A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the face. It helps restore definition to the jawline, lifts sunken facial contours, and smooths out deep wrinkles, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This procedure can improve sagging skin and enhance overall facial harmony. Dr. Fedok’s facelift surgery is a popular choice for those looking to address the signs of aging in Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fairhope, and the greater Gulf Coast area, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
The facelift procedure addresses multiple areas of the face to achieve a rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Fedok, the best facelift surgeon in the Gulf Shores area, tailors the treatment to each patient’s unique needs, sometimes combining treatments as necessary. Your specific treatment plan will be determined based on your individual requirements and goals. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the best facelifts suited to their conditions.
People interested in the procedure either want to reduce the advance of the aging process, or seek to reverse the already present signs of aging. Both types of patients share a common goal: to appear more youthful. However, not everyone seeking facelift surgery is an acceptable candidate.
Upon evaluation, you may be considered a candidate for a deep plane facelift, which addresses deeper facial structures for a more natural and long-lasting result. Alternatively, if your primary concern is the appearance of your neck, you might be better suited for a necklift, which can be discussed in your consultation.
Facelift surgery offers numerous benefits that enhance both appearance and self-confidence. Some of the key advantages include:
Dr. Fedok has developed a signature protocol for his facelift patients, combining primary surgery with non-invasive treatments to optimize healing and results. Patients who choose to schedule surgery will receive specific medications and instructions to follow before arriving at one of our surgical facilities. Twilight anesthesia is most commonly used during the procedure.
Before surgery, there is no need to shave any hair. Incisions are carefully placed in front of and behind the ear, following the natural contours of the face and neck, merging seamlessly into the hairline. This technique results in very fine scars that blend naturally with the skin’s creases and the surrounding hair-covered areas of the scalp. In some cases, there may be temporary hair thinning along the incision line, but this usually resolves itself within six months.
During the surgery, facial tissues are repositioned, muscles are tightened, and excess skin is removed. Sutures are typically removed within two weeks, but the final rejuvenated result takes several months to evolve. Weekly improvements occur as swelling subsides and tissues remodel.
Patients experience minimal discomfort under Dr. Fedok’s care. After surgery, you will wear a turban-style bandage, replaced by an elastic band the next morning to reduce swelling. Mild swelling and discoloration around the ears and neck are normal, resolving within one to two weeks.
Dr. Fedok encourages patients to get out of bed within 24 hours to shower and engage in light activities. Recovery can be aided by sleeping propped up and using cold compresses for the first few days. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to remove sutures two weeks post-surgery, at which time most patients can drive and return to work. Makeup is allowed after ten days.
To further enhance results, Dr. Fedok includes Evoke treatments and VBeam Pulsed Dye Laser treatments in his facelift recovery package.
About four to five weeks post-surgery, patients undergo Evoke treatments focused on the neck and cheeks. These sessions help alleviate swelling and promote tighter skin. Patients receive two complimentary sessions, with the option for additional treatments at a nominal fee. The Evoke treatments are non-invasive, painless, and require no downtime, thereby enhancing the overall facelift results.
The VBeam Pulsed Dye Laser is designed to target and improve the appearance of red pigments in surgical wounds, enhancing the color and texture of incision sites. This treatment is typically administered a few weeks after surgery and is painless, without the need for sedation or numbing agents. Usually, one or two sessions are sufficient for optimal results.
While complications are rare, risks associated with facelift surgery are discussed thoroughly during consultation with Dr. Fedok to ensure patient safety and satisfaction. These risks may include:
Dr. Fedok is a highly experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon dedicated to providing personalized care and outstanding results. Trust your facelift to an expert, and book your consultation today.
By Dr. Fedok, a well-respected and widely published double board-certified plastic surgeon whose before and after gallery, RealSelf and Google Reviews reflect his trusted expertise.
Results can last up to 10 years, but this varies based on individual aging processes and skin care.
Scars are minimal and strategically placed to blend with the natural contours of the face.
Dr. Fedok will provide detailed guidelines to help you best prepare for facelift surgery. This may include avoiding blood thinners and alcohol, and quitting smoking weeks before surgery. You need to arrange for someone to take you home, prepare a recovery space at home and familiarize yourself with post-operative care.
While there is no “best” age, patients typically seek facelifts between their 40s and 70s. Our office also regularly performs surgery for patients in their 70s and 80s.
Most patients return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks. Full recovery may take a few months.
A facelift revision improves or corrects results from a previous facelift, addressing issues like asymmetry or unsatisfactory outcomes.
A scarless facelift uses non-surgical, minimally-invasive methods, such as FaceTite, to rejuvenate the face without traditional incisions.
Alternatives include Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, and radiofrequency treatments, targeting various aging signs without surgery.