Facelift

The skin on our faces may sag or lose elasticity as we age or lose a significant amount of weight.

At Core Plastic Surgery, Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon, performs facelifts on people living in Birmingham and Mountain Brook, along with the surrounding communities, who want to restore a younger appearance.

What is a Facelift?

Plastic surgeons perform facelifts on people who have lost elasticity in their faces and have begun to show significant signs of aging. The skin on the face is pulled slightly tighter to make it smoother, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, lines and sagging skin.

Some of the most visible signs of aging first appear on the face.

Although the changes appear gradually, there may come a day when you look in the mirror and decide that the face you see doesn’t reflect the way you feel about yourself. If you’d like to look as good as you feel, a facelift smoothes the loose skin on your face and neck, tightens underlying tissues and removes excess fat.

As a result, your face will appear firmer and fresher.

You’ll find basic information about facelifts on this page. However, the best way to get complete answers to specific questions that relate to your individual needs is to make an appointment with Dr. Core.

Before and After Photos

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Benefits of a Facelift

Facelifts restore a more youthful appearance and provide other benefits including:

Our patients are often impressed by just how much younger a facelift makes them appear! To get started towards a smoother, rejuvenated appearance schedule your consultation today. You can also learn more about our practices and Dr. Core’s expertise by checking out our blog.

Types of a Facelift

The facelift procedure is customized to the anatomical features and desired results of the patient. Dr. Core specializes in a variety of techniques to help his patients end up with a result they are happy with!

An important point to remember is that facial rejuvenation surgery is a highly individualized process. No particular procedure is applicable to all patients.

Face Lift

Facial rejuvenation has come a long way since its beginning almost a century ago. Amazingly, most of the significant changes in facial rejuvenation surgery actually have occurred within the last 10 years. The recent trend is toward a less invasive but still effective facial rejuvenation.

In reality, there is no non-invasive methodology that can equal the results of a surgical facial rejuvenation procedure in the hands of an experienced facial aesthetic surgeon.

Some patients with neck fullness and jowling will require a more extensive procedure in order to have a pleasing and long-lasting result whereas other patients who have minimal jowling and slight excess skin on the neck can undergo a much less invasive procedure. However, patients should be very careful to be sure they understand what is hype and what is reality.

Mini Lift

The term mini lift has come into popularity over the last five to six years, and there are a variety of procedures that are in the mini lift category.

Other terms patients may hear that apply to this type of procedure would include C-lift, S-lift, lifestyle lift, and MACS lift.

The common denominators of all these procedures are that:

Sub-SMAS Facelift

Dr. Core’s most effective procedure for facial rejuvenation in patients who have a moderate to extensive amount of relaxed skin and jowling of the lower face is called a sub-SMAS facelift. This term refers to the technique of identifying the layer in the face that is underneath the skin called the SMAS (submuscular aponeurotic system). This is the dense layer of tissue between the skin and the muscles of the face, which literally holds the face in place.

The secret to a natural-looking facelift is not to pull on the skin but to place the lift and tension on the SMAS, which results in a natural appearance postoperatively. This is the technique that eliminates the “wind tunnel” look and also provides a longer-lasting result.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Facelifts in Alabama are most commonly performed on patients in the 40 to 60 age range. However, the procedure can produce good results in people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s as well.

You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you have one or more of the following conditions:

If you have one or more of these concerns, we encourage you to reach out to our office so we can get you started towards looking your best!

Personal Consultation

During your meeting with Dr. Core, you will get to learn about the intricacies of a facelift procedure. This meeting will educate you so you can make an informed decision about your appearance. 

Dr. Core will take the opportunity to learn about your medical history, current lifestyle, medications and expectations for the surgery. He will examine your face and inform you where incisions will be made. This examination, along with learning about your health, will help him determine if a facelift is an ideal treatment for your concerns.

How do I Prepare For my Facelift?

What is Involved With my Facelift?

When having a facelift, the incisions are made along your hairline from the temple down around the earlobe and to the back of the neck. This enables the removal of the excess sagging skin that creates lines and creases that distort the natural lines of your face. When tightening your skin, the surgeon must ensure that it’s smooth, but not over-corrected.

The right amount of tension is critical: that’s why you must choose a surgeon who specializes in facelifts.

Next, the fatty tissue that makes your face look heavy, jowly and baggy is removed with liposuction. Then the underlying muscle is tightened to restore a younger shape to your face. The incisions are closed along natural skin lines and bandages are then applied. These dressings will be removed in a few days. Swelling and bruising usually subsides in seven to ten days.

What to Expect After a Facelift

The first week of a facelift involves some discomfort along with bruising and swelling.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, it may take a couple of weeks for the bruising and swelling to subside. Most people take a week off work followed by light work for a couple of weeks with no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.

When Will I See The Results From my Facelift?

The results of your facelift become more visible as the swelling and bruising diminish. The full results may take a few months to be noticeable.

Complementary Procedures

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is often included in a facelift to maximize the end results. Eyelid surgery opens up the eyes and helps the patient look more alert and well-rested. Eyelid surgery is broken into two surgeries: Upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty.

In an upper eyelid surgery, drooping skin is excised and a natural eyelid is restored. This surgery is ideal for men and women whose eyelids droop so much they interferes with their vision.

A lower eyelid surgery removes and redistributes the undereye “bags.” Some people are born with fat pockets under their eyes while others find that the pockets develop over time. These bags detract from the appearance and make the individual appear tired all of the time. By removing and redistributing the fat, Dr. Core will make your mid face appear smoother and your overall appearance will look rested and younger.

Blepharoplasty is a very common procedure combined with a facelift. If you are interested in combining your facelift with a complementing surgery, discuss your options with Dr. Core during your consultation.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The cost of a facelift varies with each patient depending on the extent of the facelift and whether other facial surgery procedures are done in conjunction with the facelift.

We can go over the cost with you during your consultation as well as our payment and financing options. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards in addition to offering financing through CareCredit®.

Grady Core, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers plastic and reconstructive surgery to people living in and around Birmingham, Mountain Brook, and across the Southeast. If you are ready to look and feel younger, contact Dr. Core’s office today to schedule your consultation. You can reach our office at (205) 397-2100!

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