Facelift in Maryland and DC | Rhytidectomy

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons In National Harbor Accepting New Patients Near Washington DC, Arlington, Fort Washington, Maryland & Virginia

Facial Aging

Aging is a natural process that affects all parts of the body, including the face. Here’s a description of the changes that occur in the face as a person ages:

Skin Changes: The skin loses elasticity and collagen, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines. The rate at which new skin cells are produced slows down, leading to dull, dry skin. Age spots, freckles, and other types of hyperpigmentation may also appear due to years of sun exposure.
Volume Loss: Facial fat distribution changes over time. Cheek fat descends, which can lead to a hollow, sunken appearance. This leads to the accumulation of fat in other areas leading to the formation of jowls and under eye bags.
Formation of Facial Folds: The cause of nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jowling is a combination of saggy facial skin, descended facial fat, and loss of facial fat.
Bone Structure Alterations: The facial bones may also undergo resorption, which can alter the overall facial structure. This can lead to a reduction in the height of the lower face, receding of the jawline, sagging of the chin and changes to the eye socket that can give the appearance of sunken eyes.
Changes in Facial Expression and Wrinkles: As muscle tone decreases, static wrinkles may form, which are lines that appear even when the face is at rest. This can lead to changes in facial expression, making the individual look tired or sad.
Changes in the Eyes: The skin around the eyes may sag or droop, leading to hooded or droopy eyelids. The whites of the eyes may also yellow or become less bright. These changes occur at different rates and to different extents in different individuals due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift in Maryland and DC is a highly effective method to diminish the evident signs of aging, which are often a result of genetics, sun damage, smoking habits, repeated facial expressions, and gravity. The procedure can elevate drooping skin, restore facial contours that have faded over time, ease the presence of deep wrinkles, and lessen the look of pronounced jowls. Contemporary facelift techniques yield more natural appearances than ever before, as various personalized strategies and techniques are adapted to meet every patient’s unique requirements. Learn more about this popular facial plastic surgery procedure by scheduling a consultation with us today.

Are You a Candidate for a Facelift?

If any of the following describes you, you may be a good candidate for a facelift from Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe:

Formation of jowls
Loss of a defined jawline
Deep lines in the cheek region and sagginess of the cheekbone area
Saggy skin, lines, vertical “cords,” or surplus fat appearing around the neck
Sagging cheeks
Deep smile lines
Excess skin and wrinkles

A facelift can eliminate these features. If you are considering facelift surgery in Maryland and DC, Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe encourage you to schedule a consultation so that you can learn more about this procedure and receive a professional opinion about your cosmetic needs.

What Are the Different Kinds of Facelifts?

We offer many different types of facelift procedures to our patients in Maryland and DC, including:

Deep Plane Facelift

Dr. Costeloe, a facial plastic surgeon with dual board certifications, executes the most sophisticated and all-encompassing deep plane facelift, delivering refined and natural outcomes. By employing an advanced deep plane release, Dr. Costeloe can rejuvenate the face more thoroughly and naturally. The deep retaining ligaments of the face are released allowing the neck, jowl and mid face move upwards together in a natural vector. Despite the complexity, with the right techniques, even the most profound facial alterations can appear incredibly natural and untouched.

Performed under anesthesia
Takes around 3-5 hours to perform
The incision lines begin at the temple, continue in front and behind the ears, and extend into the hairline
2-3 weeks of recovery time
Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
Results can last 12-16 years

Extended Deep Plane Facelift

The Standard Deep Plane Facelift, while effective for certain facial issues, may not be sufficient for patients with more comprehensive aesthetic needs. In such cases, the Extended Deep Plane Facelift is a suitable option. The Extended Deep Plane Facelift broadens the reach of the surgery to include enhancement and elevation of the mid and lower face, covering areas like the cheeks, jowls, and neck. By reinforcing the underlying muscle structure, this advanced method ensures results that are not only more natural but also have a longer duration.

Performed under anesthesia
Takes around 4-6 hours to perform
The incision lines begin at the temple, continue in front and behind the ears, and extend into the hairline
2-4 weeks of recovery time
Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
Results can last 12-16 years

Traditional Facelift

The SMAS is the superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System, which is the distinct layer that is made of the facial muscles and the connective tissue covering that encapsulates the facial muscles. A traditional facelift refers to pulling up on the SMAS, but there are many variations of the incision, the extent of the dissection, and whether the SMAS is pulled up by sutures, elevated deep to it surgically and then lifted or a strip of SMAS is removed and the edges stitched together.

Performed under anesthesia
Takes 2-4 hours to perform
The incisions are made at the hairline, continue in front of and behind the ears, and extend to the lower scalp
2-4 weeks of recovery time
Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
Results can last 10-15 years

Mini Facelift

This can be a smaller version of the deep plane facelift or of the SMAS facelift. Alternatively, this can be a facelift for someone with excess skin only. A minimal downtime, that also has reduced longevity and effect. Most trademarked facelifts fall in this mini facelift category.

Local anesthesia
Takes approximately 2 hours to perform
The incision is hidden within the hairline, in front of the ear
About one week of downtime
Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
Long-lasting results, particularly when patients follow a proper skincare routine and stick to a healthy weight

Skin Only Facelift

This is an option for someone with excess skin only. A minimal downtime, that also has reduced longevity and effect. Most trademarked facelifts fall in this mini facelift category.

