Name: Google Reviews
Item: Des Moines Plastic Surgery
Rating: 5
Author: Jo Callaway

Question 1

What Are The Different Types Of Face Lift?

Accepted Answer

The Classic or full face lift: addresses the entire face and neck with incisions in the temple hairline, in front of the ear, and behind the ear along the hairline. This will provide complete correction of skin laxity and aging effects on the face and neck.

Mid-face lift: addresses the mid-face region including the cheeks and jowls. The incisions are located in front of the ear only.

S-face lift or neck lift: Also known as a “short scar facelift”, this procedure addresses the neck completely and to a certain extent the skin laxity along the jawline. The incisions are located behind the ear only in most cases but may extend around the earlobe for a short distance in some instances.

Question 2

What Happens During A Face Lift?

Accepted Answer

Facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes 2 to 4 hours. The procedure is performed in our on-site accredited operating room under IV sedation or general anesthesia depending on what type of facelift is being performed. Local anesthesia is also injected into the planned surgical area.

During a traditional facelift, incisions begin at the temples (near the hairline) and extend around the earlobes, ending near the bottom of the hairline. This pattern may change depending on the extent of your lift as outlined above. Through these incisions, Dr. Robbins will trim excess fat, tighten the underlying tissues, and remove sagging skin.

The underlying layer of tissue is tightened as well as the overlying skin providing a natural result. The goal is not to make you look like a different person but to make you look like yourself, just 10-15 years younger. Facelift patients at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ enjoy natural results which is a testament to Dr. Robbins’ skill and expertise in facelift surgery.

Question 3

How Much Time Should I Take Off From Work?

Accepted Answer

At Des Moines Plastic Surgery™, when you wake up from surgery in our fully accredited operating room located within our office, you will have a light compression bandage in place to help with swelling and bruising.

Your body will need time to heal and recover from surgery. Most patients take between 5 and 10 days off from their normal routine. The amount of bruising and swelling you experience is the limiting factor of when you can return to your normal routine. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks.

Question 4

What Is The Recovery Like After A Face Lift?

Accepted Answer

Most patients tolerate recovery very well. Though facelift surgery isn’t usually considered very painful, it’s common to experience some stiffness, bruising, and swelling. In order to keep you as comfortable as possible, Dr. Robbins will provide you with specific aftercare instructions along with oral pain medication.

Swelling and bruising may be significant and are typically most noticeable in the first two weeks. Work and social interaction may need to be limited during this time. Dr. Robbins and the staff at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™ will see facelift patients back numerous times during the first few weeks after surgery. Full recovery from swelling may take up to a month and scars will fade over the next several months.

Question 5

Are There Any Alternatives To A Face Lift?

Accepted Answer

Moderate improvements may be seen through minimally invasive laser procedures or injectable treatments, but if loose or sagging skin is your primary concern, a facelift is the only solution that can provide dramatic and lasting results.

Question 6

Can I Combine My Face Lift With Other Procedures?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your facial rejuvenation can be customized to meet your individual needs. Patients who are experiencing facial aging in the forehead region may choose to combine their facelift with a corresponding brow lift. Eyelids (blepharoplasty) and neck liposuction may also be combined with facelifts. Laser wrinkle removal can be performed around the mouth with a facelift to improve skin tone, soften wrinkles, and reduce sun damage.

Laser treatments and injectable treatments may also improve the tone and texture of your skin. Additional procedures can be discussed during your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Robbins at Des Moines Plastic Surgery™.