If you need a facelift
The goal of every facelift is to restore the appearance of youth. Since no two faces are alike even when they’re young, and individual patterns of aging are all slightly different, every facelift is a little different — it must be tailored to the individual patient. A weekend facelift is often performed along with a brow lift, eyelid surgery or other facial plastic surgery procedures.
One type of facelift is the deep plane facelift, which allows an elevation of the soft tissues of the midface and lower face without a “pulled” appearance. It’s different from the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) lift, which is too easy to overdo, creating a wind-tunnel effect. A deep plane lift looks more natural and lasts longer, but is harder to do and has a recovery time of at least two weeks — more for the swelling to go down completely.
What is a “weekend facelift”?
A “weekend facelift” is a bit controversial among facial plastic surgeons. It is a facelift that involves less surgery than a traditional facelift. Although cheaper than most facelifts and involving a recovery time of only two to three days, it tends not to last as long in its effects — particularly when used on an older patient who would benefit more from a deep plane facelift or minituck. They also have the same risk of complications as a more thorough procedure.
The trick, as always, is to make sure the surgical procedure is well-matched to the patient. The ideal patient for a weekend facelift is somebody in his or her forties or early fifties, still relatively young-looking but willing to spend money to look a few years younger, with relatively little loose skin around the neck. There is no one standard way to perform a weekend facelift, and many facial plastic surgeons have their own methods. In Charlotte, for example, Dr. Sean Freeman has developed the SignatureLift, which is suitable for younger patients or to those who’ve already had face lifts. This lift can be performed under sedation instead of general anesthesia, with a much quicker recovery time — most patients can get back to normal activity after only a few days. There are sutures for five to six days, but these can be hidden if you have long hair.
Charlotte’s most experienced facial plastic surgeon
Dr. Freeman is Charlotte’s best facial plastic surgeon. He has devoted himself completely to facial plastic surgery since 1988 and has been certified by two different surgery boards, the American Board of Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He can do anything from laser tattoo removal to a port wine stain treatment. If you live in or near Charlotte and are interested in a SignatureLift, schedule your appointment today or ask for an online consultation for a discount on the consultation fee.
