Atlanta
Deep Plane Facelift

Facelift FAQs

Facelift Before & Afters

Facelift Before & After Photo – Dr. Miotto

We answer your questions

Common visits in the office are patients in their early 50’s to late 60’s who meet with me to discuss ways they could enhance their facial appearance. They consider themselves healthy and have made an effort to take care of their faces by washing, moisturizing and using sunscreen regularly. But they still look tired and are unable to do anything about the lines around the eyes, the sagging cheeks, the deep wrinkles or lack of jawline definition. Patients feel unhappy with their looks and frustrated. “How can I change myself to look as good and as healthy as I feel on the inside?”

As we reach our 40’s, facial aging starts to take its toll and becomes more visible, mainly around the eyes, mouth and neck. Skin on the face and neck loses its laxity and the tissues holding the skin droop down to worsen the problem. We also loose facial volume and the beautiful high cheek bones or sharp jawline we once had.

I tell all my patients about the facial rejuvenation choices we have today with surgical procedures which yield wonderful results. By lifting and repositioning facial muscles, adding lost fat to the cheeks, temples, jawline, hollowed eyelids, removing wrinkles around the eyes and neck – and so many other combinations of small improvements of the face – patients get beautiful, noticeable improvements and a refreshed look.

One of my favorite surgeries to perform is the facelift. It is the right procedure for many, the most cost-effective long-term facial rejuvenation surgery and it can produce stunning, natural results.

“
Our facelift surgery is one of the most effective single procedures for aging.
 
Dr. Gabriele Miotto, Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
 

How are your facelifts performed?

A facelift is a comprehensive surgery to improve the signs of aging of the face, including procedures to lift the cheeks, sharpen the jawline and treat aged skin. The modern facelift successfully addresses all the areas of the face, making it look rejuvenated without the telltale signs of plastic surgery. Our facelift surgery is one of the most effective single procedures for facial aging because we treat the deep structures of the face, lifting the areas around the muscles and the connective tissues and repositioning them to where they used to be.

Is there an alternative to facelift surgery?

Yes. Sometimes when the facial laxity is mild, meaning less droopiness, we can do smaller procedures such as fat grafting and replace the fat tissue lost with aging to recreate facial contours and highlights. Liposuction of the neck can be used to remove the double chin, but would not tighten the skin. We also offer skin resurfacing treatments to improve the skin quality, fine wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Dermal fillers can also be used to reshape the face and create beautiful facial contouring and wrinkle treatment. Small surgical procedures for facial rejuvenation such as buccal fat pad removal, liposuction, fat grafting to the face, lip lift, eyelid lift can be done under a local anesthesia if small and gradual improvements are preferred by the patients.

Will others see my facelift incisions?

No, the facelift incisions should not be visible. When the closure is made correctly and with attention to detail, the incisions are hidden in the hairline, under the chin and around the ear. Scars will be virtually invisible six months after surgery.

How much time will I need to recover after facelift surgery?

The average downtime is about 2 weeks after surgery for procedures done under general anesthesia. Some patients have more swelling or bruising than others, so it may take about 3 weeks for the most visible signs of surgery to be gone. No heavy weight-lifting or intense exercise for 2-3 weeks. We recommend patients do not schedule any major social event for at least 8 weeks after surgery.

Is it better to have a complete facelift? Or a mini-facelift?

Whether you decide to have a mini or complete facelift is dependent on how much visible facial aging you have and what results you would like to achieve. If we only want to improve the lines around the jawline and a reduce the wrinkles around your neck, a neck lift can be done by itself.

A mini-facelift is usually a more limited facelift with smaller incisions. It needs to be done for the right candidate, otherwise the results are also “mini” and temporary. The face ages as a whole and it should be completely evaluated. We are also different individuals that age differently, needing individual surgical approaches.

If you are not happy with your face and neck as a whole, a facelift, combined with improvements to the neck, nose, eyelids and lips, may be the best choice for you to feel fully satisfied. A complete facelift includes:

• Facelift to lift the cheeks, the corners of the mouth, improve deep wrinkles in the face
• Neck lift and platysmaplasty to neck bands
• Fat grafting to the face to improve facial highlights and loss of volume

After surgery what should I do to keep my heathy glow?

