How to Cover Up Your Post-Op Facelift Bruising
Follow Your Post-Op Instructions
Dr. Miller in New York offers post-op instructions to help you care for your incisions and minimize bruising after your surgery. It is critical to follow these instructions carefully as they will help to keep bruising to a minimum.
Knowing How Much Bruising to Expect
There isn’t a magic formula to determine how much each individual patient will bruise following a facelift surgery. Everyone is different and so each patient will react in his or her own way to surgery. Some patients may have only slight bruising concentrated to the lower and mid-face regions. Others can see their bruising extend outward to cover other nearby areas. Just as scarring, swelling, and other side effects can be a bit unpredictable, your bruising will be unique to you. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about how much bruising you should expect based on the specifics of your facelift procedure. While it’s not an exact picture, it could be somewhat helpful as you plan your methods to cover it up after the fact.
Make Friends with the Right Makeup Products
To cover up bruises after surgery, not just any drugstore beauty products will do the job. You need to find the right kind of makeup that will offer thicker coverage that lasts throughout the day. After all, you don’t want to be applying it over and over every time you visit the bathroom. Look up makeup brands that offer a formula that will adhere to scar tissue. Take a peek at what you have at home and sample some of your liquid foundation, loose powder, or other products to see if they are effective before you buy anything expensive. Don’t overlook the ingredients of your products either; avoid fragrance and dyes in your products and try to find something that is hypoallergenic so it won’t irritate the skin or clog your pores. You don’t want to create acne troubles while you’re still healing from surgery, right?
When shopping for new skincare products, try it on first, if you can, to make sure that you don’t look like you’re wearing a mask when you have it on. If you’re not sure where to start shopping, talk to your facial plastic surgeon or someone in his practice’s spa and salon (if offered) to get a better idea what to look for. They may have specific brands that they know will work well. Even better, you might be able to order what you need right from them.
Practice Applying Makeup Just Right
Makeup really is your best strategy for hiding bruises while your facelift heals. Men and women alike can benefit from the use of cosmetics to hide minor and major scars alike. The method of application that you use will vary based o your unique needs. Post-surgical cover-up does work a little different than regular, daily wear makeup so you might have to change your techniques a little. Follow these tips for a successful cover-up job to help you achieve the right look:
- Start with a makeup artist, If possible, so she can give you practical advice.
- Apply your foundation with a foam wedge-shaped applicator to get the smoothest and most natural look possible.
- Build coverage by using liquid and products that will do just that. Add in concealers as necessary to help neutralize the discoloration of the bruises and any redness or swelling.
Keep an Eye on Your Incisions
While you’re trying to cover everything up, don’t go overboard and interfere with the healing process. First talk to your facial plastic surgeon about when it will be acceptable to begin using makeup again and then listen to that advice. Introducing makeup too soon can increase redness, up your risk for infection, and more. If you notice any changes to this area, talk to your facial plastic surgeon right away to rule out more dangerous associations.
Choose a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon for Your Facelift in NYC
Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings.
He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, read Why you Should Sleep on Your Back after a Facelift
Six Things Patients Wish They Knew Before Facelift Surgery
#1 – Pre-Op Pampering Is Essential
You might notice that your pre-op instructions include something about taking a nice hot shower in the morning. Don’t gloss over this important detail. After your facelift surgery, you won’t be able to shower for a day or two, maybe more based on how you heal. In anticipation of your shower-free time after surgery, it’s a good idea to get up a little early and enjoy one more relaxing shower. Remember not to apply any products to your face or hair afterwards, though; these could interfere with your surgery.
The same instructions can apply to your haircut and color. Make a salon appointment in the days before your surgery, since you won’t be able to do so for about six weeks after your facelift. Try a new hairstyle and/or color to wow those who see you during your recovery. Sometimes, the change to your hair is enough to distract them from noticing your recent surgery, if that’s something you want to keep secret.
#2 – Plan Ahead to Be Comfortable
After your facelift surgery in NYC you’re going to feel pain and discomfort. This is a given, but it’s not something that has to go unaddressed. By planning ahead, you can turn that discomfort around and get the rest and relaxation you need to get better. Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about cold compresses to help with swelling, pain medication, and other methods to manage these side effects. You’ll want to keep your head elevated while you recline and sleep, so look into an incline pillow to support your head and neck.
