At Stein Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stein, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, specializes in primary facelifts to address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, jowls, and loss of facial volume. If you seek a refreshed, youthful appearance, Dr. Stein’s personalized approach ensures natural-looking, long-lasting results tailored to your needs.
Lift and Tighten Sagging Skin on the Face and Neck
A primary facelift is a comprehensive surgical procedure that lifts and tightens sagging skin, smooths deep facial wrinkles, and redefines the contours of the jawline and neck. It targets visible signs of aging by addressing the underlying facial structures, not just the surface skin, providing long-lasting results. The surgery involves removing excess skin, repositioning facial tissues, and tightening the underlying muscles to restore a youthful appearance. A primary facelift can correct issues like jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and loose skin around the neck.
What a Primary Facelift Can Do for You
A primary facelift can dramatically improve your appearance by addressing multiple signs of aging, helping you regain a more youthful look. This procedure tightens sagging skin, smooths wrinkles, and restores facial contours. Here are some issues a primary facelift can treat:
- Sagging skin around the jawline
- Deep wrinkles and creases around the mouth and nose
- Jowls forming along the lower face
- Loose skin and excess fat in the neck area
- Drooping facial muscles that affect facial structure
Am I a Good Candidate for
a Primary Facelift?
You may be a good candidate for a primary facelift if you’re experiencing signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. The ideal candidates are typically in their 40s to 60s, in good health, and non-smokers. You must have realistic expectations about the results and understand that this is a surgical procedure with a recovery period.
You should also be free from conditions like uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease that could complicate surgery or recovery. During your consultation, Dr. Stein will thoroughly evaluate your facial structure, skin elasticity, and overall health to determine if a primary facelift is the right option for you. He will also discuss any necessary precautions to ensure a safe, successful outcome.
Primary Facelift vs. Revision Facelift
A primary facelift is performed on individuals undergoing facial rejuvenation surgery for the first time. This procedure addresses early to moderate signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls, by lifting and tightening the facial tissues. The results can be long-lasting, especially when combined with proper skincare and maintenance treatments.
A revision facelift is for patients who have already undergone a facelift but need additional corrections due to further aging or unsatisfactory results from the initial surgery. This procedure is more complex, as it involves working with previously altered tissues and scar tissue. Revision facelifts require an advanced level of expertise to ensure natural-looking results.
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Your Consultation With Dr. Stein
During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your aesthetic goals in detail. Dr. Stein will perform a thorough facial examination, assessing skin elasticity, muscle tone, and the overall structure of your face. He will also review your medical history and any relevant health conditions to ensure you’re a suitable candidate. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan, with Dr. Stein explaining the steps of the procedure, expected outcomes, and recovery process. This is your time to ask questions and gain a clear understanding of the surgery.
What Happens During the Primary Facelift?
A primary facelift typically takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the areas being treated. The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to ensure you remain comfortable throughout surgery.
Dr. Stein will make incisions, usually starting at the temples, extending down around the front of the ears, and sometimes beneath the chin for neck work.
These incisions are placed strategically along natural creases to minimize visible scarring.
Dr. Stein lifts the underlying SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), the layer of tissue beneath the skin, tightening and repositioning it to correct sagging and improve facial contours. Excess skin is carefully trimmed away, and the remaining skin is re-draped to create a smooth, natural appearance without over-tightening. Drains may be placed to prevent fluid buildup, and sutures are used to close the incisions precisely. A compression dressing is applied to support healing and reduce swelling.
What Can I Expect From Recovery?
After your primary facelift, you can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort, especially during the first few days. Dr. Stein will provide pain medication and detailed instructions to manage any discomfort. Swelling typically peaks within 48 to 72 hours and subsides over the next two weeks. You should keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
In the first week, you may need to wear a compression garment to support healing. The stitches are usually removed within 7 to 10 days, and most patients return to non-strenuous activities in about two weeks. However, it can take several months for swelling to resolve completely and for the final results to appear fully. Full recovery, including a return to high-impact activities, is generally expected around 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery.
Complementary Procedures
To enhance your facelift results, Dr. Stein may recommend complementary procedures tailored to your needs. These could include neck liposuction to refine your jawline, a brow lift to address forehead wrinkles, or eyelid surgery to rejuvenate tired eyes. Combining treatments can provide a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, giving you balanced, natural-looking results that address multiple areas of concern.
Patient Testimonials
Everyone in the office is so pleasant and the whole process was very smooth and easy. After having a consultation with another top surgeon in the Raleigh area, I ultimately chose Dr. Stein because of our conversations. I feel like he really listened to me…
-K.R.
I think this was probably one of the best decisions I have made and still think about it frequently. Dr. Stein remains in contact with you for follow ups even months after the procedure to ensure you are on track. I am very impressed with his continued concern…
-K.B.
He was very up front and real during my consultation regarding the procedure I wanted and just seemed so genuine (we both knew there would be results, we just didn’t know how good). Following surgery, my results are phenomenal! Even he was amazed…
-J.B.
His staff was very friendly, and a beautiful inviting office. I am very pleased with the results and would highly recommend Dr. Stein! He was prompt in answering questions that came up as I was recovering, it did not matter the day or time, he responded quickly…
-A.G.
From making an appointment to getting the procedure was only 1-2 months and everything went smoothly. Did some research and Dr. Stein was the best/highest rated I could find. Don’t settle for less when it comes to your face. Also Stein and his staff are all very nice…
-D.N.
Dr. Stein and his staff members are just amazing! I love how they took good care of me, I can’t be more pleased with the results of my rhinoplasty. You’ll are very professional. This was a great experience! Thanks to all of you, I feel a totally different person….
-M.M.
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Request Your Consultation With Dr. Stein
Dr. Stein is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with decades of experience delivering personalized, high-quality care to his patients. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, he creates natural-looking, long-lasting facelift results. At Stein Plastic Surgery, your satisfaction and comfort are the top priorities, and Dr. Stein even provides his personal number for direct post-surgical support. If you’re considering a primary facelift, schedule your consultation and begin your journey to a refreshed appearance.
