Learn More About Facelift Surgery
You will hear an assortment of impressive and confusing facelift terms such as endoscopic, deep plane, subperiosteally, subcutaneous, and SMAS. These are all different approaches to ultimately achieving a more youthful appearance without the stigma of an operated look. A well-trained and experienced surgeon can obtain excellent results using many different techniques. Plastic surgery is an art form and Dr. Shienbaum uses his talent and artistic sense to achieve a natural, long-lasting result. Brandon Plastic Surgery is located 51 Minutes from Lakeland, 35 minutes from Wesley Chapel and one hour from Winter Haven.
“Mini facelift” refers to a limited facelift procedure that affords a smaller incision and shorter scar, less undermining, shorter recovery time, and the use of local sedative anesthesia. Dr. Shienbaum offers the mini facelift for younger, thinner patients, with minimal signs of aging, limited skin sag, and adequate bony structure. It is especially suited for the individual interested in a shorter downtime and a quicker recovery.
A special facelift procedure sometimes referred to as a MACs (or a Minimal Access Cranial Suspension-lift) facelift is perfect for an active lifestyle. It utilizes an inconspicuous incision along the hairline and the natural creases both in front and around the earlobe. Often another small incision is placed under the chin. The loose tissues and muscles are then tightened, excess fat is removed, and the skin of the face and neck is re-draped to achieve a more natural look and youthful appearance.
This type of facelift utilizes tightening of the fascia of the face to tighten and smooth the jawline, remove jowls, fill the upper midface, and rejuvenate a sagging neck. A well performed SMAS lift should be identical to a so-called Deep Plane lift.
This involves the injection of platelet-rich plasma beneath the skin of the face. It may temporarily cause swelling and some plumping and smoothing of skin wrinkles, but it will not tighten sagging, loose skin or correct prominent muscular bands. It is definitely not a facelift and the procedure is not FDA approved.
This is a procedure to tighten and realign the muscles and skin of the neck. This so-called platysmaplasty recreates the natural neck contour by removing offending muscle bands, defining the jawline, and re-draping the loose, sagging skin. Sometimes called a cervicoplasty, it improves the contour and depth of the neck for an enhanced, more youthful appearance.
Generally, the earlier one starts caring about their facial changes, the better the results. Waiting until the skin has aged, wrinkled, and thinned out does not allow for the most long-lasting treatment outcomes. Younger individuals in their 40s and 50s frequently start with mini facelifts or other minimally-invasive skin tightening techniques. Ultimately, the timing of your facelift will be based on your personal appearance, genetic makeup, lifestyle, and dietary choices– not your chronological age.
We welcome you to a complimentary, initial consultation. During this initial consultation, you will visit with our professional staff, and Dr. Shienbaum will offer his evaluation and recommendations on the procedure most appropriate for you. The staff will provide you with the opportunity to view photos and videos of previous patients, so that you may better comprehend prior results.
Stop all aspirin products and anti-inflammatories including Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), Vitamins, Diet Supplements, and Herbal medications, which can thin the blood, increase bruising, and cause anesthesia issues.
Have someone available to assist you on the first day or two after your procedure and have extra pillows to lift your head position. Have a ready supply of drinks, toiletries, and any prescription meds, and consider having your hair colored and cut 2 weeks prior to your surgery.
Just how soon you can return to work and be out in public depends on many factors, including the skill of the surgeon and the extent of correction required. Any additional procedures including chemical peels, laser, fat injection, brow lifts, or blepharoplasties will, of course, extend the recovery process. Although individuals vary in their healing ability, one can usually look presentable enough appear in public in 1 – 2 weeks.
Avoid excessive lifting or straining, as this can increase blood pressure and cause bleeding. However, you are encouraged to walk and move around as this prevents blood clots by maintaining your circulation. Sleep with your head propped up, unflexed, and above your heart, as this decreases swelling. Avoid going out in public for several days and have a favorite concealer available. Anticipate that boredom and inactivity will lead to some degree of depression until you begin to appreciate the actual improvement in your appearance.
A well-performed facelift by an experienced plastic surgeon should be long-lasting. This is especially true if your skin quality is good and has not been damaged by excessive sun exposure, heavy smoking, or extreme changes in weight. Having tight, smooth, and moist skin with minimal laxity usually provides the essentials for a long-lasting facial rejuvenation. As you continue to age, touchups will inevitably be required. With minimal maintenance, you should enjoy your facelift result for many years to come. To find Brandon Plastic Surgery, our office is 48 minutes from Bradenton, 15 minutes from Riverview and 18 minutes from Tampa.