In addition, you should set up a dedicated recovery area with pillows, blankets, and plenty of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that don’t pull over your head (lots of buttons). Fill a basket with your medical supplies, bottles of water, medications, and healthy snacks so you have everything you need right at your fingertips.
#3 – Smoking Is a Big No-No
When it comes to any plastic surgery, smoking is at the top of the list of DON’Ts and for good reason. The nicotine and chemicals found in cigarettes can restrict the blood vessels and make it difficult for the body to heal itself. In order to give yourself a clear window for complete healing, you must stop smoking at least three weeks before your surgery and avoid resuming smoking for three more weeks after your surgery. Of course, it’s always best to quit altogether. If you’re not ready yet, talk to your facial plastic surgeon about your smoking habit and follow his or her instructions closely to ensure your health and safety before, during, and after your facelift.
#4 – Mirrors Are Not Your Friend
After all the planning and waiting you’ve done, the moment you wake up from your surgery, you’ll be tempted to find the first mirror you can. Do yourself a favor and don’t look. Immediately after a facelift, you’ll be puffy and bruised, bandaged and unrecognizable. For some patients, it’s too much to handle. For others, it’s simply frustrating and can put a damper on the healing process. Promise yourself not to look during the initial days of healing and ask friends and family members not to comment on your progress. Your results are there, waiting to be visible, and will soon deliver just what you asked for. Be patient and let yourself be surprised when the bandages come off and you’re nearly finished healing.
#5 – Manage the Details With a Checklist
All the little planning details, appointments, and to-dos before your facelift can be overwhelming. To stay organized and make sure everything gets done on time and in the right order, take five minutes to jot it all down in a checklist. Even if you’re not a “list person,” you can benefit from doing so. This is a good way to plan ahead for last-minute errands like grocery shopping, pharmacy pick-ups, dry cleaning, and more. Include a list of the items you need for your recovery area. Plan the appointments you need to make, such as a pre-op with your surgeon, a salon visit, and anything else that needs to be done before your recovery time begins. If you treat this like a vacation and take care of the details before your surgery, you’ll be ready to relax with the time finally arrives.
#6 – Your Surgeon Is the Most Important Choice
The success or failure to achieve your desired results from facelift surgery in New York rests on the shoulders of only one person: your facial plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon wisely and don’t settle for less than the best for your procedure. Discount surgeons may cut corners, use outdated techniques, and provide substandard facilities, so don’t be fooled by an attractive price tag. Instead, select your facial plastic surgeon based on experience, board certification, patient reviews, and other credentials. Meet your surgeon face to face for a facelift consultation and learn more about how he or she works and what he or she projects for your results. This is the perfect time to ask all of the questions you may have as you decide if he or she is the right surgeon for your facelift. Be discerning and choose carefully; it’s truly the most important part of the planning process.
New York City facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery for over 20 years. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been invited frequently to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, learn about the 4 Things that are Off-Limits After Your Facelift
The NatraLook Process and Your Rhinoplasty
What Is Aesthetic Confidence?
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, your satisfaction with your results is what matters. Patient satisfaction leads to incredible psychological and emotional benefits, like an improved self-confidence level and even a higher quality of life. New research has shown that a whopping 98 percent of patients who are happy with their post-surgical results find a greater overall happiness in their lives. Knowing this, it’s hard to deny that patient satisfaction is anything less than the most important factor in cosmetic surgery.
As part of this overall satisfaction, patients must find a new aesthetic confidence in themselves after surgery. Aesthetic confidence can be described as the empowerment we feel from dressing, decorating, and designing the way we want.
Why Does the Nose Matter?
Many prospective patients are deeply insecure about their nose. This central feature of the face is a big distraction from beautiful eyes, a pretty smile, and other positive aspects. The nose is not something that can be hidden in photos or covered up in everyday life. It’s always visible and because of that, the smallest defects or unwanted characteristics become magnified. For many people who are unhappy with their noses, it is only their noses that they see when they look in the mirror. Living like this can detract from your self-confidence, create negative thinking, and undermine your happiness if not addressed. Creating aesthetic confidence in correcting these problems can help a patient find satisfactory results from rhinoplasty surgery. To learn more about rhinoplasty, visit ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
How Does NatraLook Work?
