Immediate Recovery
As we age, fine lines, drooping skin, and tired-looking eyes can affect our self-esteem. At Only Faces, we are experts in performing state-of-the-art Facelifts that make our patients appearance refreshed and regain confidence.
With over 20 years of performing Deep Plane Facelifts, Dr. Freeman has elevated his approach to the innovative “Preservation Deep Plane Facelift” which is now state-of-the-art for Facelift surgery.
This safer technique allows patients to heal faster and to experience less downtime, while achieving superior results.
At Only Faces, we are experts in performing state-of-the-art facelifts that make our patients refresh their appearance and regain confidence. As we age, fine lines, drooping skin, and tired-looking eyes can belie our inner vitality. Thankfully, developments in facial plastic surgery mean that a youthful, revitalized version of ourselves is not out of reach.
With 15 years of perfecting his signature Endoscopic Malar Pad Lift, Dr. Sean Freeman is the go-to facial plastic surgeon for North Carolina residents seeking top-notch facelifts. Our goal is to deliver outstanding care and results that enable each patient to look and feel their best.
A Facelift, or Rhytidectomy, is a type of surgery that helps rejuvenate face and neck tissues. Throughout this procedure, Dr. Freeman conducts a meticulous adjustment of deep tissue structures, which allows for a younger look, the elimination of surplus skin, and a redefinition of both the jawline and neck. The aim is to get a sleeker, younger look that does not appear tight or unnatural. There is very little pull on the skin with Dr Freeman’s deep tissue procedure, eliminating the possibility of that tight or unnatural appearance.
This surgical procedure primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face and the lateral neck. It addresses concerns such as deep creases, jowls, and loose skin.
Dr. Freeman’s background has led him to develop a Deep Plane approach to Facelift, now utilizing a procedure known as the “Preservation Deep Plane Facelift”, which is presently the state-of-the-art. This approach addresses the mid-face as well as the lower face and neck. It elevates the malar pads (cheek pads) to give cheeks more volume and a younger-looking shape. The Preservation Deep Plane Facelift offers faster healing, less downtime, reduced risk, and superior results for patients.
Although a Preservation Deep Plane Facelift can greatly enhance the shape of a patient’s face, it won’t change a skin’s texture or get rid of sun damage or fine lines. The procedure usually requires cuts along the hairline and around the ears. They are carefully positioned to minimize visibility after recovery.
At Only Faces, we use a range of Facelift techniques to combat various signs of facial aging. Techniques differ in how incisions are made, how tissues are lifted and repositioned, and how deep the lift goes. Here is a detailed overview:
Dr. Freeman’s Facelift is a less invasive alternative to the traditional Deep Plane Facelift. With this procedure, an incision is made around the ears and a small one under the chin. It is perfect for patients who have only mild to moderate sagging in their midface, perioral (around the mouth) area, and neck. The procedure improves the midface without requiring any fat injections. This way, patients can get natural-looking results that take years off their faces.
Dr Freeman’s Facelift with Neck Lift is one of the most advanced Facelift techniques available. He performs this procedure by making incisions that extend from the ear to the temples along the hairline. By delicately repositioning the deeper facial tissues, he is able to achieve a tighter and more youthful appearance without causing a stretched appearance (as can happen with other methods). This method also requires a minor cut beneath the chin. This way, excess fat from the neck can be removed via liposculpture, and the mandibular ligament can be loosened. That kind of Facelift is perfect for individuals whose cheeks, jawline, and neck have sagged considerably.
Developed by Dr. Freeman, the Signature Lift is more advanced than what the media dubs a “weekend” Facelift. It is intended for younger patients who don’t yet need a full Facelift. It is also an option for those who’ve had a Facelift before and now see new signs of aging. The neck and jowls are the focus of the Signature Lift. It gives patients a youthful look with less recovery time than that of a traditional Facelift. This surgery is typically done under anesthesia., Most patients get back to their regular activities within about five to seven days.
During the first meeting, Dr. Freeman examines the patient to decide which Facelift technique would be best for them. He evaluates factors such as the patient’s facial structure, the elasticity of their skin, and how much it sags or wrinkles. Dr. Freeman also takes photos so they can compare them with how they look after surgery.
On the day of surgery, Dr. Freeman marks the patient’s face to indicate where incisions are to be made. This way, he can get the best outcomes with minimal scarring. Next, the patient meets with Dr. Freeman’s anesthesia personnel. They will make sure they don’t feel any discomfort while having your operation.
Next, Dr. Freeman makes exact incisions according to the Facelift method chosen and previous markings. For example, in a Preservation Deep Plane Facelift, these usually run from the temples to hidden contours around the ear and then, behind the ear back into the hair line. He makes a small incision under the chin to help with improving patients jowling.. Next, Dr. Freeman elevates and repositions the face’s deeper tissues. These include fat, muscles, and connective tissue. This way, he creates youthful facial contours before trimming any excess skin.
