Full Facelift

Understanding whether you need a facelift and neck lift depends primarily on the extent of your facial aging and your specific aesthetic goals.

A facelift alone might be sufficient if your concerns are limited to the middle and lower face with minimal neck aging. This approach addresses jowling, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines while improving the upper neck.

A combined facelift and neck lift becomes necessary when you experience significant aging across both facial and neck areas. If you have pronounced jowls, deep facial folds, substantial neck laxity, platysmal banding, or excess fat under the chin, this comprehensive approach will deliver more thorough rejuvenation. While this combined technique involves more extensive surgery and recovery, it provides harmonious, longer-lasting results across both the face and neck.

During your consultation, Dr. Nodwell will evaluate several factors to recommend the most appropriate approach. These include your skin quality, degree of laxity, facial bone structure, and aesthetic goals. Considerations like the depth of your facial folds, the extent of jowling, and the condition of your neck tissues help determine whether a facelift alone or a combined procedure will best achieve your desired outcome.

Your age also influences this decision, though Dr. Nodwell evaluates each patient based on their unique aging pattern rather than chronology alone. Generally, younger patients with early signs of aging may achieve satisfactory results with a more limited approach, while those with more advanced aging typically benefit from the comprehensive rejuvenation that a full facelift and neck lift provides.

Proper preparation plays a vital role in your surgical success and recovery. Dr. Nodwell recommends beginning your preparation several weeks before your scheduled surgery date to ensure optimal results.

From a medical standpoint, you will need to stop taking certain medications, supplements, and herbal remedies that could increase bleeding risk or interfere with healing. These typically include aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and various herbal supplements. Dr. Nodwell will review your current medications and provide specific guidance about which ones to adjust or temporarily discontinue.

If you smoke, you should commit to quitting at least six weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine significantly restricts blood flow to facial tissues, dramatically increasing the risk of skin necrosis, delayed healing, and suboptimal results. This requirement isn't just about the day of surgery—it's about optimizing your body's ability to heal properly during the critical recovery phase.

Schedule at least two weeks away from work or professional obligations to allow for proper healing. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24 to 48 hours. During your initial recovery period, you'll need assistance with daily activities and medications.

Setting Up Your Recovery Station

Before surgery, designate a comfortable area of your home as your recovery station. Consider including:

• All prescribed medications organized and readily accessible
• Extra pillows to keep your head elevated during rest
• A wedge pillow for sleeping with your head raised
• Cold compresses or ice packs for reducing swelling
• Comfortable, button-front shirts that don't need to be pulled over your head
• Entertainment options like books, magazines, or a tablet
• A water bottle with a straw for easy hydration
• Healthy snacks that require minimal preparation
• Phone charger and important contact numbers within reach

Complete household tasks before surgery, such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, and laundry. Stock your refrigerator with easy-to-prepare, nutritious meals and snacks that support healing. Fill prescriptions in advance and gather any recommended recovery supplies like gentle cleansers or ointments for incision care.

The night before surgery, follow Dr. Nodwell's specific pre-operative instructions regarding bathing, eating, and drinking. Remove all makeup, skin care products, contact lenses, and jewelry before surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a front-closing top to your surgical appointment.

When you choose a facelift with Dr. Nodwell, you can expect comprehensive improvement in your facial appearance that looks natural and harmonious. While initial changes are visible immediately after surgery, your final outcome will continue to develop over several months as tissues heal and adapt to their new contours.

Most patients experience dramatic improvement in their facial appearance, including a more defined jawline, reduced jowling, and smoother neck contours. Deep facial folds become noticeably softened while sagging cheeks and midface tissues appear more lifted and youthful. These changes create a refreshed, vibrant appearance without altering your fundamental facial character or expressions.

Your scars will initially appear pink or red and may feel firm to the touch. Over time, they typically fade to a lighter color and soften, though individual healing varies. Dr. Nodwell carefully places incisions within natural skin creases or along the hairline where they remain well-concealed. Most patients find these scars barely noticeable once fully healed.

Facelift results typically last between seven and 10 years, though this varies based on factors like skin quality, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition to aging. While the natural aging process continues, you'll always look younger than if you had never undergone the procedure. Many patients find that after the initial surgery, less extensive "maintenance" procedures may help extend their results in the future.

Factors that influence the longevity of your results include sun exposure, smoking, weight fluctuations, and your skin's natural aging pattern. Following Dr. Nodwell's recommendations for skin care, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle choices helps maintain your rejuvenated appearance for as long as possible.

At Nodwell Plastic Surgery, your specific facelift cost varies based on your unique surgical plan and whether you choose to include additional procedures like fat grafting or eyelid surgery.

We understand that a facelift represents a significant financial commitment. To help make your aesthetic goals more attainable, we offer several financing options through trusted third-party providers. These plans allow you to manage the cost of your procedure with monthly payments that fit your budget.

While cost considerations matter, choosing the right surgeon for your facelift should remain your primary focus. Dr. Nodwell's specialized training in facial plastic surgery, artistic eye, and commitment to natural-looking results ensures that your investment yields the beautiful, lasting outcome you desire.