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Facelift in Pittsburgh, PA

Facelift at The Pittsburgh Center of Plastic Surgery

Everyone has looked in the mirror and seen the dreaded progression of laugh lines into wrinkles and the loss of a distinct jawline into jowls. Unfortunately, aging is a natural process that can be sped up or slowed down by a number of external and internal causes, including stress, thin skin, smoking, UV damage, loss of fat, gravity, and hereditary factors. The good news is that a Facelift also known as a rhytidectomy at the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery can help you regain control and look years younger by restoring youthful contours and minimizing the effects of aging.

Facelift Pittsburgh

Types of Facelifts

What is a Facelift?

The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery offers a variety of facelift options to fulfill your unique needs. For example, your surgeon may discuss a standard facelift, an extended facelift into the forehead, or a short scar "mini" facelift. In all cases, our surgeons perform work of the under-the-skin "SMAS" layer for a natural, aesthetically pleasing, and long-lasting facelift. For patients with facial volume loss, fat can be transferred to your face through gentle liposuction and lipo-augmentation to incredibly rejuvenate and fill deflated cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, and scalloped jaw lines and sunken eyes and temples, and thin lips. Your skin may also be simultaneously “resurfaced” to remove ultra-fine lines by removing built-up layers of old skin utilizing techniques such as microdermabrasion and AcuPulse™ laser or Renuvion J-Plasma

All of these techniques are customized to meet your desires and specific needs. They aim to improve your appearance by sculpting your face, smoothing wrinkles, removing unwanted and adding to deficient fat, and tightening lax facial skin. Facelift is the means to a long-lasting tightened neck and jowls. In Pittsburgh facelift surgery can usually provide a younger, healthier appearance with the least amount of scarring. If you are interested, inquire at our Pittsburgh office.

Rejuvenate Your Appearance

What are the benefits of a Facelift?

A More Youthful Look

During a facelift Pittsburgh plastic surgeons can remove excess skin and smooth wrinkles to address the most obvious signs of aging.

Improved Facial Contours

By tightening underlying tissue, we can also emphasize the contours of your face for improved definition.

Increased Self-Confidence

Restoring your youthful features can make you look healthier and more rested, allowing you to feel confident in your appearance.

Facelifts Have a High Rate
of Patient Satisfaction

Facelift Pittsburgh

Explore Your Facelift Candidacy

Your Facelift Consultation

During an initial consultation for a facelift Pittsburgh Center plastic surgeons can determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure based on your medical history, skin condition, and expectations. At the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery, we proudly offer advanced treatments in a safe and comfortable environment. From our state-of-the-art surgical center to our relaxing medical spa, you can rest assured you are in good hands with our team.

See What a Facelift Can Do

Your Facelift Procedure

The Full Facelift Procedure Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery

The first step is administering anesthesia. Our in-office operating room offers advanced local anesthesia with light sedation to reduce anxiety. Those who prefer intravenous conscious sedation or general anesthesia can be treated in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital at request.

Your Pittsburgh facelift surgeon will then create small incisions near the ears and along the hairline. Next, your surgeon will tighten the underlying tissue with a unique Barbed suture pattern or by moving the underlying tissue directly, then remove excess skin and precisely suture close all the incisions under slight tension. Some patients also undergo liposuction to eliminate stubborn fat underneath the chin. A small suction drain exits behind the left ear, and an elastic head wrap is placed. Direct icing and head elevation are required for a week. Your treatment process may differ if you choose a mini-facelift instead of the full procedure.

Turn Back the Clock

Facelift Results

Typically, patients are cleared for full activity after about four to six weeks. While you may notice a dramatic difference in your appearance soon after surgery, it takes up to six months to see the final results of a facelift. Be patient with your results and continue following your post-op instructions as directed. By the end of your recovery, you could enjoy a more youthful and refreshed appearance.*

Recovering After a Facelift

Facelift Recovery and Aftercare

What to Expect

Patients can generally expect a full recovery within four to six weeks after surgery, provided that they follow their post-surgical instructions precisely. The final result may take more than six months. We will tell you what to expect during your facelift recovery and provide tips to follow at your pre-surgical appointments. Following these guidelines can minimize your risk of infection and help you achieve satisfying results. “Patients who cannot devote a full four to six weeks to recovery may consider the benefits of a mini facelift, which may shorten recovery timelines.”

First Day of Recovery

Like many other facial cosmetic surgeries, facelifts are considered outpatient procedures, so you will be able to return home the same day. Due to the nature of the procedure and the anesthesia involved, it is imperative that you have a friend or family member drive you home. As the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some soreness, fatigue, and facial tightness. Resting is critical during this time. We also recommend taking pain or anti-nausea medications to minimize any discomfort. Having a loved one stay with you to assist you for the first few days is also beneficial.

Weeks One and Two of Recovery

The first week of recovery will be the hardest. Commonly patients experience the feeling of tightness in their neck and face, swelling, soreness, bruising, and occasionally continued fatigue. Resting with your head elevated, taking your medications, and applying cold compresses can help during this time. By week two, these side effects generally begin to subside. Approximately seven to ten days after surgery, any sutures will be removed, and our clinicians will monitor the incisions for any signs of infection. As soon as you feel up to it, we encourage light walking to increase blood flow and promote healing. However, it is imperative that you avoid overdoing physical activity, as it could hinder recovery.

Weeks Three and Four of Recovery

Most patients can return to work during week three of their facelift recovery if their jobs do not require strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending over. By this time, energy levels will increase, bruising is minimal or easily concealed with makeup, and you may feel more comfortable going out in public. Although normal activity can be resumed, and you may feel well enough to resume exercise and other physical activity, you should not resume your regular exercise routine for at least six weeks.

