What are the causes of Facial Aging?

The onset, degree, and sequence of facial aging will vary based upon multiple factors. Both intrinsic (related to your body) and extrinsic (related to the world around you) factors contribute to aging. Intrinsic factors include loss of facial fullness, decreased skin elasticity and tightness, and loss of facial bone density. Major extrinsic forces include gravity, hormonal imbalances, diet, smoking, daily stress, and chronic sun exposure. All these factors in combination allow the face to display the undesirable signs of age. Patients seeking a facelift in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and the greater Philadelphia area are typically concerned about aging of the lower face.

Facelift in Philadelphia

Facial aging is an unfortunate fact of life and regardless of what you do, everyone eventually succumbs to its effects. Facial aging manifests itself in the mirror in many ways. Many of the complaints associated with facial aging focus on aging of the lower face. These complaints include sagging skin of the face leading to jowls, deepened facial folds and wrinkles, as well as excess neck fat and skin laxity.

Patients seeking a facelift in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill and New Jersey typically seek a procedure which will help transform them to a naturally refreshed version of themselves. A facelift is a powerful procedure which can help individuals recapture their youth. Dr. Anthony Corrado has trained with world renowned surgeons in the field of facial cosmetic surgery in both Newport Beach and Beverly Hill, CA.

He has devoted his entire career solely to facial plastic surgery. Dr. Corrado is a co-creator of the C-Lift^SM, a facelift procedure which has helped countless patients turn back the clock and achieve a more youthful and revitalized appearance. His ability to create beautiful, while also natural facelift results, has led patients to regard him as one of the best Philadelphia facelift surgeons.

Real Patients, Real Results

Before & Afters

Should I Get A Facelift?

A Good Candidate For A Facelift May Wish To…

Tighten sagging facial and neck skin
Reduce sagging jowls and cheeks
Refine the jawline
Correct a “Turkey Neck” or “Double Chin”

The C-Lift^SM can be combined with other procedures for optimal facial rejuvenation

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)
Facial/Neck Liposuction
Facial Fat Injections/Dermal Fillers

Schedule your facelift consultation

How Do I Choose A Facelift Surgeon?

When choosing a surgeon for your facelift remember that experience counts. A facelift is a challenging procedure which requires a keen understanding of facial aesthetics, extensive knowledge regarding facial aging, vast experience in facial anatomy, and an artistic sense to achieve a natural appearing transformation. Dr. Corrado’s practice is solely devoted to facial cosmetic surgery, allowing him and his staff to possess the required experience and knowledge it takes to care for the facelift patient.

Trust Your Face to a Specialist

For his entire career, Dr. Corrado has solely focused on cosmetic surgery of the face.
He has trained with leaders in the field of facelift surgery in both Newport Beach and Beverly Hills, CA.
He is double board certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Otolaryngology -Head & Neck Surgery, offering him tremendous skill and expertise in facial and neck surgery.
He has lectured at national symposia, and published articles in the medical literature on facelift.
His practice philosophy hinges on patient safety and natural appearing results.

It is my pleasure to share with you my thoughts on Dr. Anthony Corrado. I have scrubbed with him in surgery many times during his cosmetic surgery fellowship with us. Anthony is a gifted surgeon with a keen aesthetic eye. He also has the skills and experience to achieve great results for his patients. The natural and easy rapport he develops with his patients creates a perfect environment for making their dreams a reality.

Dr. Drew Ordon co-host of the CBS television’s “The Doctors”

Dr. Corrado’s Facelift Surgery Philosophy

My practice philosophy is to provide my patients with a natural-appearing result. A patient should not immediately be asked by a friend or relative if they had a facelift. A good facelift should always keep others guessing. My patients commonly tell us their friends say “You look like you never age… What Is Your Secret?”. These are the compliments given to a good rhytidectomy result!

Historically, traditional facelifts encompassed only skin tightening or “skin-pulling” procedures which unfortunately lead to an overdone or “wind-blown” look, while also not providing long-lasting results. Today, modern SMAS facelift surgery has evolved to provide more lasting and natural-appearing results. Dr. Corrado’s C-Lift^SM facelift will not only address the sagging skin but also the deeper facial structures affected by gravity.