NatraLook is a specialized consultation process through which Dr. Miller will evaluate your nose and facial features and listen to what you have to say. It goes beyond the traditional doctor-patient conversation to provide a safe and unintimidating forum to discuss your desired results, the faults you find with your nose, and what your aesthetic confidence will evolve into. Throughout this experience, you won’t be talked down to or told what to do; instead, Dr. Miller will reassure and support your opinions in a positive way, creating a collaborative environment that gives you a real say in your own procedure.
The NatraLook process can help to plan your rhinoplasty (or other facial surgery, if so desired) while also helping you to develop a stronger aesthetic confidence moving forward after your recovery. Your consultation will conclude with a unified vision for your rhinoplasty so that both doctor and patient know what to expect. By ensuring your surgical results, you’ll have the unique opportunity to also make sure you’re happy with your new look when your surgery is over. Read more about this on our rhinoplasty and nose job guide.
Begin the NatraLook Process Today
Enter into a partnership with your surgeon to design and execute a rhinoplasty that will deliver your desired results through the NatraLook Process. An experienced facial plastic surgeon can provide more in-depth knowledge about the changes that will help you to breathe easier, quite literally. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in rhinoplasty, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025
Next, find out If MicroRhinoplasty is Right for You
How to Get Natural-Looking Facelift Results
What Makes a Facelift Look Natural?
To get natural looking facelift results, a lot of planning, discussion, and skill are involved. During a consultation with your facial plastic surgeon in New York, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns about the signs of aging around your mouth, chin, and jaw line. He will then examine your face, making note of your hairline, facial features, and other unique characteristics. He will also evaluate the degree to which your skin has begun to sag, the state of the lines and wrinkles in this area, and the volume of fat that has accumulated in the lower part of the face. From this information, your facial plastic surgeon will begin to design a facelift procedure tailored to fit your unique needs.
As he plans your surgery, he will assess how much “pull” is needed to achieve a tauter look to the face without stretching too tightly. He will plan the direction of his pull, how much skin should be excised, and how to manage the upturned or downturned lips, hairline, and other details. There is some art involved in the surgery process of facial rejuvenation; don’t be afraid to ask about the specifics of your procedure. Once your surgeon starts talking, it may put some of your fears about unnatural results to rest.
Don’t Make These Facelift Mistakes
When it comes to the facelift procedure, there are several things you can do to ensure the best results. There are, perhaps, more things you shouldn’t do if you want to keep your results looking as natural as possible after surgery. Steer clear of these classic mistakes or you’ll find yourself broadcasting “plastic surgery patient” everywhere you go.
- Don’t over-enhance your new look with injections. Adding dermal fillers or Botox treatments is a common follow-up for many facelift patients, but you can take it too far. Work with your facial plastic surgeon to make sure your add-on injections complement your results instead of overwhelming them.
- Don’t ask for unnatural-looking changes. Try to achieve balance in the face, not overdo the trimming of excess fat, for example. We all want thin, angular faces but they just don’t work for everyone. Ask for your facial plastic surgeon’s input about adding liposuction to your facelift and/or neck lift. Listen to his opinion and trust his expertise; pushing for more work than you need could backfire.
- Don’t rush your recovery process. Your face will need time to heal, so as the swelling and bruising subside, gradually resume your daily activities. Don’t jump back in all at once and risk injury, complications, infections, and other side effects. Your body knows exactly what to do; you just have to give it time and energy.
- Don’t assume you won’t have to take anti-aging measures after a facelift. While this surgery can turn back the clock about 10 years, it does not stop the hands of time from moving forward. You should continue to care for your skin in the same way, if not a better way. Use SPF moisturizers every day, cleanse daily, and exfoliate weekly. Talk with your facial plastic surgeon about other care tips that can preserve your results and keep them looking natural.
Do Choose an Excellent Facial Plastic Surgeon in NYC
The real success of any facial rejuvenation surgery lies in the hands of your facial plastic surgeon. If you haven’t done your due diligence in choosing the right surgeon for your surgery, you might want to reassess. Credentials, qualifications, and experience can help a facial plastic surgeon to refine his skills, develop his own techniques, and deliver the results his patients really want. You can only have your first facelift once, so you should make it worthwhile. You deserve the top-notch skills of a highly qualified facial plastic surgeon to earn those natural looking results.
Finding the right facial plastic surgeon is easy, if you know where to start looking. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, read all about What Makes Facelifts So Popular?
What Makes Facelifts So Popular?
