Facelift in Tampa

The skin on your face is delicate and thinner than other areas of the body. This is why most men and women begin to see decreased elasticity and sagging in the facial area first. There are a multitude of factors that can contribute to skin laxity and wrinkles in the facial area, including:

• Gravity
• Age
• Sun exposure
• Genetics
• Rapid weight loss

Although no one can completely prevent the aging process, a facelift is the best surgical method to dramatically reverse some of the more pronounced effects of aging. In fact, some studies have shown that a properly performed facelift can take up to 10 years off of your appearance.

A facelift from one of our award-winning Tampa cosmetic surgeons can help you achieve the more youthful and refreshed look you want by addressing both pronounced wrinkles and loose skin, two common signs of aging.

Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano or Dr. Giglio and learn more about your facelift options near Tampa.

There are three main types of facelifts: the mini facelift, full facelift and extended facelift. The best technique for you will depend on the severity of skin laxity and other signs of aging, as well as your specific aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Castellano or Dr. Giglio will discuss each of these facelift techniques in detail and help you decide which could be the best fit for you to help you achieve a very natural, yet effective result.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a less invasive version of a full facelift and is generally best for younger patients in their 40s or 50s who are looking to target early signs of aging. This technique involves a shorter incision than a full facelift, beginning behind the ear and ending just in front of the earlobe. This allows your cosmetic surgeon to create a moderate lifting effect with minimal scarring and a shorter recovery.

Full Facelift

A full or traditional facelift addresses more significant signs of aging in the mid- to lower face and neck and is best for men and women who are looking for a more comprehensive approach than what a mini facelift can offer. The incision for this technique also begins behind the ear and then extends in front of the ear to the hairline. This allows your cosmetic surgeon better access to lift and reposition underlying facial tissue for a beautiful, natural-looking result.

Extended Facelift

An extended facelift goes beyond the scope of a full facelift by also targeting the neck and deeper layers around the mouth and lower cheeks. This technique is ideal for patients with more advanced aging, such as sagging in the neck, prominent jowls and deeper nasolabial folds. The incision for an extended facelift is the same as a full facelift, but extends beyond the hairline.

Many of our Tampa patients choose to combine multiple facial procedures into a single surgery to address multiple areas at the same time. Some of the most common procedures to include with a facelift are:

• A brow lift or eyelid surgery, which can help to create a dramatically younger look.
• A neck lift, which addresses the same root issues of sagging and drooping skin in the chin and neck areas.
• Non-surgical procedures such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or laser resurfacing may be performed to improve the appearance of surface facial skin.

Virtually anyone who is in good physical and mental health and is bothered by signs of facial aging could be a good candidate for a facelift. While there is no single best age to get a facelift, the majority of our Tampa patients are between the ages of 40 to 70, although we have seen patients who are older than 70.

The men and women who are most happy with their facelift results are those who have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. While a facelift can take years off of your look and achieve a very seamless, natural appearance, it will not make you look like you’re in your 20s again. The best facelift results will allow you to still look like yourself, just with a more youthful, energized and refreshed appearance. 

In addition to being in good health and having realistic expectations, ideal facelift candidates should:

• Not smoke or be willing to quit smoking prior to cosmetic surgery.
• Maintain a healthy, stable weight, as significant weight fluctuations may affect facelift results.
• Have signs of facial aging such as wrinkles, creases, sagging skin and/or jowls.

According to stats from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, over 70,000 of facelift procedures are performed successfully in the United States each year. The procedure is very safe when performed by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, but like all surgeries, it inherently contains risks.

While uncommon, the main risks of facelift surgery are reactions to anesthesia, infection, and poor wound healing. Some patients may lose hair or sensation where the facelift incisions are placed.  Prior to surgery, we will review all know risks and potential complications with you so you can make an informed choice about proceeding with your facelift.

With a bit of planning and prep beforehand, you can ensure you get the best results following your facelift surgery. As already mentioned, patients who smoke must quit several weeks before surgery and not smoke until cleared by their surgeon after the procedure. Smoking greatly impacts the body’s ability to heal.

We also suggest creating a “recovery area” in your house where you have a comfortable place to rest, essential items like medications and healthy snacks, and accessories like a phone charger, tissues, and blankets. Plan ahead to take the stress out of your arrival home.

If you live alone, you should also plan to have a friend or family member stay with you for at least the first night or two after surgery. They can help with small tasks and provide support where needed.

The details of your procedure will depend on the type of facelift you are getting. Generally speaking, most patients are placed under general anesthesia so they can sleep comfortably throughout the procedure. To begin, Dr. Castellano or Dr. Giglio create the necessary incisions near both ears. They are highly experienced at carefully placing incisions as inconspicuously as possible so that any resulting scarring is easily hidden behind the ear and beyond the hairline.

The underlying framework of facial muscles is then pulled together and tightened. Any excess skin and fat will be removed for additional sculpting. Finally, the facial skin will be re-draped across the refreshed underlying musculature and incisions will be sutured.

Facelift surgeries generally take 2 to 4 hours or more, depending on how extensive the procedure is and whether or not any other procedures, such as a brow lift or neck lift, are included. Directly after your procedure, you will be moved to a recovery room until you wake up from general anesthesia. Your cosmetic surgeon will then clear you to be discharged, and you can return home the same day.

Swelling and bruising are both very common after a facelift. You may also feel tightness or other mild discomfort in your face. The most noticeable bruising and swelling should fade within a few weeks, although it may take several weeks for the final results of your facelift to become fully apparent.

Our cosmetic surgeons recommend planning to take 1 to 2 weeks off work and other activities to recover from a facelift. While light walking is encouraged to promote healthy circulation and healing, you will need to refrain from strenuous physical activities and exercise for 4 to 6 weeks or until your cosmetic surgeon gives you the green light. 

While your results will continue to improve over the coming months, you should feel confident to resume social activities around 2 weeks after your facelift.