The first signs of aging often appear on your face. At ReNova Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, board certified plastic surgeon, Julio Clavijo-Alvarez, MD provides several facelift procedures to combat aging facial skin. Procedures and treatments are offered to residents of Pittsburgh, PA and the neighboring communities.
What is a Facelift?
Facelifts can rejuvenate your appearance and produce more youthful-looking skin. A wide variety of facelift procedures are available. Your plastic surgeon can use several different techniques depending on your aesthetic goals.
A full facelift is a more extensive procedure. It’s ideal for patients experiencing significant facial sagging or clear signs of aging. A mini facelift is a modified procedure that’s less invasive. Mini facelifts are an excellent option for patients who want to address the first signs of aging.
How Much does a Facelift Cost?
Facelift procedures in the Pittsburgh area typically range from $6,500–$18,000. Surgery costs can vary. Your final price will depend upon which surgeon you chose, what procedure you select, and your geographic area.
What Cosmetic Concerns Does a Facelift Address?
Many patients schedule a facelift to remove excess skin from the face and neck. Facelift procedures also create a more youthful appearance by:
- Tightening up facial skin or muscles
- Correcting facial sagging or dropping
- Adjusting contours of cheek and jawline
- Smoothing out the skin on neck and jowls
Facelifts complement many other cosmetic procedures and treatments. Botox® or dermal fillers help to boost the effects of many facelift procedures, and laser skin treatments can also improve your skin tone and texture. During your consultation, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez can help you develop a treatment strategy that meets all your cosmetic concerns.
What Happens During a Facelift Procedure?
The details of a facelift procedure vary based on which cosmetic concerns are being addressed. A full facelift often takes three to five hours, while mini facelifts are often completed in under two hours. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, but some patients might need to stay overnight.
The facelift procedure is performed with general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep and entirely comfortable for the procedure. During the facelift treatment, incisions will be made around the ears and along the hairline, where any scarring should remain well-hidden. Through these incisions, Dr. Clavijo will remove any excess skin. Then, the remaining skin will be tightened to produce the desired results.
After your surgery, Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez and his team provide detailed discharge instructions and regular follow-up appointments. The typical recovery time is one to two weeks, but you might need to avoid intense physical activity for up to six weeks. Most patients can return to work and other daily activities within two weeks.
What is the Recovery From a Facelift Like?
After the facelift procedure, bandages will be applied and a drainage tube will be used to aid in the recovery process. You will need to take at least a week off of work and other obligations. You can expect swelling, bruising, and various discomfort for a few weeks after your procedure. Any scarring will continue to fade for a few months following the surgery. You can expect to resume normal activities about a month or two after your surgery.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
The results from your facelift will be visible as soon as any post-operative swelling and bruising fade. Facelift procedures provide long-lasting results. The results of a full facelift last up to 10 years, while results of a mini facelift usually last five to 10 years.
As you age, it’s normal for some effects of the facelift to disappear. But cosmetic treatments like Botox® or dermal fillers can help preserve your results. Dr. Clavijo-Alvarez can provide guidance on follow-up treatments that can keep your skin looking young.
If you are looking to rejuvenate your appearance with a facelift procedure, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. At ReNoval Plastic Surgery & Medical Spa, we welcome patients from Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania.