If you’re unhappy with how your face is aging, a facelift (rhytidectomy) might be the answer to your problems. A facelift can help combat the signs of aging and address the following concerns:

  • Hanging, loose skin around your jawline and neck.
  • Deep creases around your nose and mouth.

Some people may be concerned that a facelift will result in an unnatural “windblown” appearance, but Dr. Karolak’s techniques, experience, and skill minimizes pain and scarring and leaves you looking younger without looking overdone. In the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Karolak, the aging process won’t take over your youthful appearance.

Recovery time after a facelift depends on a patient’s age, health status, and specific procedure desired. Patients are usually able to return to their normal activities and work within 1-2 weeks but should wait approximately 2-4 weeks before engaging in any strenuous exercise. Limiting sun exposure, living a healthy lifestyle, taking care of the skin, and keeping up with aging from it’s new, more youthful-looking “set point” will help preserve results.

Facelift Wall Township

*Individuals Results May Vary

What to Expect After A Facelift?

Dr. Karolak uses local anesthesia which is easier on the body and mind making the recovery process faster compared to general anesthesia. With local anesthesia, patients typically doze off shortly after the start of the procedure and remain comfortable and relaxed throughout.

Recovery: Week 1

All surgical patients will be given Dr. Karolak’s personal cell phone number to ensure a direct line of communication. Supportive friends or family will need to drive you to and from the procedure, help out the first night, and drive you back to the office to see Dr. Karolak the next day. Bruising and swelling usually reach their peak during the first 3-4 days, and start to improve over the next few days. Although signs of healing are likely to be present for several more weeks, most patients feel comfortable in public between 7-14 days after the procedure.  You should be able to resume light, daily activities by the end of week one. Patients often drive themselves to the 7-day post-procedure visit with Dr. Karolak.

Recovery: Week 2

Healing times will vary from patient to patient. In most cases, the swelling and bruising around the treatment area will be significantly improved compared to the first few days after surgery. Some swelling and bruising will still be present. The surgical areas should still feel numb. You will feel touch and pressure, but not cold, hot, or sharp. Be careful shaving and drying your hair with a hairdryer. Use the cool setting. DO NOT use warm/hot compresses as this can cause injury to the skin and delay healing. Numbness will start to resolve over the next few months. At the end of two weeks, you may be ready to return to more strenuous daily activities.

Facelift Consultations Available

Full Recovery from Facelift Procedures

Most of the visible signs of healing will have improved during the first  2-4 weeks, although though total healing may take 6-12 months. For “Red Carpet Events” and weddings, it is important to give yourself plenty of time to recover. Dr. Karolak recommends 3 months. This will be discussed at your consult while taking into account your personal situation and medical history. Incision sites will have a pinkish-red hue, which will gradually fade over the course of 6-12 months. In most cases, this can be easily concealed with a cover-up.

Patients who follow the pre-procedure instructions and the recommended post-procedure care instructions tend to experience the easiest recoveries and best outcomes. Open communication between you and Dr. Karolak is extremely important. All surgical patients will be given Dr. Karolak’s personal cell phone number to ensure a direct line of communication. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery period, or simply need reassurance, Dr. Karolak is available to you. He insists on being directly involved in your aftercare in order to provide you with the easiest recovery and best results possible.

Whether you’re on the fence or ready to move forward, you’ll benefit from a consultation with Dr. Karolak. He can answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide a customized treatment plan. Dr. Karolak will discuss all the details of the procedure and let you know if you’re a good candidate. If you’re looking for uncompromising results, schedule your consultation today.

I got tired of viewing my jowls and loose neck. I asked my plastic surgeon what options were available. He recommended the lower face and neck lift. I had so much confidence in my surgeon since he was amazing with fillers. He is so kind and a true artist with his work. I look like a refreshed version of myself. I wasn’t one bit nervous. He explained the entire procedure to me. He is the best and I would highly recommend him.

 

Take the Next Step

Ready to learn more about how a facelift can help you look and feel your best? Schedule an in-person consultation at Karolak Facial Plastic Surgeon in Wall Township, NJ by calling (732) 955-9500. Or, simply fill out the form on this page. We look forward to working with you!

*Individual Results may vary.