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Facelifts are among the most transformative procedures available. A well-executed facelift surgery can rejuvenate your appearance, restoring a youthful and refreshed look without appearing artificial or overly tightened. Each facial rejuvenation surgery performed at The ARTIS Institute for Plastic Surgery is customized to suit the patient’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals, ensuring a natural and harmonious outcome.
Understanding Facelift Surgery
Facelifts are among the most frequently performed facial plastic surgery procedures at our Aventura facility. The facelift procedure is designed to reshape and smooth loose excess skin and tissues that have aged or changed over the years or a double chin that hasn’t been affected by diet and exercise.
Although the traditional facelift has been in use for many years, we offer advanced techniques to address signs of aging. The results offer a much more natural appearance without looking “pulled,” “plastic,” or “operated upon.” These deeper alterations generally involve working with the underlying muscles, fatty tissues, and a layer under the skin called the SMAS layer. The term “facelift” has become very broad and general, covering various facial plastic surgical procedures.
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What is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane face lift surgery targets the deeper layers of facial tissue, including the muscles and fat. This technique focuses on lifting the mid-face and cheek areas by releasing the ligaments and repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues.
The deep plane approach allows for more significant, longer-lasting results, particularly in the mid-face area where sagging and volume loss are most apparent. Because it focuses on the deeper structures, this technique minimizes the tension on the skin.
What is SMAS Lift?
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) lift is another common facelift technique that targets the tissue layer between the skin and deeper facial muscles. This approach focuses on tightening and repositioning the SMAS layer to provide a natural lift, particularly around the lower face and neck.
By tightening the SMAS layer near the ear area, the SMAS lift effectively enhances jawline definition, reduces jowls, and minimizes nasolabial folds. This versatile cosmetic surgery can be customized to varying degrees depending on the patient’s anatomy.
What to Expect From Your Facelift Consultation
Starting with the initial consultation, Dr. Sarraga will carefully examine the patient’s areas of concern. He will then review the patient’s past medical history and overall medical condition, explaining the various procedures that can be performed to help obtain that individual’s desired results. The options will be discussed, including possible advantages, disadvantages, risks, and limitations.
ANDRÉS SÁRRAGA MD FACS
DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
Dr. Sárraga was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where he spent most of his life. He decided at a very early age to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and pursue a career in the art of medicine and surgery. Dr. Sárraga has been featured in several publications including Aventura Magazine™ and Healthy Valley® Magazine where he has discussed procedures including Facial Rejuvenation and Breast Surgery. Dr. Sárraga has been awarded one of Castle Connolly’s top doctors in Miami for the last 5 years. He has also been featured with his friend and mentor Dr. Storch. Since Dr. Storch’s retirement, Dr. Sárraga now runs ARTIS Institute Plastic Surgery as a single practitioner.
MEET DR. SÁRRAGA
What to Expect From Your Facelift Surgery
Dr. Sarraga’s top priority is each patient’s safety and comfort. These must be combined to create a natural, pleasing, and “unoperated” appearance, as is common at many unqualified facial plastic surgery clinics. Obtaining the desired result often requires combining several procedures to address excess facial skin, such as an eyelid lift, neck lift, brow lift, chin augmentation, or skin resurfacing procedures.
The facial cosmetic surgery package can also include various types of state-of-the-art lasers, chemical peels, dermabrasions, fat transfers, and the use of injectables or fillers such as Radiesse, Restylane, or Juvederm Voluma and wrinkle relaxers such as Daxxify, Botox, Xeomin, or Dysport.
What is Recovery Like After Facelift Surgery?
Most patients take about three weeks off to feel comfortable around friends and family. The first two weeks are crucial for healing, and during this time, it is essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities. Some changes in skin sensation and a “tight” feeling are common and subside within a few weeks. By the end of the third week, most of the swelling and bruising had subsided, and patients usually felt more comfortable.
What is Ozempic Face?
“Ozempic Face” is a term used to describe a worn, aged appearance that some patients experience after significant weight loss, often due to medications like Ozempic. This condition can result in volume loss in the face, leading to sagging skin and a hollow look. A surgical facelift can effectively address these concerns by tightening the loose skin and restoring volume to the face.
Again, Dr. Sarraga feels it is vital that each patient is informed and aware of the choices in their particular situation before deciding upon their specific course of action. The facelift consultation, therefore, becomes a significant part of determining what should or will be done in each case.
The goal is always to obtain the most aesthetically pleasing and natural appearance in a safe and comfortable environment. Contact us to schedule a consultation to experience our unmatched commitment and care.
Contact the ARTIS Institute and take the first step towards the new you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a facelift make you look younger?
facelift surgery can take years off your face. By repositioning and sculpting your tissues, the excess skin and fat is removed and we restore volume and shape to your cheeks by internal tightening.
How long do ears hurt after facelift?
Ears may be sore or numb after surgery; it can take up to 6 weeks for that to improve.
How long does it take for bruising on the face to go away?
If bruising appears after surgery, it may take up to 3 weeks for it to go away. Most of it should dissipate after 2 weeks.
What is a neck lift called?
Neck lift is sculpting of the neck and jawline without the cheek. Typically requires an incision under your chin and an incision around the earlobe and behind your ear.
How do you reduce swelling after a facelift?
Swelling is expected after surgery. Keep your head elevated with pillows and se ice compresses around the eyes.nTry to avoid salty foods as it may worsen the swelling nIn addition I reccommend use of supplements like arnica and bromelain which help with swelling and bruising.n7-10 days after surgery I recommend starting lymphatic drainage in office with LED light therapy.
How painful is a facelift?
There is actually minimal pain after facelift. Most patients take tylenol or ibuprofen for pain. The neck may feel a little sore and around the ears.
What is a facelift called?
This ca be confusing because many different surgeons have names for their facelifts. For example lifestyle lift was a an advertised procedure, which included tightening your face but was not a procedure in particular. There are also other terms that are used such as deep plane lift or facelift with internal tightening.nIn general each provider may have a different definition of what their facelift is called. nIn my hands I recommend the procedures that I feel you need for your particular bone structure, laxity, volume distribution.to rejuvenate your face.
How do I prepare for a facelift?
Getting a facelift is a very personal decision, preoperative testing may be required prior to anesthesia. I you dye your hair regularly you should do this a few days before your procedure (you should hold off dyeing your hair for abot a month after surgery).nMake sure you have your preop instructions and have filled your medications days prior to the procedure.nYou should start your anti-bruising medication the day before surgery.nMake sure you have planned who will help you at home the first few days and have travel arrangements for the office and back.
How long after a facelift can I exercise?
Typically I recommend for you to avoid exercise for 3 weeks. Then restart exercise slowly.
What is a mid face lift?
Mid facelift is a procedure that is done to rejuvenate the just central part of your face (eyes and cheek); it usually requires eyelid surgery at the same time.
What is a thread lift?
Threads are implantable special sutures with anchors that get slowly dissolved in the tissues. These threads allow some of the tissues to be repositioned but the results seldom last more than a year
How can I tighten loose skin on my face?
Tightening skin can be done in 3 waysn1. Facelift surgery with incisions n2. Energy Based treatments - for example ultherapy (MicroFocusedUltraSound) that induces new collagen formation and tightening. (other examples are RF (Radiofrequency energy) or SofWave (Electromagnetic energy)
What is best age for facelift?
There is not a best age for a facelift. Most women start to seek out facelift surgery after 50. From my experience and other facelift surgeons is that when done around this age the recovery is much faster and the results last longer. nSome patients may benefit for it at a younger age (late 30s or 40s) .nnAlso remember that the longer you wait to get your face done, that more work will be required to turn the clock back, meaning more recovery and healing time.nnThe moral of the story is that when you start feeling like your face is drooping and aging faster, consult with your plastic surgeon. nnA lot of times fillers and non-surgical tightening may help but have never been superior to in results or longevity than a well done facelift.
How long does it take to look normal after a facelift?
Most patients begin to look more "normal" within 2 to 3 weeks, as swelling and bruising start to subside. Final results typically take about 3 to 6 months.
What is the most common complication of a facelift?
The most common complication of a facelift and any other surgery is hematoma, or a collection of blood under the skin, which requires prompt treatment. Other complications can include temporary nerve damage, swelling, and infection, though these are less common.
What is the best age to get a facelift?
There is no “best” age to get a facelift since everyone ages at different rates. However, most people consider a facelift between the ages of 45 and 65. At this life phase, signs of aging are noticeable but the skin still has good elasticity and quality.
Do facelifts ever look natural?
Yes – many people have an impression that all facelifts result in a pulled or stretched look. Actually, when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, a facelift can create very natural-looking results.
What is the safest type of facelift?
All facelift types are generally similar in terms of risk, since risk is often more dependent on each patient’s health profile, choice in surgeon, anesthesia, and more. Dr. Sarraga will help you understand the risk of each procedure and make an informed decision during a consultation.
How long do I have to sleep sitting up after a facelift?
You’ll likely need to sleep with your head elevated for at least 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. This helps minimize swelling and promotes better healing.
“Facial Rejuvenation”
Please tell Dr Sarraga how grateful I am. I will say every time I come in, but I stood about 10 minutes looking at my side view, and I can’t believe it on day 3!!!! It pays not to have expectations because then, outcomes are such a gift. JOY!
“My experience in the Surgical center was fabulous”
Wonderful doctor, loved his skills, bedside manners, before, during and after my procedure. My experience in the Surgical center was fabulous and in his private office as well. Highly recommend Dr. Andres Sarraga. I give him a A+++++
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