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Calgary’s Facelift Expert Everything to know about Facelifts
If you've been looking to reverse visible signs of aging, facelifts can be a great way to help you look more youthful.
Facelifts are surgical procedures that reduce the appearance of sagging skin and deep wrinkles around your face and neck through the process of making incisions around your ears and hairline, followed by tightening and lifting up the SMAS and muscles under the skin, repositioning and removing excess skin and closing the incisions. This procedure can offer you long-lasting results to help you feel more confident in your skin.
Dr. Kristina Zakhary is a Calgary-based, specialty trained surgeon in facelift surgery, and uses her artistic skill to tighten and reposition your facial tissue in order to restore your face, jaw and neck to a fresh, natural, and youthful appearance.
Why Should You Get a Facelift?
Typically, facelifts can be a great way to address visible signs of aging through a cosmetic procedure that can help you gain more confidence and happiness with your appearance. Facelifts work by tightening and lifting the SMAS and muscles under the skin around your face, jaw and neck that loses elasticity as you age, helping it regain its firm appearance as a way to help you look younger and fresher.
In addition to its cosmetic benefits, some people may also opt for a facelift procedure in order to help address loose face issues caused by significant weight loss or other medical conditions.
Deep Neck Lift Surgery
For some patients, Dr. Zakhary may determine that cosmetic neck lift surgery is the best way to remove excess skin (wattle or turkey neck) and fat from your neck, as well as to tighten lax muscles. This surgery may be performed in addition to a facelift, or may be the only tightening needed for a younger, smoother-looking neck.
The neck lift involves making an incision under the chin in order to remove any excess fat with liposuction, along with, removing, repositioning and tightening your neck muscles with sutures which hold the repositioned tissues in their proper place to create a natural, more youthful neckline and more defined neck angle.
This surgery takes about 3 to 4 hours and may be performed using general anesthesia in a fully accredited Calgary surgical facility, and its recovery is similar to that of a facelift. Generally, Dr. Zakhary will recommend that you wear a compression bandage for a while to hold your tissues in place and decrease swelling and bruising. You should also plan on taking a least two to three weeks off to recover.
Deep Neck Lift Vs. Facelift
A deep neck lift surgery is a shorter time procedure with shorter incisions required than traditional surgery. Its results are dramatic but does not address jowls or loose jaw line, but can pinpoint specific signs of aging in the face, and it is a very attractive option for those who have specific facial enhancement needs such a s a double chin or obtuse neck angle.
The main advantage of a deep neck lift is that it is tailored to meet specific needs, focusing mainly on the neck fullness (double chin) and neck angle common trouble spots. A deep neck lift can address specific areas of the neck fullness and definition without the time and effort required for traditional facelift surgery.
Deep neck lifts can prevent the need for more dramatic changes later in life. By using fewer incisions, the recovery time and the number of complications associated with this surgery are reduced significantly. Over the past few years, deep neck lifts have been wildly popular among people with busy lives because of their shorter recovery times. There are selection criteria that a patient must meet in order to be a good candidate for this procedure.
How you prepare
First you can expect a consultation with the renowned neck lift and facelift specialist, Dr. Kristina Zakhary, regarding your face-lift procedure. The following elements will typically be a part of your initial visit:
Health background and physical assessment
Be prepared to provide comprehensive information about your current and past physical and psychological health conditions. Details about your prior surgeries, including any cosmetic procedures, are essential, particularly any issues or complications that may have arisen. Inform Dr. Zakhary if you've previously engaged in smoking, drug, or alcohol use, or if you have a history of obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Zakhary will carry out a thorough physical examination and send you for laboratory testing of your blood and heart function. She may also seek your medical records from your primary care provider. If there are any doubts about your suitability for surgery, a consultation with a specialist might be required.
Facial exam
Dr. Kristina Zakhary will capture multiple photographs of your face from various perspectives, focusing on certain features. She will analyze your bone structure, facial shape, fat distribution, and the quality of your skin. This assessment will assist in identifying the most suitable approach for your face-lift procedure or neck lift procedure.
Review of medications
It's crucial to disclose all the medicines you are presently taking, including their respective dosages. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, along with herbal treatments, vitamins, and any other dietary supplements.
Expectations
Dr. Zakhary will talk to you about your anticipated results from a deep neck lift and/or face-lift, explaining the potential changes to your appearance. It's equally important to understand what a face-lift can't address. It won't, for instance, resolve fine wrinkles or correct asymmetry in facial shape.
What to do before a face-lift procedure:
Adhere to medication guidelines
You will receive specific directives about which medicines to discontinue prior to the surgery and when to cease taking them. For instance, you'll likely need to stop any blood-thinning drugs or supplements a minimum of four weeks before the procedure. Consult with Dr. Zakhary about safe medications or necessary dosage modifications.
Refrain from eating
You will be instructed to avoid food consumption after midnight on the day before your deep neck lift and/or face-lift. However, you may drink water and take medications approved by Dr. Zakhary.
