Dr. Serebrakian is a leading surgeon in the San Francisco Bay Area for facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelift surgery. He is double boarded by the American Board of Head & Neck Surgery and American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure used to correct sagging skin and facial muscles, and contour the lower half of the face. It rejuvenates and reverses the signs of aging by tightening the muscle, removing fat and trimming excess skin, giving the face a fresher, more youthful look. For patients hoping to improve the top half of their face, we suggest considering a brow lift.
Who is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Most anyone over the age of 45 could benefit from a facelift of some sort. Generally, a facelift rejuvenates the mid-to-lower face and neck. Ideal candidates normally relate to one or more of the following characteristics on your face:
- Mid-face sagging
- Deep creases under your eyes
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Jowls have formed on your jawline
- Fatty, sagging areas just below your cheekbones
- Loose skin, wrinkles, vertical cords, and fatty tissue on your neck
The length and involvement of the procedure depend on how much time you’ve spent in the sun, environmental issues, personal habits, and stresses.
Facelift Before & After Photos
Types of Facelift Procedures
Although approaches vary depending on the treatment and the patient’s needs, facelift surgery has some universal characteristics that make the surgery safer and more intricate than ever before. Two popular types of facelift surgery include the mini facelift and a full facelift.
Mini Facelift:
A mini facelift, also known as a “celebrity facelift”, is an appropriate procedure for treating aging signs from the jaw upward. It is not particularly effective for lifting the neck and chin. This procedure is less invasive than a traditional facelift and requires minimal downtime (less than a week of recovery).
Full Facelift:
A full, or complete, facelift improves the appearance of the neck, the jaw, and the cheeks before the cheekbones. This procedure is often recommended for our patients in San Francisco, who experience more extreme signs of aging.
What Our Patients Have To Say
“Dr. Serebrakian did an amazing job with one of my family member’s neck and face lift. He didn’t make her skin look pulled, so it looked completely natural. He and his staff kept made themselves available 24/7 right after the surgery in the case that she needed to consult with them. Highly recommend him!”
– Giselle C.
Can Facelift Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Patients who undergo facelift surgery often combine it with other cosmetic procedures. Most commonly, a facelift is combined with a brow lift, eyelid surgery, laser treatments, injectable fillers, and dermal fillers. Combining procedures allows for less downtime if you were already considering more surgeries.
Can Men Have a Facelift Surgery?
Facelifts can be equally effective for men as for women. Increasingly, men are seeking the benefits of facelift surgery to achieve a younger, rejuvenated look. A consultation with Dr. Serebrakian can help you determine the approaches that best suit the male face, as well as the benefits and risks of the surgery
What to Expect During My Facelift Procedure
The facelift surgeries are being performed at Bay Area Laser Surgery Center, an accredited & certified ambulatory surgery center. Facelift procedure will depend on the patient’s facial structure, and the extent of correction desired. Dr. Serebrakian may choose to use one of two types of techniques, traditional facelift, and limited-incision facelift.
What is the Recovery From a Facelift Procedure?
Scars become less visible and sensitive over time. The recovery period involves:
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Bruising
- Tightness/tension in the face and neck.
What Are the Facelift Risks and Complications?
Of course, all of the risks that accompany any surgery apply to facelift surgery, however, there are some specific potential side effects:
- Injury to the nerves that control facial muscles (usually temporary)
- Numbness or tingling around the incision areas (temporary)
- Hair loss at the incision sites
- Skin discoloration (rare but can continue for several months)
- Skin healing issues (more common with smokers)
How can I Prepare for My Facelift Surgery?
In preparation for your surgery, you will need to stop taking blood-thinning medications and supplements. This may include prescription and OTC medications. We will review the supplements and medications you use to help you determine which will need to be stopped before surgery.
If you use nicotine, including vaping, you must stop at least six weeks before your procedure. This is because nicotine and other vasoconstrictors, including most nasal decongestants, can slow the healing process and result in the development of scars.
We suggest you create a comfortable place to recover before your procedure. Stock it with comforts to allow yourself time to be still and relax for the first few days of recovery. We will provide additional information, including suggestions for recovery, based on your specific needs.
Will Facelift Surgery Leave a Scar?
Scars are possible with both mini and full facelift procedures. You help to reduce your risks by closely following our pre and postoperative advice, including keeping incisions dry and clean, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking care of your body. Avoiding vasoconstrictors will help reduce risks as well.
If scars develop, scar ointments or silicone scar sheets may help diminish their appearance. In addition, several non-surgical skin resurfacing options can also reduce the appearance of scars. We can discuss these as needed to help ensure the best outcomes.
How Long do I Need to Wait to Travel After Facelift Surgery?
It is best to avoid travel for at least one week after facelift surgery. Pressure changes in the cabin can exacerbate discomfort and increase swelling. The strain of traveling can also delay or complicate recovery.
Please discuss travel plans with us if they will occur within a month of your procedure so we can help you plan accordingly.
Will My Facelift Results Look Natural?
Facelift results can look overdone, with the skin drawn too tight, distorting features and producing an unnatural appearance. This is, of course, the exact opposite of what patients are hoping to achieve.
Board-certified surgeon, Dr. Armen Serebrakian, takes every care to plan and perform these delicate surgeries to exacting specifications. During your initial consultation, he will use tools and technology to help you visualize your results, allowing you to better understand what you can expect from the procedure.
Is Facelift Surgery Permanent?
Facelift surgery is long-lasting, but it will not last forever. Gravity, genetics, lifestyle, environment, and more will factor into how long your facelift results last, but by and large, ten years is a realistic expectation.
You can help extend your procedure's results by taking proper care of your skin. We can help you find a skin care regimen that suits your needs and suggest the best products for your specific concerns. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments, such as wrinkle relaxers, dermal fillers, and skin resurfacing, can also help to extend results.
During your initial consultation, Dr. Serebrakian will assess your skin elasticity, discuss your facelift options, and help you determine how long you can expect your results to last.
What to Expect During Your Facelift Consultation With Dr. Serebrakian
During your consultation, Dr. Serebrakian will discuss the options available to you. He will consult with you to help you determine which procedures are best suited for your needs, and which will give you the results you desire. Some patients might find that they can attain their goals with a less invasive procedure, such as chemical or laser peels. Others may be happier with their results if they combine facelift surgery with other procedures, such as a neck lift or brow lift.
Schedule A Consultation
At Bay Area Cosmetic Laser Surgery Center, we look forward to helping you diminish the signs of aging and restore a youthful and rejuvenated appearance to your face. To schedule a consultation, please call our Pinole office at 510-724-8282 or our Larkspur office at 415-461-5755. Dr. Armen Serebrakian serves San Francisco, Larkspur, Pinole CA and surrounding areas.
