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Facelift

Of all facial rejuvenation treatments designed to address the more noticeable signs of aging, facelift surgery provides the most remarkable results. Richard A. Bartlett, M.D. utilizes sophisticated techniques to perform the facelift in Boston.
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What is a Facelift

A facelift, medically known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the signs of aging in the face and neck. A facelift is a comprehensive way to address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and other visible signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face.

A facelift can address various concerns, including:

  • Sagging or drooping skin in the midface and jowls
  • Deep creases and folds around the nose and mouth
  • Loss of definition along the jawline
  • Excess fat deposits or a “double chin” in the lower face and neck.

While a facelift primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face, it can also have some rejuvenating effects on the neck area. However, for individuals with significant neck laxity or excess fat under the chin, additional procedures such as a neck lift or liposuction may be recommended. Facelifts are often combined with eyelid procedures (blepharoplasty), chemical peels and fat transfers.

Facelift Consultation

If you are considering a facelift, the first step is a confidential consultation with Dr. Bartlett. At this time, he will perform a medical evaluation and listen carefully to understand your goals. He will answer questions about the benefits and risks of facial surgery, describe the treatment process, and may discuss alternative treatment options.

Dr. Bartlett will create and personalize your surgical plan, whether it is solely a facelift procedure or in combination with other facial procedures. In certain cases, Dr. Bartlett may recommend eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, or other facial plastic surgery procedures, such as fat transfers, to complement the facelift procedure. This can create more comprehensive anti-aging results and can lead to optimal facial enhancement.

Dr. Bartlett will customize your pre-operative and post-operative instructions based on your medical evaluation. You will be asked to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery and to assist during your initial recovery. You may also be asked to stop or change your current medications as part of the preparation. This is because certain medications may result in increased bleeding and must be avoided.

There is no “correct” age to get a facelift procedure. Typically, patients get these procedures in their 40s or 50s, but many patients in their 60s or 70s often come in for facelifts as well. Younger patients often prefer minimally invasive or non-invasive, non-surgical solutions such as our injectables and rejuvenating skin treatments. A facelift is recommended for patients who are looking for longer-lasting anti-aging results. An ideal candidate is one who is generally in good health and is a nonsmoker. Smokers have a higher incidence of unfavorable scarring.

Facelift Procedure – What to expect 

A facelift works by lifting and redraping the skin, tightening underlying facial tissues, and eliminating small pockets of fat near the chin and neck. The result is the elimination of wrinkles and a more revitalized, attractive look. Incisions are in front and behind the ear and sometimes under the chin. These incisions are carefully placed to minimize visible scarring and are meticulously closed with sutures. Drains are typically used and placed on either side of the head to minimize fluid accumulation. This procedure can be performed in combination with facial fat grafting, blepharoplasty and neck lift.

Most patients have IV sedation or general anesthesia. Limited facelift procedures are occasionally performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation.

3 to 6 hours. The exact duration of surgery will depend on the treatment plan, techniques used, and if there are other procedures performed during your procedure.

Facelift surgeries are performed in our AAAASF Certified office operating room. Most patients return home the same day with assistance from a family member or friend. Occasionally facelifts are performed in a hospital setting if pre-existing medical conditions exist. This will be determined by you and Dr. Bartlett.

Recovery After Facelift

Dr Bartlett and his staff will review the details of the recovery process prior to surgery.  You will be provided with printed instructions and prescription medications before your procedure so that you are well prepared.  A friend or relative is recommended to assist you after surgery. We recommend that someone be with you for the first 24 to 48 hours although this recommendation will vary depending on your surgical plan.

You will have drains placed on either side of your head to reduce fluid accumulation and a large cotton bandage that wraps around your head. Patients are instructed to sleep with their head elevated.  We recommend over-the-counter Tylenol for management of pain however light use of a narcotic is sometimes necessary and will be provided.

The first office visit is performed 24 to 48 hours after surgery and our nurse will remove your head wrap bandage and the drains. A new, lighter bandage is applied which may be removed at home beginning four days after surgery.  Sutures or stitches are removed on day 7 and day 14 after surgery. Most patients look acceptable at two weeks but some have residual swelling and bruising into their third week. Scarring after a facelift often heals very well but may remain pink to red at 3 weeks after surgery. Women may consider wearing their hair down during this period of healing and men often grow a beard to camouflage incisions.

Exercise is not permitted for 2 weeks after surgery. You may begin performing light exercise at 2 weeks and vigorous exercise may be resumed 3 to 6 weeks after surgery, once cleared by Dr. Bartlett. If you have a strenuous job, you are recommended to remain out of work for at least 2-3 weeks. Laptop-based work is permitted soon after surgery.

Most patients look well after 2 weeks, but the final result from a facelift is evaluated 6 months later. It is important for patients to maintain proper skin care by using moisturizer and sunscreen to ensure results last as long as possible.

"Everyone that’s ever known me has called me Mrs. Just So. In other words, I am very particular and also a perfectionist in all areas. I couldn’t have picked a better plastic surgeon. My husband and I met Dr. Bartlett and didn’t even feel that we had to get a second opinion. No one can even tell that I had this done. People will say, “Oh, I love your haircut, you look so good,” and then other people I tell will say, “Oh my god, I want his number.” They say they’ve never seen anyone look so natural. Dr. Bartlett is a perfectionist and very tedious and is an artist. He listens and cares and even called me over the weekend to see how I was doing. His entire staff is very friendly and knowledgeable as well. I would recommend Dr. Bartlett to anyone!"

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Cost

Cost of a facelift procedure, is dependent on factors such as the time it takes to perform the surgery, the type of anesthesia used, and the techniques utilized.

An estimate of the cost can be provided over the phone by the front desk administrator. After your consultation with Dr. Bartlett a specific, detailed quote will be provided.

Schedule a consultation

Contact our office to schedule a consultation regarding a facelift with Dr. Richard A. Bartlett. He can let you know if surgery is the best option for you and can provide you with outstanding results from your facial procedure.

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