Dr. Stephan Baker : Facelift - Miami Plastic Surgeon

Table of Contents

What is a Facelift?
Why Choose a Facelift?
Candidates for Facelift Surgery
Preparing for Facelift Surgery
The Facelift Procedure
Recovering from a Facelift Procedure
Facelift Side Effects, Risks, and Complications
Why Choose Dr. Baker for Your Facelift?
Frequently Asked Questions about Facelifts

What is a Facelift?

A facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, addresses signs of aging in the middle and lower regions of the face. This includes the cheeks, jowls, and everything in between. A neck lift is typically included as part of the procedure to ensure that both the face and neck appear consistent and rejuvenated.

The facelift procedure involves tightening the underlying facial structures and muscles, resolving and redistributing unwanted facial fat deposits, and removing excess skin for a tighter, smoother, younger look. Since everyone ages a little bit differently and has different aesthetic concerns, the procedure is customized to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Why Choose a Facelift?

If you’re looking for dramatic results and a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance, a facelift may be the best option for you. No other procedure can create such comprehensive skin-tightening results and turn back the clock on facial aging as effectively as a facelift. It’s also a low-maintenance rejuvenation option since the results can last for ten years or more. Benefits include:

A youthful, rested appearance
Tighter skin
Reduction in wrinkles and jowls
Improved facial contours
Even distribution of facial fat
Improved confidence and self-esteem

Patients often come to our Miami practice for a facelift because what they see in the mirror doesn’t match how they feel on the inside. They want to look and feel energized and youthful and they may want to boost their confidence in the workplace or when looking for love. If you feel like signs of aging are holding you back in some way, a facelift could be a good option for you.

Candidates for Facelift Surgery

The best candidates for facelift surgery are men and women with moderate to severe sagging skin and wrinkles in their midface and lower face who want to look younger and more refreshed.

Because the facelift procedure is fairly invasive, patients must be in good health before undergoing elective plastic surgery. They should also be non-smokers or willing to quit well in advance of the surgery. Dr. Baker advises patients to schedule their surgery well in advance of any major events to allow for healing. Facelift candidates must be willing to stay out of the sun during their recovery period and understand that the final results may not be visible for about six months after the surgery. Patients should have realistic expectations for their results and are advised to take some time to go through before and after photos to understand what is possible from the procedure.

Preparing for Facelift Surgery

Dr. Baker gives all his facelift patients detailed pre- and post-operative instructions that should be followed closely. Before surgery, patients should make some lifestyle changes and prepare for the recovery period, which can last a few weeks.

The use of nicotine products can greatly increase the chances of complications and will need to be stopped at least a month before the surgery. Additionally, patients will need to stop taking certain prescription and over-the-counter medications (including aspirin and ibuprofen), as well as some supplements, about two weeks before the procedure.

The night before surgery, patients will not be allowed to eat or drink after midnight as doing so can cause discomfort when general anesthesia is used. They will also need to arrange for a ride to and from the surgery center as they will not be able to drive while the anesthesia wears off.

The Facelift Procedure

Dr. Baker is a highly skilled plastic surgeon who creates personalized surgical plans based on the patient’s individual needs and goals. This same-day surgery is completed using local anesthesia and light sleep anesthesia in a hospital accredited outpatient surgery center.

When facelift patients come to our office, Dr. Baker will go over the surgical plan and may make markings on the patient’s face to guide him during the procedure. Most facelift procedures, whether performed with or without a neck lift, require the use of general anesthesia for the patient’s safety.

Once the patient is asleep, Dr. Baker makes the incisions around the ears and hairline to access the underlying facial tissues, often known as the SMAS. He then tightens these structures and redistributes or removes fat deposits for a smooth and youthful contour. Before closing the incisions and placing dressings, he trims excess skin for a naturally lifted look.

A facelift takes about three to four hours but may take six hours or longer if the procedure includes a neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, or other complementary procedure. Patients can be picked up at our practice or hospital in Miami after their facelift and do not need to spend the night.

