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A facelift is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures, but unfortunately the results of the procedure can often look a little too obvious. After completing an aesthetic fellowship in facial surgery with Dr. Bryan Mendelson, (a world-renowned Australian facelift surgeon), it became clear to me that the American attitude of “if a little is good, then more must be better” definitely does not apply to facial procedures such as the facelift. People from Pocatello and Boise, Idaho, and throughout the Rocky Mountain region appreciate the attractive, yet natural-looking results I provide.

Applying Advanced Facelift Techniques for Natural-Looking Results

Newer advanced techniques are being developed every year that focus on restoring the natural look of the youthful face; concentrating more on the anatomic changes of aging as opposed to just “pulling” the skin. These older techniques of purely lifting and pulling the skin often result in an unnatural appearance or that “wind tunnel look” we have all seen.

To find out more about facelift surgery in Idaho Falls, request an appointment online with Dr. Mark Freeman, who is happy to help you explore your cosmetic options.

Facial Anatomy

The skin is simply a covering and was never meant to be used as a way to hold things in position. This is why a facelift that only concentrates on the skin looks so artificial. The most notable signs of facial aging take place deeper, occurring at the ligaments that connect our facial muscles to the overlying skin. As we age, these ligaments stretch, causing the soft tissues to collapse and leading to facial wrinkles and jowls along the jawline. The gradual laxity of these ligaments doesn’t occur at a set amount every year or in a linear fashion. Instead, very little stretching occurs in the 20s and 30s, however like a rubber band, once a certain point is reached these ligaments “give way,” and facial aging accelerates at a more exponential rate. This is why a lot of patients feel as though their appearance has aged 10 years in only a few years’ time.

Facelift Options

At Freeman Plastic Surgery, I believe that advanced facelift techniques make all the difference in a natural and healthy-looking result. Focusing on correcting the laxity of the aging ligaments beneath the skin leads to:

• Less trauma
• Decreased bruising
• Faster recovery
• Longer lasting results

It isn’t surprising to hear that older techniques based solely on the skin don’t last as long as newer anatomic-based facelifts. When I take the anatomic causes of facial aging into consideration, I am focusing on the root of the problem, not simply trying to mask the symptoms of facial aging. This anatomic approach leads to a more natural and longer-lasting result with less downtime, often less than a week.

A Facelift for Younger Patients

It used to be that facelifts were only performed in women over 60, but in today’s society there is a growing trend of having facelift surgery at a younger age. As the way we feel is often tied to our outward appearance, people are taking more and more steps to minimize the aging process. This has led to both men and women to have facelift procedures at a younger age in order to ‘maintain’ their youthful appearance as opposed to making a dramatic change all at once.

I perform two very different types of facelift procedures:

1. A “maintenance” technique for my younger patients focuses on tightening the internal ligaments to prevent further aging and to maintain a current appearance.
2. My older patients benefit more from “rejuvenation” type procedures, therefore it is imperative that patients seek out a plastic surgeon with experience in dealing with the various aspects of aging.

I also understand that most patients have no desire to look like someone else; desiring only a subtle change in their appearance that will come across as a more rested or younger version of themselves. This is why I often like to see photos of patients from 10 to 15 years ago in order to have a more specific goal in mind.

Meet Our Surgeons

Mark E. Freeman, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Meet Dr. Freeman

Matthew Hagan, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Meet Dr. Hagan

Credentials You Can Trust

Customized for Your Needs

I feel strongly that a facelift is not a “One Size Fits All” operation. Many of the patients I see for a standard facelift procedure are really only concerned about their jowls or neckline. They are often excited to learn that we can perform a more precise lower facelift to specifically address these problems without having to undergo a full facelift. Other patients are simply concerned about their cheeks or mid-face and can have procedures such as a mid-face lift to address these areas of concern.

More focused procedures such as a lower facelift, neck lift, mid-face lift, or temporal lift give patients a spectrum of options to fit their specific concerns.

When you arrive for a consultation, you will receive a thorough evaluation. This includes a complete exam of the hairline, brow, eyes, cheeks, nose, lips, jowls, chin and neck. It is critical to assess the face in its entirety, because the final goal of surgery is an improvement in your overall natural appearance.

At Freeman Plastic Surgery, I offer a full range of facial surgery procedures ranging from minimally invasive laser liposuction and thread suspension procedures to eyelid surgery, lower facelifts, and brow lift surgery.

Facelift Recovery

You will receive post-op instructions regarding incision care, hair washing, sleeping position, wearing makeup, and more to follow closely after surgery. Notable recovery milestones include (patient experiences vary):

• Bruising and swelling: Peak at 3 to 5 days, then fade after 10 to 14 days
• Sleep with head elevated: 2 weeks
• Prescription pain medication: 3 to 5 days as needed
• Return to nonstrenuous work and activity: 10 to 14 days
• Ready to go in public: 10 to 14 days
• Resume regular exercise routine and other strenuous activities: 3 weeks
• Final results: 4 to 6 weeks

Nonsurgical Alternatives for Facial Rejuvenation

In addition, I offer several non-surgical services, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, injectable fillers, and Thermage® for people who want to improve their appearance without surgery. If your concern is fat on the neck that causes a double chin, I offer non-invasive CoolSculpting® PLUS.

Facelift FAQ

Is the procedure painful?

Patients experience mild to moderate pain after a facelift that can be managed with prescription pain medication for the first few days. You may have some degree of swelling, bruising, tightness, and even numbness for up to a year.

How many years younger will I look after recovery?

Patients can expect to look at least 10 years younger after a traditional facelift.

Is a neck lift always combined with facelift surgery?

While our surgeons often combine facelift and neck lift surgery, there are times when they perform one or the other. Our surgeons customize every procedure to the patient’s needs and cosmetic goals.

How long will my results last?

Facelift results last about 10 years, depending on your age and skin elasticity at the time of surgery. To maximize the life of your facelift, wear sunscreen daily, minimize sun exposure, don’t smoke, and live a healthy lifestyle.

What age is too late for a facelift?

Your overall health is more important than your age when determining whether to have a facelift. People in their 70s and older can have facelift surgery if they are in good health.

What’s a liquid facelift?

A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedure performed with BOTOX and dermal filler injections. The best candidates are people with early signs of facial aging and those who want an alternative to surgery.

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