Facelift in San Antonio, TX

What Is A Facelift?

A facelift, also known as cervicofacial rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that can enhance the appearance of your face. During a facelift, Dr. Eric S. Schaffer tightens muscles, removes fat, trims excess skin, and gives the patient a fresher, more youthful look. Deeper layers of tissue are often tightened, not only to increase initial improvement but to improve the longevity of your results. In addition, Dr. Schaffer can sculpt and smooth fullness in your neck for enhanced results.

Since everyone has different goals and facial structure, Dr. Schaffer can adapt the facelift so that you can have the beautiful, natural, youthful appearance you are looking for. During your consultation with Dr. Schaffer, you can be sure that he will inform you of your options and guide you toward the treatment that is best for you.

Benefits of Facelift Surgery

In our modern medical society, there are more options than ever before when it comes to facial rejuvenation. However, one of the most popular and effective ways to combat the effects age has on the face continues to be a facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy. This cosmetic surgical procedure is designed to lift the face to decrease many of the common signs of aging in the face and neck. Here is a quick look at some of the issues that can be improved with a facelift surgery:

  • The appearance of a double chin
  • The appearance of jowls
  • Sagging from fallen or displaced fat
  • Minimize deep creasing around the nose and under the eyelids
  • Minimize sagging throughout the middle of the face

Facelift Before & After Photos

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Candidates For A Rhytidectomy

An ideal candidate for a rhytidectomy should be in good health both physically and mentally. In addition, patients should have realistic expectations for the procedure results and the potential outcome of the enhancement. The most important step in your journey is finding a suitable plastic surgeon for you. San Antonio based Dr. Schaffer is a board certified plastic surgeon, who is one of the foremost authorities in the Southwest on innovative body contouring cosmetic procedures.

Facelift Patient Testimonial

Why Choose Dr. Schaffer?

Dr. Schaffer trained in general surgery at Harvard Medical School and at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and he went on to learn the art and science of plastic surgery at Yale University. With board certification from The American Board of Plastic Surgery, you can trust in Dr. Schaffer’s keen aesthetic eyes to give you the results you desire. Be sure to review Dr. Schaffer’s patient results in our before and after photo gallery.

“At the age of 56 I decided to have some work done to refresh my face. I interviewed three doctors. I chose Dr. Schaffer because of his experience, bedside manner and I felt safe and satisfied with the procedure Dr. Schaffer recommended. I find my husband (who is not a natural born complimentary person) staring at me sometimes. He says the change is so subtle that he can’t believe how much younger I look in a soft and natural way. I would highly recommend Dr. Schaffer and will to all my friends!” -C.J.

The Facelift Procedure

Dr. Schaffer will strive to make you look more youthful, alive and more vibrant during your facelift experience. Importantly, Dr. Schaffer artistically customizes his facelift technique for you specifically. This helps you achieve a rejuvenated appearance that is pleasing and natural. First, patients will receive anesthesia intravenously or through general anesthesia. Next, Dr. Schaffer will make an incision. Patients may opt for a traditional facelift, where an incision will usually begin at the temples in the hairline and go around the ear to end at the lower scalp. Then, Dr. Schaffer will lift the muscles of the face and remove excess skin. In addition, he will resculpt and redistribute fat.

During a limited incision facelift the incisions will be shorter and start at the temples, continue around the ear and possibly include the lower eyelids or upper lip. In addition to this facelift, Dr. Schaffer may perform a neck lift to lift the skin of the jowls and neck. The incisions are typically hidden in the hairline or in natural creases for the optimal aesthetic appeal. As you heal, your results will be more and more revealed. The swelling and bruising will go down and you will be left with a well-rested, revitalized and more youthful appearance.

What Should I Expect During a Facelift Consultation?

Your facelift surgery consultation is our opportunity to hear your concerns and goals, and also to see them. Consider bringing a picture of your younger self to your visit with Dr. Schaffer. Perhaps not a twenty-year-old photo but one from seven to 10 years ago.  Chances are you are very familiar with the signs of aging that feel the most upsetting. During your visit, we want to hear about them in as much detail as you wish to share. Are there creases that you want to be eliminated? Do you wish your jawline were tighter or that your cheeks had more contour to them? Are there hollows on your face that give you a sunken appearance? These are all questions you can begin to ask yourself as you prepare for your visit.

