Facelift

“A facelift takes 10 years away, on average, from the face and it should look natural – not obvious.”
- Dr. Gregory Wittpenn

What it is:

The natural aging process and effects of gravity cause facial skin to become loose, droopy and wrinkled over time. A facelift is a surgical skin tightening procedure designed to reduce wrinkles and correct skin laxity, sagging and jowls to restore a more youthful, refreshed facial appearance.

Who it's for:

Because facelift surgery addresses more advanced facial aging issues, it is typically most appropriate for men and women over 40 who need comprehensive facial skin tightening. If only the upper, mid or lower face is sagging and wrinkled, a more isolated lift procedure, such as a brow lift, cheek lift or lower facelift may be recommended instead of a facelift. For each of these procedures, including facelift surgery, patients should be healthy non-smokers.

How it works:

Prior to the facelift procedure, general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation is administered. Facelift incisions are strategically hidden above the hairline at the temples and follow the natural contour around each ear. The facial muscles are tightened, the skin is lifted and repositioned and excess skin is removed during the procedure, which takes about 2-3 hours to perform. Facelift surgery is also frequently combined with neck lift surgery and fat grafting to improve jawline contours and restore volume to sunken cheeks and temples.

During facelift recovery, bruising, swelling and numbness are not uncommon but should mostly resolve within 2-3 weeks. It is important to keep your head elevated during recovery to reduce swelling and wait at least one week to resume normal activity.

If you're considering a facelift:

If you have questions about facelift surgery or are seriously considering a facelift to reduce moderate to severe facial wrinkles, get rid of jowls or tighten sagging facial skin, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gregory Wittpenn at (936) 564-3744. Dr. Wittpenn is an expert Nacogdoches facelift surgeon serving patients throughout eastern Texas and western Louisiana, including residents of Lufkin, Huntsville, Tyler and Shreveport.