After repositioning the facial tissues and achieving the desired contours, Dr. Freeman uses sutures for the skin and staples in the hair to carefully close the incisions. The whole procedure typically takes about four hours, depending on how complex it is.
Patients frequently choose to have a lower lid blepharoplasty using Dr Freeman’s state of the art SOOF lift technique at the same time as a deep plane Facelift. It can help give an all-round rejuvenation by improving puffiness (bags) under the eye and hollowness under the lower lid. This procedure not only helps these issues but also helps lift the midface, which improves midface rejuvenation along with the deep plane facelift. Should both procedures be done simultaneously it may require a longer recovery. However, the outcomes are amazing and give patients a significantly younger look.
After a Facelift surgery, patients are closely monitored in our comfortable facility as they wake up from anesthesia. Patients that live nearby go home after a few hours. Most out of town patients stay in conveniently located hotels that are accustomed to our patients. We recommend that the patient have assistance with their care for at least three days. It is common to feel a bit sore, tight, and swollen right after surgery. We offer pain management medication and post-operative care to help ensure a patient’s comfort throughout the process.
During the initial weeks after getting a Facelift, patients are advised not to engage in strenuous activities and to keep their head elevated. This way, they can lessen swelling and encourage the recovery process. Dr. Freeman uses dressings for a Facelift for 48 hours only. Stitches are typically taken out at day six and the rest one week later. Two weeks afterwards patients are allowed to do light exercise and can begin wearing sunscreen and makeup. After six weeks they can start strenuous exercise. In the unusual event where there is an infectious process, our expert may prescribe additional medications.
Over the next few weeks, patients will notice that swelling and bruising gradually goes down. However, it might take around three months before they can see the full effects of their facelift. Each situation is personalized. In any case, we suggest our patients have regular check-ups with Dr. Freeman. This way, he can answer their questions, see how recovery goes, and suggest any care procedures.
A Facelift is an option worth considering for patients who have begun to notice signs of aging on the face and would like a younger-looking appearance. Several factors typically make someone a good candidate for this type of procedure:
This is why most people get Facelifts. They have significant amounts of loose skin, deep creases, jowls, and drooping muscle tone in the face and neck. These issues can be caused by things like genetics, environmental factors, or just getting older.
When getting a Facelift, it is helpful to have good skin elasticity. It enables the skin to adjust to its lifted position post-surgery.
A strong bone structure helps support the facial tissues and can make a difference in the results of a Facelift. People with well-defined cheekbones and jawlines may get better "lift" from surgery than those without.
Major weight fluctuations following the procedure can impact results—possibly causing more drooping or excess skin. So, having a stable weight is encouraged.
Using nicotine products can slow down healing and raise the chance of complications. So, we require quitting smoking 2 weeks before surgery and 2 weeks after.
Sagging skin, jowls, deep wrinkles – these are just a few of the telltale signs of aging that a Facelift can effectively reduce. By lifting and firming slack facial tissues, it can “erase” years from a patient’s face. This way, they look naturally rejuvenated.
Dr. Sean Freeman has developed Facelift methods that produce natural results. Instead of looking stretched or operated on, the intention is to improve aspects of a patient’s face in a way that stays true to each individual patient.
In contrast to non-surgical options, which might need regular maintenance, the effects of a Preservation deep plane Facelift can last significantly longer. With results often still apparent for decades after surgery, this solution provides prolonged relief from the effects of aging.
Getting a Facelift can transform a patient physically and give their self-esteem a big boost. If their looks improve and problem areas are greatly improved, they should feel better in just about every situation – from posing for holiday snapshots to negotiating with their boss.
The average cost of a Facelift in Charlotte, NC, ranges between $12,000 and $25,000. The price usually covers the cost of the surgeon, anesthesia, operation room use, and necessary supplies post-surgery care. Still, there are many other factors that can impact the overall cost. These include how complicated the surgery is, which kind of Facelift technique is used, and any add-on procedures performed simultaneously. The best way to get an accurate price tailored to a patient’s specific needs and goals is to come in for a consultation with Dr. Freeman.
At Only Faces, patients receive expert care from Dr. Freeman, Charlotte’s leading facial plastic surgeon, renowned for his advanced techniques, including the Preservation Deep Plane Facelift. Our practice is exclusively dedicated to delivering exceptional results through specialized facial procedures. Patients from around the world trust Dr. Freeman for his ability to achieve natural, long-lasting enhancements. We are committed to providing the highest level of care, helping our patients achieve rejuvenated, youthful appearances through expertly performed facelift procedures.
