Introduction

What is a FacelIft?

If you’ve become uncomfortable with the effects of aging and gravity on your face, corrective surgery many be an option. With a traditional facelift, the skin and underlying tissues and muscles are tightened and repositioned to smooth wrinkles and give the face a younger appearance. This procedure is best for patients with more severe sagging and drooping of the facial skin and muscles. The plastic surgeons at Aesthetic Center of Gainesville also offer a mini facelift procedure. This procedure is quicker and less invasive, but still delivers amazing results. No matter which surgery you have done, our surgeons will leave you with natural, beautiful, ageless results.

Variations

Surgical Techniques

There are various techniques used today to perform a facelift. Facial anatomy, skin laxity and the overall aesthetic goal of the patient will determine the best approach. Each procedure will be unique to the patient and will vary based on the type and location of the incision, the number of tissue layers affected, the plane of elevation and the level of invasiveness.

SKIN ONLY FACELIFT

The skin only facelift has been in practice since the early 1900s. Known as a cutaneous facelift, this technique is less invasive because it addresses the skin only. The result of this surgery is a bit subtler than some of the newer muscle tightening procedures. However, it also offers a lower risk and recovery period for the patient.

TRADITIONAL FACELIFT (SMAS)

This SMAS facelift is considered the gold standard. This surgery, while more complicated, produces results that are more dramatic and longer lasting. The technique involves manipulating a group of muscles beneath the skin known as the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS). This section of muscle controls facial expression. An incision is made along the hairline from the temple to just behind the earlobe. The skin is then separated and lifted. The underlying muscles and tissue are tightened and secured so they maintain their new position.

MINI FACELIFT

A mini facelift is geared towards patients who want some of the benefits of a facelift, while at the same time minimizing the cost and invasive nature of the surgery. Patients who wish to maximize the outcome of their surgery, resulting in the most dramatic results, will most likely need to turn to having a full facelift in order to meet these aesthetic goals.

DISCOVER THE APPROACH THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU.

With several facelift techniques available, the best approach is always the one designed specifically for you. A consultation allows us to better understand your goals, assess your facial structure, and recommend the procedure that will provide the most natural and lasting outcome.

What To Expect

During / After Surgery

Most facelift procedures are performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility, but this procedure can also be performed under local anesthesia with an oral sedative. The length of the surgery will vary, but it generally takes between 2 ½ – 4 hours. This surgery is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients will be bruised and swollen and the face and neck will feel tight. This will gradually improve within a few days. It is common for patients to feel anxious about how their face will appear. Patients need to understand it can take several full months for the final results to appear.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Is there an nonsurgical alternative?

BOTOX®, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion and chemical treatments are examples of some non-surgical procedures that can assist in smoothing out wrinkles, improving fine lines and adding facial volume. These procedures also help to even out skin tone. However, these are treatments that will only affect the skin’s surface. Patients with loose skin, drooping jowls or a sagging neck will need to consider surgery if they want these features improved.

Will I look fake?

In the days immediately following facelift surgery, patients will feel tight and pulled. These are some short-term effects, but they will subside. It’s important to find a reputable surgeon skilled in facial surgery. Surgeons who know what they are doing will make every effort to work within the confines of the patient’s bone, skin and muscle structures so a younger, more natural look can result.

Will there be visible scars?

Facelift surgery does require a long incision. However, in almost all cases, these scars are well hidden as they fall just along the hairline and around the ears in the natural folds of the scalp. In most cases, the scars should be barely visible to the naked eye.

What is the best age to get a Facelift?

The common age range for patients who undergo a facelift is between 50-70. It is safe to say most patients will look 5-10 years younger following a facelift procedure. Younger patients (40-50 years old) generally have stronger skin elasticity so their results may last longer than those of someone older. However, older patients may have results that appear more dramatic and, for them, this can be very worthwhile. Patients should think of a facelift as a process to turn back the aging clock. You will still age, but you will appear a few years younger.

TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

You can turn back the hands of time and reverse the look of aging with a skillfully performed facelift. 
Our highly-advanced skills and extensive experience have helped maybe facelift patients in Northern Georgia.


Learn if a facelift is right for you by giving us a call today. Request a Consultation

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

“Treated me like family through the whole process”

Amazing physician and staff. Dr. Schaheen took extra time to explain everything to me and allowed me to ask questions, insured I had no complications after surgery, and treated me like family through the whole process.

- Paul W.

“Professional, knowledgeable, and communicative”

Professional, knowledgeable, and communicative. I’ve only seen her once but she analyzed my hand, recommended a course of action, followed through, and it all worked fine. I can’t say enough about how much I’m impressed. Need a recommendation? Choose her.

- John K.

“Dr. Schaheen is professional, upbeat, encouraging & skilled!!!”

Dr. Schaheen is professional, upbeat, encouraging & skilled!!! Her surgery on my hand far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend for your surgery needs.

- Sherri

“Dr. Schaheen explains everything top to bottom”

I cut my pinky flexor tendon mid-July, and had a different doctor operate. When I hadn’t seen the greatest results, I went to Dr. Schaheen and she scheduled me for surgery immediately with full communication on what needed to be improved. My surgery was early October, and the scar is already almost non-existent! She is EXTREMELY knowledgeable, and a joy to talk to. She has the sweetest, most nurturing personality. Dr. Schaheen explains everything top to bottom. The only negative thing about her is that I can’t rate above five stars. Dr. Scaheen, you are a JOY!!!!!

- Miranda P.

“She really cares about her patients”

I had surgery for dupuytren’s contracture and trigger finger. two successful surgery’s. Dr. Schaheen is a very good Dr. and a wonderful person, her staff is very competent and are there to help you. She really cares about her patients.

- Tim M.

“He was very open and honest”

“Highly recommended Dr. Abell. I was very nervous about getting some work done but Dr. Abell made me feel very comfortable and he also takes a very conservative approach. He was very open and honest, so I knew what to expect. I was very pleased with the results and highly recommend him. He is awesome!”

- Vikki F.

“My hand was fixed right up!”

“Dr. Emily performed surgery on my hand after breaking it with a spiral fracture. I received plates and pins. Her bedside manner, professional, and knowledge were amazing! My hand was fixed right up! I have zero pain and full movement in my hand and fingers. And as a bonus, the scar from surgery is not even noticeable 🙂 I would recommend Dr. Emily time and time again!”

- Martha B.

“Dr. Walton was absolutely wonderful!”

“We trusted Dr. Walton with our 4 year old who needed repairs on his little finger after a bad cut. We were very nervous to say the least! But Dr. Walton was absolutely wonderful! We still have a few more weeks of physical therapy but it looks like this very difficult surgery was completely successful! Not only is Dr. Walton a joy but the entire office staff and nurses! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!”

- Lori P.

“I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Davoodi”

“My overall experience with this office has been great. All of the nurses as well as the front office staff are kind, patient and willing to answer any questions. Dr. Davoodi is a great doctor. He made me feel comfortable about the procedure and walked me through step by step. He personally called me after surgery to follow up which i greatly appreciated. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Davoodi, and I am very pleased with the results from my surgery!”

- Caitlin B.

Care That's Close To Home

Locations & Contact

Gainesville


Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center of Gainesville

1296 Sims Street, NE Suite B Gainesville, GA 30501

770-534-1856

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: Availability varies, please call to confirm

Braselton


Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery

Medical Plaza 1, 1515 River Place, Suite 365 (3rd Floor) Braselton, GA 30517

770-534-1856

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: Availability varies, please call to confirm

Your confidence begins with a conversation

Request Consultation

Request Your Cosmetic Surgery Consultation

By opting into our SMS messaging service, Northeast Georgia Plastic Surgery collects your mobile phone number solely for the purpose of sending you text updates regarding appointment reminders, or to answer your specific inquiries. We will never sell or share your phone number with third parties for marketing purposes. To stop receiving texts, simply reply 'STOP' to any message. See our full Privacy Policy for more details on how we handle your information.