Struggling with visible signs of aging can be a hit to one’s self-confidence. Dr. Panossian, a leading Pasadena plastic surgeon, specializes in facelift procedures. This plastic surgery targets loose skin, wrinkles, and fine lines to restore a youthful contour and vibrancy, enabling you to face the world anew.
Discover the Life-Changing Benefits of a Facelift in Pasadena
Experience a revitalized look and combat facial aging with a cutting-edge facelift procedure by board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Andre Panossian. Achieve optimal, long-lasting results that address your cosmetic concerns and enhance your facial appearance, all facilitated by a seamless recovery process.
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The procedure
Understanding Facelift Surgery: Your Guide to Rejuvenation
A rhytidectomy, or facelift, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that rejuvenates the face by removing excess skin and fat deposits, tightening underlying muscles, and repositioning soft tissues. The result is a smoother, more youthful appearance with reduced wrinkles and sagging skin or jowls. This procedure is particularly effective in addressing signs of aging in the mid to lower face, including the cheeks (nasolabial folds), jawline, and neck, with natural-looking results.
Are You a Suitable Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Ideal candidates for a traditional facelift are individuals who:
- Are in good overall health and do not have any medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure
- Are experiencing moderate to severe facial aging, including sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume
- Are non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the plastic surgery in Pasadena to promote proper healing
Risks and Complications
Informed Decisions: Understanding the Risks of Facelift Surgery
While facelift surgery is generally considered safe, there are potential complications and risks associated with all invasive procedures. These may include:
- Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin that may require surgical drainage
- Facial nerve injury: Temporary or permanent damage to the facial nerves, which can result in facial weakness or asymmetry
- Infection: Proper wound care and antibiotic use can help minimize this risk
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia: Discuss any history of anesthesia complications with your surgeon before the facial surgery
It is important to minimize the risk of complications by carefully following your surgeon’s instructions before and after surgery. Additionally, selecting an experienced and skilled Pasadena plastic surgeon like Dr. Andre Panossian can help ensure the best possible outcome.
Investing in Your Confidence
Facelift Costs and Financing Options in Pasadena
Depending on the scope of the procedure, the expertise of the surgeon, and the practice’s geographic location, the average cost of facelift surgery may fluctuate. It is important to consider all aspects of the surgery, including anesthesia fees, facility fees, and post-operative care, when determining the total facelift cost. During a consultation, these variables will be determined.
While insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures, there are typically financing options available to help make facelift surgery more affordable. Many plastic surgeons offer payment plans or work with third-party financing companies to provide patients with flexible payment options.
Preparing
Preparing for Your Facelift: Steps for a Successful Surgery
Preparing for a facelift involves several steps to ensure a successful surgery and recovery:
- Consultation: During your initial consultation, discuss your goals and expectations with Dr. Panossian, who will evaluate your facial anatomy and design a surgical plan for your specific needs.
- Medical evaluation: Complete any necessary pre-operative tests and provide a detailed medical history, including any medications or supplements you are taking.
- Lifestyle changes: If you smoke, it is crucial to quit at least four weeks before surgery and avoid smoking during the recovery process, as it can negatively impact healing. Maintain a healthy diet and stay well-hydrated leading up to the procedure.
- Medication adjustments: Dr. Panossian may recommend stopping certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with anesthesia.
- Arrange for support: Plan to have someone drive you home after surgery and assist with daily tasks during the initial recovery period.
By following these steps and any additional instructions provided by Dr. Panossian, you can help ensure a smooth surgery and recovery process.
Patient Example: This woman underwent total facial rejuvenation involving a range of aesthetic procedures: facelift, neck lift, upper and lower eyelid lift, and brow lift surgery. The result is a proportionately youthful and natural appearance. The facial thirds are addressed comprehensively with an excellent, balanced long-term result. Move the slider to see the Before & After.
Procedure
The Facelift Procedure: What to Expect During Surgery
Surgical facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia using a variety of surgical techniques. Generally, Dr. Panossian will make incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and potentially under the chin, depending on the specific lift technique used.
The surgeon will proceed to cautiously elevate and reposition the facial tissues and muscles beneath the skin, eliminate any surplus skin, and rearrange the leftover skin to achieve a smoother, rejuvenated look. The incisions will be closed with sutures and gently covered with bandages. Some patients may have a bandage wrapped underneath the chin and over their heads.
A small, thin drain tube may be placed behind the ear to prevent fluid accumulation, which is usually removed the day after surgery. The entire procedure typically takes several hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and any additional procedures performed.
Are You Ready For A Consultation?
If you are considering this procedure, booking a consultation with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Panossian is a great way to learn about the procedure and determine if it’s right for you.
Recovery
Your Journey to Recovery: Post-Facelift Care and Tips
Recovering from a facelift involves several stages to ensure optimal healing and results. The recovery time for a facelift typically lasts between two and four weeks. Following Dr. Panossian’s post-operative instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
Facelift Recovery Week 1
The day after surgery, the tube will be removed, and the dressing will be changed.
During the first week of recovery, patients can expect some swelling and bruising, which will gradually improve over time. Dr. Panossian may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication to manage discomfort and prevent infection. It is essential to keep the head elevated and avoid any strenuous activities during the days after surgery. Light walks and stationary activities are allowed, but heavy lifting, contact sports, aerobics, sun exposure, high-stress daily activity, and sex should be avoided. Most patients take 7-14 days off work, and makeup can help mask any residual bruising.
Some of our patients elect to have overnight monitoring at home at a surgical facility.
Facelift Recovery Week 2
Most of the swelling and bruising should diminish by the conclusion of the second week. Patients may start to notice the initial results of their facelift, with a more refreshed and youthful appearance. It is still important to follow Dr. Panossian’s instructions and avoid any activities that could compromise the healing process.
Facelift Recovery Weeks 3 and 4
During the third and fourth weeks after surgery, patients can gradually resume their normal activities as long as they have received clearance from Dr. Panossian. It is essential to continue following all post-operative instructions and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure the best possible results.
By adhering to the recovery guidelines and maintaining open communication with Dr. Panossian, patients can enjoy a smooth healing process and achieve their desired facelift results.
Why choose Dr. Panossian?
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