Local anesthesia
Takes approximately 2 hours to perform
The incision is hidden within the hairline, in front of the ear
About one week of downtime
Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
Long-lasting results, particularly when patients follow a proper skincare routine and stick to a healthy weight

Midface Lift

The mid facelift is a profound-style lift that concentrates on the central facial regions, including the cheeks and eyelids. Ideal candidates for mid facelifts are individuals without extreme drooping in the neck and chin regions, as this procedure aims to enhance sagging around the cheeks and eyes.

General anesthesia
Takes around 2-3 hours to perform
Incisions are made around the hairline and ear
2 weeks of recovery time
Noticeable results once swelling and bruising have subsided
Results can last 10 or more years

Non-Surgical Facelift

Liquid facelift, PRP and Stem-cell facelift fall under this category.

No anesthesia required (topical numbing optional) for liquid facelift, IV sedation for facial fat grafting
Takes about 30 minutes to an hour to perform
No incisions
Little to no downtime
Results from dermal fillers and fat grafting are immediate

Facial fat grafting is another option to restore volume and the results are permanent unlike dermal fillers.

Which Facelift Procedure Is Right for Me?

Ideal candidates for a mini-facelift are those who have:

First signs of loose skin
First signs of sagging cheeks
First signs of jowl formation

Ideal candidates for either a SMAS facelift or a deep plane facelift are those who have:

Marionette lines
Deep nasolabial folds
Facial volume loss (flat or hollow cheek/midface)
Excessive skin laxity
Sagging jowls
Double chin

What Can I Expect at My Facelift Consultation?

During your first visit to discuss the prospect of facelift surgery in Maryland and DC, Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe will spend a considerable amount of time ensuring that you are a good candidate, that you understand how your facelift may be performed and what to expect.

Our surgeons will perform a careful, thorough examination of your facial anatomy and will discuss with you their findings as they relate to the condition of your skin, as well as the underlying fat and muscle. Each of these tissues 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.

The Facelift Surgery Procedure in Oxon Hills, MD

Although there are many methods for facelift surgery in Maryland and DC, it usually begins with a surgical incision that is then concealed in the contour of your ear, extending around the earlobe and back into your hairline. Following surgery, sutures can be conveniently hidden by your hair. You may also have a small incision tucked underneath your chin. Through carefully planned facelift incisions, our board-certified surgeons remove the skin to the extent needed by the technique they are utilizing. If appropriate, a minor incision underneath the chin can permit the suction of fat from the area while the cord-like muscle of the neck, the platysma, can be tightened.

When your procedure is over, you will be brought into a recovery area, where a surgical nurse will monitor your condition. A gauze wrapping may have been wrapped around your face to help minimize bleeding and swelling. Small drains may be placed to help remove any fluid from the surgical site; however, they are virtually painless.

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 in Maryland and DC are much different than they once were. Initially, twenty to thirty years ago, facelift surgery focused only on the skin. Today, the surgeon separates the skin from underlying tissue to gain greater access for repositioning and tightening of the deeper tissues. 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 tension, allowing significant but natural-looking results.

Facelift Recovery

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 one to two weeks after your facelift surgery in Maryland and DC. 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.

The First Couple of Days Post-Surgery

Post-surgery, you may encounter some temporary discomfort or numbness around the incision sites. Furthermore, you may observe some swelling and bruising. To minimize facial and neck swelling, it’s crucial to keep your head elevated for the initial days post-surgery. The discomfort level will significantly improve after the first 48-72 hours. Any pain or discomfort can be managed with prescribed medication.
Bandages will be taken off during your first follow-up visit the day after surgery and, if drains were placed, they will be taken out.
We encourage to start gently walking the day after surgery but to avoid any strenuous activity or lifting greater than 10lbs for at least three weeks.

One to Two Weeks Post-Surgery

While you’ll be mobile within the first few days post-surgery, it’s recommended to take it easy during the first week.
Your stitches and any surgical clips will be removed within two weeks post-surgery, typically across several visits. You can start applying makeup two to three days after your stitch removal.
Most patients resume work within one to two weeks post-surgery. You’ll find your comfort level gradually increasing during the first few weeks post-surgery.
Mild to moderate swelling, tenderness, and bruising around the incision sites will slowly fade within the first two weeks.
Your results may take up to six months to fully reveal themselves.

How Long Will It Take For My Facelift Scars To Heal?

All Maryland and DC 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 our scar treatment cream.

After Your Facelift Surgery

After your facelift procedure in Maryland and DC, 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 that 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 10 days after surgery.

Getting Back To Normal

You should refrain from strenuous exercise and lifting more than 10 pounds for at least 3 weeks 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 your surgeon 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

During your consultation with Dr. Chiaramonte and Dr. Costeloe, they will discuss your options and recommend the treatment they believe is right for you. They will also discuss additional financing options available for your facelift surgery in Maryland and DC.

Schedule Your Facelift Consultation In Oxon Hills, MD

To learn more about undergoing a facelift in Maryland and DC with our board-certified plastic surgeons, request a consultation online or call 301-567-6767 today.