A facelift does not stop the aging process, but it is a “reset” in time. We offer a number of skin treatments and products to help maintain the results long term, including maintaining and improving the texture of the skin, the pores and dynamic wrinkles. A healthy lifestyle is also a part of the maintenance of the facelift procedure.

How can I get started to learn more?

If you are interested in discussing a facelift, a mini-facelift, a neck lift, or any other facial rejuvenation procedure simply request an in-person consultation. We can talk about what you want to achieve, go over the specific areas you are looking to improve and I will answer any questions you have.

After the procedure

Facelift and neck lift is an outpatient surgery done under general anesthesia. After the procedure, there will be visible fine skin sutures in the incisions, some bruising and swelling.

Facelift or neck lift surgery is not a painful procedure, but mild discomfort and feeling of tightness in the face and neck areas are expected for a few days to a few weeks after surgery. Bruising and swelling are usually the cause of the discomfort. However, it can be treated with preoperative and postoperative medication and supplementation, ice and anti-inflammatories. Swelling can be minimal or more intense depending on how many procedures need to be done in surgery to make the results the most beautiful and natural possible. Frequently combined procedures with a facelift or neck lift are a blepharoplasty or eyelid lift, fat grafting to the eyelids or to the face, browlift or lateral brow lift, laser resurfacing or resurfacing with a chemical peel to treat the skin aging, lip lift and others. There are many options for us to use to achieve the best results.

Sutures are removed between 7-10 days after the surgery. Return to normal daily activities between 2-3 weeks. Expect at least 8 weeks for committing to major social events as residual swelling can remain for some patients after surgery. We are all different, so it is hard to predict who will get more or less swelling and bruising.

General preoperative recommendations for facelift, neck lift and mini-facelift surgery:

What to avoid before surgery:

1. DO NOT take any aspirin for 7-10 days before your scheduled procedure. Do not take NSAIDS (Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen) for 5 days before surgery. You may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) if needed for aches or pains. Please contact the office at if you have any questions about any medications that you are taking or if you are prescribed aspirin by your cardiologist or Primary Care Provider (PCP).
2. Discontinue Vitamin E 10 days before surgery.
3. Avoid the following herbal supplements for 10 days before surgery: Echinacea, Ephedra / Phentermine (used for weight loss), Feverfew, Fish Oils, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, Goldenseal, Kava-Kava, Licorice, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort and Valerian.
4. Stop Smoking. The harmful effects of smoking can cause tissue death, infection, and open wounds. It also makes you age faster!
5. Alcohol can promote swelling of the surgical area and it is best to avoid alcohol intake for at least one week before surgery.

What to take before surgery:

1. Before a chemical peel or laser treatment, Dr Miotto will instruct you to begin using tretinoin (retin-a) and hydroquinone 2 weeks before your procedure to speed up the healing process. We carry these products at our Spa for your convenience.

General postoperative recommendations after facelift, neck lift and mini-facelift surgery:

1. You MUST have a responsible adult to transport you home and stay with you for a full twenty-four hours after your surgery. If general anesthesia is used, the medications used during the procedure directly affect the nervous system, and for your safety, we will not allow you to drive or be home alone immediately after surgery.
2. You will be unable to drive if you are taking narcotics.
3. It is common to feel sluggish for a few days as the anesthesia works its way out of your system.
4. It is recommended to elevate the head with two to three pillows after all facial procedures.
5. Your initial post-operative appointment will be scheduled by your Patient Care Coordinator; please make arrangements to have reliable transportation for these appointments as you will not be permitted to drive until twenty-four hours after your surgery and when you are no longer taking narcotic pain medications.

Activity:

1. For your safety, we require that you have a responsible adult stay with you for twenty-four hours after your surgery for general help, as you may find your balance and judgement impaired.
2. Please refrain from physical activity that will increase your heart rate or blood pressure for 2 weeks after surgery. However, bed rest is NOT recommended, and you should be walking at normal pace after the procedure.
3. Frequent walking will decrease the risk of post-operative blood clots (mostly after general anesthesia).
4. Sexual activity can safely be resumed 2 weeks following surgery. Please discuss with Dr Miotto as needed.