Facelift Expectations

The goal of facelift surgery is to create a more naturally refreshed and youthful version of you. Unfortunately, there is no “Fountain of Youth” that can help to make a person look 20-30 years younger, but facelift surgery can make major improvements in one’s facial appearance while also greatly improving a patient’s self-esteem and confidence. Having realistic expectations about your recovery and result is one of the key factors in patient satisfaction after surgery. Dr. Corrado will discuss with patients what realistic outcomes are possible, while also honestly discussing with patients what expectations may be out of reach.

Your Facelift Consultation

A facelift consultation will allow you to meet face to face with Dr. Corrado to determine if facelift surgery is right for you. The facelift consultation will give a patient the opportunity to discuss their aesthetic goals.

One must realize that like an individual’s fingerprint, each patient’s face is unique. Therefore, each face provides a unique set of aging issues. Dr. Corrado, a Philadelphia facelift specialist, will take the time to personally address your facial aging and formulate a unique plan to restore your youthful appearance. Many times, patients will learn about other procedures that also can be performed at the time of their facelift to further enhance their results. He will also discuss realistic expectations, as well as details about the surgical procedures proposed. Finally, a cosmetic consultant will discuss other factors related to your surgery including scheduling, cost, financing options, and recovery.

Facelift Testimonials

Dr. Corrado is wonderful—he’s very patient, a great communicator and an incredibly gifted surgeon! Everything was exactly as he’d said it would be: very little ...

I can’t say enough about Dr. Corrado! My results are natural and absolute perfection. No one can tell but they know something is different. People say wow you l...

Dr. Corrado along with his staff are very professional and friendly. I am so happy with the results of my facelift and blepharoplasty procedures. His work is no...

Add me to the legions of Dr. Corrado’s patients who have experienced first-hand what a caring, capable, and highly-talented plastic surgeon he is. I had the sur...

I confidently chose Dr. Corrado and could not be happier for having gone that route. From the first appointment, he made me feel very comfortable, while ensurin...

Absolutely perfect. From beginning to end, a great experience. The staff is lovely and Dr. Corrado is an amazing surgeon. My outcome was even better than I coul...

Achieving Natural Results

By dealing with the descent of the deeper facial structures in addition to the sagging and excess skin, a more natural and lasting result is achieved. The C-Lift^SM technique allows for extremely natural facelift results, preventing the classic “windswept” or “overdone” look feared by many prospective facelift patients. Via well-hidden incisions, your natural facelift in New Jersey will seek to “turn back the clock” by improving the most visible signs of aging. Dr. Corrado’s goal for all Philadelphia facelift patients is for you to look and feel more youthful, confident, and fresh.

What is a Facelift?

Also known as a rhytidectomy, this surgical procedure seeks to target aging in the lower face and neck area. As we age, the effects of gravity have dramatic consequences for our appearance. The common areas of facial aging are the cheeks, lower face, and jawline, as well as the neck. Descent of the midface (“the cheek”) causes accentuation of facial lines and wrinkles.

The nasolabial folds, lines which extend down the face from the corner of the nose, are deepened. The marionette lines which extend down from the corner of the mouth are also worsened with gravity and age. The skin along the jawline also sags, causing jowling to occur. Lastly, skin and muscles in the neck also become loose, creating the “turkey neck” appearance. During facelift surgery, all these problematic areas are targeted.

Who is a good candidate for a Facelift?

A good candidate is any healthy female or male who is starting to become self-conscious about their facial aging, and who desires rejuvenation of the lower face and neck. During your consultation, a detailed medical and surgical history will be taken. A careful physical examination will also be performed. Social habits, as well as goals and expectations, are also discussed. Following evaluation of “the whole patient,” a final decision is made regarding a patient’s candidacy for the operation. Our candidates for facelift surgery commonly seek treatment for the following reasons:

Unhappy with visible signs of lower facial and neck laxity.
Presence of deep facial wrinkles and skin folds.
Poor jawline definition with presence of sagging skin and jowls.
Excess fatty tissue in the face or neck, commonly referred to as the “Double Chin”.
Sagging skin or muscle “banding” present in the neck leading to a “Turkey Neck”.
Individuals who no longer are achieving improvement with minimally invasive treatments or fillers and are seeking a more dramatic and long-lasting solution.

