Facelift and Mini Facelift

The Facelift works for everyone. As men and women age, the lower 1/3 of their faces begin to show aging.  Besides wrinkles, the skin begins to sag. The lower face and jawline lose definition, and the skin under the chin loosens.  If these signs of aging are driving you crazy, it’s time to call Farzad R. Nahai, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, GA, to discuss a mini facelift or facelift. Dr. Farzad Nahai, along with Dr. Foad Nahai does not consider a mini facelift a one-size-fits-all procedure.  During the consultation, they work with each patient to plan a unique surgical procedure that addresses his or her aesthetic needs. The object is to obtain a more youthful and refreshed appearance with beautiful natural-looking results. Some individuals choose to combine procedures such as a necklift, browlift, blepharoplasty, or mid-facelift in conjunction with the mini.  Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai will explain all the options to you as part of the consulting process.  It’s important to Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai that you meet your aesthetic goals.

Choose the BEST Surgeon

It’s important to select an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to trust to do your surgery. Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai studies their patients before surgery and follows them carefully after surgery to make sure each patient is comfortable and does not suffer post-surgical complications.

The Mini Facelift

The mini facelift is a popular treatment because there is less downtime than a full facelift where bruising and swelling last longer. The incisions are well- hidden in the natural contours of your face and hairline. The surgical plan for your mini facelift is personalized for your face and degree of aging.  As a result, the surgery is targeted and less-invasive than a full facelift and it can be done using local anesthesia.  You can feel more confident in your appearance with less downtime.

Mini Surgery Includes Muscles

The word “mini” might imply that this surgery is superficial.  This procedure also addresses the immediate underlying muscular system, or superficial muscular aponeurotic system, and the fat tissues. It’s important to understand facial aging is not entirely about the visible skin. The underlying supportive structures play a large role in the skin tone and definition. The muscles must be addressed to make a dramatic and lasting difference.

Surgery Basics

At the consultation, Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai will discuss pre-op instructions.  You will need to have someone drive you to the surgical appointment and take you home that day because the surgery is performed on an out-patient basis. The surgery takes approximately 2 hours and you will recover in the comfort of your own home.

Post-Op

Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai will give post-op instructions that include when you can return to your normal physical activities.  Strenuous activities that raise your heart rate must be avoided during the week following surgery. If you follow doctor’s orders, you will see a rejuvenated, new you within the year.  Everyone heals at a different rate.

You will have several follow-up appointments so Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai can monitor your progress and healing. Stitches will be removed approximately one week after surgery.  At any time during the recovery process, you can call the office to ask questions or get information.

These side effects of facelift surgery are common:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Redness
• Sensitivity
• Discomfort
• Loss of sensation
• Tightness as your body adjusts to the newly repositioned tissues

Not a “Weekend” Procedure

Some individuals refer to a mini facelift as a “weekend” facelift. However, it takes longer than a weekend to heal after this surgery.  Some patients may return to work one week after surgery and other may require several weeks to heal from swelling and bruising.  It may take up to a year before the final results are clear.

Mini Facelift Results

The results of a mini surgery can last 5-10 years.  Remember, the aging process continues.  Dr. Nahai can suggest several types of non-invasive treatment such as Botox^®, laser treatments, liposuction, and fillers to help you maintain the benefits of your mini facelift.

The mini facelift is popular because it meets the needs of many patients who, for personal or professional reasons, want a rejuvenated, refreshed look with minimal downtime.

Full Facelift

A full facelift surgery is recommended for individuals who have signs of aging such as sagging skin and wrinkles from below the eye area down to the chin line.  In a full facelift, the incisions are longer and more skin is removed. More tissue is tightened and moved.  The result is full-facial rejuvenation.

Something to Consider: Lasting Results

A consultation with Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai will help you decide which procedure will help you regain the youthful, vibrant appearance you desire.  The full facelift has a longer downtime and costs more; however, both have lasting results. The mini lift might be more appropriate if you have a specific area of concern or the aging process of your skin is not advanced.

The Extent of Surgery

A full facelift addresses moderate-to-advanced aging around the mid-face.  Using skilled surgical techniques, Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai repositions the deeper tissue and removes excess skin to smooth creases.  A facelift is done to improve the lower 2/3 of the face to the jawline. Jowls and sagging are eliminated, and your face is restored to its youthful contours. As mentioned earlier, some patients choose to do blepharoplasty or a neck lift in conjunction with the full facelift for optimal results.

Recovery

The most popular question patients ask about the full facelift is about the “downtime.”  The side effects of the surgery are much the same as the mini facelift except more widespread.  Generally, patients can go out in public after a week.  In  10 to 14 days, the bruising is barely noticeable.  You can ask your surgeon at a follow-up appointment about make-up.  Every patient heals at different rates, so it’s important to be patient.

Maintaining Your Results

Maintaining your overall health can benefit you. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) notes quitting smoking before the surgery not only aids healing but will also help you look your best in the future. You should also maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and limited alcohol consumption to extend the life of your mini or full facelift surgery. Regular visits to a licensed aesthetician and use of cosmeceutical products are also beneficial.

Every patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.

Dr. Farzad Nahai, and Dr. Foad Nahai can give you a whole new look with a facelift or mini facelift.  These procedures can really dial back the years and make you look younger and more rested.  Call today to set up a consultation appointment. Dr. Nahai has patients all around metro Atlanta, GA including Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Paulding, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta.