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What is Facelift Surgery in Denver, CO?
Through the natural aging process, we can lose our youthful facial contours due to thinning of the skin, loss of facial fat, sun damage, smoking, heredity, and gravity. A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure performed to combat visible signs of aging in the neck, cheek, jowl, lateral temporal, and/or eyebrow area, restoring a refreshed appearance.
The facelift surgery procedure can address the following age-related changes:
- Sagging skin on the face and/or neck
- Deep folds between the nose and mouth
- Jowls
- Loose skin and excess fat on the neck
Types of Facelift Surgery
A traditional facelift aims to correct signs of aging in the lower face, but it can also be customized to tighten muscles and loose skin around the eyes and forehead that cause deep wrinkles for an overall more youthful appearance. At AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies, our facial plastic surgeons are skilled in performing facial cosmetic surgery in various ways, including the following:
Mid-Face (Cheek) Lift
As we age, the malar fat pad—a layer of fibrous and fatty tissue located over the cheekbone—can shift downward, leading to noticeable changes in the face. These changes may include flattened cheeks, sagging skin along the jawline, and deeper nasolabial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth).
A mid-face lift, also known as a cheek lift, is a specialized facial rejuvenation procedure that can effectively restore the natural contours of the cheeks and lower eyelids. By repositioning the soft tissues and underlying muscles, this surgery helps achieve facial rejuvenation. Using endoscopic technology, this technique requires smaller incisions, making it a minimally invasive option for facial rejuvenation.
This procedure is ideal for patients with good skin elasticity who are showing early signs of aging and need tissue repositioning. For those with excess skin along with sagging of the malar fat pad, a mid-face cheek lift can be combined with a full facelift or mini facelift to achieve optimal aesthetic results.
A cheek lift provides natural, long-lasting outcomes similar to a facelift when performed on the right candidates. The incisions are discreetly placed in the hairline and under the lip, making them virtually invisible. This makes the procedure a great option for both men and women with active lifestyles who prefer minimal downtime.
The Weekend (Mini) Facelift
The Weekend Facelift, also known as the mini facelift or S-lift, offers minimal downtime and lower costs compared to a traditional facelift. This procedure is designed to address early skin laxity around the corners of the mouth and jowl area—issues that may be too advanced for a mid-facelift (cheek lift) alone. Unlike a full facelift, the mini facelift does not target sagging skin in the neck or the lateral temporal area.
The mini facelift is performed through small incisions around the ears, lifting loose skin in the cheeks and lower face for a more refreshed appearance and fewer wrinkles. The surgeon may also tighten the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) for enhanced rejuvenation of the lower face.
With a Weekend Facelift in Denver, most patients can return to their regular activities within a few days. The procedure, performed under local anesthesia, involves a recovery period of about four days from start to finish. The use of a tumescent solution reduces bruising and speeds up the healing process.
For individuals with early signs of aging and an active lifestyle, this procedure is highly effective. It can also be combined with a mid-facelift or forehead lift for additional improvements, such as reducing forehead lines and wrinkles.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is the most advanced technique for addressing significant signs of aging in the mid and lower face. Known as the “gold standard” for facelifts, this procedure delivers the most dramatic yet natural-looking results. It involves lifting and reshaping the deep facial tissues, muscles, and fat pads to improve the appearance of deep wrinkles, jowls, and sagging skin. Any loose or excess skin is carefully removed to create a smooth, rejuvenated look without the “windswept” effect.
Since this procedure works on the deeper layers of facial tissue, known as the superficial musculo aponeurotic system (SMAS), patients should expect swelling and a recovery period of about 7-14 days. The deep plane facelift is ideal for those with moderate to severe signs of aging and some loss of skin elasticity. It’s important to have realistic expectations, as the results will depend on the extent of wrinkles and sagging being addressed.
Neck Lift
Sagging jowls, excess fat under the chin, and visible neck bands are common signs of aging. The neck ages faster than the face due to factors like sun exposure and insufficient SPF or skincare over time. A neck lift can effectively reduce these signs and restore a naturally youthful appearance.
Although a neck lift is not a substitute for a facelift, it can achieve about 80% of the improvement a facelift would provide to the lower face. This procedure also offers the advantage of avoiding visible incisions, resulting in a shorter healing time. It’s an excellent option for patients who wish to avoid the around-the-ear incision typically required for other cosmetic surgeries but are still concerned about sagging skin in the neck.
The neck lift is performed under twilight or general anesthesia. It involves an incision under the chin and occasionally at the nape of the neck, through which excess skin is removed and the underlying muscles are tightened.
The Facelift Surgical Procedure
Most facelift surgeries are performed under general anesthesia to ensure that you are comfortable during the process. The exact surgical technique used may vary depending on the type of facelift being performed. However, generally, your surgeon will manipulate and/or remove facial skin and facial muscles to achieve the desired improvements. Incision sites will be skillfully created in areas that can be easily hidden by the hairline or natural curves of the ear.
Otolaryngologists are Uniquely Qualified to Perform Facial Procedures
ENT specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, are uniquely qualified to perform facial procedures, including facelifts. This is because facial plastic surgery is a recognized subspecialty within otolaryngology.
Otolaryngologists undergo extensive training that specifically prepares them for facial procedures. They complete a rigorous five-year surgical residency that includes numerous head, neck, face, and nose surgeries. Some of our otolaryngologists also pursued additional fellowship training in facial plastic surgery, further honing their skills.
The combination of specialized training and extensive practical experience makes otolaryngologists at AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies highly qualified to perform facial plastic surgeries like facelifts. In fact, our facial plastic surgeons have more than 40 years of combined experience.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about facial rejuvenation surgery, please contact AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies today. Your first step will be to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss which facelift procedure is right for your individual goals. Certified in both facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery, Dr. Picerno and Dr. Cote are highly skilled in the anatomy of the face, head, and neck for natural-looking improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts
How long after facelift will I look normal?How long do you wear face compression after facelift?What is the fastest way to recover from a facelift?Is a facelift procedure right for me?What should I expect during a facelift consultation? |
Nicolette A. Picerno, M.D.
Dr. Nicolette Picerno is double-board-certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery. She received her medical degree from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA, and performed her residency at the Medical College of Georgia. She completed a Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship training in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Picerno is married and has three sons. She enjoys spending time with her family and is an avid tennis player.
Christopher R. Cote, M.D.
With more than 25 years experience, Dr. Christopher Cote is double-board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Surgery. He received his medical degree from Tufts University and performed a surgical internship and residency at Walter Reed Medical Center and National Naval Medical Center. He received fellowship training at Johns Hopkins University in Facial Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery, his subspecialty area of expertise and focus, including rhinoplasty and nasal airway surgery. He also enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling with his family.
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