Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in National Harbor Accepting New Patients Near Washington DC, Arlington, Fort Washington, Maryland & Virginia
A facelift, also called a “rhytidectomy,” makes the saggy skin on your face and neck smoother and its underlying tissue tighter, as well as eliminating unwanted fat. Your facial skin will appear firmer and fresher.
The Best Candidates for a Facelift
If any of the following describes you, you may be a good candidate for a facelift from Dr. Chiaramonte:
- A well-marked crease running from the edge of your nose to the edge of your lips
- Jowliness or the loss of a defined jawline
- Deep lines in the cheek region and sagginess of the “highlighted” cheekbone area
- Saggy skin, lines, vertical “cords,” or surplus fat appearing around the neck
A facelift can help and in some cases eliminate all of these features. It cannot, however, help drooping eyebrows, surplus skin and fat regions in the eyelid area, or lines around the lips. Dr. Chiaramonte would encourage you to request a consultation if you are considering facelift surgery so that you can learn more about this procedure and receive a professional opinion about your cosmetic needs.
The Facelift Surgery Procedure In Oxon Hills, MD
Although there are many methods to the facelift surgery, it usually begins with a surgical incision that is then concealed in the contour of your ear, extending around the lobe and back into your hairline. Following surgery, sutures can be conveniently hidden by your hair or with cosmetics. You may also have a small cut tucked underneath your chin. Through carefully planned facelift incisions, Dr. Chiaramonte removes skin from the flesh to the extent needed by whichever method he has chosen. After the skin has been repositioned, any excess is removed. In some cases, the underlying flesh must also be moved in order to restore a sleek and young-appearing profile to the face. If appropriate, a minor incision underneath the chin can permit the suction of fat from the area, while the cord-like muscles of the neck can be smoothed and shaped.
Your procedure may be performed in a hospital facility, a free-standing ambulatory facility, or an office-based surgical suite.
When your procedure is over, you will be brought into a recovery area where medical professionals will monitor your condition. A gauze wrapping may have been swathed around your face to help minimize any inflammation. Small drains may have been put into place to help sluice away any fluid from the surgical site; however, they are virtually painless. In fact, the surgery involves significantly little discomfort.
What Can I Expect at My Facelift Consultation?
At your first visit to discuss the prospect of facelift surgery, Dr. Chiaramonte will spend a considerable amount of time to ensure that you are a good candidate, that you understand how your facelift may be performed, and what to expect. He will perform a careful, thorough examination of your facial anatomy and will discuss with you his findings as they relate to the condition of your skin, as well as the underlying fat and muscle. Each of these forms of tissue contributes to your overall face shape, and each is affected by the aging process. You'll have ample opportunity to ask questions about your procedure and also discuss your desired, expected outcome.
Will I Look Stretched or Tight After My Facelift?
It is imperative that you select your plastic surgeon with immense care. The techniques that are usually employed during facelift procedures are much different than they once were. Initially, facelift surgery focused only on the skin. Today, the surgeon separates the skin from underlying tissue to gain greater access for repositioning and tightening. The repositioning of fat and muscle can help lift and enhance your facial contours before your skin is smoothed into place. This type of approach minimizes skin removal to the bare minimum to achieve noticeable but natural-looking results.
How Much Time Off Do I Need for Facelift Recovery?
Provided that your job does not require heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or other strenuous activities, you might be ready to go back to work as soon as two weeks after your facelift. At that time, the majority of your swelling and bruising should have subsided. If you feel more concerned about your cosmetic appearance, you may want to schedule three weeks off work. After two weeks, though, what bruising does remain should be disguisable with makeup.
How Long Will it take for My Facelift Scars to Heal?
All facelift patients are prepared for the aspect of scarring. This is an inevitable part of any surgery, regardless of the skill of the surgeon, the type of incision, and any other factors. In fact, scar maturation is one of the longest-lasting phases of surgical recovery. It can take up to one year for scars to fully heal into flatter, lighter skin. Initially, the body begins to lay down a new foundation for the skin where your incisions are located. The foundation is there, but it's not as strong as it needs to be. For this to happen, the body then replaces some of the weaker tissue with healthy new collagen. This is referred to as collagen remodeling. During this phase, the scar may look thick and red for up to a few months. During the next phase of scar maturation, the red, thick skin flattens and gets lighter. You can help your body's natural tissue recovery with certain treatments, such as silicone sheets.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Chiaramonte and his staff were very professional during the consult. All my questions related to the procedure I’m interested in having were answered and I left very informed. When I went to the consult I evaluating several PS to select to do my procedure. Dr. Chiaramonte is one that I am seriously considering. I like to add the atmosphere in the office is very warm and inviting and if you come in nervous it provides an element to relax you."
After Your Facelift Surgery
After the procedure, you will be instructed to avoid strenuous activity and just take it easy for a few days. You should elevate your head during sleep, which minimizes any bruises which may appear and helps the site not to swell. It is very important to keep in mind that you must not use aspirin or some specific anti-inflammatory medications; also, you shouldn’t smoke or inhale large amounts of second-hand smoke.
Any wrappings and drains will usually be removed in 1 or 2 days. At this time, you will see that your face is experiencing some puffiness and discoloration. Some lack of facial symmetry can be attributable to the natural variance in inflammation and discoloration, which is very normal. In many cases, the most extreme swelling will occur 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, but it may take a few weeks before all puffiness is resolved. Most discoloration will fade within two weeks. After a few days, you can use cosmetics to conceal the bruising. Lack of sensation in the area is also normal, which may occur for a few weeks or longer. Your sutures will be taken out from 4 to 7 days after surgery.
Getting Back to Normal
You should refrain from strenuous exercise immediately after the procedure. Generally, you may resume most of your day-to-day routine within 2 weeks and start exercising 3 to 4 weeks after the operation. You will be asked to forgo exposure to sunlight and, in the following months and years, be very careful about using sunscreen products to protect your skin.
Your New Look
The effects of the operation may be overt or understated, depending on your features before the operation as well as the exact aspirations that you and Dr. Chiaramonte talked about. Because the healing period takes place gradually, presume that you will be waiting for at least a period of a few weeks for a precise image of your “new face.” Additional minor shifts, or settling, may be exhibited over several months.
Facelift Cost
The cost of a facelift at Bella Cosmetic Surgery typically falls between $8,500 and $11,500. Depending on your unique situation and goals, your actual estimate could be lower or higher. During your consultation with Dr. Chiaramonte, he will discuss your options and recommend the treatment he believes is right for you. He will also discuss financing.
Schedule a client consultation In Oxon Hills, MD
To learn more about a facelift with our board-certified plastic surgeon in Maryland, request a consultation online or call 301-567-6767 today.