Signs It’s Time for a Facelift Surgery

In the world of celebrities, facelifts, mini facelifts, and other cosmetic surgeries are the subjects of gossip and chatter. In the “real world,” though, they are simply personal journeys that people take when they feel that procedures like these will help them restore their physical confidence. How do you know when this is the right choice for you?

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial rejuvenation, I’ve worked with patients who have preferred facial fillers, Botox® or Dysport®, and other non-surgical treatments for years before they decided to have a facelift. Every patient is unique, but these are a few of the top signs that a facelift or mini facelift surgery could be a good choice for you.

You Have Noticeable Sagging Skin

Facelifts are not cure-all procedures for facial aging. They are specifically designed to reduce excess skin and to restore your skin and facial tissue to a more youthful, lifted position. This means that a facelift will only be helpful for you if you have sagging skin to address. If you’re in the earlier stages of aging and are only bothered by fine lines and wrinkles, you may be a better candidate for facial filler injections, Botox® or Dysport®, Band Aid Laser Skin Resurfacing, or other non-surgical options.

You’re Prepared for a Little Downtime

Facelift surgery may be cosmetic, but it is still a surgery, so it will require some recovery time. Different types of facelifts will require different amounts of downtime, so I discuss this with each patient during a pre-surgery consultation.

For example, a traditional facelift can require two to three weeks or sometimes even longer to heal before you can go back to work. My minimally invasive, in-office Band Aid Mini Facelift, on the other hand, usually heals enough for you to return to work and other daily activities in about a week. Each patient is unique, though, so we will discuss your specific needs and expectations during your consultation.

You Want to Look Like You, Only Younger

It’s important to note that when a facelift is performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, it should not change the structure of your face or your facial features. You will look like yourself, but a younger version of yourself. A good gauge is to look at pictures of yourself from about ten years ago. Of course, this will vary based on your specific procedure, but if you are looking for changes to your facial structure, you might be a better fit for another surgery like rhinoplasty.

Your Facial Proportions Have Changed

Sagging skin is one of the best-known ways that our faces age, but it isn’t the only way. The underlying tissue in your face will change as the years go by too. For example, fat pockets tend to shift from our cheeks downward or toward the jowl area, creating facial hollows. A facelift surgery or Band Aid Mini Facelift repositions and contours this underlying tissue in addition to giving your skin a more youthful firmness.

What to Do if You’re Considering Facelift Surgery

If the signs above apply to you and you’re considering a facelift, the first step is to choose a plastic surgeon you can trust. Specifically, find a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facelifts so that you are in the hands of a true expert. To start your journey, schedule a facelift consultation with me, Dr. John LeRoy in Atlanta.