Facelift
Over time, every face begins to show signs of aging. Sun exposure, gravity, genetics, and the daily stresses of life, are all factors that play a role in the quality of our appearance. Fortunately, facelift surgery in Columbia, MD, by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sarah Mess, can restore your youthful appearance without altering your fundamental appearance.
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What Is a Facelift?
Facelift surgery, a form of facial plastic surgery, is a procedure designed to improve visible signs of aging by addressing issues such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial elasticity. By tightening the underlying muscles and removing excess skin, a facelift can provide more youthful contouring of the face and neck. It is a popular option for individuals looking to restore a refreshed appearance and reverse the signs of aging.
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery at Dr. Mess’s plastic surgery practice offers long-lasting improvement in facial appearance by:
- Tightening loose, sagging skin
- Restoring elasticity
- Improving the contours of the face and neck
- Addressing deep wrinkles
- Eliminating the appearance of jowls
- Providing an overall more youthful appearance
Ideal Candidates for Facelift
Most facelift candidates are between 40 and 60 years of age, but a facelift surgery can be performed on any patient whose face shows signs of aging. Candidates should be in good physical health and have realistic expectations for the procedure. We attract patients from all over the country to our surgery center in Columbia, MD, to achieve the results that Dr. Mess provides. It is important that individuals choose to undergo a facelift for their own benefit and wish to correct one or more of the following conditions:
- Wrinkles on or below the eyelids
- Deep creases around the corners of the mouth
- Sagging in the midface
- Loose skin and fat deposits in the jowls and under the chin
Preparing for Facelift Surgery
Prior to the facelift procedure, Dr. Mess will give specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery. If you smoke or take any anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin, it is best that you discontinue these habits well before surgery since they can hinder blood flow to the skin and disrupt the healing process.
Dr. Mess performs facelifts on an outpatient basis with intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia in Columbia, MD. There are various surgical techniques that can be used to perform facelift surgery, depending on what areas of the face each individual wishes to address. Generally, incisions are made in the hairline and run down around the ear or under the chin to hide scarring. During a consultation, Dr. Mess will examine the severity of facial wrinkles and sagging skin and discuss which of the following techniques is best suited to correct these conditions.
Facelift Procedures
Traditional Facelift
Traditional facelift surgery addresses visible signs of aging by lifting and tightening the skin. This technique primarily focuses on reducing sagging skin, jowls, and wrinkles by repositioning the skin and removing excess tissue. While effective in smoothing surface-level concerns, traditional facelifts do not typically target the deeper muscle or fat layers, which can limit the depth of the results. It’s an excellent option for individuals looking to achieve a refreshed appearance with moderate improvement in facial aging.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that targets deeper layers of facial tissue to achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that mainly lift the skin, the deep plane approach repositions the underlying muscle and fat, allowing for more dramatic improvements in sagging skin, jowls, and deep wrinkles. This technique ensures a smoother, more youthful appearance without the overly tight look that can sometimes accompany less comprehensive methods. The deep plane facelift is ideal for individuals seeking significant facial rejuvenation with results that can last for many years.
Limited Incision
A limited incision facelift, also known as a mini facelift, is a less invasive option for facial rejuvenation that focuses on the lower face and jawline. This technique involves smaller incisions around the ears and provides subtle but effective improvements by tightening skin and addressing early signs of aging like mild jowling and sagging. Ideal for individuals seeking a refreshed appearance with minimal downtime, a limited incision facelift offers natural-looking results without the need for extensive surgery or a lengthy recovery.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck by removing excess skin and tightening underlying muscles. This procedure can address issues like neck banding, sagging skin, and the formation of a double chin, providing a smoother, more defined neckline. Often combined with a facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation, a neck lift is ideal for those looking to correct signs of aging in the neck and achieve a more youthful, balanced look.
Dr. Mess can combine any facelift procedure with laser resurfacing and fat transfer to enhance results and achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Addressing multiple layers of the face improves skin texture, restores lost volume, and tightens underlying structures for a more youthful, natural look. Laser resurfacing smooths fine lines and improves skin tone, while fat transfer restores volume to areas that have lost fullness over time. Together, these techniques provide optimal, long-lasting results.
VECTRA® 3D Imaging
Our office utilizes VECTRA® 3D Imaging to provide a high-resolution, three-dimensional simulation of how your results may appear. During your consultation with Dr. Mess, your preferences and goals will be discussed to determine which procedures can achieve your desired results. You will have multiple photos taken from various angles, and the images are then transferred to our computer system. Using these photos, a three-dimensional model is created, and your simulated procedure results are added to display the expected outcome. This process allows a visual aspect for more accurate treatment plans and procedure result estimates.
