Will I Still Look Like Myself After a Facelift?

It’s very common for facelift patients to share concerns about looking like themselves after surgery. While the goal is to reduce signs of aging, results should still look natural. Dr. Cruise utilizes advanced facelift techniques to create the best possible results for each patient and to ensure they look like a natural refreshed version of themselves.

What Results Can I Expect from a Facelift?

The primary reason for choosing a facelift is to address signs of aging typically seen from the cheeks down to the neck. Many people are also concerned about a downturned mouth, jowls, or neck banding and a turkey neck. These areas are prone to wrinkles, folds, and sagging or drooping as a result of slowed collagen production and a loss of facial volume.

Unfortunately, a lot of individuals associate facelifts with a frozen, pulled, or pinched look. This was often the case in decades past, when a total facelift was often performed. When performed by an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon, a modern day facelift will yield results that are natural and refreshed.  

Modern Facelift Techniques

Another reason why patients in the past saw unnatural results was because plastic surgeons focused on re-draping the skin. Today, experienced facelift plastic surgeons like Dr. Cruise use a vertical technique and address deeper soft tissues for results that are both more natural and effective. Dr. Cruise elevates facial fat to the cheek area to restore more volume and reduce sagging or lines. In addition, excess skin is carefully removed to further reduce any skin laxity or sagging. Incisions are small and made in areas such as the hairline or near the ears to disguise any scars within the natural contours.

What is Facelift Recovery Like?

After a facelift, it is normal to experience swelling, bruising, stiffness, soreness or sensitivity. Most patients will require at least one to two weeks off work if they are trying to hide they had something done. Most patients will begin to see swelling subsiding at about four weeks but it can take up to three months to feel completely healed.  The results will continue to improve as residual swelling gradually decreases.

 How Long Does a Facelift Last?

Facelift results are not considered a one and done procedure, because the natural aging process will resume after surgery. Taking proper care of your skin, including avoiding excess sun exposure and using appropriate skincare products, will help extend the results. On average, patients will find that their facelift results last about 10 – 15 years before signs of aging gradually re-emerge to the point of considering a refresher facelift. It’s important to note, that you will always look years younger after your facelift surgery than you would have had you not had a facelift done. 

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about your facelift options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Cruise. Call our Newport Beach, CA office at (949) 446-1421 or contact us online for a virtual fast track consultation.