What is a good age for a Facelift?

Many times, patients ask “what is the right age to have this procedure?”. Ultimately, there is no right answer. I suggest to patients to entertain the possibility of having this surgery when they are unhappy with what they see in the mirror.

One must have realistic expectations of facial beauty and understand that facial aging is unfortunately a natural part of life. Although we cannot look like a teenager again, a well performed by a Philadelphia facelift specialist can provide a means to turn the clock back by about ten years.

What are the realistic expectations for patients having a Facelift?

In my practice, my surgical philosophy is to strive for natural-appearing results. I do not like an overdone or overly “surgerized” look. I want my patients to appear well rested and refreshed. Specifically, I seek to allow the patient to appear more rejuvenated without the tell-tale signs of a facelift, such as the overly pulled or “windswept” appearance seen in some cases. A patient must also have realistic expectations with regards to their result. A facelift will help a patient “shave” several years off their appearance. Unfortunately, there is no true “Fountain of Youth” and facelift surgery will typically not make a patient appear 20-30 years younger.

How does a Facelift work?

A facelift procedure is performed through carefully placed incisions, allowing the incisions to be well camouflaged. The incisions are placed in front of and behind the ear. Attention is focused on hiding the incision and maintaining a patient’s natural hairline. Placement of the incision is critical. The incision follows the natural curves in front of and behind the ear, allowing it to be well camouflaged and not readily visible once healed. The retrotragal/post tragal incision is commonly used to preferably hide the incision so it is not visible in front of the ear, compared to the traditional preauricular incision which is placed in front of the ear which results in a greater possibility for scar visibility.

Through the incision, the deep structures of the face, including the SMAS layer and platysma muscle, are treated. The key to a natural facelift in Philadelphia is to tighten the deep structures – the SMAS and platysma – in addition to tightening the skin. This method of tightening the deeper structures is called tissue plication. This allows the results to be long lasting and natural in appearance. Dr. Corrado creator of the C-LiftSM facelift, has devised a double layered SMAS plication technique with his colleague Dr. Sadati, termed the Double C Plication technique. This technique creates radial traction on the SMAS and Platysma allowing for a powerful and lasting “lift” with a natural appearing result.

If neck laxity and muscle banding are present, a small incision is made under the chin, and a platysmaplasty is performed where the neck muscles are tightened. Once the SMAS and neck muscles are tightened, areas of excess skin are also removed and tightened.

Many times, excess fat is present in the neck leading to a “Double Chin”, or along the jawline leading to heavy jowls. Liposuction, otherwise known as Liposculpting, is commonly used during a facelift. Small cannulas are used to contour and remove excess fatty tissue to create a slimmer neckline and a more well-defined jawline.

Once the deep tissues are tightened, the excess skin is trimmed. The skin is then redraped in a higher position to combat the effects of gravity. Small drains may be placed to remove any excess fluid and are typically removed in 24 hours.

Finally, the incisions are delicately sutured to allow for the best possible healing. The incisions are meticulously closed to allow them to heal virtually unnoticeable.

A light dressing is then placed on the cheeks and neck to allow for gentle compression in these areas. This dressing will be removed the following day during your first post-operative visit.

What type of anesthesia is used for a Facelift?

The procedure is typically performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia depending on the patient. This type of anesthesia allows the patient to rest comfortably while the procedure is performed without fear of feeling any pain or hearing any of the “sounds of surgery” which we feel can be very anxiety provoking for a patient. We feel that facelifts that are “touted” to be performed under local anesthesia while a patient is awake create a very nerve wracking and sometimes painful experience for the patient. We feel that many times these types of procedures are promoted due to their lower price point, but in the end, we never suggest “bargain shopping” when it comes to your face.

How long does it take to perform a Facelift?