Bathing:

1. You can shower twenty-four hours after surgery. You may clean the incisions as instructed by Dr Miotto or her nurses after the procedure.
2. Do not submerge yourself into a tub/pool until all wounds have healed (usually in 3 weeks).
3. Do not scrub the surgical sites, however you can allow soapy water to run over them.
4. Avoid lotions on the surgical sites for 2 weeks, but you can moisturize any other areas as desired.

Returning to Work:

1. Recovery time will vary; however, most patients return to work within one to 2 weeks after the procedure, within one week you will have a feel for your specific limitations and will be able to determine how comfortable you will be with resuming your daily activities and workload.

Diet:

1. Immediately following surgery, it is best to eat bland, easily-digested food and avoid excess sugar and salt. Healthy proteins (eggs, lean meat, beans, nuts), rice, fruits and cooked vegetables (broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes) will provide your body with nutrients essential for healing.
2. Eat a few bites of food before taking pain medications as these can cause nausea.
3. A diet low in sodium will help minimize swelling and water retention.
4. Drink plenty of water! Drinking low sugar sports drinks and protein shakes are recommended.

Final Results:

1. Keep in mind that our goal in aesthetic surgery is improvement and not perfection. You will be followed closely after surgery to assure that you heal well and have the best possible results.
2. It can take months for the very final results of your surgery be apparent. After 12 weeks, you can expect your results to be mostly permanent. Expect subtle changes in swelling and healing (including the appearance of scarring) to continue to appear for up to twelve months.
3. It is important for you to keep open communication with your physician and return for your follow up visits. We will take pre and post pictures along the way and look at the final results together.

GABRIELE C. MIOTTO MD, MEd., is a Brazillian-American plastic surgeon specialized in aesthetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures, specially of the face, eyes, breast and liposuction.
Call 404-850-5851 for your consultation.

Facelift Before & After Photos

Facelift Before and After Photo. Facelift Surgery performed in Atlanta, GA by Dr. Miotto

Atlanta Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

Many initial signs of aging appear on the neck and the face. These signs include droopy jowls, sagging skin and the distinct folds that develop between each corner of the mouth and then run upwards to the sides of the nose (i.e., nasolabial folds). The most effective surgical procedure that is used to address these issues is referred to as a facelift, otherwise known as a rhytidectomy. With a rhytidectomy, especially with the deep plane facelift, surgeons can smooth out distinct facial folds, improve how the cheeks look as well as tighten sagging jowls, the jawline and the neck (lower facelift / necklift). At ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, Dr. Gabriele Miotto, who is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon, performs facial rejuvenation procedures, including facelifts and necklifts, to help men and women achieve the youthful-looking facial characteristics they desire.

Who Should Consider Having a Facelift in Atlanta?

Once an individual reaches 40 or 50, the signs of aging become apparent. Individuals who would like a long-lasting solution for facial aging (around 10years) should consider having a rhytidectomy in Atlanta.

How Effective is a Facelift at Turning Back the Hands of Time?

A rhytidectomy is the most effective plastic surgery procedure for addressing facial sagging as well as the deep folds and wrinkles of the face. While performing a rhytidectomy in Atlanta, Dr. Gabriele Miotto tightens the underlying facial muscles, lifts the tissues, sculpts any remaining fat and removes excess skin. Her preferred method is the deep plane facelift, which preserves the blood flow to the facial skin for a faster recovery and natural results.

By surgically returning the deep facial tissues to their original places, the patient enjoys a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. A deep plane facelift effectively rejuvenates a patient’s face, taking on average 10 to 12 years off an individual’s appearance.

What Issues Can be Addressed with a Rhytidectomy or Deep Plane Facelift?

With age, the shape and appearance of the face changes. The skin becomes loose and less elastic. In addition, fat deposits increase in some areas and decrease in others.

The age-related changes that a rhytidectomy is designed to address include:

• Facial sagging.
• The lines that run down from the corners of the mouth to the jawline on either side of the chin (i.e., marionette lines).
• The nasolabial folds.
• The jowls that develop due to an accumulation of excess skin at the lower jawline.
• Areas of the face that have fallen or look hollow due to a loss of facial fat.
• A double chin.

