As we age, the collagen and elastin that make our skin smooth and tight decrease, resulting in a face that looks more aged. At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we can get you back to a more youthful-looking face with our highly-requested facelift procedure.
Contact our Folsom, California office today to meet board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Sumida, one of the top Plastic Surgeons in Folsom, and discuss your cosmetic goals.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgery that improves visible signs of aging by addressing changes in the skin and underlying tissues. This procedure focuses on the lower half of the face, where excess skin is removed to create more youthful contours. Each surgery is customized to the patient and to how much sagging or skin laxity is present along the jawline and submental areas.
What Does a Facelift Treat?
A rejuvenation procedure used to reduce the visible signs of aging, facelift surgeries can alleviate several skin concerns:
- Loss of skin tone in the lower portion of the face, creating a “jowl” appearance
- Skin sagging in the middle of the face
- Areas of fat that have either fallen or disappeared, altering shape
- Deep wrinkles underneath the eyelids
- Creases extending from the nose to the corner of the mouth
- The presence of a double chin due to excess skin or fatty tissue
- Looking chronically tired and worn out
A process that is accelerated by environmental elements, aging cannot be stopped. But with the help of Dr. Kenneth Sumida and the medical team at Nuance, your customized surgical plan will bring you back to how you looked 10 to 15 years ago.
Areas Treated by Facelift Surgery
- Midface and Cheeks: This area includes the cheeks and the region beneath the eyes, where changes in volume and support become more noticeable with age. A facelift can help reposition deeper facial tissues in the midface.
- Lower Face and Jawline: The lower face and jawline are commonly addressed to improve definition and balance. Facelift surgery can help soften heaviness along the jawline while keeping a natural facial shape.
- Neck: The upper part of the neck may be treated along with the face for a more cohesive result.
Types of Facelift
Full Facelift
A full facelift is a more involved surgery that provides correction for advanced sagging and excess skin. This approach involves repositioning underlying facial structures to create smooth contours that last for many years. A larger incision is used to give us access to more facial tissue. This incision typically begins near the temple, follows the natural contour in front of the ear, and may extend discreetly into the hairline.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a more limited version of a full facelift and provides subtle improvements to the lower face and jawline. It is used for early to moderate changes and is more common in younger individuals who have begun to notice some signs of aging. The scope of the surgery is smaller, as is the incision, and the recovery is often easier.
Combining Facelift With Other Procedures
We may recommend combining multiple facial procedures if you have concerns in areas beyond the lower face. Additional facial surgeries may include:
Brow Lift
A brow lift focuses on the upper portion of the face, specifically the forehead and brows. This treatment adjusts the position of the brow to reduce heaviness or to open up the eyes. A brow lift can also minimize wrinkles in the forehead area. When combined with a facelift, a brow lift can help create better balance between the upper and lower areas of the face.
Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is a surgery performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. It provides a solution for patients who have excess skin around the eyes that is causing hooding, visual disturbances, undereye bags and more. Pairing blepharoplasty with a facelift allows us to refine the eye area at the same time without significantly increasing your overall downtime.
Neck Lift
When you have more concerns in the neck area than can be addressed through a facelift alone, a neck lift can be added to lift the structures beneath the chin and along the neck. This treatment may involve tightening underlying muscles and adjusting soft tissue to improve contour. Performing a neck lift and a facelift can involve an added incision under the chin to allow for greater correction of loose neck skin.
What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Surgical Facelift?
Longer-Lasting Results
A surgical facelift lasts longer than the results from non-surgical treatments. We remove excess skin rather than tightening it, and we reposition and tighten underlying muscles and connective tissue. The shape of your lower face will be supported from within, which can help to slow the aging process even as your skin continues to lose collagen.
Suitable for Moderate to Severe Facial Aging
If you have more advanced changes in your facial structure and skin quality, a facelift can provide better results. The surgery also offers correction across multiple facial areas for comprehensive improvements.
Significant, but Natural-Looking Improvements
Modern facelift techniques allow for a more natural-looking result. The goal of this surgery is to help restore your face to a more youthful appearance rather than changing your facial features. We redrape facial tissues to avoid a tight or windswept look, with results that still look like you.
Am I a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
A facelift is most effective for patients with structural changes related to aging rather than surface-level skin concerns. It may be best for those with good skin elasticity that can support surgical repositioning. Good candidates should be in stable health and not have any uncontrolled medical conditions, and they need to be able to safely undergo anesthesia and recovery. You may not be a good candidate if you smoke or use nicotine. It may also not be recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
Preparing for Your Facelift Surgery
Pre-Surgical Guidelines
The surgical process begins with adequate preparation so you are ready, both physically and practically, for your procedure. We will have a detailed consultation where we determine your candidacy for the surgery and talk about changes in medication or lifestyle that need to occur before your facelift. You may be asked to complete pre-operative testing or medical clearance and we will review things like smoking that could impact your recovery or results.
Planning for Recovery
You will need to have someone drive you home after your surgery and stay with you for the first 24 hours while you recover. You can make the first week more comfortable by setting up a comfortable recovery area. Equip your home with comfortable pillows, pre-made meals that you can keep in the freezer, and any other essentials. Fill all of your prescribed medications before your surgery and pick them up ahead of time.
What is Done During a Facelift?
Performed under local anesthesia with sedation, facelifts can be done as an outpatient procedure, although it may be recommended in some cases for patients to stay overnight at a hospital. In order to obtain the best look and minimize visible scarring, incisions are placed within the hairline and around the ear.