The procedure typically takes between 2-6 hours depending on the complexity of the case and if other procedures such as forehead/browlift, blepharoplasty (eye tuck), facial liposuction, chemical peel, laser skin resurfacing, or facial fat grafting are added to further complement the patient’s facelift results. All procedures are performed in a fully accredited outpatient surgery center or hospital. Procedures which are referred to as “lunchtime lifts” which are many times advertised to take less than an hour result in inferior results, with short lived improvement. We never cut corners when it comes to our patients’ faces and take the required time to provide the best results.

Where is a facelift in South Jersey performed?

Facelifts are typically performed in the comfort of an outpatient surgery center. This provides a calm and relaxed environment to perform your facelift in New Jersey. Some patients may have other medical issues that will require them to have their procedure in a hospital setting to allow for more specialized care. In either case, patients are typically sent home after surgery is completed.

Where are incisions made for a Facelift?

Incisions consist of both the “pre” and “post” tragal approaches. The tragus is the small triangular structure that sits in front of the ear canal. It composed of cartilage and covered with skin.

Traditional facelift incisions typically employed the pre-tragal approach, an incision placed in front of the tragus, leaving a noticeable vertical scar.

The Modern-Day Facelift, such as Dr. Corrado’s C-LiftSM facelift, employs the post-tragal approach which allows the incision in front of the ear to be broken up and hidden behind the tragus. The remaining incisions, which occur in front of the ear in this approach, are fashioned to follow the gentle curves of the ear. This allows the incision to be much less noticeable in order to create a natural facelift result.

The remaining incisions are placed behind the ear in the post-auricular crease and then extending along the natural hairline. Incisions in this area do not cross into the hairline, preventing a noticeable “stepoff” along the hairline, a telltale giveaway for a rhytidectomy. Sometimes, a hairline incision may not be necessary, and the incision can end in the post-auricular crease, as seen in popular procedures such as the mini facelift and S Lift.

Will I have noticeable scars after a Facelift?

One of my main goals in performing your surgery is to allow you to heal without noticeable scars. There are two ways that this goal is achieved.

First, proper placement of the incisions is a must! Care is taken to place the incisions in specific locations that follow the gentle curves of the ear, making the incisions less conspicuous post-operatively. I use a post-tragal approach, which helps to further hide the incision, instead of the traditional incision, which is placed completely in front of the ear.

Second, I take much care not to close the skin incision under tension. By addressing and tightening the SMAS layer first, I am able to close the skin incisions with virtually no tension on them. Without tension, incisions heal extremely well without scarring. Tell-tale signs of poor facelift results are wide, thickened scars, which are a result of closing the incisions under tension.

Which facial structures are “tightened” during a Facelift?

The modern-day rhytidectomy involves a “two-layer” approach to facial tightening by addressing the deep and superficial tissue layers. These tissue layers include the SMAS, platysma muscle, and skin.

The SMAS is a connective tissue layer that covers the muscles of the face. The SMAS is one of the most important areas to be addressed in order to achieve long-lasting results. Tightening of the SMAS layer is a key step for a good rhytidectomy.

The platysma is a thin muscle that covers the neck. This area is crucial to achieving good neck rejuvenation. The platysma muscle is tightened both centrally, under the chin, as well as laterally to achieve a firmer neckline.

Once the deep layers of the face and neck have been addressed, the surgeon’s attention is then directed towards the skin. Conservative tightening of the facial and neck skin is carried out to provide a natural look. Overly tightening the facial skin can lead to a “windblown” appearance, which is very unattractive and unnatural.

How long is Facelift recovery?

Initial Recovery

All patients are sent home after surgery and are given a set of detailed post-operative instructions to follow. A mild pain medication will be prescribed for the patient to ease any discomfort. Many of our patients tell us they typically have very little discomfort after their South Jersey facelift. Ice packs or cold compresses are suggested to help any minor swelling or bruising. Patients are asked to sleep in an inclined position to also help alleviate any swelling. Generally, the initial healing process takes 10-14 days. During the first 7-10 days, a majority of the swelling and bruising subsides. All sutures are removed at 7 days after surgery.