Advanced Local Anesthesia (ALA) at The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery

The Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery is at the forefront of innovative surgical techniques prioritizing patient comfort and safety. The team of skilled medical professionals has extensive experience in providing procedures under cutting-edge local anesthesia, resulting in faster recovery times and shorter patient downtime. By utilizing local anesthetic techniques combining Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, the team at the Pittsburgh Center can perform procedures such as small-volume liposuction, breast augmentation, limited tummy tucks, gynecomastia surgery, and facelifts with minimal disruption to the patient's daily routine.

Additional Reading

This approach has been proven to reduce recovery time and discomfort, allowing patients to return to their daily activities as soon as possible. In addition, Dr. Davila is the only provider in Pittsburgh offering deep plane SMAS Facelifts under enhanced local anesthesia. One of the key advantages of this technique is that it reduces or eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia, such as prolonged nausea, vomiting, and grogginess. Patients undergoing procedures at the Pittsburgh Center can expect to remain comfortably resting throughout the surgery while communicating with their surgeon throughout the process, ensuring that they are relaxed and at ease at all times.

The Pittsburgh Center's commitment to patient-centered care extends beyond the surgical suite. After their procedures, patients are provided with detailed aftercare instructions and access to a team of dedicated medical professionals available to answer any questions or concerns they may have during their recovery period. Overall, the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery offers patients a safe, effective, and comfortable surgical experience that prioritizes their well-being and recovery by utilizing advanced local anesthesia (ALA) and providing exceptional aftercare, Drs. Dennis Hurwitz and Armando Davila and their team are able to help patients achieve their desired results with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

FaceliftFrequently Asked Questions

The Pittsburgh Center plastic surgeons have honed their unique surgical techniques for many years. With a combined 45 years of experience, they can carefully tailor your facelift to suit your specific needs.

In order to experience a quick and comfortable recovery, it is extremely important to:

  • Listen to your surgeon, abide by your post-operative instructions, and attend your follow-up appointments as directed.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks or until cleared by your surgeon.
  • Keep your head elevated when resting—and at night— to reduce swelling and the severity of bruising.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid washing your hair or getting your face wet until cleared by your surgeon.
  • Keep the surgical site clean and dry with fresh bandages.
  • Avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, or overexerting yourself for the first week after surgery.
  • Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
  • Wear your compression garment as directed.

Breaking down the Cost of Treatment. The final cost of your facelift will depend on several factors, including the type of technique you choose and the extent of the results you want to experience.

At the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery, facelifts begin at around $8,500 to $11,000. Mini-facelift or neck lifts can reduce the costs as low as $5,000, or more advanced extended facelifts that involve the forehead or brows are, on average, $13,000. Additional procedures such as fat grafting, skin resurfacing, or other combinations have additional costs. Patients are also responsible for operating room and anesthetic costs associated with where they choose to have their surgery, which can be higher at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) or Hospital. Health insurance rarely covers the price of a cosmetic procedure like a facelift. However, the Pittsburgh Center partners with CareCredit® and Alpheon® for financing options that offer flexible payment plans.

Alternatives to a Facelift

At the Pittsburgh Center for Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of non-surgical treatments which can reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. Injectable treatments, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers, can both rejuvenate your appearance. In addition, treatments such as laser skin resurfacing can address fine lines and other blemishes without removing any skin. However, a facelift is the only truly effective option if you have sagging skin. This procedure can remove excess tissue and tighten muscles for dramatic yet natural-looking results.*

Facial Rejuvenation

Facial rejuvenation addresses aging that occurs as patients age. The Pittsburgh Center provides techniques, including facelifts, removal of excess skin, and fat injections. These treatments can help patients meet their goals and achieve a rejuvenated look.*

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift focuses on restoring definition in a specific section of your face or neck This could be your cheeks, your jowls and jawline, or your upper neck area. Our Surgeons use advanced minimally invasive techniques, which can include J-plasma, or MyEllevate in combination with your mini facelift incisions to reverse signs of aging, such as skin laxity in this area, providing natural-looking results that can make you look years younger. During a consultation, a detailed examination will determine if a limited approach is right for you.*

Candidacy

During your initial consultation, our surgeons will evaluate your skin, review your medical history, and take note of your goals to determine if you are a good candidate. The typical mini facelift candidate is between 40 and 50 years old, with a focal concern on the face. The best candidates are non-smokers since nicotine can severely compromise the body's ability to heal, which is key to the success of cosmetic surgery. If you also wish to address signs of aging in multiple areas of the face and neck, you may be a better candidate for a full facelift. Or, if you are only experiencing subtle signs of aging, we may recommend injectables or other nonsurgical treatments.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your surgeon will create small incisions, usually concealed around or behind the ears. Next, they will gently tighten lax underlying tissues in the face for enhanced definition utilizing a variety of suture techniques. Once complete, they will trim excess tissue and close your incisions. The procedure may take around two hours to complete. You will be able to return home after surgery, but you should arrange for a friend or loved one to drive. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions and schedule follow-up visits to ensure a successful recovery.

The results of a mini facelift are subtle but can provide significant rejuvenation. Our surgeons utilize refined techniques to help patients achieve natural-looking results. A mini facelift can address jowls, fat deposits under the chin, poor cheek definition, and lax skin to help you look fitter and more youthful. Meanwhile, patients who undergo a mini facelift typically experience a significant boost in self-confidence that can benefit many aspects of both their personal and professional life.*

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure your comfort and privacy during your visit. We are located in the heart of Pittsburgh and serve patients from all over the world. When you are ready to take the next step, contact us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Davila or Dr. Hurwitz. We look forward to helping you achieve your goals of looking and feeling your best.

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