Facelift Surgery Procedure Steps

Facelift Surgery

A facelift procedure is a predictable, safe, and effective plastic surgery procedure for reducing the signs of facial aging. It helps in restoring a youthful and appealing appearance. During the pre-operative consultation, your surgeon will discuss various aspects of the procedure for ensuring the patient attains familiarity with the procedure.

Facelift is a complex surgical procedure involving multiple steps. It should only be performed by a well-qualified and experienced plastic surgeon that makes use of advanced and cutting-edge surgical techniques for developing dramatic results.

The Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides facelift surgery to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and surrounding communities.

Administering Local Anesthesia and General Anesthesia

The surgeon will administer general or local anesthesia before starting the facelift cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon will recommend a suitable anesthesia choice depending on the extent of procedure and the patient’s needs. Your present health status, medical history and other factors will be taken into account for determining a safe anesthesia delivery procedure.

The anesthesia will be administered by a skilled registered anesthetist nurse or anesthesiologist. If the procedure is performed using local anesthesia, you will remain awake during the procedure but will not feel any pain in the treatment area. You will be rendered unconscious if the surgeon performs the procedure under general anesthesia.

Placement of Incisions

Your plastic surgeon will make incisions in pre-determined sites once you are placed under anesthesia. The incisions will be made in discreet areas (if possible) without compromising on the effectiveness of the procedure. Incisions are generally made above the hairline. This is to ensure that future scarring remains hidden.

In some cases, incisions may be hidden within the natural facial creases since these locations tend to heal well. They can hide scars in an effective fashion. Usually, the incisions are made on one side of the head, behind the hairline, slightly above the temple area. The incision will go all the way down to the ear and continue into the lower scalp under the hair.

Tightening the Skin and Facial Muscles

The surgeon will utilize the discreetly located incisions to lift facial skin away from the underlying tissue. Excess fatty pockets will be eliminated before trimming loose skin. In addition, the surgeon will tighten underlying muscles for improving facial contours. The skin will be re-draped once the process is complete. They will use staples and stitches to hold the skin in its newer and tighter position. The incision sites will then be covered in bandages.

Combining Several Procedures

Your surgeon may recommend combining the facelift plastic surgery procedure with others for enhanced contours depending on your unique aesthetic needs. Generally, facelift is performed along with facial and neck liposuction to get rid of stubborn fatty deposits in a gentle manner.

Lip enhancement with fat transfer, lip implants, and dermal filler injections may also be performed with a facelift. Facial implants may be recommended by the surgeon in certain cases. Cosmetic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and nearby areas for facelift surgery.

Contact Virginia Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sundin Today for a Consultation

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit

Serving Richmond, Virginia, Fredricksburg, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Tidewater, Sullfolk, Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington and surrounding communities.