Long Term Recovery

Most patients can return to work in 10-14 days. Patients are asked to refrain from physical exertion for a period of 3 weeks. Bruising usually resolves by 2-3 weeks after surgery. The majority of swelling typically resolves in a few weeks, although mild swelling can last for up to 6 months. An elastic compression garment will be worn around the lower face and neck for approximately one week. Most patients report they feel confident to go out to a casual dinner with friends by 2 weeks after surgery. *Individual recovery periods vary depending on the patient and the procedure complexity.

Facelift Recovery FAQs

How painful is a Facelift?

Most patients only require a mild prescription pain reliever the first 24-48 hours after surgery. After this time, most patients require no pain medications at all. For those that do require relief after the first 24-48 hours after surgery, Tylenol typically is more than sufficient.

How long will it take for the bruising to go away after a Facelift?

All patients’ bodies are different, and all patients tend to heal at different rates. Generally, bruising can take approximately 2-3 weeks to resolve. Patients differ regarding the degree of bruising they display. At no point after the procedure should the face be completely covered with bruising, as this can be a sign of a complication such as a hematoma.

Many steps are taken to limit excess bleeding in surgery and subsequent post-operative bruising and swelling. Patients are given an extensive list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications that have blood-thinning properties. There is also an extensive list of herbal and vitamin supplements that need to be avoided because of similar effects. Such medications are usually stopped for two weeks prior to surgery and for up to two weeks after surgery. Dr. Corrado will tell you which medications to avoid at the time of your pre-surgical consultation.

Our office will also provide patients a supplement to take prior to surgery called Arnica Forte. Arnika Forte consists of a combination of Arnica Montana and Bromelain, which have been shown to speed healing allowing for faster recovery from bruising and swelling.

How long does it take for swelling to resolve after a Facelift?

Every patient is unique. Therefore, all patients’ recovery periods differ slightly as well. As a general estimate, at 3-4 months after the surgery, 80-90% of the swelling should be resolved. You should not appear to have facial swelling to others that see you. Patients themselves look at their faces regularly and therefore will pick up on small changes in their facial appearance, such as residual swelling. Patients will continue to see subtle changes in the mirror each day of the recovery period.

I tell patients that generally by 6 months after surgery, all swelling should be gone. We suggest to all our rhytidectomy patients to begin herbal therapy with Arnica Forte prior to their procedure. Dr. Corrado finds that this helps to minimize post-operative swelling.

Cold pack therapy in the immediate pre-operative period will also help. Dr. Corrado will provide thorough instructions for your care after your procedure.

What will my activity level be like after my Facelift in New Jersey?

Dr. Corrado has his patients refrain from all strenuous activity for 3-4 weeks after surgery. Strenuous activity refers to heavy lifting, aerobic exercise, and strength training, as well as all other activities which may raise a patient’s heart rate. By partaking in such activities immediately after surgery, a patient would put themselves at high risk of complications such as bleeding, hematoma, and delayed wound healing.

Dr. Corrado does want his patients to partake in light activity, as lying in bed all day will not help one’s healing or raise a recovering patient’s spirits. For the first three weeks after the procedure, patients may take short walks, as long as they keep themselves protected from the sun and do not exert themselves. At the three-week follow-up appointment, Dr. Corrado will assess a patient’s healing and typically clear them for participation in their normal activities.

Are my facelift results permanent?

Unfortunately, there is no "fountain of youth" and no way to completely halt the aging process. Your face will continue to age following the operation. It will, however, help to "turn the clock back" and allow you to look younger. Most patients say they look 10 years younger following this operation. A patient can prolong the results of their procedure by using a proper skincare regimen, avoiding the sun, not smoking, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle.

Common Types of Facelifts

Lifestyle Lift

Lifestyle Lift was a corporation which was known for heavily marketing their version of the mini facelift using infomercials. The Lifestyle Lift was not a revolutionary procedure, but instead a commonly performed mini facelift procedure which was performed under local anesthesia. Due to the corporation’s savvy advertising campaigns featuring celebrity infomercials it received national notoriety. Patients were led to believe they were receiving a new highly innovative procedure, but instead were receiving the typical mini facelift procedure that most physicians perform. After investigations regarding marketing practices and safety issues in performing operations in an office setting, the company closed for business and filed for bankruptcy in 2015.

