Facelift in New Orleans, LA
Aesthetic Surgical Associates in New Orleans, LA offers facelift procedures performed by our triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Metzinger. This operation can effectively reduce visible signs of facial aging and improve vision. Dr. Metzinger evaluates each patient’s anatomy to develop the most suitable treatment plan and achieve the desired results. Our experienced staff is always here to provide excellent care and help people rejuvenate their faces.
What is a
Facelift?
A facelift is a cosmetic surgery that aims to make the face look more youthful. It involves lifting and tightening the skin and tissues of the face and neck. This surgery targets common signs of aging, like wrinkles, sagging, and the loss of skin elasticity. During a facelift, incisions are made around the ears, hairline, and neck. The underlying tissues are repositioned, and excess skin and fat are removed. The term “facelift” may also refer to less invasive procedures that rejuvenate the face.
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Types of Facelifts
Regular (Full) Facelift
During this standard facelift procedure, Dr. Metzinger makes an incision from temple to temple across the hairline. Depending on the patient’s needs and preferences, this may also extend around the bottom of the ear. The doctor removes unwanted fat deposits, corrects the underlying tissue, tightens the skin, and trims loose folds before closing the incision.
Deep Plane Facelift
If the patient has severe wrinkling or sagging, especially in the nasolabial area between the nose and lips, Dr. Metzinger may recommend a deep plane facelift. Rather than simply tightening the underlying superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) of tissues, Dr. Metzinger goes to deeper levels to make extensive changes and achieve longer-lasting results. Since the technique is more invasive, deep plane facelift requires more healing time.
Mini Facelift
This facial plastic surgery can correct mild to moderate wrinkling and drooping with small incisions and a relatively short recovery period, which is why it is often called “the weekend facelift.” Dr. Metzinger uses small incisions or even endoscopic tools (computer-controlled viewing devices and tiny instruments) to modify the tissue and remove loose skin.
Minimal Access Cranial Suspension (MACS)
This is a less invasive technique for smoothing and firming facial skin. Dr. Metzinger makes an incision along the front of both ears to tighten the tissue beneath and remove loose skin before closing the incisions. Patients who undergo MACS facelift surgery typically have less noticeable scars. This procedure can reduce mid-face and jowl sagging.
Dr. Metzinger customizes his surgical techniques based on individual needs. He consults with every patient to decide which type of facelift is best to achieve their cosmetic goals.Consultation & Preparation for Facelift
Each patient must schedule a consultation with Dr. Metzinger several weeks before the procedure. This appointment focuses on assessing their facial anatomy and skin quality to determine if they are a good candidate. The surgeon evaluates factors like skin elasticity, bone structure, fat deposits, and muscle tone. We discuss the facelift techniques most suitable for the patient’s goals and anatomy. Dr. Metzinger also covers the specifics of the procedure, anesthesia options, recovery, risks, and costs. After developing a surgical plan, we move on to the preparation stage.
Rigorous planning before the facelift can help achieve the best results. Patients must follow all of the surgeon’s instructions carefully. This typically includes:
Discontinuing certain medications that may increase bleeding risks, such as blood thinners, NSAIDs, and supplements like fish oil. Patients should check with the surgeon about all medications and supplements they take.
Arranging a ride home from the surgery center and having someone available to stay with for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. Patients are usually sleepy due to anesthesia and should not be alone.
Stocking up on soft, nutritious, gentle, and easy-to-swallow foods, such as yogurt, soup, applesauce, and protein shakes.
Preparing ice packs and having an Arnica montana cream (if the doctor recommends it) on hand to help minimize bruising and swelling.
Cleansing skin thoroughly before surgery and avoiding makeup, lotion, hair products, and perfume beforehand.
Setting up a recovery space at home with pillows, blankets, lip balm, facial tissues, eye drops, and anything else that might be needed.
Following all pre-operative instructions carefully helps to ensure that the patient is mentally and physically prepared for the surgery and can heal more quickly.
Facelifts
Procedures
Anesthesia
This facial cosmetic surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia to avoid any unpleasant sensations and pain. The patient sleeps through the procedure and does not feel anything.
Incisions
Dr. Metzinger makes small incisions in specific areas, like the hairline and behind the ears, where they can be hidden. The location of incisions may vary depending on the type of facelift.
Lifting Loose Skin and Reshaping Tissues
The surgeon lifts the skin to reshape and support facial contours. Fat may be trimmed or redistributed from one area to another. Underlying muscles are repositioned to create a smoother facial profile. Excess tissue is removed. The skin is then redraped over the newly rejuvenated face and neck.
Closing Incisions
Finally, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures or clips. Over time, the scars will mature and slowly fade.
