Getting older is an unavoidable part of life, and a person’s face tends to be the biggest betrayer of her advancing years. This is caused by a combination of several factors. As we age, our body experiences a natural decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, two of the key components of smooth, supple skin.

Getting older is an unavoidable part of life, and a person’s face tends to be the biggest betrayer of her advancing years. This is caused by a combination of several factors. As we age, our body experiences a natural decrease in the production of collagen and elastin, two of the key components of smooth, supple skin.

Our face also has the greatest exposure to harsh external elements such as pollution and sun damage. The result is skin that lacks elasticity, and lines and wrinkles begin to form. Sagging can occur around the jaw, chin, and neck, often causing us to look older than our actual age. Many individuals turn to expensive products with outlandish claims, and while some may offer temporary relief, most of us find that there simply is not one product out there that can turn back the clock to the extent that we would like. While aging is unavoidable, the effects of aging do not have to be permanent. A facelift at LoTempio Plastic Surgery in Manhattan, NY can rejuvenate your appearance, giving you a younger, fresher complexion.

Common signs of facial aging

There will come a time when your face seems to start aging more rapidly than usual. When this happens, you may notice some of the following signs:

• The corners of your mouth will drop, giving you a ‘downturned’ smile

• The smile lines on your face will become deeper

• Your eyebrows may seem heavier or lower

• The skin on your eyebrows is no longer as smooth as it was

• Wrinkles develop around the eyes, on the forehead, and around the lips

• Your jawline looks less defined

• Excess skin develops around your chin and neck

The facelift procedure

A facelift is a fairly short and straightforward procedure that is carried out while the patient is under anesthesia. An incision is made around the ear and along the hairline, which helps to disguise the scar. Dr. LoTempio then removes any excess fat, tightens underlying muscles, and pulls the skin so that it molds to the contours of your face. Excess skin can then be cut away before the skin is stitched back up and left to heal.

Complementary surgeries to the facelift

In many cases, patients choose to combine a facelift with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a brow or neck lift, which can help them to achieve a total transformation.

​​​​​​​A brow lift can improve the appearance of sagging eyebrows, forehead wrinkles, and frown lines. An incision is made into the hairline, which minimizes the appearance of a scar.

A neck lift can reverse the signs of aging in this area. The procedure involves making an incision under the neck, and the muscles are tightened, with any excess skin removed.

Recovery from a facelift procedure

A standard facelift should take around three hours and your face will be heavily bandaged for up to 48 hours while the initial phase of healing takes place. You may be in some discomfort, but Dr. LoTempio will provide you with medication to help alleviate your pain.

The stitches used to secure your facelift will be removed approximately a week after your surgery, but most patients find that the swelling and bruising they experience after their procedure takes 14-21 days to subside. As a result, many patients choose to take off from their job until these effects are minimal.

Arrange a facelift with Dr. LoTempio

Dr. LoTempio understands the effect that aging can have and will work with you to help you achieve a more youthful-looking reflection. Contact our Manhattan plastic surgery office today at 347-434-8600