With so many plastic surgeons to choose from for a facelift in Burbank, it only seems right for you to take time to research and vet your options carefully. Not every surgeon provides a variety of cosmetic procedures or utilizes the proper or safest techniques to provide the best results possible. So how do you know how to choose the right surgeon for your facelift surgery?
Use the following nine questions to ask as your guide when selecting a proven yet trustworthy facelift surgeon in Burbank, California.
- Are you a board-certified surgeon?
- Is facelift surgery appropriate for me?
- What benefits can facelift provide?
- Will there be any scars left over after a facelift?
- How is facelift surgery performed?
- How do you prepare for a facelift?
- Can a facelift be reversed?
- Are there any risks and complications?
- What is the recovery period for a facelift?
Are You a Board-Certified Surgeon?
It’s important to have your facelift and any cosmetic procedure you’re interested in performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Board certification is not just granted to any surgeon who applies. Board certification requires experience and expertise that can only be obtained with a certain amount of training in a specialty.
The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery requires the completion of a minimum of 12 months AACS certified cosmetic surgery fellowship training along with a surgical residency in an affiliated specialty. Surgeons who qualify for ABCS board certification must also commit to performing procedures in medical facilities that are fully accredited and state licensed.
One of the most effective ways to help ensure your surgery is performed by the right qualified individual in a safe setting is to choose a board-certified facelift surgeon in Burbank, California.
Is Facelift Surgery Appropriate for Me?
Facelift procedures are ideal for those who are unhappy with the way the effects of aging, lifestyle, health, and other factors have affected their skin and appearance. Besides improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, complexion issues, sagging jowls and sunken in skin, facelifts essentially rejuvenate the face. Facelift patients regain their confidence at their newfound appearance.
There are three types of facelift procedures: nonsurgical, minimally invasive, and surgical. Chemical peels and skin resurfacing procedures are nonsurgical, while fillers, dermal injections, and microneedling treatments are minimally invasive, as they don’t require incisions and cause little to no trauma to the skin.
Minimally invasive facelifts provide temporary, yet minor enhancements to improve one’s appearance. Surgical facelifts include the mini facelift, the traditional, revision facelift, and reconstruction surgery, and are suitable for patients desiring permanent and significant changes to their appearance. Each procedure varies in technique, length, and patient recovery times.
What Benefits Can Facelift Provide?
Aging, lifestyle, health, sun exposure and a myriad of other factors change the appearance, condition, and texture of the skin. While there are cosmetic and beauty products available to temporarily address these issues, none are quite as dramatic, effective or popular as facelifts.
Adults of all ages can reap the following benefits with a facelift.
- Lifts and tightens sagging skin
- Smooths lines and wrinkles
- Eliminates deep creases
- Rejuvenates the face
Will There Be Any Scars Left Over After a Facelift?
Any surgical procedure that involves punctures the skin or utilizes incisions can cause scarring. Incisions alone are not the sole cause of scars. The amount of scarring that develops after a facelift is also influenced by the patient’s health, how well they care for their skin after their procedure, and lifestyle.
Even so, Dr. Matt Hershcovitch, M.D. takes every precaution when performing facelifts and makes incisions in areas of the face where scar tissue is less noticeable. He also utilizes specialized techniques to help promote quick healing and minimize the development and appearance of scar tissue.
While it’s not possible to perform scar-free facelifts, scarring is minimal, and Dr. Hershcovitch’s patients are completely satisfied with their results. Before and after photos are available to give you a better idea of how facelift scars look and fade away during recovery and beyond.
How Is Facelift Surgery Performed?
Dr. Hershcovitch utilizes a variety of techniques to customize each patient’s facelift procedure to deliver the desired results. They include:
Traditional facelift is the most extensive of the different types of facelifts procedures available. Dr. Hershcovitch often recommends it for patients seeking to have dramatic changes made to their face to erase the moderate to advanced signs of aging in the upper, middle, and lower areas of the face. Traditional facelift patients have larger incisions and require a longer recovery period.