A Big Youthful Boost
During facelift surgery, the contours of the lower face are redefined as the facial plastic surgeon manipulates the skin, muscle, and fat cells. Excess loose skin is trimmed away, lax facial muscles are tightened, and the excess fat is either redistributed or removed. The end result of your facelift should be a well-defined jawline, improved facial contour, and a diminished appearance of lines and wrinkles around the mouth and nose. Overall, facelift surgery is a well-designed procedure that can give you a little bit of your youth back. Many patients can achieve a look that is up to 10 years younger than the day they first walked into their consultation.
Long-Lasting Results
When patients invest money on procedures that will improve their youthful appearance, they want those results to last as long as possible. Facelifts might cost more than a nonsurgical treatment, but the results will stand the test of time. Many facelift patients enjoy a more youthful appearance for an entire decade before they notice time catching up again. Actually, time can never really catch up; once you’ve gotten a head start as a facelift patient, you can keep ahead of it. While most patients opt out of a secondary facelift to touch-up the first, patients who do choose a follow-up facelift wait 8 to 12 years on average. Now that’s staying power!
Natural-Looking Results
Back in their early days, facelift surgeries were very simple pull-and-stretch procedures. After a while, patients looked pinch and unnatural as their skin was stretched thinner and thinner out toward their hairlines. Today, the meticulous work done to tighten the underlying tissues beneath the skin provides the support required to keep this area looking firm and youthful. Further, the skin isn’t stretched to the limit anymore, thanks to these refined techniques. In order to deem a facelift surgery successful, your facial plastic surgeon must also believe that the results look natural. The many patients demonstrating just how natural today’s results can be stand as living proof of decades of improvements, surgeon training, and technological advancements.
Facelifts for Any Age
Because facelift surgery can benefit patients in such a wide range of ages, it’s easy to see what drives this procedure’s popularity. With patients ranging from their 30s to their 60s and above, the facelift procedure can help to reverse many of the signs of aging in their early stages or decades on. There is no ideal age to have a facelift, nor a minimum or maximum age requirement to be met. Men and women with concerns about the effects of aging on their lower face can be considered for a facelift; it’s really that simple and that inclusive. If you’re worried about jowls, a double chin, creasing around the mouth, sagging skin, shifted fat deposits, and laxity in the lower facial muscles, you could be a good candidate for this anti-aging surgery. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re too young or too old. A facelift can be right for almost anyone, so what can it hurt to ask?
Learn More About Facelift Benefits Today
Choosing the right facial plastic surgeon to perform your facelift procedure will both maximize your results and minimize your risks as a patient. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Your Facelift Results on Day One
Major changes in our lives are often met with anxiety, anticipation, and excitement. Typically, men and women who are waiting for such a change have a desire to understand what’s coming their way. With facelift surgery on the horizon, it’s only human to ask a lot of questions about what to expect from surgery: how you’ll feel, what you’ll look like, when will you heal? The first day following your facelift surgery is a crucial one for which all prospective patients should be prepared.
Beginning to Heal on Day One
The first 48 hours following your facelift surgery are a critical time for you to rest, relax, and let your body begin to heal. You will likely experience the most uneasiness of your entire recovery on day one. Most patients usually feel fine or have only mild levels of discomfort, while others may experience some unwanted side effects such as nausea or lethargy. Swelling in the face can cause some tightness, but this won’t peek until day three or four, so you may not notice it yet. Even if you feel well enough to do some chores around the house, taking it easy is the most important thing you can do to ensure your smooth recovery. Get a lot of rest, catch up on your favorite shows, and find a comfy spot to just be for a couple of days.
Mirrors on Day One – Resist the Urge
Most facelift patients are eager to see their results right away, but the first day after surgery is not a good time to look in the mirror. Your face will be swollen and bruised, perhaps with drains and bandages still in place. Many facelift patients are shocked by what they see, especially since their face looks much worse than it feels. Rest assured that this is all a natural part of the process as the body heals and the swelling subsides. In a 10 days or less, you’ll be able to see a clearer picture of what your results will look like. If you’d rather wait to be surprised, avoiding mirrors is a good strategy. However, if you’re the brave, curious type, taking a peek might give you an idea of how far you’ve come once those final facelift results are in. To learn more about facelift, visit medlineplus.gov
All About Your Incisions
Swelling and bruising are a nuisance, but it’s really your incisions that you need to keep an eye on. As of day one, your incisions may be bandaged and drainage tubes put in place to alleviate fluid accumulation. Your sutures will likely be visible if you do look in that mirror and watching them for any changes can be important. If you don’t want to study yourself in the mirror, have a friend or family member check your incisions every day for signs of infection, excess bleeding, or other problems.
