A combination of aging and gravity can create skin laxity. This causes the appearance of loose skin around the midface and jawline, loss of volume in the cheeks, and sagging skin in the neck area. A facelift can restore a more youthful appearance, especially in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Karen Leong.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift uses incisions hidden in the hairline and around the ear to lift loose skin and remove the excess. This tightens the underlying muscle and skin, eliminates the appearance of jowls, and lifts away lines and wrinkles. Dr. Karen Leong’s artistry and skill allow her to target the areas that need the most attention, resulting in a customized procedure designed to help you see the improvements you want. A facelift affects the middle and lower face, so you may also consider surgery such as a brow lift or eyelid lift to brighten the eye area. A neck lift can also improve the contour of the neck and remove loose skin.
How Long is Recovery From a Facelift?
If you have considered a facelift but are worried about whether you can afford to take the needed recovery time, talk to Dr. Leong. You may not need a full facelift at all, and if you do, recovery may take much less time than you expected.
You will experience some swelling and discomfort after the procedure. Many people manage their pain with only over-the-counter medications. You should look and feel close to normal in about two weeks, although you may still have some residual swelling.
Dr. Leong offers a comprehensive recovery plan that includes care instructions, post-operative scar management using topical treatments or light therapy, and follow-up appointments to monitor your healing process. Dr. Leong is with you not just during surgery but throughout your entire recovery process.
What Types of Facelifts are Available?
A full facelift targets the middle and lower areas of the face, but you have other options that Dr. Leong will discuss with you during your consultation.
Full Facelift
This procedure works best for those with advanced signs of aging who have significant loose skin along with lines and wrinkles. Blepharoplasty (an eyelid lift) or a brow lift combine well with this type of facelift.
Mid-Facelift
This procedure targets hollowness in the cheeks and loose skin around the jawline. By lifting the underlying fat and muscle along with the skin, the mid-facelift can restore fullness to the cheeks and remove excess skin from the jaw area.
Lower Facelift
This type of facelift targets the jowls, neck and chin area. This may involve a neck lift to remove loose skin or treatment with liposuction or Kybella® to reduce fat in the double chin area.
Mini Facelift
Using tiny incisions, a mini facelift raises the skin and muscle to produce a subtle, natural-looking lift. Since this will not remove much excess skin, this procedure works best for those with minor skin laxity.
Take the Next Steps
If you have questions about facelifts, please contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Leong. Call us at 949-264-5446 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to meeting you! Dr. Leong serves Newport Beach and the Greater Orange County area.