Facelift/Necklift in Birmingham 

A full facelift, is a cheek neck lift with the addition of a brow lift which can address the lateral or medial aspect of the brow or both depending on the position of the brow. This is necessary when the cheek and neck are lifted and a “pucker” of skin remains because there simply too much excess skin when the cheek and neck are lifted.

This incision can vary but is hidden in the hair line. The recovery typically is about two weeks. This procedure typically takes 3 to 4 hours.

Patients are typically concerned that the hair would be shaved but this is not necessary. We are able to make small braids to avoid shaving the hair. The hair will actually grow back through the incisions which provides the perfect camouflage.

The most common concerns for patients considering a facelift are first and foremost …

What are my other options?

Sometimes there are none because there’s so much extra skin that fillers, Botox, or laser treatments will not make a difference. Sometimes there is a very subtle improvement that can be gained from nonsurgical options. I think it’s very important to insure that my patients understand what can and cannot be accomplished with each and every procedure they are considering.

Will it hurt?

A facelift simply does not hurt. The most common complaint is muscular tightness in the shoulders from being still for 3 to 4 hours. It is hard to believe that it would not hurt but it simply does not.

Will I wake up during the procedure?

Most patients sleep throughout the procedure, General anesthesia is an option for patients did take medications that can interfere with IV sedation.

What about a thread lift?

I have seen many complications from thread lifts, it is devastating to see someone spend hard earned money on something to make them feel & look better, only to look worse and unnatural. There truly are short cuts, short term ways to tighten the skin and improve your appearance, but thread lifting is just not one of them. It may improve over time, but at this point, I have yet to see thread lifting as adding any value to facial rejuvenation. The incisions when done properly for a facelift are minimal and inconspicuous, so why give up direct visualization of what you are trying to improve for no- visualization and a barbed suture that can be very difficult to remove?.

While it is advertised as “non-invasive” it is anything but non-invasive. Potential complications of a thread lift are puckering where the barb is pulling, visibility of the blue thread through the skin, and threads poking through the skin.

Patients are concerned they will not look like themselves, and this is a real fear. Given the things we see on the news this is certainly very understandable. I tell my patients to look at pictures of themselves 10 years ago as this is my goal. I like a very conservative approach and don’t feel that a ‘tight” facelift is attractive. I think it’s important to look at before and after pictures so that you know what your surgeon thinks is attractive.

I love the face. I think there is nothing more beautiful then the angles and shadows of the face. It is and always will be my goal to restore the appearance of youth to aging faces.

For more information please call our office at (205) 420-8043.