After the incisions are placed, fat and tissue are either removed or redistributed, and deeper layers of the face and muscles may also be lifted. Skin is then redraped, with excess skin trimmed away. In some cases, patients may also consider lip augmentation or lip injections for thin lips.
What is Recovery Like?
Sutures will be removed after 2 weeks, but bruising and swelling typically last from 2-3 weeks, subsiding quickly afterward. After the facial skin and tissues finish healing, results will be evident in 4 weeks or less, with continued improvement for months afterward.
During the healing process, clothing that goes on over your head should be avoided, as well as excessive force or motion near incision sites. Your more youthful, rejuvenated skin will have more longevity with certain daily changes, such as being careful in the sun and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. Kenneth Sumida will track your progress and healing as well as offer instructions on how to manage pain, decrease the risk of infection, and know what to look for at your surgical sites.
Additional Aftercare Instructions for Facelift Surgery
- Head elevation: Keep your head elevated, including while sleeping, to help reduce swelling and limit pressure on incision areas.
- Cold compress use: Cold compresses may be recommended during the early stages of healing to help manage swelling. These should only be used as directed to avoid placing too much pressure on the face.
- Activity restrictions: Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise should be avoided for a period of time, as increased heart rate and blood pressure can contribute to swelling or discomfort.
- Smoking and nicotine avoidance: Smoking, vaping, and nicotine products should be avoided because they can affect circulation and slow the healing process.
- Incision care and skincare: We provide specific instructions on how and when to gently cleanse incision areas and when it is appropriate to resume skincare products. Following these guidelines can help support healing and reduce the risk of complications.
FAQs About Facelift Surgery
How Long Does Facelift Surgery Take?
The length of surgery can vary based on the type of facelift being performed and whether we are combining the facelift with any other procedures. The surgery takes two to four hours to complete, with time to make incisions and adjust deeper facial tissues. Your surgical plan is discussed in advance, so you have a clear idea of what to expect on the day of surgery.
How Visible Are Facelift Scars?
Scars are an expected part of facelift surgery. However, we place incisions with care, following natural skin folds and hiding them in the hairline to keep them discreet. Scars soften and fade as healing progresses and often become barely noticeable as the skin heals.
You can minimize the appearance of scars by following all of our aftercare instructions and keeping the scars out of the sun. Wear sunscreen even if you plan to be inside, and cover up with hats and sunglasses when doing any outdoor activities. You can also talk to us about scar creams or massage techniques that you can use once the incisions heal to further fade facelift scars.
What Age Is Best for a Facelift?
There is no “right” age for a facelift, as facial aging varies from person to person. Some patients consider surgery in their 40s or 50s, while others wait until later when changes are more pronounced. The decision is based more on facial structure, skin quality and personal goals than age alone. We help determine whether a facelift aligns with your current concerns.
How Long Does a Facelift Last?
A full facelift can provide results for 10 to 15 years, though the rate of aging is different for everyone. Mini facelifts usually offer results that last five to eight years. The best way to maintain your results is to protect your skin from the sun and boost your skin health with a healthy diet and plenty of hydration.
Can Facelift Surgery Be Repeated?
Facelift surgery can be performed again later in life if facial changes continue over time. Because aging is ongoing, some patients choose a secondary facelift years after their initial surgery. Others choose to maintain their results with non-surgical treatments and good skincare.
Can Men Have Facelift Surgery?
Both men and women can be good candidates for facelift surgery. For male patients, we adjust our technique to take into account masculine facial features and thicker-textured skin. We also use methods that work around beard growth patterns and male hairlines. If you are interested in a male facelift, we can talk about the types of results you can expect and show you facelift before and after photos from similar patients.
How Much Does Facelift Surgery Cost?
Facelift cost is something we will discuss in detail with you at your consultation. Every surgical plan is different, and cost will be based on the type of facelift performed and surgical complexity. Other factors include combination surgeries, anesthesia, follow-up appointments and facility use.
What Are the Risks of Facelift Surgery?
As with any surgical treatment, facelift surgery carries potential risks. These may include swelling, bruising, changes in sensation, infection or scarring. We will review these considerations in detail before your surgery and guide you on how to reduce risk during recovery.
When Can I Return to Work After a Facelift?
Most patients with desk-based or remote jobs feel comfortable returning to work within two to three weeks, once swelling and bruising have improved. Roles that involve physical activity, lifting or prolonged standing often require additional time off to avoid placing stress on healing tissues. We review recovery milestones with you in advance so you can plan time away from work.
About Us
We provide a full range of plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgery services in one location at Nuance Cosmetic Surgery. Our surgery center is AAAAF certified, and we also offer a comprehensive skin fitness program to support long-term skin health. We have built a comfortable, supportive environment with an emphasis on patient care and education. We are proud to serve patients throughout Folsom and the surrounding Sacramento area.
Meet Dr. Sumida
Dr. Kenneth Sumida is a board-certified plastic surgeon with training in both general and plastic surgery. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis, completed medical school at Tufts University in Boston, and went on to complete advanced surgical training at the University of Hawaii and the University of California, Davis Medical Center.
Dr. Sumida is on the medical staff at Mercy Folsom and actively participates in professional medical organizations, including the American Medical Association. He places a strong emphasis on helping his patients be informed about the process and on planning every detail of each surgery.
Tighten Loose Skin With Facelift Surgery in Folsom, CA
At Nuance Cosmetic Surgery, we want you to look confident, feel confident and be confident. If you are interested in facelift surgery from a top-rated plastic surgeon in Folsom, CA (Near Sacramento), you can contact us today for a consultation or call us at 916-984-4242.
