Facelift
Why Get A Facelift?
Sun damage, genetics, age, weight loss, and smoking have a detrimental effect on the health of the skin of the cheeks, jaw, and neck. The facelift procedure is aimed specifically at removing the “jowly,” angry, or tired look that accompanies aging, and is often performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery or a brow lift at our Pittsburgh area plastic surgery practice. We also offer an extended facelift that includes a full complex neck rejuvenation.
If you are unhappy with the way your face has aged, a facelift may be the right procedure for you. Contact our Plastic Surgeon located near Pittsburgh for more information.
Your Facelift Consultation
With more than 24 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Dr. Pautler is considered a leader in the field. As a female, board-certified Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Pautler is passionate about achieving exceptional results for her patients while providing a welcoming and compassionate environment.
As a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgery AND the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Simona V. Pautler has the training and experience to offer state of the art procedures with predictable results. She has perfected her skill in performing attractive, yet totally natural-looking facelift surgery at the Dunlap Outpatient Surgery Center of St Clair Memorial Hospital. Having performed hundreds of facelift procedures, Dr Pautler is trusted by men and women from the greater Pittsburgh area as the go to facelift surgeon.
"My goal is to transform your face into a refreshed, more youthful-looking version of yourself. During a consultation I educate my facelift patients about what is possible while emphasizing natural beauty to ensure the best outcomes."
Dr. Pautler
- Dr. Pautler was recognized as a top doctor in 2023 by NewBeauty. She completed her residency at Yale New Haven Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, which are two of the most prestigious plastic surgery programs in the country.
- Dr. Pautler offers Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh area with exceptional results and an unparalleled patient experience.
Am I A Good Facelift Candidate?
A facelift or mini facelift in Pittsburgh is ideal for patients wishing to reduce sagging skin in locations such as the neck, cheeks, and jowls. An open discussion with Dr. Pautler, will help determine the exact procedure needed for the best results. To minimize complications candidates should be in good physical and mental health with no significant medical conditions.
Ideal candidates should not be on any medications that can increase the risk of complications and should be non-smokers. The overall success of the procedure requires realistic expectations as to what a facelift can accomplish.
If you are considering a facelift in Pittsburgh, but are unsure if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Make an appointment with Dr. Pautler go get all your questions answered and review all your options in a low-stress, pressure-free environment, so you can make the best, informed decision.
Before, During, and After the Procedure
Consultation and Preparation
At the initial consultation, Dr. Pautler will perform a thorough examination of the neck and evaluate the skin’s elasticity to identify problem areas for improvement and to determine which procedures are best to perform the desired changes. During this time, Dr. Pautler will also make suggestions for additional procedures that can enhance the overall results of the facelift.
To ensure you are a good candidate, topics of your medical history that are often discussed include:
- Previous surgeries
- Previous cosmetic procedures including non-surgical procedures
- Current and past medical conditions
- Allergies, current medications, and dietary supplements
- Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use
Once you are determined a good candidate to undergo a facelift, Dr. Pautler will provide you with a customized treatment plan that will best achieve your goals. Our office will also discuss the overall cost of the procedure and all financing options available.
Surgical Steps
Facelift procedures are generally performed under general anesthesia in a surgical center or hospital as an out-patient procedure. In some situations, facelift procedures can be performed under sedation and local anesthetic.
The steps of a face lift procedure include:
- Anesthesia. Appropriate anesthesia is used depending on how invasive the procedure to be performed is and if additional procedures are needed.
- Incision. Incisions are made in areas such as the hairline to minimize scarring.
- Tissue manipulation. Using the incisions, the tissues of the face can be accessed and adjusted to produce the improved contours of the face.
- Skin tightening. The remaining skin is adjusted with excess tissue being excised to reduce sagging.
- Closure. The incisions are then closed using the methods best suited to minimize scarring and allow appropriate healing.
- Dressings. The face is carefully wrapped in bandages to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Post-op instructions will be provided as to when the bandages can be removed.
Recovery and Aftercare
As with the majority of procedures, swelling, bruising, and discomfort is expected during the first one or two weeks after the procedure. To help minimize swelling and improve healing, it is recommended that patients sleep with their head elevated. Pain is typically mild after this procedure and can be controlled with prescribed medications and over-the-counter treatments.
During the first two weeks, patients are asked to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, smoking, and excessive sun exposure to encourage healing. After this time, a gradual return to normal activities and return to work will be allowed depending on the duties performed at your job. The majority of healing should be achieved by six weeks but the final results may take up to four to six months to become fully appreciated. Any visible scarring will gradually become less noticeable and fade over the next six months to a year.
How Much Does A Rhytidectomy Cost in Pittsburgh?
The cost of a facelift surgery depends on many different factors and the extent of procedures needed to maximize the results of the procedure. The factors taken into consideration when determining the final price include the surgeon’s experience, the extent of surgery, additional procedures, and associated support staff, facility fees, and anesthesia costs.
While the costs associated with selecting an experienced facelift plastic surgeon can be higher, the lower risk of complications and improved outcomes achieved by expert surgeons often make the cost worth it. This is especially true if a complication occurs or additional surgery is needed.
Facelift Before & After Photos
See our facelift results for yourself
FAQs
The ideal timing for a facelift is subjective and largely depends on your personal feelings about your appearance. Typically, most individuals seeking this procedure are between the age of 45 and 75. Undergoing the surgery at a younger age can lead to more effective and enduring outcomes, as younger skin tends to have better elasticity. Consequently, many surgeons suggest that the optimal age for considering a facelift is between 45 and 60 years. There are, however, patients who successfully undergo this procedure in their 80’s. Environmental influences, like sun exposure, genetic predispositions, and extreme weight loss can significantly impact when the signs of aging become noticeable and a facelift may be a good option.
Before undergoing a facelift in Pittsburgh, it's important to have a thorough discussion with your surgeon about their experience performing the procedure and the specific facelift technique they suggest. The potential risks and complications, what the recovery process will look like, and how long you can expect the results to last are also important topics. Ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone similar procedures. Additionally, confirm that they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
A bilamellar facelift in Pittsburgh is performed by accessing the deeper muscles and soft tissue layers of the neck and face. Repositioning this layer instead of simply tightening the skin can help achieve the most natural-looking aesthetic results.
To help reduce swelling after a facelift, it’s important to set aside enough time to allow your body to heal before returning to activities. Additionally, resting with your head elevated, using cold compresses, and following the post-operative guidelines provided can help to reduce post-operative swelling and discomfort.
Yes. Combining procedures can help to maximize the aesthetic benefits of a facelift. Surgeries commonly combined with a facelift or mini facelift include neck liposuction, neck lifts, chin augmentation procedures, blepharoplasties, and non-surgical procedures, such as dermal fillers.
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