Facelift :
everything you need to know

Faces are the canvases upon which time, experiences, and emotions are etched, forming a mosaic of our journey through life. At Clinique Le 1620, we have had the privilege of being a part of countless transformational narratives, helping individuals rediscover their timeless beauty and confidence through

the art and science of facelifts.

Embarking on the journey to timeless beauty through facelift surgery can be an exhilarating, yet daunting experience, especially if you have a lot of questions and are seeking clarity amidst a sea of information. We at Clinique Le 1620 understand the importance of addressing clients’ concerns and demystifying the intricacies of facelift surgery.

In this post you will gain a deeper understanding of how the artistry of facelift surgery harmoniously combines with surgical precision to turn back the hands of time, helping individuals regain confidence and embrace a more youthful version of themselves.

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the face and neck. It involves the meticulous removal of excess skin and the tightening of underlying facial muscles. This effectively addresses sagging skin, wrinkles, and jowls.

During the procedure, incisions are strategically placed, typically hidden within the hairline or natural contours of the face, minimizing visible scarring. The ultimate goal of a facelift is to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance by restoring the contours and tightness of the face, helping individuals look and feel revitalized.

Why do a facelift?

People opt for facelifts to address various signs of aging and to restore a more youthful appearance.

As we age, factors such as gravity, sun exposure, and a loss of skin elasticity can lead to sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls. Facelift surgery offers a comprehensive solution by tightening facial muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning tissues to create a smoother, firmer, and more rejuvenated look. 

Many people choose facelifts to boost their self-confidence, enhance their overall facial aesthetics, and enjoy long-lasting results that turn back the clock on aging.

How much does a facelift cost?

At Clinique Le 1620, under the expert care of renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Gilardino, we understand that the decision to undergo a facelift is a significant one, and cost considerations are an essential aspect of the process.  Dr. Gilardino, who has years of cranio-facial expertise, as well as a skilled approach to deep-plane technique, offers a wealth of expertise and experience to ensure exceptional results. He has also performed over 1,000 facial rejuvenation surgeries to date.

A facelift cost can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and your individual goals. At Clinique Le 1620, a standard facelift is usually between $25,000 to $30,000, however, often people combine the procedure with neck lift and eye surgery, such as a blepharoplasty and/or brow lift, which often brings the price closer to $30,000.

Dr. Gilardino and our dedicated team provide personalized consultations to assess your unique needs and design a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your expectations.

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

We believe that the ideal candidate is someone seeking to address the signs of aging. A consultation with Dr. Gilardino will provide a personalized assessment, helping you understand if a facelift aligns with your goals and expectations.

The best time for a facelift is when the amount of facial aging is impactful for the patient and non-invasive techniques, such as injectables and skincare, can no longer help camouflage issues such as sagging skin or wrinkles. Some patients as young as 45 are excellent candidates for facelifts as they can achieve a long-lasting and natural rejuvenation in one single intervention. The only upper age limit is one’s state of health, but often these surgeries can be safely performed in the 70’s and 80’s. 

How is facelift surgery done?

Facelift surgery, performed by the skilled hands of Dr. Gilardino at Clinique Le 1620, is a meticulously planned procedure tailored to each patients’ unique needs.
The process typically begins with anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the surgery. Next, employing meticulously concealed incisions that are strategically placed along the natural contours of the hairline and elegantly tracing the curves around the ears, the surgeon gains access to the intricate network of underlying facial tissues. Using advanced deep-plane techniques, the deeper tissues are suspended in their more youthful position allowing natural contouring of the neck and face once the excess skin is removed. 

Are there any risks to a facelift surgery?

While facelift surgery is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it does come with inherent risks.

Dr. Gilardino and our team at Clinique Le 1620 prioritizes your safety and wellbeing. Potential risks may include infection, bleeding, scarring, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and in rare cases, nerve injury. 

It’s important to follow pre-operative and post-operative instructions for the best results and discuss any concerns with Dr. Gilardino during your consultation to minimize these risks. Rest assured, our experienced team takes every precaution to ensure a successful and safe facelift procedure, with your health and satisfaction as our top priorities.

Does facelift surgery hurt?

During surgery, patients typically do not experience pain because they are under the effects of anesthesia, which keeps them completely unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure. 

After the facelift, some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common, and pain medication is typically prescribed to manage any post-operative pain. The level of discomfort varies from person to person, but Dr. Gildardino and the team at Clinique Le 1620 will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to help minimize any discomfort and ensure a smooth recovery process.

How long does it take to recover from facelift surgery?

The recovery period after a facelift surgery varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, individual healing rates, and the surgical techniques used. However, here’s a general timeline:

• Immediate Post-Op: In the first 7-10 days after surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising, and you may experience mild discomfort. Dr. Gilardino and the team at Clinique Le 1620 will provide pain medications to manage any pain effectively.
• 1-3 Weeks: Patients can resume light activities (example, walking or office-type work from home) after about one week, although you may still have some visible bruising and swelling. It’s essential to follow post-operative care instructions diligently during this period.
• 3-6 Weeks: After about three weeks, the bruising will be gone and you should be able to restart social activities with makeup. Your incisions will still be visible, but you can cover these as necessary with your hair or makeup if you wish. At three weeks you can gradually resume more strenuous activities and exercise. However, it’s essential to consult with Dr. Gilardino before resuming any rigorous physical activities.
• 5+ Weeks: Full recovery and the final results of your facelift surgery may take several months to become apparent as residual swelling subsides, but by six weeks you will be enjoying a near final result.

Remember that individual recovery experiences can vary, and Dr. Gilardino will provide you with personalized guidance on your specific recovery timeline. It’s crucial to attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to post-operative care instructions to ensure a safe and successful recovery process.