Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Facelift in Lubbock
When you look in the mirror, do you recognize the face looking back at you? Or do you get caught off guard by the signs of aging in your complexion? Whether it takes you by surprise or not, wrinkles and sagging skin are inevitable and often show up before we are ready for them. It seems like there are countless lotions, creams, and lasers that are supposed to magically erase those problems. But the reality is, many of them either have short-lived effects or don’t produce the results they promise at all. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is the plastic surgery procedure that restores a youthful look to the face by tightening the skin and the muscles underneath. If you see Dr. Jane Rowley for your facelift in Lubbock, she will tailor your procedure to address your specific goals.
Your facelift can include liposuction on the chin and neck area, laser resurfacing around the mouth and eyes, and other restorative options. You can have a facelift that looks beautiful and natural with Dr. Rowley’s aesthetic touch and surgical expertise. If you aren’t ready to see that aging face in the mirror quite yet, consider how a Lubbock facelift can turn back the clock on your look.
Facelift Candidates
The annual statistical report produced by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says that last year, 121,531 Americans had facelifts. The surgery is popular for men and women because it has rejuvenating effects for both the male and female facial structure. You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you:
- have realistic expectations
- have sagging skin or drooping cheeks
- are in good health, mentally and physically
- do not smoke or use nicotine
- have good bone structure and skin laxity
At your consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your face to determine your candidacy for the procedure. It is also important to have your medical history ready, including information about any medications or supplements you may take. Be prepared to discuss your specific goals so together, you and your doctor can create a plan that will help you achieve them.
What Does Facelift Surgery Involve?
Your Lubbock facelift surgery will be performed in an office operating suite or outpatient center and require the use of general anesthesia. The surgery typically lasts 2-3 hours, and most patients will be able to return home on the same day. Facelift incisions vary from patient to patient because they depend on the degree of skin laxity. Most patients’ sagging skin can be found in the neck and jawline area, so the incisions will be made to address those issues. Commonly, an incision is made over each ear in the hairline that comes down in front of the earlobe, and then goes back behind the ear into the hairline again. Your plastic surgeon will then lift the skin and tighten the underlying facial muscles to support your new tighter skin. If you choose to have liposuction to further enhance your results, it will be done at this time during your facelift. Lubbock Dr. Jane Rowley then gently pulls the skin tighter, removes excess skin, and closes the incisions. A drain will be placed for 24 hours to get rid of excess fluids and blood.
Recovering from a Facelift in Lubbock
Immediately following your surgery, you will wake up with a dressing on your head. Your doctor will remove the sutures after the first week. It is normal to experience some discomfort, bruising, swelling, and tenderness during the initial stages of healing. Be sure to follow all your doctor’s instructions carefully, and take your pain medication as prescribed.
If the thought of a tough recovery is keeping you from pursuing a facelift, Lubbock Dr. Jane Rowley wants you to know that a facelift is not as painful as most people assume. If you take care of yourself and allow your body the time it needs to heal, you should be able to head back to work in 10-14 days. The majority of the swelling should resolve after 2-3 weeks, with a full recovery taking 6-8 weeks. A skilled surgeon can hide most of your scars, but even the ones that are visible should fade significantly after about a year.
Other Considerations
A facelift is a highly customizable procedure. We all age differently, and there are many techniques to address individual issues. With your Lubbock facelift, you can choose to include:
- a neck lift
- liposuction of the chin and neck area
- laser resurfacing
- brow lift
- eyelid lift
- facial implants or fat injection
While a facelift can take 7-10 years off your appearance, it cannot stop the aging process altogether. Your results will last for a long time, but eventually you will begin to see aging in your face again. One of the most important things you can do to get the best outcome is to see a board-certified plastic surgeon. When it comes to trusting someone with your appearance and your health, you want a doctor who is highly qualified to do so.
Get Natural Results from Your Lubbock Facelift
Dr. Jane Rowley trained extensively with some of the top doctors in the nation in New York City, and has been performing facelifts for over 20 years. She has mastered the techniques necessary to produce beautiful, natural facelift results for her Lubbock patients. When you are ready to restore a youthful appearance to your face, contact our office to schedule a no-obligation consultation.