Dr. Miotto can perform a neck lift during the same surgical session as the patient’s facelift. In fact, it is usually done in combination for the majority of the patients for a harmonious and more complete facial rejuvenation.

Having a combination neck lift and facelift ensures that the patient’s rejuvenated facial characteristics are complimented by a youthful-looking neck. During the neck lift, Dr. Gabriele Miotto addresses the neck bands, wrinkles and sagging skin.

A neck lift can address:

• A turkey neck.
• A surplus of fat in the neck.
• Prominent neck bands.

Issues a Rhytidectomy is Unable to Address

A rhytidectomy is not an effective treatment for addressing skin aging, such as sun damage, superficial wrinkles, skin color irregularities, creases around the upper lip and the nose. However, Dr. Miotto can perform other procedures to address these issues at the same time she does the patient’s rhytidectomy.

Other procedures that can be combined with a facelift include:

• Cosmetic eyelid surgery (i.e., a blepharoplasty).
• Fat grafting.
• Brow lift
• Lip Lift

Individuals who may be good candidates for a rhytidectomy include those who:

• Are healthy, without medical conditions that are known to impair the body’s healing process.
• Nonsmokers, or people who are willing to stop smoking for several weeks before and after their rhytidectomy.
• Have a positive outlook.
• Have realistic expectations.

Individuals who lack definition between the jaw and neck may be good candidates for a combination rhytidectomy and neck lift.

A loose, drooping jawline (i.e., jowls) is a significant sign indicating an individual may be a good candidate for a rhytidectomy / deep plane facelift.

Nonsurgical Rejuvenation Procedures are Temporary, a Rhytidectomy is Permanent

Sometimes, short-term, nonsurgical procedures such as dermal fillers and neuromodulators can successfully address facial wrinkles and sagging; however, there comes a time when the results that these procedures often decrease, it is at this point that an individual should consider having a rhytidectomy at ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta.

What Causes the Signs of Aging?

As time passes, elastin and collagen, which are the natural elements that are responsible for giving skin its elasticity, start breaking down. In addition, the body’s production of these elements slows. These changes lead to the lines, wrinkles, sagging and drooping facial features that cause the face to look aged. We also loose facial fat and bone, and the facial tissues get less support and end up sagging.

Other issues that cause the signs of aging include:

• Sun exposure.
• Gravity.
• As the skin relaxes, it begins to sag.
• Loss of fat in the face.
• Thinning of the skin.
• Genetics.
• Stress.
• Smoking.

A Mini-Facelift, Complete Deep Plane Rhytidectomy and Neck Lift: Determining Which Procedure Would Serve a Patient Best

Whether an individual is a good candidate for a complete deep plane rhytidectomy and a neck lift, or a mini-rhytidectomy, depends on the amount of facial aging that is present and the patient’s desires.

A Complete Rhytidectomy

This procedure is used to address the droopy jowls, droopy cheeks, nasolabialfold and wrinkles in the lower face.

A Mini-Facelift

A mini-rhytidectomy is a more limited procedure than a complete rhytidectomy. The mini-facelift requires smaller incisions; however, if a mini-rhytidectomy is performed on an individual who is not a good candidate for it, the results will be minor and short-lived. Dr. Miotto understands that each person ages differently and needs a custom-designed treatment plan. Therefore, at ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, she creates personalized surgical treatment plans to provide each patient with the facial rejuvenation results he or she desires.

A Neck Lift

The platysma muscle is the expansive superficial neck muscle that overlaps the sternocleidomastoid and consists of thick bands that run up and down the neck. If it gets loose with aging, it hangs down and is it gets clearly visible. Dr. Miotto may recommend a neck lift with platysmaplasty (muscle redrapping). She frequently performs a rhytidectomy and neck lift with platysmaplasty at the same time.

A neck lift is ideal for individuals who would like to reduce the lines on their neck and improve the wrinkles that have developed around their jawline.

An Initial Consultation at ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta for a Facelift

Patients are encouraged to ask questions during their consultation. At ME Plastic Surgery, we believe that when a patient knows what to expect during a procedure, he or she feels more comfortable.