Recovering from a Facelift Procedure

Our expert staff will provide you with detailed care instructions to prevent infection, maximize comfort, and ensure that you achieve the best results. Dr. Baker will examine the surgical site in his office every few days for the first two weeks to ensure that you heal correctly. We recommend Tylenol or prescription pain medication to relieve any discomfort. Use cold compresses to minimize swelling, elevate your head while sleeping, avoid strenuous exercise during your recovery for the first two weeks, and avoid direct sun exposure.

Patients will usually need to take two to three weeks off after a facelift before they can return to work. Swelling and bruising will be present and pain medication can be used in the week after surgery to control any discomfort. Our facelift patients should take medications as directed, rest, and follow any care instructions and activity restrictions that Dr. Baker provides.

Typically, no strenuous exercise or activities will be permitted for 4-6 weeks after a facelift. Patients will have their stitches removed in 1-2 weeks. If drains are placed to prevent fluid accumulation, they will be removed after a few days. The swelling will subside gradually and patients can slowly return to their normal activities. It is important to avoid smoking, drinking, and sun exposure during the recovery period.

Facelift Side Effects, Risks, and Complications

Like all surgical procedures, a facelift does involve some risks and side effects. Swelling and bruising are universal and disappear gradually throughout the recovery process. More serious complications may rarely occur, and can include:

Bleeding
Infection
Skin compromise
Facial nerve injury

Patients can minimize the risks by choosing the right board-certified plastic surgeon and by following all pre- and post-operative instructions.

Why Choose Dr. Baker for Your Facelift?

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephan Baker is a facelift expert who focuses on providing natural-looking results in a safe and supportive environment. He has trained extensively in facial plastic surgery and works with each patient individually to achieve their goals. Patients can feel confident in Dr. Baker’s skill and rest assured that he will recommend the most appropriate procedure depending on their goals. To schedule a facelift consultation in Miami, call 305-381-8837.

Frequently Asked Questions about Facelifts

What’s the right age for a facelift?

There is no “right” age for a facelift. Candidates for this procedure are men and women who want to look younger and have significant sagging skin and wrinkles in the lower two-thirds of the face. The pace of the aging process varies greatly depending on genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

Do I really need a facelift? Won’t a non-surgical treatment work just as well?

Many of our facelift patients question why they should choose surgical procedures when non-surgical options have become so effective. In some cases, choosing a non-surgical option makes more sense than going with a full facelift. For early signs of aging, it’s just not necessary to undergo an invasive plastic surgery procedure.

For patients with more extensive signs of aging, however, non-surgical solutions often aren’t sufficient to help them reach their goals. Surgical procedures like a facelift or a brow lift offer more dramatic, long-lasting results. If you have more significant sagging skin and wrinkles, surgery may be the only way to reach your aesthetic goals.

Will I look fake after a facelift?

This classic plastic surgery procedure used to be very “cookie cutter” and would often result in artificial results. Today, however, facelift techniques have evolved and the surgery is now customized to suit the patient’s individual needs. This results in a much more natural appearance and better results for patients.

Will anyone notice my facelift scars?

Plastic surgery incisions are made strategically to minimize visibility. After you have healed and have given your scars time to fade, they should not be noticeable around your ears and in your hairline. It is important to avoid sun exposure during recovery and to use adequate sun protection to avoid skin darkening after surgery.

How can I make my results last as long as possible?

A healthy lifestyle, including avoiding nicotine products, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and using sun protection can prolong facelift results and promote long-lasting rejuvenation.

Why Choose Dr. Baker

American Board of Plastic Surgery
New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, Doctor of Medicine
General Surgery: Five-Year Residency/Chief Residency, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, New York
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Four Year Residency/Chief Residency/Fellowship with Dr. D. Ralph Millard Jr., MD, FACS, Hon. FRCS England, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami, Florida
University of Miami, School of Business Administration, Miami, Florida, Exec. MBA-Health Administration, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

Facelift