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What is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin and repositions the underlying tissues. This cosmetic surgery defines the features to achieve elegant, contoured lines. With a facelift in the Charlottesville area at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, sagging jowls are eliminated and wrinkles are smoothed away, taking up to ten years off the face, restoring lost volume and achieving a renewed, youthful-looking appearance.

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What are the benefits of a facelift?

A facelift is a popular procedure that provides a range of benefits for patients who want to reverse the effects of age and appear more youthful and refined. Benefits include the following:

  • A more youthful, contoured appearance
  • A firmer neck contour, correcting neck banding and wrinkles
  • A more defined jawline, eliminating jowls and a double chin
  • Resolves deep facial wrinkles and creases
  • Lifts the skin and elevates the features
  • Addresses a wide range of aging concerns with one surgery
  • Takes as many as ten years off the face
  • Incisions fade to well-hidden scars 
  • Improves self-esteem and self-confidence
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Who is a candidate for a facelift?

Facelift patients are typically between the ages of 40 and 60 years old, although ages may vary from person to person based on aesthetic needs and goals. A facelift is designed for patients who want to achieve significant facial rejuvenation. Ideal candidates for facelift surgery in the Charlottesville area meet the following requirements:

  • Are in good health
  • Have no serious medical conditions, such as a bleeding disorder 
  • Do not smoke
  • Are not taking blood-thinning medications or supplements
  • Have realistic expectations about a facelift can achieve
  • Skin laxity is moderate to severe
  • Have a lack of definition in the jawline 
  • Have jowls, sagging neck skin, neck fullness, or a double chin 
  • Have sunken cheeks or other areas due to lost facial volume

What to expect during your facelift procedure

We will begin by making surgical markings on your face, aligning with your customized surgical plan. You will have general anesthesia to ensure you’re completely comfortable during the procedure.

Incisions are made around the ear, carefully and precisely, to ensure scarring is kept to a minimum. Your surgeon will reposition the tissues and muscles under the skin to achieve a sculpted, more youthful contour. The skin is then redraped over the lifted, firmer facial contours, and excess skin is trimmed away. Finally, the incisions are closed. 

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Recovery after a facelift

Once your surgery is complete, you will be able to return home with a family member or friend. There will be swelling and bruising, which will increase for several days, then begin to fade. Use cool packs on your face and neck, and sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first week. Wait for two days to shower and wash your hair.

After the first week, you will feel more comfortable and may be able to drive. At this point, you can wear makeup, and the swelling will have greatly reduced. Within two weeks, most people can return to sedentary work and continue their usual activities. Wait for four to six weeks before you resume vigorous exercise.

Burton M. Sundin, MD

Reps B. Sundin, MD

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Why choose the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery for my facelift?

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery is an optimum choice for patients considering a facelift in the Charlottesville area. Led by Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin, two board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons with more than 30 years of combined experience, our practice provides the best of the best. 

Our focus is on providing stunning, natural-looking results with minimal downtime. We are deeply committed to enhancing your natural good looks and helping to significantly improve your overall quality of life.

If you want to find out more about the results that can be achieved with a facelift at the Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, please call today to find out more and set up a consultation. 

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FAQ 

What is the right age to have a facelift?

Why do I still have jowls after my facelift?

Will people be able to tell that I had a facelift?

How soon can I drive after a facelift?

How painful is facelift recovery?

Can I drink coffee after my facelift?

What is the right age to have a facelift?

There is actually no right age for a facelift, as everyone’s facial structure, rate of aging, and aesthetic goals are different. If you could like to refresh your appearance and are healthy enough to undergo a surgical procedure, you can have a facelift at almost any age.

Why do I still have jowls after my facelift?

A facelift addresses jowls to achieve a sculpted jawline. You may see jowls due to swelling after a facelift, but once the swelling subsides, you should see a tighter, more sculpted jawline with no sign of jowls.

Will people be able to tell that I had a facelift?

If your facelift is done properly, people will notice you look refreshed and youthful, but the telltale signs of surgery, such as pulled skin, an altered hairline, or a “fake” look, will not be there. Your results should look nuanced, natural, and renewed but almost indetectable.

How soon can I drive after a facelift?

Most patients are able to drive again within a week after their facelift. Wait until you are no longer taking prescription pain medication and feel comfortable with the usual motions of driving, such as turning your head.

How painful is facelift recovery?

Expect some pain and discomfort during the initial few days of your recovery period. Many people describe this as a deep, bruised sensation.

Can I drink coffee after my facelift?

Avoid caffeine during your recovery period. Caffeine increases the risk of bleeding and may interfere with your healing or affect swelling.

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Delivering premier plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures, our services extend to popular cosmetic procedures such as mommy makeover, facelift, and liposuction for clients in Tysons Corner and Richmond.

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