Age, sun exposure, and fluctuating body weight can all have a detrimental effect on the firmness of the face and neck. Fortunately, loose or sagging skin can be lifted and tightened with a facelift procedure. In some cases, the underlying facial muscles are also trimmed to lift the face and neck back to their original, youthful positions. Dr. Stuart Baker has been performing facelift surgery at his office in the Decatur, Champaign, and Springfield, Illinois area for many years now, and he is well aware of how dramatic the effects of a facelift can be. He is always focused on obtaining a natural-looking, aesthetically pleasing outcome that restores the contours of youth.
Who is a candidate for facelift surgery?
If you have one or more of the following, you may be a good candidate for a facelift procedure:
- Sagging cheek skin
- A less-defined jawline compared to your jawline in years past
- Folds or creases running from the corners of your nose to the corners of your mouth
- Loose skin, excess fatty tissue, or wrinkles in the neck
Most facelift patients are in their 40s to 60s, but facelifts can be performed on older patients as well. An important factor in the outcome of a facelift is the amount of elasticity in the skin. The ideal facelift candidate is a person whose face and neck are starting to sag, but whose skin still has a fair amount of elasticity.
Please be aware that not every facial problem can be revised with a facelift. Some patients may benefit most from a facelift combined with a forehead lift, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or laser skin resurfacing, for example.
If you simply have questions about facelift surgery, or if you feel that you are ready to undergo a facelift procedure, please feel free to contact The Center for Cosmetic Medicine™ to set up a private facelift consultation. Our Champaign, Decatur, and Springfield, Illinois-area practice is ready to help you look and feel your best.
What can I expect during and after facelift surgery?
Depending on your skin type and the extent of your surgery, a facelift procedure can take up to three hours. A general anesthetic will be used. There are a number of safe and effective facelift techniques that can be used; Dr. Baker will discuss the specifics of your case with you well in advance of the procedure. A facelift starts with incisions made either at the hairline, at the ear, along the earlobe, or at the chin. The excess skin is removed, along with any unnecessary fat and muscle in the area. The remaining skin is positioned where appropriate and then reattached, leaving a minimal scar that will likely be hidden from view.
Facelift patients can expect several weeks of recovery following the surgery. Swelling and bruising are the most common side effects, and may last for two or three weeks. Post-operative pain is moderate but can be managed successfully with medication. Some facelift patients may experience feelings of numbness or tightness across the face or neck for weeks. During your facelift consultation at the Springfield, Champaign, and Decatur-area Center for Cosmetic Medicine™, Dr. Baker will go over every step of the procedure with you, including pre- and postoperative guidelines for your comfort and optimal healing. He can also advise you regarding which of several lines of physician-grade skincare products would be best for your post-facelift skincare regimen.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation
A facelift can eliminate many signs of aging, giving you a refreshed, revitalized and healthy new look. Individuals in the Decatur, Champaign, and Springfield, Illinois area can learn more about facelift procedures when they schedule a private consultation with Stuart Baker, M.D.