What is a Facelift?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the goal of a
facelift, or rhytidectomy, is to reduce sagging and loose skin in the face and neck.
This goal is accomplished by lifting or repositioning the skin and underlying tissues.
Modern techniques tighten the deeper layers or facial tissue as well as the skin,
creating a natural look that usually “subtracts” 6 to 10 years from
your appearance.
Will I be able to see Facelift before and after pictures?
During your consultation visit, your surgeon will show you before and after photos
of patients who had a facelift. You will be able to see firsthand the difference
the procedure made for these people.
What is the average cost of a Facelift? Is there a charge for the consultation?
At our Cape Girardeau, MO practice, the average cost for a full Facelift is $6700
to $7000 (effective June 1, 2009) and $4200 to $4400 for a mini Facelift (effective
June 1, 2009). This includes the operating room cost and anesthesia services. There
is an $85 charge for the consultation. The consultation charge is deducted from
the price of the procedure if you decide to schedule your facelift within 6 months.
After 6 months, a new consultation may be scheduled to review any changes in your
medical history.
Will insurance cover a Facelift?
A cosmetic procedure such as a Facelift is not a covered procedure by insurance.
Our office in Cape Girardeau accepts several types of payment options. They are
cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express), money order,
cashier checks and financing with an outside agency. We require that financing arrangements
are in place before surgery.
What is the difference between a full and mini Facelift?
The full and mini Facelift differs in length of scar and amount of skin tightening
on the face. A full facelift’s scar starts in the hair by the temple, running
in front of the ear, and then extending behind the ear into the hairline. This incision
will allow the skin to be tightened from the cheekbones through the neck. The mini
facelift’s incision approximately starts at the top of the ear and then runs
behind the ear into the hairline. This incision will only tighten the skin from
the jowl line through the neck. Both types of facelifts are offered at our Cape
Girardeau’s practice.
Do I have to stop smoking before having a Facelift procedure?
Yes. A patient must stop smoking 1 month before surgery and 1 month after surgery.
Nicotine in cigarettes decreases the blood supply to the skin and blood supply is
a very important factor to the healing process. We hope patients can also decrease
their exposure to second hand smoke. We will NOT perform a full facelift unless
you stop smoking.
When is the best time of year for a facelift?
You should make it a time when you can allow yourself time to heal. After facelift
surgery, you will have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction for at least 2 weeks following
surgery. (That will include lifting children.) You also have to make adjustments
at work due to pain, swelling, bruising and being on pain medication. On average,
face lift patients from Cape Girardeau, Sikeston and Jackson took 2-3 weeks off
from work. Some patients have more physically demanding jobs or their jobs demand
being in the public eye. Those patients might need to take off longer. Patients
on average will have bruising for 2-3 weeks.
Before and After a Facelift
To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, you must stop taking blood thinners
and vitamin E at least one week before and after surgery. If you are on prescription
blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance from your physician as well
as instructions on how to stop these medications. We also want all herbal medication
and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) stopped at least two weeks before
surgery and one week following.
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, cosmetic surgeries
are elective procedures. The patient must be in overall good health before the surgery
can be performed. If there are questions regarding your health, medical clearance
from your family doctor may be required.
I might consider a face lift. What should I do next?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, David Deisher,
MD and J. Stewart Humphrey, MD are board certified by The American Board of Plastic
Surgery. They offer plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri including
Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Sikeston. Your next step is to contact the Heartland
Plastic and Hand Surgery office in Cape Girardeau to schedule your initial facelift
consultation! Make a mental note of all your questions and concerns and bring them
to your consultation so your doctor can address them. Act now and make this important
phone call! You will be glad you did!
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