Facelift

A Facelift (Rhytidectomy) in Colombia is a surgical procedure designed to smooth and firm the skin, providing a fresh, youthful appearance. Throughout one’s life, the sun’s radiation, stress, gravity, and other factors cause the skin to sag and fit more loosely. Areas of the face and neck, in particular around the jaw line, are especially prone to the aging process. Though these changes are gradual, wrinkles and other signs of aging can make individuals “feel older” than they really are.

Surgery for a facelift involves the contraction and realignment of facial and neck skin, and in some instances the removal of excess fat deposits. A facelift is often performed in combination with other facial cosmetic procedures and can be performed any time signs of aging begin to appear.

REASONS FOR CONSIDERING A FACELIFT

• Sagging skin, muscles, and fat in the face and neck.
• Excess skin and fat on the neck.
• Sagging jaw line.
• Crease lines along the nose, mouth, and chin.

Our plastic surgeons in Cartagena love helping patients look and feel rejuvenated with facelift surgery in Colombia.  Our facelift procedures are designed to give the individual a natural, unoperated look with the shortest recovery time possible, and a result that is long lasting.  The facelift we perform is a highly individualized procedure, designed for each patient according to his or her anatomy. There are several techniques to reposition and restore the underlying foundation, including the fat and fascia in the face and the muscles in the cheek, jawline and neck.

NO SINGLE FACELIFT TECHNIQUE IS APPROPRIATE FOR ALL PATIENTS.

Dr. Alex Campbell and Dr. Carolina Restrepo use the approach that is best for each patient’s anatomy. In every patient they reposition the underlying foundation, which consists of fascia, called the SMAS, fat and muscle to restore tissues to their original position without stretching the overlying skin.  At the initial consultation your surgeon will tell you which of the procedures will give you the best and most natural result.  Our patients often find that regaining their youthful look enhances their self-esteem as well as their appearance.

FACIAL REJUVENATION THROUGH FACELIFT AND ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES

• Rejuvenation procedures typically performed in conjunction with a facelift include:
• Neck lift
• Eyelid surgery to rejuvenate aging eyes
• Fat grafting to restore facial volume
• Facial liposuction to neck and jawline
• Brow lift surgery to raise a heavy brow
• Skin resurfacing techniques

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I HAVE A FACELIFT?

Our philosophy is that a patient, regardless of age, should not have a facelift until they have seen changes in the face, that are a result of the aging process, that they wish to have corrected.

THE PRIMARY CAUSES LINKED TO THE AGING PROCESS:

• Genetics
• Lifestyle – including sun damage
• Smoking
• Weight gain or loss

People age at various rates and observe changes in their face differently. Some people see the early changes of aging, such as a little bit of sagging in the mid face and jowls along the jawline that troubles them a great deal.  In the Caribbean region, the sun contributes to the aging of an otherwise active and vigorous community.  That is why our surgeons perform facelifts on a number of individuals in the mid to late 40’s. Conversely, people with darker skin tones tend to age more slowly.

HOW LONG A FACELIFT WILL LAST?

Unfortunately, the procedure can’t stop the natural aging process. Factors such as skin elasticity, exposure to the sun, and lifestyle choices (smoking and weight changes).  Once you have had a facelift, you will look better than nature intended for the remainder of your life.  Mind you, 10 years after surgery you will not look as good as 4 to 5 years after surgery because aging does continue, but you will look better than if you had not had the procedure.

Secondary facelifts are performed 10 to 12 or even 15 years after the original procedure. This is not because the patient has returned to their pre-surgical condition but because they are seeing changes occurring with the passage of time and they wish to maintain a more youthful face.

CAN YOU COMBINE A FACELIFT WITH OTHER ANTI-AGING PROCEDURES?

Yes.  Various parts of the face in an individual age differently.  One patient may look older due to sagging eyelids, jowls, and neck while another patient complains of a heavy brow, sagging cheeks, and fine wrinkles around the mouth.  Our plastic surgeons at Premium Care have extensive training in the full array of plastic surgery options available for facial rejuvenation.

For every patient, we do a complete facial analysis and discuss treatment options with the patient, both surgical and nonsurgical.  Together with the patient, we come up with a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan, and can often perform procedures together if more then one is desired.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Some current media articles and advertisements compare non-invasive and minimally invasive facelift procedures to surgical facial rejuvenation. The results obtained with non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures do not compare to the initial results, nor the long-term results, that can be achieved with surgery.

YOUR FACELIFT LIFT CONSULTATION

If you are bothered by signs of aging in your face, facelift surgery may be right for you.  A facelift in Colombia is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck, such as:

• Sagging in the midface
• Deep creases below the lower eyelids
• Deep creases along the nose extending to the corner of the mouth
• Fat that has fallen or is displaced
• Loss of muscle tone in the lower face may create jowls
• Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw can make even a person of normal weight appear to have a double chin

IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

A facelift can only be performed surgically; non-surgical rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery. Facelift surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

A FACELIFT IS A GOOD OPTION FOR YOU IF:

• You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight
• You do not smoke
• You have realistic expectations

WHAT FACELIFTS WON’T DO:

As a restorative surgery, a facelift does not change your fundamental appearance and cannot stop the aging process.

The best way for patients to understand their options is in a thorough consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia.  In our approach to facelift, communicating with our patient is key.  We will carefully review your medical history and evaluation questionnaire before the initial consultation.  Our plastic surgeons will explain how the different procedures may apply to you specifically, and what we recommend for your particular case.  We’ll also demonstrate the result we’d expect with each of the procedure options.

BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS:

• Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• Your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Previous surgeries
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, and tobacco

YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON AT PREMIUM CARE WILL ALSO:

• Take photographs for your medical record
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of facelift and any risks or potential complications

For some patients, we may recommend that facelift be combined with a additional facial rejuvenation procedures such as forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or skin treatments for as part of a comprehensive plan for facial rejuvenation.

Facial plastic surgery is an area of expertise for our plastic surgeons at Premium Care in Colombia.  Our patient population reflects a cross-section residents of the United States, Europe, and Latin America and we have a broad range of experience with different ages, ethnicities, and sizes of patients.

If you’re ready to meet with our plastic surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia, you can request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and  (+1) 305 8481909 in United States.

PREPARING FOR YOUR FACE LIFT IN COLOMBIA

Premium Care Plastic Surgery encourages you to take a few simple steps in preparation for your facelift procedure in Colombia. Following the steps presented below will make your recovery from surgery as safe, short and relaxing as possible.

Your surgeon will provide you with a list of specific steps you should take leading up to your procedure. This list might include limiting your use of certain medications, alcohol and cigarettes, and minor changes in your grooming habits. These changes are temporary but very important to your comfort and safety.

BEFORE FACELIFT SURGERY, YOU MAY BE ASKED TO:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS YOU RECEIVE WILL COVER:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your facelift
• Post-operative care and follow-up
• Medications to purchase and bring with you on the day of surgery.

A patient’s final result will be enhanced through active participation in preparing for a facelift.  Patients considering forehead lift need to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet to prepare for surgery.

Smoking increases the risks of many potential complications of surgery and should be avoided. Patients who smoke must discus this candidly with their plastic surgeon as risks for facelift surgery increase markedly when compared to non-smokers. Nicotine patches or gum are also associated with increased complications and should not be used in preparation for surgery.

On the day of your surgery, we ask that you wear no jewelry or make-up and avoid deodorant, skin lotions and perfume. We recommend warm, loose fitting clothing, such as pajamas or sweat pants with thick socks or slippers to prevent the chills commonly experienced after surgery. Please inform your surgeon if you have a cold, sore throat, active allergies or an open cut or sore on the day of your surgery.

You’ll need help.  Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.  Effective planning prior to undergoing forehead lift can make your recovery as brief and relaxing as possible.

To take the next step, arrange a personal consultation with Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia by calling (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and +1 305 8481909 in United States or use our convenient online form to schedule a consultation online.

YOUR FACELIFT 

What happens during facelift surgery?

STEP 1 – ANESTHESIA

Medications are administered for your comfort during a facelift procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

A VARIETY OF OTHER PROCEDURES CAN FURTHER ENHANCE THE OUTCOME OF A FACELIFT. THEY INCLUDE:

• Facial implants
• Soft tissue augmentation to recontour the facial structure
• Resurfacing techniques to improve the tone and texture of facial skin
• Wrinkle reduction by injection
• Surgical lifting of eyelids, neck, and brow.

STEP 2 – THE INCISION

Depending on the degree of change you’d like to see, your rhytidectomy surgery choices include a traditional facelift, limited incision facelift, and/or a neck lift.

