Thinking of a Facelift? Here’s What You Can Realistically Expect!

Facial aging isn’t something that every person experiences without a little grief. A few lines and wrinkles may, in fact, show that we’ve lived and laughed and loved. Beyond that, the changes in facial contour may cause us immense frustration. We often hear patients say that they feel they don’t look like themselves anymore, and we understand why. The very structure of the face changes over the years. It goes from looking slim and contoured to looking flat and saggy. This structural change leads many adults to consider a facelift. 

In our Santa Barbara office, we prioritize each patient’s desired outcome. At the same time, we are committed to preserving a person’s natural appearance. That said, it is crucial to know what you can realistically expect when you seek facial rejuvenation through a facelift. As you may have heard, those who have realistic expectations also tend to be the most satisfied with the outcome of plastic surgery. Here, we look at what a facelift can and cannot do.

Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Facelift

People often state a simple expectation when asked why they want a facelift. They say “I want to look younger.” This general expectation, though, is subjective. What does it mean to look younger? How much younger do you want to look? While facelift surgery remains the most effective, long-lasting, and profoundly rewarding approach, there are limitations. It is not possible to take a person in their 60s and make them look 30 again. Even when younger patients in their 40 undergo a facelift, we do not expect them to look like they are in their 20s. What we typically anticipate is for a person to look about 10 years younger after a facelift. This is ideal because it is noticeable but not overdone.

Patients interested in facial rejuvenation should also know that a facelift is not a full-face procedure, though it may sound like it. This surgery repositions tissue across the mid-face, which can result in improved cheek contours. With more volume and shape in the mid-face, the jawline may naturally look smoother and more angular. In some cases, excess fatty tissue is removed from the upper neck and chin area using liposuction.

Facial rejuvenation is all about proportions and natural beauty. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Lowenstein, call 805.969.9004.