Mini Facelift/ S-Lift

The mini facelift is a procedure that is less invasive than a traditional facelift. Mini facelifts are typically indicated for younger patients with early signs of aging, such as mild jowls or mild neck skin laxity. Older patients or patients with more severe signs of aging typically require a more aggressive procedure to address their needs. The “S” lift is another name for a mini facelift which refers to the shape of the incision which produces a “short-scar”. A mini lift will provide patients with rejuvenation of early signs of jowling and facial laxity with a shorter recovery and usually at a lower cost than a traditional rhytidectomy procedure.

SMAS Lift

The SMAS Lift refers to the commonly performed “modern day” facelift procedure. The SMAS (Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System) refers to the deep tissue support structures of the face. As a patient ages, these deep tissue layers become lax in conjunction with the skin. A SMAS facelift seeks to resuspend the sagging deep tissue layers. This maneuver plays a crucial role in providing not only natural results, but also longevity. Once the SMAS is tightened by any number of techniques such as imbrication, plication or SMASectomy, the skin can be tightened in a more natural fashion, preventing an “overdone” look.

Deep Plane Facelift

The Deep Plane Facelift was a technique developed to correct the prominent nasolabial fold and facial changes resulting in descent of the midface. Its proponents believe it offers better results, although I believe that facelift results depend more on the skill of the surgeon than the facelift technique utilized. The technique is performed in between the deeper layers of the face, leading to a potential higher risk of damaging the facial nerve. The deep plane facelift does show a decreased risk with regards to skin necrosis due to the increased flap thickness.

What is a Liquid Facelift and how long does it last?

A “Liquid Facelift” is a term for a combination of minimally invasive procedures used to rejuvenate the face without the need for surgery. The procedure typically involves the use of Botox to soften dynamic wrinkles caused by excessive muscle motion and subtly elevate the brow. The Liquid Facelift in Philadelphia also involves the use of various dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, Voluma, and others to help sculpt, contour, volumize and subtly lift the face. There is little to no downtime following the procedure and typically minimal if any post procedure pain. The results of the procedure can last up to a year. The “Liquid Facelift” is NOT a substitute for a traditional facelift. A “Liquid Facelift” cannot provide anywhere near the dramatic and lasting results that a surgical facelift can deliver.

What procedures are commonly performed with a Facelift to further rejuvenate the face?

In an effort to restore facial beauty, other facial procedures may be performed at the same time as the rhytidectomy. These may include the following procedures:

Revision Facelift Surgery

If I have had a rhytidectomy from another surgeon and I am not happy, can I have a revision facelift?

Yes, Dr. Corrado has much expertise in revision rhytidectomy surgery and has helped many patients achieve the look they were hoping for. Dr. Corrado routinely consults with patients who have had prior procedures and are not happy with their results. He routinely performs revision facelifts in South Jersey to correct complications from prior procedures, or for patients who have continued to age and require another rhytidectomy.

Revision facelift surgery requires the expertise of a facial surgeon who has performed many of these procedures and is knowledgeable of the nuances associated with revisional surgery. Dr. Corrado routinely suggests that patients wait for a least one year after their initial surgery before having a revision. The face takes a year to fully heal and the true results cannot be evaluated until complete healing has taken place.

What can I do if I have noticeable scars from a prior rhytidectomy?

“Hypertrophic scars” refer to wide, thick, and raised scars along the incision lines. Many times, these scars occur because the incisions are not sutured properly, or the incision sutures are placed under a lot of tension. Multiple treatments exist to correct this type of scarring, and the treatment choice usually depends on the extent of the problem.

Minor thickened scars can many times be treated with steroid injections, which allow the scars to gently smooth and fade. For more moderate scars, laser resurfacing can be used. Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing provides a means to smooth out thick, raised incisional scars. For major scarring, many times surgical treatment is necessary. Surgical treatment involves removal of the thickened scar tissue and repeat suturing of the incision.