TRADITIONAL FACELIFT (FULL FACELIFT):

A full facelift incision begins in the temporal area above the ear, follows the contour of the cartilage of the ear, curves around the earlobe and continues up the back of the ear into the hair in a way that is not seen.  We are careful to maintain the hairline in the front and back of the ear, and the temporal and side burn area, in their original positions. With our technique, facelift scars are hidden.  Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls and neck.  Underlying tissue is repositioned; commonly the deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted.  Skin is redraped over the uplifted contours and excess skin is trimmed away.  A second incision under the chin may be necessary to further improve an aging neck. Sutures or skin adhesives close the incisions.

SHORT SCAR FACELIFT (LIMITED INCISION)

For some patients, a short scar facelift is possible in which the incision begins in the temporal area above the ear, follows the contour of the cartilage of the ear and then curves around the earlobe and stops.  A short scar facelift works for an individual who does not have significant sagging of the neck. Through this short incision, our surgeons perform very sophisticated work on the underlying foundation of the mid face, cheek and jawline.

NECK LIFT

Sagging jowls, loose neck skin and fat accumulation under the chin may be corrected with a neck lift. The neck lift incision often begins in front of the ear lobe and wraps around behind the ear ending in the lower scalp.

STEP 3 – CLOSING THE INCISIONS

Once healed, the incision lines from a facelift are well concealed within the hairline and in the natural contours of the face and ear.

STEP 4 – SEE THE RESULTS

The visible improvements of a facelift appear as swelling and bruising subside. Your final result should not only restore a more youthful and rested appearance, but also help you feel more confident about yourself.

Plan to arrange to talk with Dr. Alex Campbell and Dr. Carolina Restrepo at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia soon.  Request a consultation online or contact us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and +1 305 8481909 in United States.

YOUR FACELIFT RECOVERY IN COLOMBIA

When your procedure is completed, a bandage could gently be placed around your face to minimize post facelift swelling and bruising. A thin tube may be present to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect under the skin.

Bruising, swelling and recovery time varies from patient to patient. A number of factors including the patient’s skin, general health, medications, as well as the procedure necessary to deliver the desired results, will influence the recovery time. Our doctors and staff at Premium Care Plastic Surgery will advise you of the appropriate do’s and don’ts before surgery.

In general, most patients are over most of their bruising and much of their swelling 10 to 14 days after surgery. Many patients return to social activities, and/or work, 2 weeks after surgery and everyone returns to aerobic exercise 21 days post-op.  You and your surgeon will know that there is still some swelling to subside but your friends and colleagues will see you as significantly refreshed.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for your incisions following surgery
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection
• When to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

BE CAREFUL

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

FACELIFT RESULTS WILL BE LONG LASTING

It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to 6 months for incision lines to mature.  Life-long sun protection will help to maintain your rejuvenated appearance by minimizing photo-aging or sun damage. In addition, a healthy lifestyle will also help extend the results of your rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

If you’re ready to find out more about changing your look, request a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and +1 305 848 1909 in United States to request an appointment with one of our skilled, sensitive plastic surgeons in Colombia.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS OF FACE LIFT

Our patients from the United States, Europe, and Latin America see face lift as an exciting way to feel younger and get more enjoyment out of life.  However, as with all elective surgeries, it is still important to go into it fully informed and aware of potential risks and complications.  When you request your consultation at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, out plastic surgeons will take the time to discuss all aspects of face lift in depth, and answer any questions you may have.

Complications of facelifts have been rare in our experience. These uncommon risks include unfavorable scarring, bleeding (hematoma), seroma (fluid collection) poor wound healing, anesthesia risks, correctable hair loss at the incisions, facial nerve injury with weakness, facial asymmetry, skin loss, numbness or other changes in sensation and contour.  Even if a complication were to occur, diligent post-operative care would still likely lead to a nice result.

FACELIFT IN COLOMBIA: WORDS TO KNOW

• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Tear trough: Deep creases below the lower eyelids.
• Nasolabial fold: Deep creases between the nose and cheek
• Jowls: A jaw line that sags into the neck, usually caused by loss of muscle tone in the lower face.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.
• Rhytidectomy: A surgical procedure also known as facelift, to reduce sagging of the mid-face, jowls and neck.

FACELIFT IN COLOMBIA: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a facelift?

Facelift in Colombia, also known as rhytidectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure performed to improve the neck laxity, jowls, and the midface. As a person ages, the midface begins to descend, producing the nasolabial folds. The lower face then begins to show jowling, near the chin and the neck muscles sag, producing banding and redundancy. These three areas can be improved with the facelift procedure. The facelift does not improve the skin texture or quality.