Also, patients need to be candid with Dr. Gabriele Miotto because she can only provide an individual with the results he or she desires if she understands what the patient would like to accomplish.

During the initial consultation:

• The registration forms are completed.
• If applicable, discuss any chronic health conditions.
• Dr. Miotto will examine the patient’s face and then create a personalized surgical plan.
• Patients should be prepared to discuss what they would like to accomplish with a rhytidectomy, mini-facelift and/or neck lift.
• Patients with allergies need to let Dr. Gabriele Miotto know what they are allergic to, especially when it comes to medications and latex.
• Your surgeon will examine your face, measurements may also be taken.

Pictures may be taken. If so, these pictures will be taken from different angles and will be used as Dr. Miotto creates the patient’s personalized surgical plan. The pictures that are taken remain in the patient’s medical file and are not shared with others.

A Plastic Surgery Procedure at ME Plastic Surgery in Atlanta

Dr. Miotto takes great care to ensure that the facelifts and necklifts she performs do not create the pulled back look that is seen when the skin is over-tightened. Her goal is to create each patient a beautiful, natural-looking result.

A Complete Facelift in Atlanta

On the day of surgery, the patient needs to arrive with a driver. Patients who arrive without their driver will need to reschedule their surgery.

While the patient is in the pre-op area being prepared for surgery, Dr. Gabriele Miotto will come in to make several markings on the patient’s face and neck (if a neck lift is being performed as well). She uses these markings as a guide during surgery. Patients are encouraged to ask any last-minute questions they have.

General anesthesia is administered.

For a complete rhytidectomy, Dr. Miotto creates an incision within the hairline. This incision runs from the patient’s temple down to the ear and then behind the hairline. The incisions created on each side of the face are identical.

After creating these incisions, she carefully removes excess fat.

Then she gently and strategically repositions the facial tissues.

Dr. Gabriele Miotto lifts the skin, removes the excess and then closes the incisions.

This strategic repositioning of the patient’s facial tissues improves the contours of the face, reduces sagging, decreases the visibility of wrinkles and creases. A facelift can take up to 10 years off the face.

After surgery, the patient should expect his or her face to be wrapped in bandages. There may also be drains. These drains are designed to provide a way for excess fluid and blood to exit the body: This helps decrease inflammation, which reduces pain.

Incisions for a Mini-Facelift

The mini-rhytidectomy incision is shorter than the incision created for a complete rhytidectomy. The mini-facelift incision starts at the hairline directly above the ear and then wraps around to the front of the ear. There is not an incision that extends into the lower scalp.

Incisions for a Neck Lift

The incision created for a neck lift begins in front of the earlobe continuing around the ear and into the lower scalp. Another very small incision is created beneath the chin.

Recovery

Directly following surgery, the patient will spend some time in the recovery area.

Once fully awake, the patient is released to his or her driver to go home.

Before leaving, the patient receives information related to aftercare. In addition, the follow-up visit may be scheduled at this time.

Cooling Packs

After a facelift, cooling packs need to be applied to the face. These packs help reduce inflammation, bruising and discomfort. In order to protect the skin, these cooling packs need to be covered with a cloth.

Patients gently hold these packs up to the treated areas for 20 minutes. Once removed, the patient can set an alarm to reapply the cooling packs again 20 minutes later.

Preparing for a Facelift in Atlanta

Lab Tests

Dr. Gabriele Miotto may request that the patient have some lab tests performed before the procedure. To ensure that Dr. Miotto receives the results in time, patients need to have their tests completed at least a week before their scheduled rhytidectomy.

Facelift Before & After Photos

Facelift Before and After Photo. Facelift Surgery performed in Atlanta, GA by Dr. Miotto

Discontinue Certain Medications

Some medications need to be discontinued before surgery and for a short time directly thereafter. If the medications that need to be decreased or discontinued are prescribed, patients should contact their physician before making any changes to prescription medications.

Fasting

Patients must fast, which means no food or drink, starting at midnight the night before their surgery. Patients who take medications after midnight need to ask Dr. Miotto whether they can still take it.

The Morning of Facelift Surgery

Patients may be asked to use a special germicidal soap to clean their face and hair on the morning of their surgery.

