Modified Facelift
For a long time, men and women who wanted to do something about wrinkles, creases, sagging skin, and other effects of facial aging had basically two choices: either a “full facelift,” or minimally invasive approaches like Botox or laser tightening.
Certainly, there’s nothing inherently wrong or bad about any of these choices! But they may not be for everyone—particularly those who are looking for more dramatic results, but are unwilling or unable to manage the longer and more difficult recovery timetable of a traditional facelift.
That’s where the modified facelift comes in! Using advanced surgical techniques, we’re able to offer our patients a surgical solution without many of the major drawbacks of a traditional facelift.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
Surgery is performed under local anesthesia. You will receive instructions for us to make sure you are properly prepared the day of the surgery.
During a modified facelift, we make relatively small S-shaped incisions around your ears. From there, skin is lifted and tightened, and excess tissue is removed.
The main difference here is that, with a traditional facelift, much larger incisions have to be made, which typically extend from the front of the ears and up to the hairline.
Modified Facelift Aftercare
The primary benefit of the modified facelift is shortened and simplified aftercare. Most clients only require a single week of recovery after a modified facelift before they can return to almost all of their regular activities. Drainage tubes are not required, another significant benefit.
In the few days after surgery, we’ll ask you to avoid strenuous physical activity. We’ll also provide you with our guidelines for handling residual pain and swelling and aiding the healing processes, which may include using medications and cold therapy, elevating your head and shoulders, and protecting your incision site.
Although complications are rare, call us if you experience significant pain, bleeding, fever, chills, nausea, difficulty breathing, or other unexpected and concerning symptoms.
As with any other cosmetic procedure, we will typically schedule a follow-up appointment a few days after surgery, and again after about a week to remove the sutures. You will need someone to drive you home from our office after your surgery, due to the use of general anesthesia.
Modified Facelift vs Traditional Facelift
Advantages:
- Faster recovery (1 week vs. 3-5 weeks on average)
- No drainage tubes
- Can be done under local anesthesia
- Less post-surgical pain and/or bruising
- Lower risk of complications
- Less visible scarring
Disadvantages
- May not be able to achieve results as dramatic as a traditional facelift
- Not as effective for sagging skin under the chin
- Results may not last as long
Restoring a Youthful Appearance Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
Dr. Lisa Learn has many techniques and treatment options at her disposal to help eliminate or minimize wrinkles, sagging skin, and other signs of facial aging, and she’d love to help you restore the youthful, vibrant appearance you want to show the world!
The modified facelift is one of our most popular of these options, with good reason! But it isn’t the only one, and our goal is always to make sure you are able to get results you are happy with using the most convenient and least invasive means possible.
To set up a consultation with Dr. Lisa Learn and explore your options, give us a call today at (954) 380-8411. Virtual consultations are available if you are unable to make an in-person visit.
Ready to Begin Your Transformation?
Let’s meet up for a private, confidential consultation and discuss the best ways we can help the true you to shine through!
