Trust. Experience. Results.
Trust. Experience. Results.
11/17/2020
One of the most common concerns that often holds men and women back from pursuing cosmetic surgery is the fear of visible scarring. While some level of scarring is unavoidable when surgical incisions are required, the incredible advances in medicine and technology now make it possible for many cosmetic surgery scars to be virtually invisible after healing. Furthermore, your surgeon's skill and placement when making incisions can help to camouflage your scars or – in some cases – conceal them completely.
For facelift patients specifically, it is understandable to worry about scarring on one of the most visible parts of your body. However, you may be surprised to learn that facelift scars are rarely visible when the surgery is performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, and the patient practices appropriate aftercare. The exceptional team of plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery performs hundreds of Northern Virginia facelift procedures each year and takes great care to minimize the risk of visible scarring. Learn more about facelift in Reston, VA, including what kind of scarring you can expect and how you can ensure that your scars heal and fade in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible.
Facelift surgery can be one of the most transformative procedures that a patient will ever undergo. In fact, patients may look up to ten years younger after facelift surgery and enjoy their results for at least ten years before a touch-up or maintenance procedure may be needed! Some of the most common signs of aging that can be improved or corrected using the various types of facelift surgery include:
While there are many types of facelift surgery, each of which is used to address certain areas and concerns, the general concept is the same from procedure to procedure. Facelift surgery in Reston, VA is performed at our accredited surgical facility while the patient is under general anesthesia and make take up to four hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case and if any complementary procedures are being performed simultaneously. To begin, the surgeon will make an incision near the hairline that typically runs from the temple, in front of and around the ear, and ends at the base of the scalp. For patients who have specific concerns regarding a drooping neck or double chin, an additional incision may be placed underneath the chin. The surgeon will then strategically redistribute fat, tighten the muscle layers, trim away excess skin, and redrape the skin over the newly contoured face. Finally, the incisions will be closed with sutures.
Following your procedure, it is normal to experience some level of swelling, bruising, and discomfort. The first few days should be devoted to rest, though short walks around the house are important to promote proper blood circulation. Most patients are able to resume light activities, including desk work, about 2 – 3 weeks after facelift surgery, and return to more strenuous exercise after about 4 – 6 weeks. While you may notice an improvement in your look right away, the final results often take several months to develop as the swelling resolves, the incisions heal, and the tissues settle into place.
In the majority of cases, facelift incisions are placed in inconspicuous areas where they can be easily camouflaged or concealed within the natural lines and contours of the face, such as the hairline and around the ear. The placement of your particular incisions will depend on the nature of your procedure, the severity of your concerns, and the surgeon's recommendations. The experienced and talented plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston fully understand the desire to minimize visible scarring after facelift and take great care to make thin, precise incisions that will allow for a stunning transformation with the least risk of unappealing scars. In a large number of cases, patients are unable to identify their own facelift scars once they have healed and faded!
It may take several months for your facelift scars to fade from dark red to red, to pink, and eventually to a color that blends in well with your skin tone. To make the healing/fading process as efficient and successful as possible, it is critical that patients follow their surgeon's scar care guidelines, including:
In addition to postsurgical care, one of the most beneficial things you can do to minimize your risk of a poor scar result is to choose a highly qualified, experienced, and skilled plastic surgeon.
If the fear of scars has stopped you from undergoing a life-changing facial rejuvenation surgery, rest assured that facelift scars may not be as visible – or as scary – as you once thought. To learn more about how facelift surgery can turn back the clock and restore a stunning look that you can feel confident about with minimal scarring, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of our renowned plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA today!
Our four, board-certified plastic surgeons have over 100 years of combined experience & work together in our dedicated, luxurious center providing combined knowledge on all procedures. Schedule your consultation today to learn how our surgeons can guide you on your journey to aesthetic harmony.