As you begin to heal during your first day and your first week, remember that your incisions might pinch or feel itchy. Don’t mess with them because you could risk many complications by doing so. If you or your “incision buddy” notices any change in appearance of your sutures, contact your facial plastic surgeon’s office right away for a quick appointment.
Making It Through Day One
While that first day home after your facelift might be a hazy fog when all is said and done, try to remember when you’re in the moment how important it is to your entire recovery. Setting a good precedent for your recovery on day one will fuel you through to the end.
- Get lots of rest and stay comfortable with your head propped up to cut back on swelling.
- Talk to your facial plastic surgeon about methods for pain management, such as cold compresses and prescription pain medication.
- Keep your hands off of your face as much as you can to let the area heal and keep the incisions clean and clear of any damage.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that isn’t pulled over your head, like button-front pajamas.
- Stay away from mirrors if you’d rather not know how much worse you look than feel!
To learn more about facelifts, visit medlineplus.gov
Choose a Facelift Surgeon in New York City
Choosing the right facial plastic surgeon to perform your facelift procedure will both maximize your results and minimize your risks as a patient. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, learn How to Get Natural Looking Facelift Results
Every Face Is Different: Customizing Facelift Surgery
The Facelift Procedure
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is an anti-aging procedure designed to correct sagging skin, weak tissue and muscle in order to create a more youthful appearance. During a facelift surgery, changes will be concentrated to the lower portion of the face, where aging and gravity tend to leave the most noticeable marks.
A facelift procedure begins with the placement of incisions to give the surgeon access to the tissues that need to be corrected. With a traditional facelift, these incisions are made along the hairline, continuing in front of and behind the ears, then extending to the lower scalp. The incisions for a limited facelift approach are placed in the same locations but do not extend as long. All of the incisions used to perform a facelift surgery will be well-hidden in your natural facial creases.
Once the incisions are in place, your surgeon will work to redistribute or remove excess fat that has accumulated along the jaw and under the chin. He may use liposuction techniques to remove small pockets of excess fat cells if needed. The lower facial muscles are then lifted and tightened, followed by the excision and tightening of the skin. If the chin is a specific problem area, an additional incision may be made just beneath it to target these concerns. To learn more about facelift, visit medlineplus.gov
Evaluating Each Unique Face
Many prospective facelift patients have preconceived notions about what makes them eligible for a facelift surgery. The truth is that every face is different, so there is no set guideline for how old you should be, how many wrinkles you must have, or whether you have grandchildren or not. Facelift patients now range in age from their early 30s to well beyond their 60s, and the average age is getting younger and younger every year. Beyond that, patients are men and women alike, with a wide variety of ethnic roots and facial characteristics. To design a facelift surgery for each and every one of these unique patients, a facial plastic surgeon must evaluate them individually.
During your facelift consultation, your facial plastic surgeon will spend some time getting to know you, learning about what signs of aging frustrate you the most, and discovering what desired results you have for your facelift surgery. Building on this, he or she will examine your facial features, facial structure, skin laxity, and other factors to create recommendations. A skilled facial plastic surgeon will customize his or her surgical techniques and approach to fit the needs of the patient, rather than the other way around. The surgeon understands how important it is to provide natural-looking results that work with the patient’s features rather than against them.
Customizing the Male Facelift
More and more men are discovering the benefits of the facelift procedure and how it can help them to achieve the youthful look they want. Nothing about a facelift makes it strictly feminine, so men will experience the same caliber of results as female patients. Likewise, they will be evaluated during a consultation in much the same way, with only a few exceptions.
The male face is different in some slight ways, sometimes necessitating a shift in the surgeon’s approach to accommodate them. For example, skin on the male face tends to be thicker and can be more challenging when the time comes to place the incisions. A male facelift must also take into consideration the natural hairline of the side burns and beard, taking extra care not to distort these areas when tightening the skin. During a male facelift consultation, these slight differences will be discussed, along with the facial plastic surgeon’s plan to address them. While none of these differences will make any male patient ineligible for facelift surgery, they should always be considered when designing a customized male facelift procedure.
Customize Your Facelift Surgery With the Right Surgeon
Choosing the right facial plastic surgeon to perform your facelift procedure will both maximize your results and minimize your risks as a patient. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients. A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, learn about The Optimal Age for Facelift Surgery
Is There Really an Optimal Age for Your Facelift?