Herbal Supplements, Vitamins and Medication Recommendations

If Dr. Gabriele Miotto recommends that the patient take certain medications, herbal supplements or vitamins, be sure to follow these recommendations and purchase these products before the facelift so they are readily available during recovery.

Smoking

Individuals who smoke or vape need to stop smoking or vaping right away. In addition, they need to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke for at least four weeks before and four weeks after their surgery.

The Danger of Nicotine Use After a Facelift

The nicotine in cigarettes and other tobacco products is a vasoconstrictor, which means it causes the blood vessels to constrict.

This constriction interferes with blood circulation, which negatively affects the healing process because when the required nutrients and oxygen are slowed, healing is as well.

Smoking increases the likelihood of a patient experiencing complications after a facelift because the slower healing process can lead to the development of an infection or necrosis (i.e., tissue death).

Discontinue Taking Medications Known to Increase Bleeding

Stop taking medications that are known to increase bleeding. These medications include NSAIDS, blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin) and any other medication that Dr. Miotto recommends.

Take Time off

The type of facelift a patient is having determines how long the recovery will be. Patients who are having a mini-facelift may need from five to seven days off, whereas, patients having a complete rhytidectomy should schedule about three weeks off work/school.

How to Improve the Recovery Experience

There are things that a patient can do ahead of time to improve his or her recovery experience:

If Dr. Gabriele Miotto orders prescription pain medication ahead of time, patients should pick this medication up a day or two before their surgery.

Create some healthy meals and place them in the freezer. Make sure that the foods used in these meals are relatively soft, otherwise, they may be difficult to eat directly after surgery (e.g., pasta dishes with only sauce, meat-free mashed potato casserole, scrambled eggs, etc.).

Have plenty of water on hand.

Wear a button-up shirt on the day of surgery. Be sure to have several more to wear at home during recovery.

Patients should ask someone to stay with them for a night or two after their facelift.

Patients who have small children to care for may want to ask someone to remain with them a few days to help care for them.

If there are animals that roam free in the home (e.g., cats, dogs, etc.), ask someone trustworthy to care for them in their home.

Make a Recovery Area

Having a recovery area ready upon returning home following a facelift will allow the patient to rest more comfortably right away.

Recovery-area items should include:

• Facial tissues.
• A garbage can.
• Home phone and mobile phone (with plugged-in charger).
• Remote controls.
• Moist towelettes.
• Bottled water.
• Medications.
• Extra pillows to raise the patient’s head 45 degrees.
• Healthy snacks that are easy to eat.

Healthy snacks that are easy to eat after a facelift:

• Soft fruits (e.g., like bananas, seedless watermelon etc.).
• Granola-free yogurt.
• Baby food.
• Avocados.
• Oatmeal.
• Hot wheat cereals (e.g., Farina, etc.).

Avoid eating foods that may cause irritation as well as unhealthy foods, including:

• Potato chips.
• Soups that are high in sodium.
• Meats that are difficult to chew.
• Cheese puffs.
• Chewy candy.
• Hard candy.

Other procedures that Can Be Performed at the same time as a facelift include:

• A brow lift.
• Eyelid surgery.
• A fat transfer or dermal fillers to address loss of volume in the face.
• Dermabrasion.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
• Facial peels.
• Laser treatments.

Common Side Effects Following a Rhytidectomy

As with any procedure, patients should expect to experience some side effects as they heal.

Some of the most common side effects people experience after a rhytidectomy include:

• Inflammation.
• Drainage from incision sites.
• Numbness.
• Bruising.
• Pain (mild to moderate).

Follow the restrictions and recovery information provided by Dr. Gabriele Miotto:

• Take medication as prescribed.
• Attend follow-up appointments.
• Wait two weeks before resuming normal daily activity.
• Strenuous activity needs to be avoided for approximately four weeks.
• If a patient would like to have a facelift before a special event, he or she needs to have the procedure performed at least eight weeks before the scheduled social event.
• Inflammation and bruising should be expected.

For three days after surgery patients should:

• Apply cool packs to reduce inflammation and decrease pain.
• Take the pain medication as prescribed or if the medication is over-the-counter, take it as recommended by Dr. Miotto.
• The patient’s head needs to remain elevated 45 degrees even while sleeping.

