Wrinkle Free: Getting a Facelift in Reno

Posted May 06, 2015 in Practice News

“You look tired.” It sounds like an innocent enough observation, especially if it comes from someone you know cares about you. But wait…you don’t actually feel tired! Then your hands immediately fly to your face and you wonder, Do I look old?

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Even the best of us have looked in the mirror and said, “Wow, the years are really catching up on me.” Aging is a natural process and, sooner or later, we will all have to succumb to wrinkles, creases, and sagging caused by old age. But the great news is, modern technology has made it possible to slow and improve the signs of aging.

Facial plastic surgery, anyone?

Facelift procedures in Reno, Nevada aren’t as in demand as, say, liposuction or the very much sought-after mommy makeover, but they remain a popular cosmetic procedure, and for good reason. The results of a facelift operation, especially when done by an expert plastic surgeon like Dr. Talbott, can last for a long time (think years, not months), compared to minimally invasive procedures like Botox and fillers, which have temporary results. The latter, however, is a great complement to the former.

The number of facelifts done in Reno and across the US continues to rise, so if you’re considering having one, you’re not alone. To help you with your decision, Talbott Plastic Surgery Center has compiled – and answered – the most commonly asked questions about facelifts.

• What is a facelift?

It’s an obvious question to which not many people know the answer. Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy or rhytidoplasty, is a procedure designed to eliminate wrinkles and creases through a re-tightening of skin and underlying facial tissues. The result is a more youthful, more refreshed appearance.

• How is it performed, and how long does it take?

Dr. Talbott first makes delicate, almost inconspicuous incisions from the temple, around the front of the ear, then back toward the lower skull. She then separates the skin from underlying facial tissue and pulls it back to tighten muscles. The skin is pulled upwards and backwards, and the excess skin is removed. The remaining skin is then sutured into its new position. That’s basically a facelift in a nutshell. In Reno, this cosmetic procedure is typically combined with blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery. The standard procedure usually takes four hours, but may take longer when combined with other treatments.

• Am I a good candidate for a facelift procedure?

Is the skin around your face, chin, and jowls starting to sag? When you look in the mirror, do you appear tired even if you aren’t? Do you feel you’ve lost that youthful look you once had, or you just don’t look like yourself anymore? If yes, then a facelift might be for you. People between 30 and 80 years old have facelifts, but it’s important to note that there’s really no set age for this.

• What happens during a facelift consultation?

Dr. Talbott believes that no two plastic surgery procedures are alike, so it follows that one person’s consultation may differ greatly from another, even if both are considering the same procedure. A typical facelift consultation with Dr. Talbott, however, involves a lot of Q & As: she’ll want to know more about you, to ensure a highly individualized facelift procedure that’s based on your needs, but she’ll also want and encourage you to ask questions. So ask away and be very frank about what you want – your expectations, the kind of results you desire, etc. She will also tell you more about the procedure, as well as the risks associated with it.

• So… there are risks involved?

Any kind of surgery carries some sort of risk. For facelifts, there’s the risk of infection, nerve damage, and hematoma. These risks are reduced significantly, however, when a facelift is performed by an experienced, well-trained cosmetic and plastic surgeon like Dr. Talbott.

• What will recovery be like?

Facelift recovery varies from patient to patient, but it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and pain. These side effects will go away following post-operational care. Sutures can be removed a week after the surgery. Most patients can return to work in two weeks and resume normal activity within a month. You have to keep in mind, however, that people heal at different rates. Dr. Talbott will give you more personalized information for your post-op care.

Remember that the best kind of facelift is the one that looks natural, which Dr. Talbott aims to achieve in all the facelift surgeries she performs. You won’t look “different”, instead you will look younger, more relaxed and rested. And the best part is, you will also feel revitalized and refreshed, especially when those compliments pour in! So if you’re ready to get a facelift in Reno, contact the Talbott Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule a consultation.

Learn more about our facelift procedure in Reno and view our Facelift Before and After photos