Facelifts and Maintenance Facelifts
Facelift surgery is designed to address the drooping, wrinkled skin that comes with exposure to time and gravity. Other factors can also contribute to how early and how quickly this damage becomes evident, including heredity and genetics, sun damage, and other environmental exposure. Today, many younger patients in their 30s are wandering into facial plastic surgery clinics in search of their “first facelift,” the foundation surgery that will turn back the clock and help them age gracefully for years to come.
Traditional facelift surgery in New York begins with incisions that are made at the hairline, continuing in front of and behind the ears, then extending to the lower scalp. Your facial plastic surgeon will then redistribute fat from the lower face and neck to other areas or remove the excess with liposuction techniques. The muscles will then be lifted and tightened to provide firmer support to the lower portion of the face. Finally, the skin is repositioned and the excess trimmed away before the incisions are closed.
Most facelifts will deliver results that last over a decade, with many patients seeking a secondary or maintenance facelift within eight to 12 years (on average). A maintenance facelift may include many of the same techniques and steps, but will likely be conducted more delicately so as not to overcorrect the lower portion of the face. Discuss your options for first and subsequent facelift surgeries with your facial plastic surgeon for the best advice tailored to your unique needs.
Patients With the Best Long-Term Results
When it comes to having a facelift procedure with staying power, there may just be a “perfect age.” According to recent research, patients who have their first facelift surgery before the age of 50 tend to experience the longest-lasting satisfaction with their surgical results. Compared to patients ranging from 50 to 60 and then over 60 years old, patients under 50 had the highest and most consistent satisfaction rates at their short- and long-term check-ins. They were also perceived to be better able to care for their results in the long-term, thus preserving their youthful appearance for a longer period of time. Patients in the other groups were less satisfied as time went on and felt the need for a secondary facelift much sooner than their younger counterparts.
What That Means for You
If you’re under 50 and considering a facelift, it’s time to get moving! Your age group on average sees the best results that last the longest, so you’ll get the most for your money by investing in a facelift at this time in your life.
If you’re in the 50 to 60 age group, don’t let these research results discourage you. There are many patients in this age bracket who still experience high rates of satisfaction over the long-term.All this means is that you may need to add a little bit of extra skincare to your daily routine. Wear sunscreen, learn about medical-grade skin care, and consult with professionals who can help you devise a strategy to maintain your facelift results.
If you’re over 60 and having your first facelift, you may experience more sudden age-related changes following your procedure than younger patients would. Still, this is nothing to prevent you from having the surgery that will help you achieve the look you want. Your facial plastic surgeon can guide you through the process and what to expect from your results; even if your results last eight years instead of 12, nothing can take back the 10 years you removed with your facelift surgery! Keep a positive attitude and be involved in your treatment; success will be yours if you know how to plan your facelift right.
Get Started With the Right NYC Facial Plastic Surgeon
If it feels like the perfect time to start planning your own first (or maintenance) facelift surgery, connect with the right facial plastic surgeon. By choosing a credentialed, experienced plastic surgeon, you can maximize the results of your procedure. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, learn How to Fight Tech Neck with Facelifts and Neck Lifts
Tips for Choosing Your Facelift Surgeon
Where to Start Looking
Sure, you can Google it, but looking for a reputable facial plastic surgeon is a lot easier when you focus in your efforts. Go to the websites of the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, for example, to find specific results about the credentialed surgeons in your area who are licensed to perform facelifts. Not only does this take out much of the guesswork for you, but it will also save you a whole lot of time. Search by zip code or by name to locate facial plastic surgeons and then narrow your results from there. Make sure that the surgeons you look up are specifically facial plastic surgeons instead of general surgeons.
Certifications, Education, and Training
Before you step foot in your facial plastic surgeon’s office, you need to verify that he (or she) has all of the right qualifications to perform your surgery. If you’ve found your surgeon through the specialized websites above, you’re halfway there. Now, you can visit the American Board of Plastic Surgery to check the doctor’s board certification records and other documents. Contact your state to confirm that your intended surgeon’s medical license is still valid.
Finally, visit the doctor’s website as well to gather more personal information about him, where he comes from, where he was education, in what specialty he performed his residency, etc. If you’re comparing several potential facial plastic surgeons, you may discover something about one doctor that really speaks to you, helping you to make your decision.