In addition to bringing your cosmetic concerns to the table at your facelift consultation, also be prepared to talk candidly about your health history and lifestyle. It’s important that the doctor knows about all of the medications, supplements, and recreational substances you use, including frequency. This information helps him ensure that you can undergo surgery safely and recover with few risks of complications.

Finally, during your consultation, Dr. Schaffer will observe your face and may use his hands to gently lift or manipulate your skin and tissue. This provides information regarding the laxity, elasticity, and other characteristics of your facial tissue.

How Long Will the Effects of a Facelift Last vs. Fillers?

The effects of a surgical facelift can last many years if not indefinitely. At some point, the signs of aging begin to creep back in. However, the face will remain more youthful than it would have without surgery. Soft tissue fillers, a popular precursor to facelift surgery, can last from one to two years on average. Dermal fillers work in ways that a facelift cannot and a facelift accomplishes improvements that dermal fillers cannot. For this reason, it can be beneficial to combine the two into a more long-term treatment plan.

How Soon After Surgery Can I Resume Normal Activities?

You may resume some of your normal activities within about two-five days of your facelift procedure. You’ll be advised to walk around a few times a day starting as early as the day of your surgery, but will need to keep most movement to a minimum. This is necessary to support optimal circulation during your recovery process. Your post-op dressings will be removed 5 days later. About a week after surgery, you may feel well enough to increase your walking distance or time, but not the intensity just yet. You can gradually increase the duration and intensity of physical activity after three weeks, reaching about 75 percent of your normal physical activity four to five weeks post-op. It is important to take it slow after having a facelift and to resume activities only as you are cleared to do so by your doctor.

Will I Have Scars After My Facelift?

Scars are a natural side effect of surgery. Facelift procedures are performed using a discreet incision pattern that is localized around the ears or mid-face near the hairline. Once the skin has healed, scars should be barely noticeable if at all. You may use some form of scar treatment beginning as soon as your incision area is fully closed. This can be discussed with Dr. Schaffer during your post-op visit.

What Type of Anesthesia Will I Receive for My Facelift?

The type of anesthesia that you receive for your facelift may depend on a few factors, including the extent of your lift, your medical history, and your preferences. More complex procedures may benefit from general anesthesia.

How Should I Prepare for a Facelift?

Once you’re scheduled for a facelift, you can begin preparing your body for a safe procedure and smooth recovery! If you smoke, your procedure will be scheduled far enough in the future to allow sufficient time for you to quit several weeks ahead of time. To afford your body the best opportunity to heal remarkably well, it is beneficial to attend to your nutritional needs with extreme care. Specifically, avoid processed food, fast food, and an excess of sugar and salt. Instead, focus on lean protein, healthy fats, and an abundance of fresh vegetables. Hydration is also something to focus on, limiting sugary, caffeinated beverages and drinking more water. You may also need to avoid certain medications and supplements in the weeks leading up to your procedures. In addition to taking good care of your body as a whole, take care of your facial skin by avoiding excessive sun exposure and wearing SPF 30 sunscreen every day. Finally, if you have questions before your surgery, please give our office a call!

Facial Rejuvenation Before & After Photos

Before
After
Before
After

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Can A Facelift Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Frequently, facelift surgery can be paired with other facial surgeries including, but not limited to, a brow lift or eyelid lift surgery for a more complete rejuvenation. Although facelift surgery is one of the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedures, it is important to bear in mind that there are some things that this procedure will not change. The fundamental appearance of your face will not be altered, and it will not halt the future processes of aging. For patients that do not need or want a full facelift can also look to liposuction, laser treatment, or direct excision of excess skin.

Schedule A Consultation

A facelift can be a wonderful opportunity to combat aging and help bring patients confidence and happiness. Dr. Schaffer and his warm, caring staff are ready to help you in your decision. Call 210-227-3223 and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Schaffer at his San Antonio office.

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