The face lift surgeons at the Straith Clinic understand that each patient is unique and requires a specific approach when considering facelift surgery. Surgeons must be properly trained in all techniques, such as endoscopic forehead lifts, mid facelifts, lower facelifts, neck lifts, and mini lifts in order to be able to offer you the best choice possible. They must also be trained in the procedure to elevate the underlying structures to rejuvenate the shape of the face and improve the longevity of the procedure. Meeting the unique needs of our patients coupled with our knowledge, experience and training is what separates us from other face lift surgeons in the Detroit, Michigan area.

Face lift plastic surgery is one of the most often requested procedures by our patients. As a result, facelifts, including the cosmetic necklift and the mini lift have become a specialty of the Straith Clinic. There are many surgical facelift procedures available to renew the aging face. Deciding on the best procedure will depend on our surgeon's expertise, your goals for the surgery, the structure of the face, and the condition of the skin.

Traditional face lifts use a combination of techniques that target the sagging skin of the cheeks, jawline, and neck area. The face lift surgery usually lifts the cheeks, softens the nasolabial lines, eliminates jowling, removes fat from the neck, and tightens the neck skin. In general, it gives a more youthful appearance to the entire face. The result is longer lasting, but requires more recovery when compared to the ‘mini lift’ techniques. The mini face lift is less invasive than the traditional facelift, but will also help lift the cheek, jowls and nasolabial folds, and to a lesser extent, the neck. The main advantage to the mini lift over a traditional face lift is a shorter recovery time. However, a mini face lift is generally more suited for younger patients who have mild facial aging with minimal signs of aging in the neck. Learn more about mini lift surgery.

The Traditional Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)

A traditional face lift can be broken down into two separate procedures: a cheek lift and a neck lift. These procedures can be performed in isolation when only a specific area of the face needs to be addressed. A cheek lift focuses its improvement on lifting the upper cheeks, softening the nasolabial folds, and improving the jowls. A neck lift in isolation will help to remove fat and tighten skin below the jaw line.

The face lift uses a combination of surgical techniques that target:

• Sagging skin of the cheeks
• Jaw line
• Neck area (Neck Lift)

The face lift/neck lift usually gives you a more youthful facial appearance by:

• Lifting cheeks
• Softening the nasolabial lines
• Eliminating jowling
• Tightening the neck skin

In general, the traditional face lift/neck lift result is longer lasting, but requires a higher degree of invasive techniques and more recovery when compared to the ‘mini lift’ techniques.

What to expect from the cosmetic face lift/neck lift surgery:

• Anesthesia: Usually local with IV sedation.
• Length of surgery: 3 to 4 hours.
• In/Outpatient: Generally out-patient in our accredited face lift plastic surgery suite or in a hospital setting. A no charge overnight stay is provided for your comfort and convenience.
• Recovery: Back to work: 10 to 14 days. Strenuous activity: 3 to 4 weeks. Bruising: 2 to 3 weeks. Must limit exposure to sun for several months.
• Duration of Results: Will look 5 to 10 years younger. However, as the aging process continues, you will continue to look better than before your face lift.

Frequently asked questions to our surgeons about facelifts, the cosmetic necklift and the mini lift:

Q1: Will I look younger after my facelift surgery?

Yes. Face lift plastic surgery sets the clock back but does not stop the aging process. The final results depend on varying factors such as healing, absence of complications, sun damage, texture and thickness of the skin, amount of face and excess skin, shape of the face and bone structure. Some of the improvement will be lost in the first six months after the postoperative swelling subsides.

Q2: How long do facelifts last?

Facelifts will give you a more youthful, improved appearance. However, the duration of improvement depends on the aging process because you will continue to age. The need of a secondary surgical facelift is solely your choice and is usually based on a desire to maintain a youthful appearance.

Q3: What happens during the postoperative period?

A bandage is wrapped around the head and neck, but not your face. This bandage is removed by your face lift plastic surgeon the next morning. There will be swelling, discoloration and tightness of the skin for ten to fourteen days and possibly longer. Some numbness may be present around the operative areas. The intensity and duration of these conditions vary with each individual. Normal healing is a gradual process and final result is not fully realized for approximately six months.

Q4: When are the sutures removed?

All sutures are usually removed by the fourteenth day by your face lift surgeon.

Q5: When can I wash my hair?

The hair must be washed the next morning. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo, at least every other day thereafter, and before each visit to the office. Postoperative instructions will be given to you when you schedule your face lift surgery.

Q6: When can I dye my hair and/or use makeup?

Hair color and/or a permanent can be applied three to four weeks after surgery, if completely healed. New facial makeup can be applied to cover up any bruising as early as three days after surgery, but not on the incisions. It is important to gently remove all makeup.

Q7: When can I resume my social activities?

Normally, full social and employment activities can be resumed between one and two weeks after your facelift surgery depending on the type of procedure. Strenuous exercise and activities such as sports should be avoided for three to four weeks. The healing process and your occupation may cause the length of time to vary.

Built upon a tradition of excellence, the Straith Clinic combines experience, board certified face lift surgeons, and a premier facility in Detroit, MI to provide superior patient care. Before choosing us for your face lift plastic surgery, we invite you to meet our staff and see the results of previous facelifts and necklifts for yourself. Call us today at 800-401-1212 to schedule your free consultation.