Frequently Asked Facelift Questions

For Patients in Orlando and Winter Park, Florida

What is a facelift?
The term “facelift” used to refer only to a tightening of the facial skin to create a more lifted, youthful look. As more procedures have been developed, the term has come to be used to mean a necklift, or a mid-facelift, or both together. It can also refer to a customized collection of procedures. For example, one person might choose to have a brow lift, eyelid surgery and a cheeklift. Another person might have a necklift, cheeklift and lip enhancement. In both cases, the term “facelift” might be used to refer to those combinations of procedures.

What is an SMAS Facelift?
SMAS stands for sub-muscular aponeurotic system, which is the medical term for the layers just under the skin, made mostly of fat and fibrous connective tissue. A SMAS facelift will in most cases give a better and longer-term result because it tightens the underlying tissues as well as the skin.

Will a facelift make me look unnatural?
This is strictly dependent on the surgeon. Dr. Greenberg’s philosophy is to “rejuvenate not distort” so you should get a very natural appearing result. Dr. Greenberg will discuss all the possibilities with you and together you can come up with a combination of procedures which will address your specific concerns.

Will a facelift leave scars?
Facelift scars are permanent, however, they are designed to be placed in inconspicuous places to make them minimally noticeable.

Will the facelift results be permanent?
They’ll be long-lasting but not permanent. But we’re all subject to the effects of aging, the sun’s rays, and the force of gravity. We all have a certain genetic pre-disposition; we might gain weight or lose it. All these factors make it impossible to predict exactly how long the facelift results will persist. That said, many people find that after several years they may desire additional improvement.

How long does a facelift take?
A facelift can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours, depending on which procedure(s) you’re having done.

Will there be a lot of pain with a facelift?
Most patients describe the pain as a tightness or soreness which is easily controlled with pain medication during the first week after surgery. Most patients are off prescription medication after a week.

Will people be able to tell I’ve had a facelift?
Hopefully, only if you tell them!!

How will I know if the cosmetic surgeon is properly trained for doing facelifts?
It is wise to choose a cosmetic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) all of whom are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition, we recommend that you seek to find board certified plastic surgeons who are members of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) indicating a particular interest and expertise in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Greenberg is an active member of these societies, as well a number of other national certifying bodies and local medical societies.

How is liposuction used on the face?
Most frequently it’s used under the jawline, just under the chin, to remove the fatty tissue that gathers there as we age. A necklift is a procedure that can be part of your overall facelift, and as part of the necklift, liposuction can be used to firm up and recontour the jawline.

What is the recovery period like?
You will need to recover and be away from your normal daily activities for 10-14 days after a facelift. This period of recover may be longer if additional procedures are done. There is usually very manageable discomfort. All sutures are removed within 10-14 days.

How long will I have to be off work?
Depending on what kind of work you do, you should be able to return to work within 2 weeks after the procedure. But it also depends on how you relate to your co-workers and whether it matters that you might look a little puffy or bruised for a few days. Make-up and how you style your hair can help camouflage bruising and incision sites until the healing process is complete.

What complications might arise?
Complications are rare but they can occur. These include:

• Infection – Antibiotics are used routinely to prevent this.
• Bleeding – If severe, this may require additional surgery but is very rare.
• Numbness – This is usually temporary after the procedure and begins to return after a couple of weeks afterwards.

To learn more about your facelift options or to schedule your facelift consultation, please call or e-mail Orlando plastic surgeon Dr. Greenberg today. Dr. Greenberg serves facelift patients in Orlando and Winter Park, Florida.