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If you’ve found yourself wondering about a solution that addresses signs of aging comprehensively, you’ve probably heard about a facelift. While the term “facelift” can describe a few different types of procedures, the gold standard for a broad, meaningful change is a full facelift. This procedure goes beyond a quick fix, offering a way to smooth out many concerns at once and provide a beautiful, cohesive result.
So, let’s talk about the full facelift, how it works, what makes it so effective, and what you can expect if you choose this path. The goal is to give you a clear, friendly overview of this very popular option.
What is a Full Facelift?
When a plastic surgeon talks about a facelift procedure, they’re generally referring to an operation that lifts and tightens the skin of the face, usually from the cheeks to the jawline. For a traditional facelift, the incisions are often made in front of the ear, allowing the surgeon to address sagging skin and wrinkles in the lower part of the face.
A full facelift takes this concept and expands on it. It’s a complete facelift that often includes the neck, allowing for a more harmonious and consistent outcome. Instead of just focusing on one area, a full facelift surgery addresses the entire facial structure from the cheeks down to the jaw and neck.
It’s designed to improve loose skin, deep creases, and a sagging jawline, creating a more defined and youthful look. Because it treats both the face and neck together, the result is less like a targeted fix and more like a gentle, comprehensive change. This is what helps create a smooth line from your face to your neck, avoiding a pulled look.
The Full Facelift Procedure
Let’s walk through what the process looks like, from your first meeting to the day of your surgery. It all begins with a consultation, a fundamental part of the overall experience.
The Consultation
Your treatment begins with a meeting with Dr. Adam J. Cohen, MD. This is your opportunity to ask any questions you have and share your goals. He will listen to your concerns, examine your facial structure, and discuss what a complete facelift can do for you. He will explain the process in detail and help you understand what to expect.
The Surgery Itself
A full facelift surgery is a serious medical procedure, performed under anesthesia for your comfort. The surgeon will make careful incisions, often in places that are easy to conceal, like behind your ears or along your hairline. The idea is to create an incision that will be very difficult to see once you’ve healed.
The surgeon will realign the facial and neck muscles and underlying tissues after making the incisions. This is a crucial step, as it provides long-lasting lift and support. Simply pulling the skin tight isn’t enough for a lasting, natural-looking facelift. After that, the surgeon closes the wounds after removing any extra skin.
The whole process is carefully planned to ensure your results look like a more rested version of yourself, not a different person entirely.
What Can a Full Facelift Do for You?
A full facelift is a popular choice for many good reasons. It’s known for providing significant and lasting results that can make a real difference in how you see yourself. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Tackle Multiple Signs of Aging
Think about the different signs of aging that can appear on your face, like deep lines around the mouth and nose, jowls along the jaw, and sagging skin on the neck. A full facelift addresses several problems at once, providing you with a smooth, balanced appearance throughout your face and neck, in contrast to other procedures that can successfully repair one or two particular indicators of aging.
2. Re-Contour Your Jawline
A double chin or jowls may result from skin that has lost its elasticity hanging from the jaw. A facelift procedure can help define your jaw and return a bold, youthful appearance. It creates a cleaner line from the chin to the ear, which can truly refresh your whole look.
3. Subtle Surgical Scars
Your face is probably the last place you want to see noticeable surgical scars. Dr. Cohen carefully selects locations for your incisions that not only deliver the best results but also ensure they are easily concealed. Incisions for facelifts are typically tucked behind the ears or along the hairline, making them very hard to spot once you’ve healed.
4. Easily Paired With Other Procedures
If you’re considering another procedure, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery, you may be able to pair it with a complete facelift. Combining procedures helps patients get consistent, beautiful results across their face and neck. This also enables a single recovery process, resulting in less overall downtime.
5. Beautiful Results
Many people choose not to have a facelift because they fear looking overdone. Modern face and neck lifts produce results that seem natural and attract attention for all the right reasons. The goal is to make you look like yourself, but more rested and vibrant.
What Does A Full Facelift Recovery Look Like?
A crucial component of the overall procedure is the recovery phase, and being aware of what to anticipate may make you feel more at ease and prepared. The initial part of your full facelift recovery is the most important.
After your surgery, you will likely have some swelling and bruising. This is completely normal. Dr. Cohen will give you clear instructions on how to care for yourself during this time, including how to care for your incisions and what medications to take for discomfort. You should plan on taking it easy and resting for the first week.
Most of the initial swelling and bruising will fade within the first two weeks. At this point, many people feel comfortable returning to light, daily activities and social situations. However, your face will continue to heal for several months, with subtle improvements becoming noticeable over time.
Let’s Talk About Your Goals
A full facelift can be a truly life-changing experience, helping you feel more confident and refreshed. If you’re in the Chicago area and have been considering this option, you may find that a full facelift in Glenview, IL, with Dr. Adam J. Cohen, is the right choice for you.
Dr. Cohen understands that every person is unique, and he takes the time to create a personalized plan for each of his patients. If you’re ready to learn more about how a traditional facelift or a complete facelift could help you, or you have some questions, the best way to get answers is to have a conversation with an expert.
Schedule Your Full Facelift Consultation to discuss your goals and find out if a facelift is the right option for you.
