Facelift in St. Petersburg & Tampa, FL

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John J. O'Brien offers a full spectrum of facial plastic surgery procedures to patients in St. Petersburg, FL, Tampa, FL, and Clearwater, FL. One of the most common surgeries at St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery is a facelift. This treatment focuses on precise areas of the face to correct loose skin and wrinkles to create a smooth and youthful appearance. Based upon your aesthetic goals, a facelift can focus on the areas around the eyes, the mid-face area and cheeks, the bottom section including the mouth, jowls, neck, and more for an all-around younger look. The type of facelift used depends on your desired outcome, the health and condition of your skin, the degree of skin laxity, lifestyle, age, and other factors. Some individuals want a full facelift, while some may only need a mid-face lift. Dr. O'Brien is an experienced surgeon who understands the anatomy and complex intricacies of a facelift procedure. The objective is to produce a natural appearance that's smooth and appealing.

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are bothered by noticeable facial wrinkles and lines whether it be the face as a whole or a specific section, such as the mid-face and lower face. A facelift can target various sections depending on your unique signs of aging. It's also important to note that age doesn't always define the timing to have cosmetic facial surgery. There are countless unique concerns and reasons, and also numerous lift types depending on what needs to be addressed. The treatment chosen will be different for patients who are in their 30s vs. those who are over 60. Skin laxity is one of the key components in the decision-making process. Patients should be physically healthy and be a nonsmoker, and also have expectations that are realistic.

Regardless of your aesthetic concerns, there are numerous facelifts to consider. Some facelifts treat the upper area of the face, and others focus on the lower two-thirds. Moreover, some techniques are a bit more invasive than others. It's very common for some individuals to have a brow lift, eyelid lift, or BOTOX and fillers to complement their outcomes. Some of the more known facelift techniques include:

• Full Facelift
  A common surgery for older adults, the full or "traditional" facelift usually puts an incision near the hairline, extending down to the temple region, stopping near the base of the ears. The deeper layer of facial muscles are delicately stretched and securely tightened to create a lifted appearance, which diminishes excessive wrinkles and sagging. A full facelift is used for patients who show signs of aggressive aging. During a full facelift, several procedures may be used, including an eyelid lift to address the eyes or neck reduction for the lower region.
• Mid-Facelift
  Incorporating a similar method to the mini facelift, the cheek lift (known as a mid-facelift) addresses the droopy features around the cheekbones as well as the upper jaw. The mid facelift works great for those who desire improvement in the middle to lower region of the face, which also includes the jowls.
• Lower Facelift
  A lower facelift corrects the neck region and chin and sometimes the jowls. Methods of a nonsurgical nature, such as ThermiTight, can also be applied for chin augmentation to attain a younger-looking neck.
• Mini Facelift
  When undergoing a mini facelift, a tiny incision is placed near the ears to elevate the skin, which helps the mouth and jawline. This technique creates nice and subtle enhancements that look beautiful and natural.

Following your procedure, we will monitor your health until you can be safely released to be taken home by a friend or family member. Prior to your surgery, Dr. O'Brien or someone on his staff will plan your follow-up visits and give you suggestions to help you heal properly. It's normal to have bruising, swelling, possible drainage, slight to moderate pain, and soreness, which may be reduced by pain medication. You should feel and physically look better after about a month. You can expect a smoother and younger-looking facial appearance. Overall, your face will appear rejuvenated and fresh.

How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of your facelift will depend on the technique and other factors. In your consultation, Dr. O'Brien will create your unique treatment plan to match your needs and goals. When this is complete, he can go over estimates of fees. To avoid unnatural-looking results, it's better to concentrate on finding a skilled surgeon, like Dr. O'Brien, instead of the lowest price. St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery can give you information on low-interest financing that will make your facelift affordable.

Which technique is best for me?
The best technique for you will vary based on your concerns, goals, level of skin laxity, what areas are being addressed, and other factors. To produce your best results, Dr. O'Brien will explain the different techniques in your consultation. He can then help you choose which technique is best.

Should I get a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?
Although there are several great noninvasive skin tightening treatments, these can only give you small improvements. For moderate to severe skin sagging, facelift surgery is the best choice to improve your appearance. In your consultation, Dr. O'Brien will discuss your choices, including nonsurgical procedures, to help you choose which is best for your goals.

What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?
Wrinkle fillers and relaxers, like BOTOX and Juvéderm, have become more popular to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Also known as a liquid facelift, nonsurgical wrinkle treatments usually help with early signs of aging; however, the results won't last more than 1 – 2 years. A facelift will produce more significant improvements than injectables with long-lasting results. Ask Dr. O'Brien about nonsurgical wrinkle treatments in your consultation.

Will my results look natural?
Some patients worry that a facelift will make their skin look shiny, overly tight, or like they are in a wind tunnel. Dr. O'Brien focuses on giving you results that look natural, so you appear refreshed, not fake. He listens to your concerns and goals before creating your custom treatment plan to produce your best results.

A facelift treatment can turn back the hands of time for your face and provide you with a rejuvenated appearance. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of choices for surgery depending on your individual concerns and goals. This procedure is meant to make you look younger, but natural. To hear more about this treatment, we welcome you to contact St. Petersburg Center for Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg, FL to schedule your consultation with Dr. O'Brien.