Facelift
Conveniently located to serve St. George and Ivins, Utah
The face is usually the first part of the body to show signs of aging. Gravity and a loss of volume cause skin to sag and wrinkles to form. While there is no way to prevent aging, a face and neck lift procedure can smooth the skin, tighten tissues and muscles, and remove excess skin and fat. This helps patients look and feel younger. The best candidates for a facelift surgery in St. George, UT range from age 40 to 75. They display signs of facial aging, but their skin maintains some elasticity. Older patients in good health with reasonable skin quality may be candidates as well.
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery, facelift procedures are performed by Dr. Kent E. Gardner, M.D., F.A.C.S., a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. With advanced fellowship training and over 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Gardner provides patients with safe, natural-looking results in facial rejuvenation.
What is a facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that sculpts and repositions fat, tissues and muscles from the face, jowls, and neck. The aim of a facelift is to improve problem areas such as sagging skin, creases below the eyelids and along the nose and mouth, and loose skin and fatty deposits. This procedure may be performed with other procedures (facial implants, soft tissue fat augmentation or injectable fillers to reduce wrinkles), either at the same time or soon afterwards, to enhance the results of a younger looking appearance.
Am I a good candidate for a facelift?
The best candidates for a facelift, or rhytidectomy, are healthy individuals anywhere from their 40s to early 70s. At this age range, skin aging is more apparent. A facelift is recommended to those who prefer a longer-lasting solution to sagging skin and wrinkles.
Since the facelift procedure is invasive, it is best for individuals who do not have any medical conditions that could result in slower wound healing. Patients with these conditions can instead consider our many non-invasive options for correcting skin aging.
Results vary from person to person. It is important to have a positive outlook and set realistic expectations when undergoing a facelift procedure.
What to Expect During Your Facelift Consultation in St. George, UT
In your initial consultation with Dr. Gardner, you will discuss your medical history and receive a physical exam. You should be healthy and have realistic goals for your procedure. Your surgeon will make recommendations based on your expectations and overall health. In some cases, a more minor procedure may be enough to satisfy your goals.
Preparing for Your Facelift Procedure
To have a safe procedure and a comfortable recovery process, you will need to prepare a few things. This can include temporary changes in your lifestyle choices, schedule, and other activities.
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and herbal supplements. These can risk excessive bleeding during the procedure. Consult with your doctor for direction regarding temporarily changing medications.
- Free up your post-procedure schedule for one to two weeks. This will give you enough time to rest and recover.
- Accomplish physically taxing activities and household chores ahead of time to avoid putting stress on the incisions and risking more bruising, swelling, and development of seromas. Prepare meals in advance.
- Refrain from alcohol consumption for at least 48 hours, and avoid smoking for four to six weeks.
What to Expect During Your Facelift Procedure in St. George, UT
During the procedure, anesthesia is administered and incisions are made, allowing Dr. Gardner to sculpt and reposition fat, tissues, and muscle from the face, jowls, and neck. Skin is then draped over the contours of the face and closed using sutures or adhesives.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery Tips
Recovery from a facelift is generally very well tolerated. You will be prescribed medications to control discomfort or nausea and to prevent infection. During the first week, you will wear a compressive garment or dressing to maintain support for the surgically corrected tissues. You will sleep with your head elevated and will avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 1-2 weeks. Recovery time may be shorter for more limited procedures. When your dressings are removed, there will be some swelling and bruising. The swelling and bruising generally resolve gradually over for 1-2 weeks and may occasionally last longer in more severe cases. A tissue glue will be used during your surgery to minimize bruising and eliminate the need for any drains.
Understanding the Risks of a Facelift
A facelift is a common and safe procedure, but there are risks inherent with any surgery. In the case of a facelift, the potential complications include infection, bleeding or hematoma, discomfort, bruising, swelling, numbness, asymmetry, facial weakness, mild hair loss at the incision sites, and skin contour irregularities. Dr. Gardner, an experienced surgeon, can help minimize and manage, but not completely eliminate, the possibility of each of these potential issues.
Preparing for Your Facelift Lift Procedure in St. George, UT
A facelift is a highly individualized procedure that’s customized to suit the needs of each patient. The cost of the surgery depends on the extent of correction desired and the overall complexity of the surgery. During your consultation, our team will perform an assessment of your facial features to determine the ideal surgical plan for your needs and discuss the associated cost.
FAQs About Facelift Surgery
What is the recovery time for a facelift?
Most patients in St. George return to normal activities in 2–3 weeks, with full healing in about 4–6 weeks.
Will a facelift leave scars?
Yes, but scars are placed discreetly along the hairline and ears and usually fade over time.
Is a mini facelift right for me?
A mini facelift is best for patients with mild sagging who want natural results and shorter recovery.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine a facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or injectables for fuller rejuvenation.
Book a Facelift Consultation Today!
If you’re interested in facelift surgery in St. George, UT, contact Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery at (435) 628-1704 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a refreshed, more youthful look.
