Experience a more youthful you with Dr. Douglas Stevens. Our Fort Myers practice offers advanced facial procedures, including facelifts, laser resurfacing, and rejuvenating injections.
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to give the face a more youthful appearance. Over time, natural aging, gravity, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors such as stress and smoking contribute to sagging skin, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. A facelift is a popular solution for those seeking to tighten and rejuvenate facial features, achieving a smoother, more contoured look.
During a facelift, a surgeon typically makes incisions around the hairline and the lower scalp, often beginning near the temples. These incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring while allowing the surgeon access to underlying tissues.
The surgeon then lifts and tightens the facial muscles, which may have weakened or shifted over time, before removing or repositioning excess skin. This adjustment not only smooths out wrinkles but also enhances the jawline and cheek contours, providing a refreshed and natural appearance. Sometimes, a facelift is combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) or brow lifts, to enhance overall facial harmony read more about What is a facelift.
One of the primary benefits of a facelift is its long-lasting results. While non-surgical treatments like injectables or fillers can provide temporary improvements, a facelift addresses the deeper layers of the skin and underlying tissue, offering a more comprehensive solution to aging. Patients often enjoy their results for ten years or more, making it a worthwhile investment for those committed to maintaining a youthful look. Additionally, the surgery’s results are gradual and natural-looking; rather than appearing drastically different, patients typically look like a more youthful version of themselves, with subtle yet significant improvements that enhance confidence.
The procedure has become increasingly refined over the years, with advancements in techniques that allow for shorter recovery times and more comfortable healing. Many patients report minimal discomfort, with common side effects like bruising and swelling subsiding after a few weeks. Most people can return to their normal routines within two to four weeks, with final results becoming visible as healing progresses.
A facelift can be transformative, helping people look as young as they feel. By understanding the procedure’s approach to lifting and tightening the face’s deeper structures, patients can feel confident in a process that offers not only rejuvenation but also a lasting, natural beauty.