We interview Dr. Brian M Kinney MD about this topic. Learn more about Dr. Brian Kinney and his experience with Facelifts.
Q: How do I find a doctor who specializes in Facelift?
Dr. Brian Kinney: While many people search the internet for smaller procedures, deciding to undergo a facelift is a realy major decision. You may search the internet, review pictures of before and after surgery, and scan various websites, but realize that many patients prefer privacy and don’t post comments or pictures online, especially those who desire the natural, subtle or “not done” look. Remember too, on websites there may be a number of people who are unhappy and much more likely to post than those who are happy. Weigh the pros and cons accordingly.
For better information than the internet, ask your general doctor, your OB/Gyn or ask friends if they have a referral.
Q: Should I have more than one consultation for a Facelift?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Yes, it is considered a good idea to have two or three consultations with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, one who has been referred by a friend or doctor. Generally having four, five or more consultations will not add much value.
Q: Do I qualify for a Facelift?
Brian Kinney MD: A facelift is a cosmetic surgery to tighten loose facial skin, neck and jowls, and lessen the appearance of wrinkles beyond injections like Botox and Juvederm. So, depending on the extent of the sagging skin, loss of fullness and/ or the results that the you’re trying to find, it may be good for you. In general, the more loose skin, the more sagging, the more loss of youthful fullness, the more you need a facelift and not a smaller procedure.
Q: Should I do any kind of treatment before a Facelift?
Dr. Brian Kinney: The doctor will tell you and also give you a packet that will prepare you for surgery. Almost always, it will include general health concerns like diet, nutrition, exercise, staying out of the sun, stopping smoking and moderating intake of alcohol. It may include preparing the skin with over-the-counter or prescription lightening, firming or exfoliating agents, chemical peels, laser or IPL treatments or treatment for acne.
Q: What risks can occur if pain medication is taken two days prior to Facelift?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Some pain medications contain ingredients from compounds like aspirin, Motrin, Nuprin, Advil or Aleve that will cause the blood not to clot and thus cause excessive bleeding, bruising, and poor healing. It is necessary to stop these for 7-14 days before surgery. Please check with your plastic surgeon or general doctor.
Q: How long does a Facelift surgery take?
Brian Kinney MD: It all depends on what type of facelift is being done, but about four to five hours for a full facelift and perhaps two to three for a “mini” or short scar facelift. If eyelid surgery, brow lift or other extra procedures are added on expect another hour or so.
Q: When can I go back to day to day activities after a Facelift?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Recovery time varies with the type of facelift performed. The recovery time ranges from 5 to 10 days for appearing in public with makeup without the casual observer noticing. Mini lift patients will look respectable by 5-7 days. A standard facelift may take between 10 and 14 days. Gentle exercise like slow walking may begin in 3-5 days and progress to more vigorous activities about two weeks. Gradual progression to unlimited athletic exertion may take several weeks or a month more.
Q: Is icing important after a Facelift?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Yes, for the first 24 to 48 hours makes a dramatic difference; the more ice is applied the sooner the bruising, swelling and tenderness will resolve..
Q: What are average Facelift prices?
Brian Kinney MD: The cost of a face lift does vary by region and what exactly is involved. Some refer to a face lift and neck lift as two separate operations and some consider a neck lift as part of a facelift. The prices can range from $7,500.00 to much more. Some centers will include just the surgeon’s fee in the quote, while others will include all costs like the operating room, anesthesia, medicine and supplies.
Q: Will I need to stay in an aftercare facility post Facelift?
Dr. Brian Kinney: That is up to the doctor in consultation with the patient. We find in general that patients who stay one or two nights at an aftercare facility have a superior early experience. Qualified nurses just know what to do while family members don’t have the training. Some patients have a family member or friend to take care of them at home. Check with your doctor and depending on the circumstances of your particular procedure, don’t short change yourself.
Q: What will I feel after Facelift surgery?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Most patients have only mild pain after a facelift and it is usually gone in one or two days. Pain medicines may be taken for several days or up to a week as needed. It is unusual to require pain medicines after 7-10 days.
Q: How long will my recovery time be after a Facelift?
Brian Kinney MD: There are two basic answers to this. One if for the question, “When will I feel good enough to go out in public a bit, if I don’t mind that people may know?” The answer to that is about 5-10 days. The other question is “When will I be able to compete in athletics and not notice a difference?” That may be up to six weeks. In between those two times, about two weeks, you should be “out and about,” be able to wear makeup and gradually return to your normal activities.
Q: What kind of scaring if any will I have after a Facelift?
Dr. Brian Kinney: Minimal scaring behind the ears and hairline occurs; however a small percentage (in the single digits) may have undesirable scars. In those cases a number of months later, it is often possible to revise the scar under a local anesthetic with minimal downtime..
Q: Will I see results immediately after a facelift?
Doctor Brian Kinney: In extreme cases, a dramatic result will be obvious from the first day. For most patients the answer is “no likely” because there will be some swelling and bruising that will persist up to two weeks. You and your surgeon will see small hints of for up to several months, but those who don’t know you may not notice as soon as two weeks.
Q: Will I have to have more than one Facelift? And if yes, how many years after?
Brian Kinney MD: The progress of time marches on and a facelift just pushes you back during the march. We do not age at the same rate: the ten years from 30 to 40 are not the same as the ten years from 70-80. An aggressive facelift will last longer and take longer to heal. A subtle facelift will heal quickly and not last as long. Most patients prefer the “refreshed,” “subtle” or “natural” look and these facelift may last 5-10 years when younger and 3-7 years while older. The aggressive facelift can last 10 years or more.
Q: Are there any pre-medications I need to take before surgery to prevent bruising and speed up the healing process?
Dr. Brian Kinney: There are some over the counter homeopathic pills called Bromelin and Arnica that can help with the bruising. Ice and compression bandages help for sure. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy improves healing as well.
Q: Are there any facial expressions I should not make in order not to interrupt the healing process?
Doctor Brian Kinney: Making facial expressions should not affect healing under normal circumstances.
Q: Will Laser procedures interfere or help before a facelift surgery?
Brian Kinney MD: Laser procedures and chemical peels treat the surface of the skin, irregular pigmentation, superficial wrinkles and spider veins. They can be done before, during or after surgery. Please check with your surgeon. In general, these type of procedures do help, as rarely do we age in only one manner. However, understand they are rarely a substitute for facelift. Neither alone is likely to address all conditions.
I have been considering getting a blepharoplasty but the blepharoplasty cost is crazy.
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