Why do some patients look like their faces are pulled too tight or look “windblown” after a Facelift?

A person whose face looks overly pulled does not represent a satisfactory result. This undesirable look is many times caused by the direction the skin is tightened during the surgery. By pulling the skin directly back on a horizontal plane, an unnatural result is attained.

The facelift procedure is used to combat gravity. Gravity pulls everything downward; therefore, the proper direction for facial tightening is mainly upwards, with a slight pull back. By using this vector of tightening, the lower facial structures are repositioned to a more youthful level. Such results lead to natural beauty for our patients.

Can I have more than one rhytidectomy in my life?

It is not uncommon for patients to have two, or even three of facelifts in their lifetime. As life expectancies continue to increase, more and more patients are visiting the practice seeking to look younger even into their elder years. Many patients begin with a mini facelift in their mid-to-late 40s and return 5-10 years later for a traditional lift in order to look youthful well into their 70s.

Age is not a discriminating factor for surgery. Instead, a patient’s health status is most important. Regardless of age, all patients go through pre-operative screening to evaluate their eligibility to undergo surgery. Many elder patients are in great health and are cleared to have facial rejuvenation procedures and surgery.

Facelift Informational Videos

Facelift Surgery

Mini Facelift Surgery

Revision Facelift Surgery

Common Facelift FAQs

What are some of the different types of facelifts?

The purpose of a facelift is to provide rejuvenation to the lower third of the face, specifically the neck and jawline. Patients seeking rhytidectomy in Philadelphia, all seek a procedure which provides a natural and more youthful result.

Different techniques exist based on the degree of aging present. Beginning with patients in the early 40s, it is common to have complaints about mild sagging of the neck skin and the early formation of “jowls. These patients are usually excellent candidates for a mini lift.

Those in their 50s and beyond may complain of more severe jowling and sagging of the face and neck requiring a more aggressive procedure to achieve their desired result. Below one can find a list of some of the more commonly described facelift techniques.

Mini Facelift/S-Lift

Lifestyle Lift

SMAS Lift

Deep Plane Facelift

Liquid Facelift

What procedures are commonly performed with a Facelift to further rejuvenate the face?

In an effort to restore facial beauty, other facial procedures may be performed at the same time as the rhytidectomy. These may include the following procedures:

Forehead/Brow Lift
Blepharoplasty (Eye Tuck)
Chin Augmentation
Neck Liposuction
Facial Fat Grafting
Chemical Peel
Laser Resurfacing

Do I need to quit smoking before a facelift?

Smoking and all nicotine-containing products will have adverse effects on wound healing. Patients who smoke, use smokeless tobacco, or utilize any nicotine-containing products such as nicotine gum will need to stop before their procedure.

Smoking will cause delays in wound healing, wound breakdown, possible skin death (necrosis), and increased risk of infection and scarring. Typically, patients are asked to refrain from nicotine one month prior to their procedure and remain nicotine free for one month after. Many patients find this to be a great excuse to break their habit, with many patients telling the practice that they have quit for good. It should also be noted that patients should remove themselves from environments with “secondhand smoke,” as this can cause similar problems.

Will a facelift correct my “turkey neck”?

A “turkey neck” deformity usually refers to laxity in the neck region under the chin. Most commonly, this laxity is due to sagging skin or muscle. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and does not sit as tightly on our neck.

Many times, excess skin alone is what causes the “turkey neck.” In this instance, a facelift will help to remove excess skin and redrape the skin in a tighter position on the neck. If thick bands are present as well, then laxity of the platysma muscle exists. This muscle is present on both sides of the neck and meets in the middle under one’s chin to form a “seam,” like what we see on a pair of pants. As this “seam” separates with aging, the free ends of the platysma muscle become much more visible. Noticeable platysmal bands are seen under the chin.