Who is the best candidate for a facelift in Colombia?

The best candidate is a healthy man or woman whose face is beginning to show signs of facial aging. The typical patient may have sagging skin in the neck and jowls. He or she may also have midface descent, producing a nasolabial fold. There are many other factors that determine whether an individual is a good candidate for a facelift, such as skin type, ethnicity, and skin laxity.  We do not put a strong emphasis on the age of the patient, but instead focuses on the patient’s facial aging.

Are there any limitations to what a facelift in Colombia can achieve?

The facelift procedure cannot stop the aging process. It, however, make the person look more refreshed and rested. It is commonly said that a facelift will make the person look ten years younger.

What happens during a consultation for a facelift? 
Your plastic surgeon will personally meet with you and spend as much time as you need during the consultation at our facilities at Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Cartagena.  We will examine and evaluate you, and then show you before and after pictures and then explain the surgical procedure from beginning to end. This explanation will include what surgical technique we will use, where the surgery will be performed, what type of anesthesia, and a step-by-step explanation of what the recovery will be like. You will then meet with the patient care coordinator, who will explain the scheduling details and the cost.

Where is facelift surgery performed?

Our plastic surgeons perform their procedures at our state of the art surgical facilities where the “art of healing” is alive and well.

What type of anesthesia is used for a facelift in Colombia?

Our doctors perform the facelift with general anesthesia and in a few cases under local anesthesia and sedation.  We will discuss which option is best for you.

How is the actual facelift procedure performed?

Dr. Campbell and Dr. Restrepo perform facelift procedures that result in a very natural result, while providing a very smooth neck contour. They also improve the jowls and the midface. The procedure involves making a series of incisions. The neck muscles are tightened through an incision just under the chin. Then in the lower face, the facial muscles are identified and repositioned in their new location. The skin is then re-draped and the excess is trimmed. All of the incisions are hidden in natural creases and closed with very tiny stitches so that they heal without scars. At the conclusion, a dressing is then placed.

How long is the surgical time for a facelift?

The facelift typically takes three to four hours.

Where are the incisions made for a facelift?

Our surgeons place all the incisions so that they are all hidden and out of site. The incision in the temporal area is hidden inside the hair. In front of the ear, it loops behind the tragus (the small cartilage in front of the ear). Next it travels behind the ear in the crease and then into the hair.

Are there scars that result from a facelift?

The scars from a facelift should not be visible after they have healed. There are two reasons why facelift scars are visible. One, because the skin was closed with too much tension. The second is because the incision was placed in a poor location.  Our surgeons use techniques to avoid any tension on the skin. They also place the incisions in locations where they will not be visible and use meticulous techniques to close the incisions.

Is there much pain with a facelift?

Your doctor will prescribe you pain medication in case you need it. Most patients do not feel much pain after the facelift procedure.

Will I need someone to help me out at home after the facelift procedure?

Yes.  It’s a good idea for patients to prearrange for post-surgery support from family members or friends.

What is the recovery like after a facelift?

The recovery for the facelift procedure is rather mild. The surgery is ambulatory, meaning that the patient is allowed to return home the same day of the surgery. Your doctor will see you in the office the morning after surgery to remove the dressing and check all of the incisions. They will then place a removable elastic bandage to help support the tissues during the healing phase. The patient will then return to the office on the fifth post-operative day. At that point, the small sutures around the ears and under the chin will be removed. On the tenth post-operative day, the sutures behind the ears will be removed. From here on the heeling will move forward quite rapidly. Bruising will gradually subside. By the two week mark the patient will be presentable. Most patients return to work at this time.

When will I be able to return to work after my facelift?

Patients are generally able to return to work about two weeks after the facelift procedure.

How soon after my facelift will I be able to exercise?

We recommends that his patients avoid strenuous exercise for three weeks following surgery.

What are the risks or complications associated with facelift surgery?

Some of the potential risks associated with facelift surgery may include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve injury, and poor healing. These are very rare incurrence.

Are the results of a facelift permanent?


The results of a facelift may be considered permanent in that you will continue to look younger years later than you would have without undergoing the facelift. However, a facelift cannot stop the aging process and the face will continue to age. Many say that the facelift tends to last about five to ten years, after which time patients may opt to undergo a touch-up procedure.

If you’re ready to find out more about changing your look, go request a consultation online or call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena 305 8481909 in United States to request an appointment with one of our skilled, sensitive plastic surgeons.