Patient Satisfaction and Results
Through websites like RealSelf, you should be able to read real patient reviews about your intended facial plastic surgeon’s work. Many surgeons also post reviews to their own websites, as well as before and after photos of actual surgeries. You might ask around to learn more about this specific doctor or check in with your own physician to learn more about his reputation, if possible. There’s rarely anything better than patient reviews to speak for a facial plastic surgeon’s real abilities, so get as much information as you can.
Meet for a Consultation
Sitting down for a one-on-one facelift consultation is both the final step in choosing your facial plastic surgeon and the first step toward your facelift surgery. During this meeting, you will have an open conversation about the procedure, how it could benefit you, and also why you should work with this surgeon for the procedure. You will have a chance to ask your facial plastic surgeon questions about his background, patient history, and specific training, if you so desire. For many prospective patients, hearing the answers from their doctor can help to put them at ease and agree to move forward. If you still have unanswered questions, don’t be afraid to bring the list to your consultation and start asking away!
Make Dr. Miller Your Top Choice
Choosing the right facial plastic surgeon to perform your facelift procedure will both maximize your results and minimize your risks as a patient. Dr. Philip Miller in NYC has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.
Next, read our blog, Keeping Your Nose Job a Secret.
Tips to Minimize Your Post-Op Facelift Risks
Risk #1 – Reaction to Anesthesia
Facelift surgeries are most often performed under general anesthesia, which can carry some mild risks for patients. There is a potential for an adverse reaction to anesthesia, but this is typically very short-lasting in nature. Facelift patients who do react most often experience some nausea and sickness as the drug wears off. The whole process should last only a few hours.
While there’s not much you can do to prevent a mild reaction to the anesthetics used during your facelift, you should communicate any serious concerns you have about it to your surgeon. If you have had a more serious reaction in the past, speak up. You should also disclose all of your current medications, vitamins, supplements, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption to your facial plastic surgeon ahead of time. Any of these could negatively interact with your anesthesia and expose you to more serious risks.
Risk #2 – Bleeding Issues and Hematoma
It is common for facelift patients to experience some bleeding after their procedure, but sometimes this normal side effect becomes more serious. Rarely, excess bleeding may occur after facelift surgery. If untreated, this can lead to a hematoma, a more complicated type of bleeding that occurs beneath the skin.
Avoiding this dangerous post-operative complication begins with an open dialogue between patient and surgeon. You may be at an increased risk of hematoma if you:
- Have high blood pressure or hypertension.
- Use blood thinners.
- Are taking herbal medications.
- Are taking ibuprofen, aspirin, or a similar form of pain medication.
- Smoke.
Talk about your risk factors for bleeding and hematoma with your doctor so you can work together to develop an appropriate surgical plan that will keep you safe and healthy. After your facelift, alert your surgeon if you experience nausea and vomiting at all, as this increases pressure on the incision site and can lead to bleeding complications later. Finally, follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions carefully to be sure you have minimized your risk factors for this complication.
Risk #3 – Post-Operative Infection
An infection is a risk following any surgical procedure and can be caused when bacteria is transferred from the skin’s surface, through the incision, and inside the body. Since you can’t be awake to supervise your own facelift surgery, you want to work with a facial plastic surgeon you trust to take every measure necessary to prevent a potential infection.
Surgeons have many ways to cut down on the risk of infection before, during and after your procedure. First, he may opt to administer a single dose of antibiotics to be proactive against any potential bacteria transfer. The area around your incision sites will be cleaned thoroughly with an antibacterial agent in order to eliminate potential threats. Your surgeon and all those assisting with the procedure should wear proper surgical gloves, masks, and clothing at all times while in the operating room. All of the tools used should be sterilized as well to prevent the passing of infection between patients. Finally, when your facelift is complete and your incisions sutured shut, your face will be bandaged appropriately with clean dressings to protect the area from outside contaminants while it heals.
Choose a surgeon with a proven history of success with his facelift patients and who has also demonstrated a good working knowledge of safe techniques and methods for preventing infection. During your consultation, ask your surgeon directly what steps he will take to clear up any of your worry.
Find the Right Surgeon for Your Facelift
Of course, there are other minor risks associated with the facelift procedure, including nerve damage, healing problems, and scarring. By choosing a credentialed, experienced plastic surgeon, you can minimize all of the risks associated with a facelift procedure. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.
A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.