Facelift in La Mesa, CA

Board-certified plastic surgeon Scott Sessions performs a variety of facial plastic surgery procedures in La Mesa, CA. One of the most common surgeries at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre is a facelift. This treatment concentrates on precise sections of the face to correct loose skin features and create a smooth, more youthful appearance. Depending on your aesthetic goals, a facelift can focus on the cheeks and mid-face; the bottom section, including nasolabial folds and jowls; or both. The type of facelift Dr. Sessions will recommend will depend on your goals, the condition of your skin, the amount of laxity present, and your lifestyle, age, and other factors. It is very common for men and women to combine a facelift with another procedure, such as a neck lift or a brow lift, to reach their desired outcomes. Dr. Sessions has over 20 years of experience and a complete understanding of the anatomy and complex intricacies of a facelift surgery. His goal is always to create a natural look that's smooth and appealing.

Ideal candidates for a facelift are those who are frustrated by noticeable wrinkles, lines, and sagging around the mid and lower face. Facelift surgery can address one or both areas, depending on your unique signs of aging. It is important to understand that age does not necessarily determine the timing to have a facelift. There are many unique reasons that patients may choose a facelift, as well as different types and techniques. For example, because skin laxity is one of the most important components in the planning process, the technique used for patients in their 30s versus those who are over 60 will be different. Facelift patients should be in good overall physical health and should refrain from smoking. It is also important that patients have realistic expectations so Dr. Sessions always takes ample time to address each patient's concerns and goals. 

Regardless of your aesthetic concerns, there are numerous facelifts to consider. Some facelifts treat the upper portion of the face while others focus on the middle and lower. Moreover, some techniques are slightly more invasive and intricate than others. It is also common for some individuals to have a brow lift, or fillers and BOTOX to complement their outcomes. A few of the more common facelift techniques include:

• Mid-Facelift
  Also known as a cheek lift, this technique begins with an incision within the hairline above the temple and ending behind the ear. This allows Dr. Sessions access to tighten the underlying tissue, remove excess fat, and reduce sagging skin. A mid-facelift focuses on the droopy features around the cheekbones, such as the nasolabial folds.
• Lower Face/Upper Neck Lift
  A lower facelift addresses the jowls, chin, and upper neck region. Incisions for this type of lift are placed behind the ears and along the lower hairline, and occasionally, under the chin. It is also fairly common for Dr. Sessions to incorporate some liposuction into this type of facelift to remove fat deposits under the chin.
• Mini Facelift
  For patients with good skin tone and only mid-face signs of aging, a mini facelift can be a good option. During a mini facelift, abbreviated techniques with shorter incisions are used. This technique creates subtle improvements that look natural. 
• Mid-Facelift + Brow Lift
  Sometimes known as a "full" facelift, this technique usually incorporates an incision near the hairline above the brow that extends down to the temple region and toward the base of the ears. The underlying facial tissues and muscles are delicately pulled and securely tightened to produce a lifted appearance, which diminishes excessive wrinkles and sagging. With this lift, several treatments may be combined, including an eyelid lift to enhance the eyes or a neck lift for the lower region.

After surgery, we will gently wrap your face and incisions with a bandage to minimize swelling and bruising. You will be monitored for a bit before you are released to go home with a responsible adult. Before your surgery, Dr. Sessions or a member of his team will plan your follow-up appointments and give you tips to make you more comfortable while you recover. You should expect to have some bruising, swelling, possible drainage, and some moderate soreness and discomfort. If needed, we can prescribe you pain management medication. It may take several months for all the swelling to fully dissipate and up to six months for the incision lines to mature. You should begin to look and feel normal after about a month and see a smoother and younger-looking facial appearance. In all, your face will be rejuvenated and fresh.

How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of facelift procedures varies based on the technique used. During your consultation, Dr. Sessions will develop your custom treatment plan based on your needs and goals. Once this is established, he can discuss cost estimates. To avoid results that look unnatural, it's best to focus on finding an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Sessions, instead of the cheapest price. Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre can help you find low-interest financing that will make your surgery easier to afford.

Will recovery be painful?
Most facial cosmetic operations have minimal post-operative discomfort. However, we always monitor your healing and can prescribe appropriate pain medication if it is necessary. Liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable so if you have a lower facelift or neck lift with liposuction, you might be more likely to feel discomfort.

When will I be able to go back to work?
Facelift surgery patients can usually get around independently by the second day. While they are usually feeling physically better, most patients do not feel comfortable going out in public, for example on errands, for 5 – 7 days. You will need at least 14 days of recovery before returning to work if you work in the public eye.

What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?
Injectable wrinkle fillers and relaxers, like Juvéderm and BOTOX, have become very popular to refresh the face. Sometimes known as a liquid facelift, injectable wrinkle treatments usually help with early signs of aging, but the results are temporary. A facelift can produce more dramatic improvements than injectables with results that can last for a long time. Ask Dr. Sessions about injectable treatments during your consultation.

Will my results look natural?
Many patients worry that facelift surgery will make their skin look too tight or shiny, or like they live in a wind tunnel. Dr. Sessions is very experienced in the nuances of facial plastic surgery and focuses on natural-looking results so you look refreshed, not fake. He listens to your needs and goals before developing your personal treatment plan with the technique that will produce your best results.

Facelift surgery can take years off of your face and provide you with a fresh look. Today, there are many options for surgery based on your individual concerns and goals. This procedure is designed to help you look younger but natural. To hear more about this treatment, we invite you to contact Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre in La Mesa, CA to set up your consultation with Dr. Sessions.