What is a Facelift?

Dermal fillers, injectables, facials, and other non-surgical techniques may help invigorate the skin and provide temporary relief from the signs of aging; however, a surgical facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, presents the most comprehensive and long-lasting solution. During our facelift in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, and surrounding cities, loose, sagging skin is tightened, toned, and smoothed, while excess fat is eradicated or repositioned. The jowls, cheekbones, and neck are all artfully redefined and revitalized, improving the profile. Performed correctly, a facelift can do wonders for one’s self-confidence, melting away years of stress and tension for a look that is beautifully refreshed.

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PPSD Creating Stunningly Natural Results

One reason many men and women hesitate to undergo a facelift is that they fear an “overdone” or “deer in the headlights” look. This is typically due to a procedure being performed that is needlessly invasive and much too aggressive. At PPSD, our board-certified, fellowship-trained, facelift surgeons know the value of subtlety. They employ a variety of advanced, conservative techniques that preserve facial spontaneity and expression while correcting flaws with artful precision. Each PPSD procedure begins with an in-depth private consultation in the warmth and comfort of one of our NC-based office suites. Your doctor will go over your goals and wishes, your medical and surgical history, review before and after photos as well as 3D imaging results, and answer any questions or concerns you may have about receiving a facelift.

Are There Any Complementary Procedures for a Facelift?

Depending on your needs, he or she may recommend additional procedures such as:

  • Blepharoplasty (eyelift)
  • Brow lift
  • Neck lift

Upon leaving the consultation, you will know exactly what to expect, from the anesthesia you will receive all the way to the details of your recovery. With over half a dozen offices located throughout North Carolina, we accept patients from all over the region, including the cities of Gastonia, Hickory, Denver, Huntersville, and Shelby.

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What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

Your facelift in Charlotte will be performed at one of our state-of-the-art outpatient centers, certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAASF). The 2-3 hour procedure will typically require general anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort and safety. The doctor will create several inconspicuous incisions above the hairline that wrap around behind the ears.

If the surgeon plans to adjust areas of the neck, a submental incision may be made below the chin. The top layer of skin will then be separated from the underlying tissue, giving your facelift surgeon in Charlotte, Gastonia, Belmont, Hickory, and other surrounding cities a chance to tighten the deep SMAS layer and platysma muscle and remove excess skin.

In some cases, a fat graft may provide the most outstanding results, restoring lost volume and suppleness to the face. Fat is appropriated from donor sites such as the belly or hips and transferred into key areas such as the cheekbones, forehead, chin, eyes, lips or nasolabial folds, where hollowness may be compromising the appearance.

What is Recovery Like After a Facelift in Charlotte, NC?

Minor discomfort such as swelling, bruising, numbness, and tightness experienced within the first 24 hours can be addressed with pain medications prescribed by your doctor. These symptoms will decrease on their own over the course of a few weeks and are not a cause for alarm. Drains may be placed behind the ears to help remove excess fluid, but these are generally removed after 24 hours. Patients may return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks, with full results looking their best at around 6-8 weeks when most swelling has subsided.

The PPSD team is standing by to assist you should any concerns arise, but most patients find that thanks to their plastic surgeon’s exacting and minimally invasive technique, recovery is swift and without incident.

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What Is a Traditional Facelift?

A traditional facelift is when your surgeon makes short incisions in your hairline, hiding these incisions by placing them in the natural creases on your face and behind the ears. The incisions in this procedure allow your surgeon to reposition the skin and remove the excess, sagging skin that has left the face looking wrinkled, older, and tired. A traditional facelift addresses the lower portion of your face. The muscles beneath the skin are also carefully tightened and this is the appropriate procedure for those who have severe facial sagging. This procedure has long-lasting results.

Healthy Tips for Faster Healing

Every person heals at a different rate, but you want the process to move forward as quickly as possible. Before your surgery, you can be proactive, and make a difference in the speed of your recovery. Prior to your appointment, for a month or longer, practice healthy eating habits. Eat plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy, lean protein. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking water. Overall, focusing on a healthy, nutritious diet will put your body in a better condition for healing.

Am I a Candidate for a Facelift in Charlotte, NC?

Depending upon your age, the overall state of your health, and the condition of your facial skin, a facelift may be the right procedure for you. The results of a carefully and artfully performed facelift will give your face a fresh, smooth look, with all sagging, drooping areas tightened, restoring a more youthful profile. At our practice, each patient is carefully evaluated, and a custom treatment plan is put in place.

Some older patients may have many areas that need to be addressed, while other younger patients may require a less extensive procedure. We ensure that our patients understand every aspect of getting a facelift, including the expected final result, the actions you need to take as a patient pre-surgery, and what to expect during your recovery.

You may be a candidate for a facelift in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, and surrounding cities if you notice any of the following conditions:

  • Your face has begun to look old and tired, or you have developed creases, lines, and sagging skin on the jawline;
  • You feel that the condition of your facial skin is working against you in your career path;
  • You are constantly unhappy with the signs of aging on your facial skin;
  • You notice that you have developed what appears to be a “double chin” and want to restore your profile to a more youthful appearance;
  • You feel that the appearance of your facial skin does not reflect your youthful attitude.
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What Is a Limited-Incision Facelift?

This type of facelift is appropriate for patients in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities who have a less extreme facial condition and requires fewer, shorter incisions. Added incisions in the lower eyelids, temples, or in the lip area may be part of this procedure. Each limited incision facelift, as well as any other procedure performed at our practice, are customized specifically for the individual patient, with an eye to restoring a more youthful appearance.

Every face has a unique balance, and our surgeons are not only highly-trained medical professionals but understand the exceptional importance of artistry when performing any facial surgery. We are proud to have helped many people to regain a fresh, smooth facial appearance with one of these procedures.

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Schedule an Appointment for Facelift

It is important that you are fully confident in your surgeon. Qualifications and credentials are an important issue in any surgical procedure. We invite you to set an appointment at any of our locations for an initial consultation with one of our professional team. You will have the opportunity to discuss what you hope to achieve and get all of your questions answered.

You can review “before and after” photos of our patients to get an idea of what to expect with regard to the final result. It is always important for a facelift surgery patient to have realistic expectations about the results of surgery. A facelift is one of the most effective, long-lasting medical procedures to address the signs of aging in the face. Contact us today for arguably the best facelift results in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, and surrounding cities have to offer.

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WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY!

At Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we recognize there is now a “new” normal, and we want you to know we’re here for you.

We are offering all services and procedures but now with enhanced safety precautions.

MASKS ARE NOW OPTIONAL AT OUR OFFICES.

Our procedure rooms are fully decontaminated between procedures and all staff have sufficient PPE protection. If you choose, you can also wait in your car until we’re ready to see you. Please call to inquire about a telemedicine visit, available at some of our offices. You can trust in our board-certified physicians and staff to ensure that your safety is our top concern.

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