Mini facelift is a less invasive form of the traditional procedure that addresses minor issues in the lower portion of the face. A mini facelift is minimally invasive, involves smaller incisions, and produces less dramatic, yet more organic results that patients love. It also requires less recovery time for patients.
Dr. Hershcovitch discusses the type of facelift that’s most beneficial to the patient and the steps necessary to perform it during the consultation. Below is a general overview of how a facelift is done.
Patients receive anesthesia prior to the start of their procedure to ensure optimal comfort and safety. After the anesthesia takes effect, incisions are made in accordance with the type of facelift techniques discussed during the consultation. In most cases, incisions are made near the ears and in other discrete places around the face and hairline to hide the presence of any scars.
Dr. Hershcovitch lifts, drapes, and repositions the muscles of the face to give it a more youthful contour. Revisions may also be made to sculpt and redistribute fat tissues to add volume and support the upper layers of the skin.
Excess skin is removed, and incisions are sutured closed before bandages are applied and patients are sent to a private room to recover as the effects of anesthesia wears off. Patient vitals are monitored as well.
How Do You Prepare for a Facelift?
Preparation is essential to minimize issues that could affect healing and the procedure’s results. Patients should use these suggestions and any guidelines provided by Dr. Hershcovitch to prepare for a facelift.
- Stop smoking six or more weeks before surgery day
- Boost hydration
- Stop using over-the-counter pain and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines
- Make arrangements for recovery, i.e., a trusted driver to accompany you to the procedure and assist you for the first day or so after the operation
- Adjust schedule and lifestyle to accommodate the need for rest and self-care during recovery
Can a Facelift Be Reversed?
Before having any cosmetic procedure, including a facelift, it’s necessary to have a clear understanding of the risks and realistic expectations involved. Some procedures can provide modest and temporary results, while others are more dramatic and permanent.
Dr. Hershcovitch makes every reasonable effort to provide patients with their desired results, but sometimes, additional surgeries or revisions are necessary.
Are There Any Risks and Complications?
Individuals with serious medical issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, or those who smoke or regularly consume alcohol are more likely to experience complications with a facelift. Like most plastic surgery procedures, there are complications for patients to consider.
- Scarring
- Nerve injury
- Skin irregularities
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Bleeding
- Bruising
Although these concerns are rare, they are more likely to occur with an unqualified and inexperienced surgeon. Dr. Hershcovitch’s exceptional surgical history and expertise minimizes the risks and complications for his facelift patients.
What Is the Recovery Period for a Facelift?
Patient recovery varies depending on the facelift type, amount of work done, and patient’s healing capacity. Mini facelift patients usually feel well enough to resume their usual activities within two to three weeks. Traditional facelift patients require more time, generally four to six weeks.
Bruising and swelling are common and tend to become more prominent during the first few days after facelift surgery before settling down in the weeks ahead. To minimize issues during facelift recovery that could delay healing or alter results, Dr. Hershcovitch provides patients with aftercare instructions before they go home for them to follow to keep them comfortable and ensure a swift recovery.
Key Takeaways
Facelifts are great for rejuvenating the facial skin to give patients a younger appearance, but they are not suitable for everyone. There are risks, complications, and criteria in place in order to ensure patient safety and optimal results.
It’s to your benefit to research and come up with questions to ask your facelift surgeon before you schedule the procedure. Not only does this critical step of the process ensure that you’re in excellent and capable hands and will receive the quality care you deserve, but it also ensures you’ll have a good experience, a quick recovery, and a great outcome.
Take the time you need to do your due diligence to learn all you can so you can go to your facelift consultation with the right questions to determine if your choice of facial plastic surgeon is right for you.
Dr. Hershcovitch is a renowned, double-board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery in the Burbank area. Contact Matt Hershcovitch, M.D., Facial Plastic Surgery today to get started on your transformation. 818-206-2539