Recovery: What to Expect after Your Facelift
After the procedure is complete, Dr. Mess will wrap the incisions with bandages and may use drainage tubes to remove any excess fluid and reduce bruising. Prescribed medication may be needed to relieve discomfort and swelling as your facial appearance continues to improve over the next few days. Once the bandages are removed, some bruising and discoloration may still be present but can be covered by makeup. Patients can usually return to work about a week after surgery but should refrain from any strenuous activity for the first couple of weeks.
I highly recommend Dr. Mess! She has done two procedures on my face. She has an impeccable eye for detail and really looked closely at my facial structure on both surgeries. After the incredible results from my first surgery, I completely trusted Dr. Mess with performing a second procedure. Since both procedures were on my face, I was very concerned about scarring. Dr. Mess listened to my concerns by really analyzing my facial structure when applying sutures and advising me to use a topical silicone treatment to help reduce scarring. I could tell she really cared. I am so grateful to her for such fantastic results!!
Laura - GoogleBefore & After Photos
Procedure: Mid Facelift & Neck lift
Age: 68
Photos: 3 months post procedure
Procedure: Mid Facelift & Neck lift
Age: 68
Photos: 3 months post procedure
Results After Facelift Surgery
Due to swelling and bruising, the results of a facelift may not be immediately apparent. As symptoms subside over the next couple of weeks, patients will begin to notice that their face appears more youthful and revitalized. Oftentimes, individuals develop a renewed sense of self-confidence knowing that their face is free of wrinkles and sagging skin. Dr. Mess will develop a comprehensive maintenance plan so patients can protect their investment. Patients will be advised on sunscreens, moisturizers, and other skin care that can help maintain long-lasting results.
You are welcome to visit our facelift before and after page to see some of Dr. Mess’ previous patients’ facelift results. These patients have graciously allowed us to use their results on the website. Additional photos can be seen in the office during your facelift consultation. Dr. Mess is a facelift specialist attracting patients from across the country to her Columbia, Maryland surgery center. Her Columbia plastic surgery is centrally located and easily accessible from BWI, Reagan National, and Dulles airports. Schedule your consultation and see why patients consider Dr. Mess to be the best facelift surgeon in the Washington, DC, Baltimore and Columbia area.
FAQs About Facelift Surgery
How do I know which facelift procedure is right for me?
Choosing the right facelift depends on your individual goals and the extent of your aging concerns. During a consultation, Dr. Mess will evaluate your facial structure and skin elasticity to recommend the most suitable surgical approach. A traditional facelift may be ideal for those with concerns in the mid-face and jowls, while the deep plane facelift can be indicated for those with significant sagging, and a limited incision facelift is better for those seeking subtle improvement.
How much does a facelift cost?
We believe patients make better decisions when they understand the options and cost ranges for aesthetic surgery. We are happy to provide a basic price range for facelift surgery, but final costs cannot be determined prior to your consult with Dr. Mess.
Facelift cases are scheduled from 4-7 hours depending on the requirements of the case. Simple “mini” neck lifts will take less time and cost less than a full facelift . Dr. Mess will help you determine the best options to achieve your aesthetic goals.
The best way to determine your procedure pricing is to come in for a consult with Dr. Mess. Our Columbia office is conveniently located and easily accessible from both Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
Our surgical estimates are comprehensive. Your facelift surgery quote will include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Operating room fees and supply charges
- Anesthesia fees
- Post-surgical garments
- All appointments before or after your surgery
Price Range for facelift surgery: $18,000-$25,000. (Your costs may fall outside of this range.)
Can I combine any other procedures with facelift surgery?
Yes, many patients choose to combine facelift surgery with other cosmetic surgery procedures for enhanced results. Common options include eyelid surgery to rejuvenate the eyes, liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits, or non-surgical treatments like Botox and fillers for additional facial rejuvenation. In some cases, patients also combine their facelift with body procedures such as breast augmentation or tummy tuck for a more comprehensive transformation.
Schedule a Consultation for Facelift Surgery
Dr. Mess is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Facelift patients from Washington DC and Baltimore come to her Columbia, MD, practice because of her ability to provide a revitalized look that appears natural and youthful.
Dr. Mess is dedicated to providing her Maryland facelift patients the results they desire and the care and safety they deserve. Please contact us or call (410) 559-9484 to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Sarah Mess today.
Dr. Sarah Mess has either authored or reviewed and approved this content. Page Updated
