What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It can address sagging skin, deep creases, and loss of muscle tone, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

How Does Facelift Surgery Work?

Facelift surgery involves:

  • Incision: An incision is made around the ear, extending into the hairline. The specific incision pattern depends on the technique used and the desired results.
  • Tissue Repositioning: The underlying tissues and muscles are lifted and repositioned to restore a more youthful contour.
  • Fat Removal or Addition: Fat may be removed or added to certain areas of the face to improve volume and shape.
  • Skin Redraping: The skin is redraped over the new facial contour, and excess skin is removed.
  • Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures.

There are different types of facelift techniques, including:

  • Traditional Facelift: Addresses the midface, lower face, and neck.
  • Mini Facelift: Addresses the lower face and jowls.
  • Neck Lift: Addresses sagging skin and fat in the neck.

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation and takes 2-4 hours.

The Ideal Candidate

Candidates for facelift surgery typically include:

  • Individuals with sagging skin in the face and neck
  • Those with deep creases and wrinkles
  • People with loss of muscle tone in the face
  • Healthy individuals without medical conditions that might impair healing
  • Non-smokers
  • Individuals with realistic expectations

During your consultation, Dr. Maresky will assess whether a facelift is appropriate for your specific concerns and medical history.

Recovery

Recovery from facelift surgery typically involves:

  • Temporary discomfort, swelling, and bruising
  • Pain medication to manage discomfort
  • Elevation of the head to reduce swelling
  • Drains to remove excess fluid
  • Limited activity for 2-3 weeks
  • Return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks
  • Full recovery and final results visible after several months

Dr. Maresky will provide detailed post-operative care instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.

Results and Benefits

A facelift can provide:

  • More youthful and refreshed appearance
  • Smoother skin and reduced wrinkles
  • Improved facial contour
  • Enhanced self-confidence and body image

While there will be scars, they are typically well-concealed around the ears and in the hairline.

Before and After

Below you can see the results of a facelift procedure performed by Dr. Maresky. The before and after images demonstrate the significant improvement in facial contour and skin quality, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Before and After

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Before and after facelift procedure

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Why Choose Dr. Maresky for Your Facelift?

Dr. Gideon Maresky combines his surgical expertise with an artistic eye to achieve natural-looking results. He understands that each patient's face is unique, and he customizes each facelift procedure to address your specific concerns and enhance your overall facial harmony.

During your consultation, Dr. Maresky will take the time to understand your goals and expectations, explain the procedure in detail, and help you make an informed decision about your facelift surgery.

Dr. Gideon Maresky Plastic Surgeon Cape Town

Interested in Facelift?

Contact Dr. Maresky for a personalized consultation to discuss your options and determine if this procedure is right for you.

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