Facelift

What is an A-Lift?

Facelift procedures are most commonly performed on patients who fall within the 40 to 60 age range; however, the procedure can produce good outcomes for those who are in their 60’s and beyond. You may be an ideal candidate for the A-Lift facelift if you have any of the following concerns:

• Lines that run from the corners of your nose to the corners of your mouth (nasolabial folds)
• Creases that extend from the corners of your mouth to your chin (marionette lines)
• Displaced or fallen facial volume
• Loss of a well-defined jawline
• Loose skin and excess fatty deposits that create the
• Sagging skin in the midface and/or along the jawline that creates jowls

Who is a good candidate for An A-Lift?

The best candidates for the A-lift are those who are in good health standing, are nonsmokers and have realistic expectations for what a facelift procedure can accomplish for them. During your consultation, Dr. Almonte will carefully evaluate your medical history, concerns and goals to determine whether the A-lift facelift is right for you. He may also explain additional procedures that can be performed alongside your facelift that will help you achieve your desired look. For example, facelifts are frequently combined with procedures such as:

• A forehead lift (brow lift) to correct droopy eyebrows or lines and furrows on the brow
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to eliminate excess upper eyelid skin or bags and puffiness under the eyes
• Skin treatments such as laser peels to smooth away fine lines and wrinkles
• Fat transfers to restore youthful volume to the face

What to expect from your A-Lift procedure

Our primary goal at the Almonte Center is for our patients to undergo any surgical procedure in the safest possible manner. The facelift has long been considered to be the gold standard of anti-aging procedures and has been studied for decades in the medical field. Because these studies have proven that local anesthesia is the safest approach, Dr. Almonte performs all A-lift procedures with local anesthesia to avoid the severe risks and complications involved with general anesthesia.

During your A-lift procedure, Dr. Almonte will create discreet incisions on either side of your face beginning at the temples and wrapping behind the ears to end at the base of the hairline. Through these incisions, the underlying facial muscle known as the SMAS is tightened, and fat may be repositioned to create a more youthful facial structure. The skin is then re-draped over your new facial structure, with any excess tissue trimmed away before closing the incisions. For most of our patients, the A-lift facelift can be completed in one to two hours but will take longer if any additional procedures are performed.

What to expect from your recovery

Each patient’s recovery experience will vary depending on their case. Discomfort is typically mild and can be managed with pain medications. Side effects such as swelling and bruising are expected but should peak around two days after your procedure. Keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses can help reduce any discomfort. You will need to take time off work for the initial recovery period and will be advised to avoid strenuous activity.

It is typically common to resume your work and daily activities within two weeks. Still, it will ultimately be up to you to determine when you feel comfortable going out in public. As you return to your regular routine after the A-lift, it’s vital to keep your face protected from the sun as your skin and scars will be especially vulnerable to sun damage. Dr. Almonte will provide you with thorough aftercare instructions so that you know exactly what to expect from your recovery period.

Your A-Lift results

The results of your procedure will be incredibly long-lasting and transformative. Most patients can enjoy their refreshed and youthful-looking appearance for 10 to 15 years before signs of aging begin to creep up once again. Your restored facial contours will make you look years younger, and will age gracefully and naturally with you over time.

It is important to note that despite the best and latest techniques in facial rejuvenation, nothing will stop the aging process. Plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift are intended to slow it down. Your skin will continue to age normally; however, because of your facelift, your appearance will look younger and better than if you had never undergone the procedure.

Your consultation

A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering the A-Lift facelift. During this meeting, Dr. Almonte assesses your physical and emotional health and discusses your specific cosmetic goals for surgery. It would be best if you arrived at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

• Previous surgeries
• Past and present medical conditions
• Treatments you have received
• Medications you are taking, including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies

If you are overweight and have a desire to lose more than 15 pounds, your weight loss could affect your final results. It’s essential to discuss these plans with Dr. Almonte during your consultation. Dr. Almonte will assess your bone structure and the underlying tissues of the face. The thickness, texture and elasticity of your skin and the severity of the wrinkles will also be considered. Your hairline will be examined to determine where incisions can be discreetly placed. All of these factors will be discussed in developing your surgical plan.

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