What Is A Facelift?

A facelift has remained the gold standard of facial rejuvenation through plastic surgery, correcting sagging in the midface, marionette lines, double chin, and jowls. It is a comprehensive approach for treating wrinkles and sagging skin and ranges from a minimally invasive “lunchtime lift” to a more sophisticated and extensive surgery. During a personalized facelift procedure, excess skin and/or excess fat is removed, and the underlying muscle and tissue is tightened and re-draped over the neck and face.

Types of Facelifts

Overall, there are a number of different facelift techniques that are used today. Each one is highly customizable and addresses each patient’s individual aesthetic concerns. To determine which facelift technique is right for you, Dr. Bohely will examine your face and speak with you regarding your health and anti-aging goals during your consultation appointment.

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift focuses on correcting moderate to severe facial aging in the face and neck. Incisions will be created in the hairline at the temples and continue around the ear, ending in the lower scalp. Dr. Bohley will sculpt and redistribute fat in the face, jowls, and neck, as well as lift the deeper layers of the face to achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance. This procedure is also often combined with other procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery for more drastic results.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift may be a good option for patients with a small amount of lax skin on the lower face and neck, as the results are less drastic than a traditional facelift. However, because this procedure is less involved, recovery time is shorter. This procedure involves shorter incisions at the temples that continue around the ear.

Mid-Facelift

As we age, our cheeks can become flattened or lax, making us appear older than we feel. A mid-facelift targets lax skin in the cheek and midface area. In instances where a traditional facelift cannot fully treat the upper cheek areas, a mid-facelift may be an effective option. Small incisions will be made around the hairline and ear, through which an endoscopic camera is inserted to tighten and smooth the muscles, as well as elevate the cheek fat pads.

Temporal Facelift or Browlift

Individuals who are bothered by the look of aging brows can often benefit from a temporal facelift. This technique focuses on the top half of the face for a lifted look, without having to undergo a brow lift. Dr. Bohley will create incisions near the temples, through which the skin on the forehead will be lifted to achieve the desired results.

Liquid Facelift

For individuals who are seeking a non-surgical solution to smooth folds and creases in the face, a liquid facelift using dermal fillers is an effective option. At our office, we use Juvéderm dermal fillers such are created using hyaluronic acid (HA) which is a naturally occurring substance that attracts and binds water under the skin. It works by adding youthful volume to smooth lines, wrinkles, and folds for a more youthful appearance. Juvéderm can last up to one year with optimal treatment.

Am I A Good Candidate For A Facelift?

You are a good candidate for facelift surgery in Portland if you have:

  • Sagging in your jawline and/or midface
  • Nasolabial folds (nose to the corners of the mouth)
  • Marionette lines (mouth down to the chin)
  • Facial volume has fallen/displaced
  • Loss of muscle tone, double chin
  • Creasing, and sagging on the neck

Ideal candidates must have realistic expectations from their facelift surgery, as the results from your procedure may vary from other patients. Some may require secondary or complementary surgery to achieve their desired goals.

Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Bohley recommends this procedure for individuals with deep wrinkles who wish to reduce the signs of aging. He personally performs pre-surgical evaluations and consultations to fully understand his Portland and Vancouver, Washington patients’ concerns and aesthetic goals. He works closely with his facelift patients in order to create personalized treatment plans that yield stunning results.

Facelift FAQs

Does a facelift make you look younger?

Yes, a facelift is an excellent way to take years off your appearance, with many patients saying they look about 10 years younger.

How can I tighten loose skin on my face?

There are a few non-invasive skin tightening procedures, such as the Sciton Halo laser, but the most effective way to get rid of excess skin is with a facelift.

How do I prepare for a facelift?

Dr. Bohley will provide you with detailed instructions for how to prepare for a facelift during your consultation. This usually includes refraining from smoking, alcohol, and certain medications prior to your surgery date.

How do I tighten my jawline?

Either a facelift or a neck lift may be the best approach to provide you with a more contoured, tighter jawline depending on your specific conditions and goals.

How do you reduce swelling after a facelift?

Dr. Bohley uses compression garments and recovery instructions like refraining from strenuous activity and keeping the head elevated to help reduce swelling.

How long after a facelift can I exercise?

Most patients can resume their exercise routines about five weeks after a facelift. However, you should keep up with gentle exercise like walking throughout your facelift recovery.

How long does it take for bruising on the face to go away?

Bruises typically go away about 1-2 weeks after a facelift.

How long do ears hurt after facelift?

The ears may feel sore after a facelift. This side effect should last no more than six weeks.

How long does facelift last?

With proper care, facelift results can last up to 15 years.

How is the facelift done?

There are multiple ways to perform the facelift and Dr. Bohley will help you select the right option for your needs. Typically, the facelift involves incisions around the ears, temples, or hairline which allow access to the underlying tissues. There, the skin can be tightened and the deeper tissues lifted into a more upright position.

What is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that can take years off the facial profile. Its goal is to lift and reposition the tissues of the face to where they were when you were younger. It can also get rid of sagging skin in areas like the cheeks and jawline.

What questions should I ask my facelift surgeon?

It’s essential to ask your board-certified plastic surgeon about their experience with the facelift, as well as ask for any facelift before-and-after images from previous patients. Dr. Bohley is happy to share his facelift gallery with patients and discuss his extensive experience performing the facelift for patients in the Portland and Vancouver areas.

Do I need fillers or a surgical facelift?

The difference between a liquid and surgical facelift typically comes down to the amount of excess skin. While a liquid facelift can fill in lines and refresh the overall facial profile, it cannot get rid of moderate-to-severe sagging. If you have significant facial sagging, a surgical facelift is a better investment. However, fat transfer is often employed to enhance a facelift result. Laser resurfacing can also be performed to improve skin texture and quality.

How long does it take for a facelift to look normal?

You may feel ready to return to public and your daily schedule within 2-3 weeks. You may still have minor bruising and swelling at this point, but it can easily be concealed with cosmetics.

How long do I need to sleep upright after a facelift?

Dr. Bohley recommends sleeping upright for 2-3 weeks after your facelift. You can sleep in a recliner or use at least two pillows if sleeping in bed. This helps reduce swelling and other complications.

What Is The Recovery From A Facelift?

Even though your surgeon will advise you about your individual recovery time and activity levels, be prepared to wait around six months for complete results. For the first 48 hours, you will have compression bandaging and drains covering your face and scalp. Swelling can be controlled by keeping your head elevated, even when sleeping, for two weeks. many facelift patients feel good enough to go back to work after about a week or two.

For at least four weeks you must avoid submerging in water and athletic activity. Please call our office if you have any questions during your recovery period.

Facelift Results

The one factor that determines it the most is the specific facelift techniques that are used for your unique signs of facial aging. For less extensive surgeries like a mini facelift (S-lift), recovery is fast and the results last up to five years. A full facelift has a longer recovery time, but the results last over 10 years. Some people have just the lower face treated whereas others benefit more from treating the face and neck. The more extensive the procedure, the longer you will enjoy the results.

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Schedule A Consultation About Facelift Today

Even if you’re still not sure whether you need or want a facelift, if you have concerns about your aging face, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling our office or filling out an online contact form. Dr. Bohley is happy to take the time to examine your concerns and offer his professional opinion on what treatment or surgery is best for your specific issues and anatomy.