their most vigorous exercise routines on the third week. You’ll probably have some swelling and bruising and possibly a pulling or tight sensation. Temporary numbness may also occur. These are all normal and should resolve after a few days. 

Risks and Complications

Because a facelift is surgery, it isn’t entirely without risk. As with all surgery, it carries certain risks including infection, bleeding, and complications resulting from anesthesia. During your consultation, Dr. Yagoda will evaluate your needs, explain the procedure, and detail all of the risks and benefits. She will also guide you through all of your options, from the simplest to the most complex. She will then make suggestions based on your goals and preferences. Dr. Yagoda takes ample time to assure that you have all of the knowledge required to make an informed decision.

Read about Dr. Yagoda's Integrative Post Operative Care Program