Bandages and Drainage Tubes

Dr. Miotto covers the incisions with bandages. These bandages decrease inflammation by applying gentle pressure to the face. Patients may also have a small tube behind their ears. This tube is placed just beneath the skin to drain any excess blood and fluid from the surgical site. A patient may have one tube or two.

The facial bandages must be left on until Dr. Miotto takes them off.

Facelift Before & After Photos

Facelift Before and After Photo. Facelift Surgery performed in Atlanta, GA by Dr. Miotto

Self-care instructions for after a facelift:

• Avoid picking at the scabs that form as the surgical incisions heal.
• Follow the wound care directions from Dr. Miotto.
• Avoid wearing clothing that must be pulled over the head.
• Do not use shampoo and soap until approved to do so.
• Avoid placing excessive pressure near the incisions.
• Do not participate in sports or aerobic activities until approved to do so.
• Do not dye, perm or bleach their hair for at least six weeks after their surgery.
• Whenever spending time in the sun for the first three weeks after surgery, it is important to keep the incisions protected, otherwise they may darken permanently. In addition, always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even after the healing process is complete.
• Do not use makeup until Dr. Gabriele Miotto says it is okay to do so.
• Directly after surgery, patients may need to style their hair in a way that hides the incisions.

Symptoms that warrant a call to ME Plastic Surgery (404-850-5851):

• Chest pain.
• Severe pain on just one side of the neck or face (within 24 hours of the surgery).
• An irregular heartbeat.
• Shortness of breath.

Follow-Up Appointments After a Facelift in Atlanta

During the eight weeks following surgery, patients will have follow-up appointments. These appointments are very important because Dr. Miotto is monitoring the progression of the patient’s healing to ensure everything is moving along as expected.

Dr. Gabriele Miotto removes the drainage tubes and applies an antibiotic to the incisions during the first follow-up appointment, which takes place the next day. New bandages are also applied to the incisions.

A couple days after surgery Dr. Miotto may switch the patient’s bandages out for a facial sling.

About seven days after surgery, Dr. Gabriele Miotto removes the sutures and assesses the incisions.

Additional visits may be scheduled so Dr. Miotto can monitor the patient’s progress.

Rhytidectomy Results

After the swelling subsides, the patient will see how much younger he or she looks, however, it will take several months for the skin on the neck and the face to feel ‘normal’ again. The results attained with a facelift last approximately 10 years.

Potential Risks and Complications

Although complications are rare, the possibility of potential problems must always be considered.

Potential risks and complications include:

• Anesthesia complications.
• Infection.
• Excess bleeding.
• A hematoma.
• Nerve damage.
• Hair loss around incision site.
• Temporary numbness, which can last a few days or several weeks.
• An uneven result.
• Visible scarring.
• Tissue death resulting in skin loss.

Issues that can increase the likelihood of complications following a facelift include:

• Tobacco use.
• Using supplements or medications that thin the blood.
• Uncontrolled diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Fluctuations in weight.

How Much Does a Facelift in Atlanta Cost?

Each patient is unique, therefore, to determine how much this procedure will cost requires an initial consultation.

Will Health Insurance Cover a Facelift?

Since a rhytidectomy is considered a cosmetic procedure, health insurance companies will not pay for this surgery.

A Plastic Surgeon in Atlanta Specializing in Aesthetic Procedures of the Face

Dr. Gabriele Miotto specializes in performing aesthetic procedures of the face, nose and eyes. As Dr. Miotto performs complete facelifts and mini-facelifts in Atlanta, instead of changing a patient’s overall facial appearance, her goal is to provide each patient with a natural-looking, more youthful version of themselves.

If you live in or near Atlanta, and you would like to learn about the procedures available to regain your youthful appearance, including a facelift, contact ME Plastic Surgery today at (404) 850-5851.

ME Plastic Surgery is located at 3200 Downwood Circle Northwest, Suite 640 in Atlanta.

Facelift FAQs

Facelift Before & After Photos

Facelift Before and After Photo. Facelift Surgery performed in Atlanta, GA by Dr. Miotto