Add-On Procedures
Neck Lift Surgery
A neck lift is often performed together with a facelift for patients who want to address signs of aging in both areas. A neck lift allows Dr. Metzinger to tighten loose skin, reduce fat deposits under the chin, and tighten neck muscles. Combined with a facelift, this procedure can help create a more youthful appearance in the jawline and neck.
Brow Lift
A brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure that aims to smooth deep furrows and lift sagging brows. It focuses on improving the upper third of the face by lifting the soft tissues and muscles of the forehead region. In contrast, a facelift tightens the lower two-thirds, including the jowls and cheeks. When combined, these two operations can rejuvenate the entire face.
Skin Resurfacing
Dr. Metzinger offers a variety of treatments to enhance the appearance and texture of facial skin:
Laser resurfacing uses precise, powerful laser light beams to reduce wrinkles, spots, scars, pores, and lines. As a result, the skin becomes smoother and more youthful-looking.
Volume Restoration
This group of procedures is designed to give the face a full, firm appearance. To add volume to the skin, Dr. Metzinger can perform fat grafting – collecting excess fat from other parts of the body (thighs, waist, buttocks, upper arm), purifying it, and injecting this tissue into the face to make it look more plump and youthful. We also offer dermal fillers and implants to restore facial volume.
Recovery After Facelift Surgery
Immediate Recovery
The first 48 hours after a facelift involve significant swelling and bruising that can be managed with medication. Patients wear compression garments to maximize comfort and ensure proper healing. We recommend using several pillows to keep the head elevated when resting. Normal activity is restricted during this period.
Week 2
In the second week, swelling and bruising start to subside. The compression garment should be worn to continue managing symptoms. Discomfort is usually minimal. Some normal activity may be resumed, but strenuous exercise and movement are still restricted. Most people return to work between the 10th and 14th day after the surgery.
Week 3
Patients continue recovering and see that most of the symptoms have disappeared. Any lingering discomfort can be managed with medication as needed. Strenuous exercise should still be avoided to prevent strain on incisions. Follow-up appointments allow us to inspect patient progress.
Long-Term Recovery
One month after a facelift, incision sites are mostly healed. Patients can resume normal activities at this point, aside from any lingering restrictions. The remaining symptoms continue to resolve steadily over the next couple of months. Final facelift results become fully visible around 3-6 months after the facial surgery.
Candidates for Facelift
Facelifts are becoming increasingly popular each year because people see this surgery’s transformative power. However, some criteria should be satisfied to make the patient eligible for a facelift. Here are the main requirements:
Good overall health and ability to undergo anesthesia
No illnesses that could prevent the face from healing properly after surgery
Sufficient skin elasticity since Dr. Metzinger will stretch it taut during this procedure for a smoother appearance
No smoking or taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Realistic expectations
It is important to emphasize that a facelift is a cosmetic procedure, not a reconstructive surgery. While a facelift can address visible signs of aging, it cannot handle all facial conditions. Individuals with significant scarring, severe skin laxity, or underlying medical issues might be better suited for reconstructive plastic surgery to achieve their desired changes.
Benefits of Facelift
A facelift is a common cosmetic surgery that aims to make the face look more youthful. As people age, their skin loses elasticity, and muscles weaken, causing wrinkles and other skin issues. Dr. Metzinger can tighten the facial muscles and trim away excess tissue, reversing some aging effects.
Here are the main benefits of a facelift:
Smoothes wrinkles and fine lines, creating a more youthful appearance
Tightens sagging skin and jowls along the jawline and neck
Reduces the appearance of age spots and discolorations
Restores definition along the chin, cheekbones, and jawline
Boosts self-confidence for many patients as they see improvements in their appearance
Scarring from a facelift today is minimal due to advanced surgical techniques
Quick recovery time, with most patients resuming normal activities within 2 weeks
This is an outpatient procedure, so people can go home the same day after surgery
Results last 7-10 years on average before a touch-up procedure is needed
Cost of Facelift
in New Orleans
The cost of a facelift in New Orleans, LA, ranges from $10,000 to $25,000. Several factors influence the total price of this facial rejuvenation procedure, including the surgeon’s experience, the extent of the work required, and the location of the practice. Aesthetic Surgical Associates offers the best conditions for our patients. They can receive tailored price quotes during initial consultations with Dr. Metzinger. We offer very flexible payment options through our credit partners – Alphaoen and CareCredit.
What Makes Our Plastic Surgery Different From Others?
As one of the best cities to receive a facelift, New Orleans is an attractive destination for many patients in Louisiana. Aesthetic Surgical Associates differs from other practices in the area because people can receive excellent care from our triple-board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Metzinger. There is no other place in the state where patients are treated by such an experienced and highly qualified professional. Aesthetic Surgical Associates offers excellent service, top-level care, and innovative techniques. We aim to help each patient realize their vision of beauty.