In order to correct neck bandkign, a necklift procedure referred to as a platysmaplasty, is performed in conjunction with the rhytidectomy. During this procedure, the free ends of the platysma muscle are brought together and the “seam” is recreated with sutures. After suturing the platysma muscles back together, a tighter, more youthful neckline is achieved. Dr. Corrado will examine your face carefully in consultation to choose which procedures are right for you.

Will a facelift correct my “double chin”?

Many patients complain of excess sagging and fullness in the neck area under their chin. Commonly, this fullness is referred to by patients as their “second chin”. It is not uncommon for excess fatty deposits to be present in the submental area, which results in a heavy appearance of the lower face and neck.

These fatty deposits can be corrected during a facelift with liposuction. A small incision no longer than a half inch is made in the crease under the chin, and a small suction cannula is used to gently suction out the excess fat.

Does a facelift correct jowls?

The best procedure for correction of jowls is a lower facelift. Jowls are formed due to descent of sagging tissue in the face along the jawline.

During a rhytidectomy in Philadelphia or South Jersey, the jowls are addressed by tightening and removing excess tissue and skin. The SMAS layer is addressed first. SMAS plication involves placing sutures in the SMAS to tighten it. This portion of the procedure provides a firm and refined facial foundation onto which the skin can be redraped. The skin is then tightened and areas of excess skin are removed. This leads to a refined jawline and a more youthful profile.

Will a facelift remove wrinkles?

As we age, our skin loses its elastic properties. With decreases in facial collagen and elastin, two key components to youthful skin, the skin begins to sag and overall skin quality is worsened.

The main purpose of a facelift is to “lift” and remove sagging skin along the face and neck. It is a procedure used to combat the effects of gravity. Because the facial skin is tightened, as a result facial wrinkles do appear to be improved as well. This operation is NOT the procedure needed to combat wrinkles. Instead, other procedures exist to eliminate wrinkles.

Deep static wrinkles on the face require fillers to smooth out deep crevices. Juvederm, Restylane, and facial fat grafting are three procedures which are effective in eliminating deep facial wrinkles. Fine lines and wrinkles are best treated with either laser resurfacing or chemical peels. Both procedures help to eliminate wrinkles, improve overall skin quality and complexion, and provide a mild degree of skin tightening.

Lastly, wrinkles caused by muscle overactivity are best treated with Botox. Facial wrinkles in the regions of the crow’s feet, forehead, and “11″ lines between the eyebrows can be eliminated with Botox®.

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What is a Facelift?

What are the benefits of facelift surgery?

Who is a good candidate for a Facelift?

What is a good age for a Facelift?

What are the realistic expectations for patients having a Facelift?

How does a Facelift work?

What type of anesthesia is used for a Facelift?

How long does it take to perform a Facelift?

Where is a facelift in South Jersey performed?

Where are incisions made for a Facelift?

Will I have noticeable scars after a Facelift?

Which facial structures are “tightened” during a Facelift?

How long is Facelift recovery?

Initial Recovery

Long Term Recovery

Facelift Recovery FAQs

How painful is a Facelift?

How long will it take for the bruising to go away after a Facelift?

How long does it take for swelling to resolve after a Facelift?

What will my activity level be like after my Facelift in New Jersey?

Are my facelift results permanent?

Common Types of Facelifts

Lifestyle Lift

Mini Facelift/ S-Lift

SMAS Lift

Deep Plane Facelift

What is a Liquid Facelift and how long does it last?

What procedures are commonly performed with a Facelift to further rejuvenate the face?

Revision Facelift Surgery

If I have had a rhytidectomy from another surgeon and I am not happy, can I have a revision facelift?

What can I do if I have noticeable scars from a prior rhytidectomy?

Why do some patients look like their faces are pulled too tight or look “windblown” after a Facelift?

Can I have more than one rhytidectomy in my life?

Facelift Informational Videos

Common Facelift FAQs

What are some of the different types of facelifts?

What procedures are commonly performed with a Facelift to further rejuvenate the face?

Do I need to quit smoking before a facelift?

Will a facelift correct my “turkey neck”?

Will a facelift correct my “double chin”?

Does a facelift correct jowls?

Will a facelift remove wrinkles?

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