Facelift

What is a VALULift (Volume Added Limited Undermining Facelift)?

By adding volume in key areas of the face, the skin is lifted and tightened, allowing the surgeon to perform the facelift procedure with far less extensive lifting of the skin. This means shorter scars, less swelling, and less risk of damage to the deeper structures such as nerves and blood vessels.

What are the Benefits of Choosing VALULift?

In reality, many individuals seeking facial rejuvenation require some combination of facelift and volume augmentation procedures. Combining the two procedures means being less invasive, but with optimal results. Combining the facelift procedure with volume enhancement creates a more natural result while allowing less extensive surgery, with much more rapid recovery.

The problem with either the very complex or the overly simplistic procedures is that every patient is unique. The VALULIFT provides a balanced approach that is customized to the needs of each individual. The VALULIFT also incorporates the best concepts of other more complex techniques, such as the muscle tightening of the SMAS type facelifts, while minimizing the complications and extended recovery often associated with them.

Who is the best candidate for a facelift?

The best candidates for facelift surgery are adults who are in good general health, do not smoke, and who understand what a facelift can accomplish as well as what it cannot. Our unique facelift protocol helps adults achieve natural-looking results that make the face appear approximately 10 years younger. There is no ideal age at which a facelift makes sense. Contrary to common belief, it can be extremely advantageous to undergo this procedure during one's forties or fifties. At this age, the skin still has some elasticity and firmness to support optimal results.

We understand that it is a big decision to have a facelift. When you visit us, you can expect a thorough consultation in which you discuss your concerns and what you wish to achieve. An examination of your skin and facial structure enables Dr. Hartog to develop a treatment recommendation just for you.

How is a facelift performed?

Facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. This puts you into a deep sleep state after which you will remember very little, if anything, about your procedure day. Incisions are made in the pre-determined location discussed with you before your surgery. This may be at the hairline in the temples, extending downward around the ear and ending at the lower scalp behind each ear. Incisions provide necessary access to sculpt and redistribute fat across the lower and mid-face. Deeper layers of muscle may also be repositioned and secured near the cheekbones. After re-draping loose skin over the uplifted contours of fat and muscle, Dr. Hartog trims excess and closes incisions with staples or stitches. 

The facelift may be combined with a neck lift, incurring an incision just below the chin. This lifting technique reduces the fat that has accumulated under the chin, as well as loose neck skin and sagging jowls. 

VALULIFT Before & After

What Procedures are Combined with a VALULift?

This procedure effectively combines traditional facelift procedures with modern concepts of facial volume restoration to address the unique needs of each individual. The result is a more natural, balanced appearance, with a more rapid recovery and fewer complications.

What is the Difference Between a VALULift and a Traditional Facelift?

Traditional facelifting approaches have developed to the degree that surgeons often recommend extremely complex multiplane facelift procedures as a standard approach to facelifting. Unfortunately, these procedures are frequently much more extensive than needed and are associated with much more swelling, more complications, and extended recovery periods. At the same time, other practitioners increasingly were recommending volume enhancement with fillers such as fat, as the primary approach to facial rejuvenation. High volume enhancement procedures are also associated with much more swelling and extended recovery. On the other hand, some of the minimally invasive facelift procedures that promise everyone miracles such as the Lifestyle® lift or MACS-lift, are simply inadequate to address the needs of all patients.

Where are the incisions made for a facelift?

Facelift incisions are made in front of and around the ears, where the resulting scars are hidden. Depending on the extent and location of sagging tissue, incisions may be made near the hairline at the temples or under the chin. At first, incisions appear red or pink. Once the skin has healed, it is possible to begin a scar treatment program using a special cream or silicone sheets. Usually, the scarring from a facelift is imperceptible.

What is recovery like after a facelift?

Recovery after a facelift may vary quite a bit from one person to another. Generally, the first week is devoted to rest. Patients need not be on bed rest but are advised to focus on managing comfort and allowing their bodies to devote energy to healing. It is beneficial to have some help around the house and, though you should move around to avoid blood clots, movement should be slow and careful. No jumping, running, bouncing, or exercise until you have fully recovered.

During the first week of recovery, do not expect to see the positive results of your procedure. You will have bruises. These may be around the eyes or ears and on the neck, depending on your incisions. You will be uncomfortable to some degree, but your prescription pain medication will help reduce the soreness and tenderness you may feel. You will be swollen, possibly more so on one side of the face. This is normal. You may come to see us about one week after your procedure.

Many patients can stop taking prescription pain medication after their first week of recovery. At this time, physical activity around the house can increase slightly. Light exercise like walking can resume, but nothing more strenuous than that. Bruising and swelling may still be noticeable, so you may not be ready to return to work or social activities. During this phase of recovery, you will still be sleeping with your head elevated and maybe using cold compresses as needed.

After two weeks of recovery, you should be ready to return to work, so long as you are not required to perform strenuous activities. Labor-intensive jobs will need more time off to avoid preventable complications. While mild bruising and swelling may continue, makeup can be used as needed. At this time, you may feel tingling or other sensations in your skin. This is a normal part of tissue repair and should dissipate over time.

By one-month post-op, you can expect more of your activity restrictions to be lifted. You may be able to resume more strenuous exercise at this point, taking care to pay close attention to your body’s needs. At this point, you should not need makeup to cover bruising any longer, though you may continue to see isolated swelling. By 8-weeks, most of your side effects should be resolved and you will be enjoying your refreshed, youthful face.

When will I see results from my facelift?

You may begin to see the results of your facelift within the first week of recovery. However, it is common for swelling and bruising to extend into the second week of healing. By three weeks into your recovery, you should have a good idea of the outcome of your procedure. Keep in mind that your incisions may look red or every puckered for several weeks. Because they are made in discreet locations, you will likely be the only person who notices their slight visibility.

Are the results of a facelift permanent?

Facelift surgery is not permanent but can achieve very long-lasting results. A facelift can rejuvenate the face by about ten years. The results of this procedure can last 10 to 12 years before the signs of aging begin to once again show. Aging cannot be stopped. However, facelift resets the clock. With good sun protection, lifestyle habits, and skincare, you may never need another facelift.

What are the risks and complications associated with a facelift?

In general, surgery carries risks for:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Fluid or blood accumulation beneath the skin
• Unfavorable scarring
• Nerve or skin damage
• Persistent pain
• Prolonged swelling
• Skin discoloration or other irregularities

Plastic surgery carries risks such as unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes due to asymmetry or poor incision healing. All surgical risks are discussed with patients during their consultation.

Will insurance cover the cost of a facelift?

No. Plastic surgery performed for cosmetic purposes is not covered by insurance.

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For more information or to schedule your confidential consultation in Orlando, Florida, please call us at 407-678-3116 or email us today.