If you have ever had trouble judging someone’s age based on their appearance, you know that we all show signs of aging in different ways and at different times. Many factors can affect how quickly your skin and underlying structures change. A facelift is a highly customizable way to address your unique concerns on a timeline that works for your needs.
What is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?
While nonsurgical treatments can help you fight signs of aging for a while, issues like sagging, wrinkles, and loss of facial definition eventually become too significant to manage this way. A facelift or rhytidectomy allows you to lift, firm, and smooth your skin for a refreshed look. In the hands of an experienced surgeon like Dr. Kouli, each facelift is a customized procedure tailored to your needs.
What’s the Best Age for a Facelift?
When considering a facelift, your age is not the most important factor. Individuals have started to consider facelifts at a younger age than in the past. Gender is also not a defining factor since men also enjoy the benefits.
The most important factors in deciding whether you are at the right age for a facelift include:
- The severity of skin laxity and other signs of aging
- How concerned you are with these effects
- How prepared you feel to undergo surgery
While some people start to consider facelifts even earlier, the average candidate is a man or woman in their 40s to 60s. There is no upper age limit as long as you are healthy enough for the procedure.
Not everyone experiencing signs of aging needs a full or traditional rhytidectomy. A mini facelift targets specific areas of the lower and mid-face with minimally invasive techniques for lift, sculpting, and quick recovery. If you want to address volume loss, you may benefit from a procedure like facial fat transfer.
REQUEST CONSULTATION
This is the time you get to know and become comfortable with Dr. Kouli and the staff at Esthetica of San Diego, the Center of Cosmetic Surgery. You should express your needs, desires, and expectations for your procedure. Dr. Kouli will review your medical history and discuss the best surgical technique for you. All your questions will be answered as thoroughly as possible.
As Dr. Kouli always says, “no question is a stupid one.” You will have a detailed discussion about the different techniques of surgery. Dr. Kouli will go over most risks and potential complications of surgery and will explain the pre-operative and post-operative process.
How is a Facelift Done?
During a typical facelift, Dr. Kouli makes incisions hidden in your hairline and around your ears, making them hard to see when healed. He uses these incisions to lift and smooth the skin and underlying structures, restoring a youthful look without over-tightening. This process usually takes two to four hours. A mini facelift will often be quicker, while an extended facelift can take longer.
What is Recovery After a Facelift?
When you leave after your rhytidectomy, you will have a compression garment around your head for a few days to support and help tighten the area. You may also have drains to help remove excess fluids for a day or two. You may notice temporary sensations of tightness or numbness.
Most people return to work within a week or two, although you may still have some swelling at that time. Swelling will fade significantly within the first few weeks but can take several months to disappear completely, so your results will evolve over time.
Dr. Kouli is the best and has an amazing team! I couldn’t be happier with my results. Dr. Kouli did a fantastic job and I would definitely recommend him!
Take the Next Step
Ready to learn more about facelifts? Dr. Wael Kouli and his team proudly serve Orange County, Newport Beach, San Diego, and the surrounding area. Reach out today at (858) 530-8400 to begin your journey!