Clean your face and hair
On the morning of your surgery, you'll be instructed to cleanse your hair and face using an antimicrobial soap.
Plan for post-surgery assistance
If your face-lift is an outpatient procedure, ensure that you have arranged for someone to take you home post-surgery and stay with you for 3 days after surgery. You will also require assistance during the first night following the procedure.
Neck Lift / Mini Face Lift Surgery
For some patients, Dr. Zakhary may determine that cosmetic neck lift surgery is the best procedure to remove excess skin (wattle or turkey neck) and fat and to tighten lax muscles in the neck. This surgery may be performed in addition to facelift or may be the only tightening needed for a younger, smoother looking neck.
The neck lift involves incisions along and behind the ears and under the chin to remove excess fat with liposuction, and reposition or tighten the neck muscles with sutures which hold the repositioned tissues in proper place to create a natural, more youthful neckline.
The surgery takes about three to four hours and may be performed using general anesthesia in a fully accredited Calgary surgical facility, and recovery is similar to that of facelift. Dr. Zakhary will recommend that you wear a compression bandage for a while to hold tissues in place and decrease swelling and bruising. You should plan on taking a least two weeks off to recover.
Neck Lift Vs. Facelift
A mini facelift or Neck lift surgery is a minimally invasive procedure with shorter incisions than traditional surgery. Its results are less dramatic but can pinpoint specific signs of aging in the face. It is a very attractive option for you if you have specific facial enhancement needs. The advantage to a mini face lift is that it is tailored to meet specific needs, focusing mainly on trouble spots.
A mini face lift can address specific areas of the jowls, jawline and neck without the time and effort required for a traditional face lift surgery. It is like a traditional face lift in that incisions are required along the hairline or near the ears in order to help tighten droopy muscles and skin of the face and neck.
It prevents the need for more dramatic changes later in life and makes subtle changes to the face that doesn't look like it's been operated on. By using fewer incisions, the recovery time and number of complications associated with the surgery are reduced significantly. Undergoing maintenance mini face lifts is also easier than waiting to do a full face lift later on. This mini lift has been wildly popular among people with busy lives because of shorter recovery times.
Facelift Procedures
Facelift:
Pre Procedure
Before showing up for your facelift procedure, it’s important to make sure you are prepared in order to help you guarantee a smooth and easy recovery down the road. Make sure to follow any dietary restrictions recommended to you by Dr. Zakhary, as well as any medication adjustments, and refrain from smoking while you get ready for your surgery.
During your initial facelift consultation, Dr. Zakhary will examine your face in order to assess the thickness and texture of your skin, the elasticity of your tissues, and the severity of the creases and wrinkles around your face. She may also order some additional lab tests after examining your medical history and performing a thorough physical examination of your face and neck.
Next, Dr. Zakhary will carefully examine your hairline and neck line so that she can determine the best places for incision placement in order to ensure maximum camouflage of any scars, and discuss your expected results with you, as well as any potential risks, keeping you as informed about your procedure as possible. Throughout the process, Dr. Zakhary will tailor your surgery to you individually for your specific case and facial structure.
Facelift:
During Procedure
Dr. Zakhary uses the Optimum Mobility Facelift technique, which was pioneered by Dr. Nabil Fanous. With this special approach, your optimal result will be obtained using minimum surgical dissection, which means you will have to deal with less swelling, no need for shaving hair, and safer healing for your skin down the road.
During your procedure, Dr. Zakhary will make an incision starting above your ear, where it will be hidden in your hairline at the temples. This incision will then run between the ear and cheek, into a natural crease, where the scar will be hidden and least noticeable. Finally, the incision will end behind your ear and along the hairline behind the ear, resulting in a small scar that can be camouflaged by your hair.
Facelift:
Post Procedure
Dr. Zakhary performs facelift surgery as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility, usually while you are under general anesthesia. After your surgery is over, you will be monitored briefly in a recovery room before going home with detailed instructions on how to care for your incision.
During your recovery, make sure to follow all the steps recommended to you by Dr. Zakhary in order to ensure a safe and smooth recovery from your facelift procedure. During this time, you may also experience swelling and bruising around your surgical site, which can usually be managed with cold compresses and medication.
After your procedure, Dr. Zakhary will schedule a follow-up appointment with you the following day, and then one and two weeks later, in order to monitor your recovery. Initial recovery from a traditional facelift takes about three weeks, during which your bruising and swelling will resolve, although the final healing of incisions may take up to 1.5 years.
Follow-Up Appointments
Caring for your facelift recovery process after your surgery is over is just as important as undergoing the procedure itself when it comes to making sure that you are able to recover quickly and easily with the results you deserve.
After your facelift surgery is over and you are back at home, your first follow-up appointment will generally take place the next day, and then one week and two weeks later in order to allow Dr. Zakhary to assess your healing and make sure there are no complications or signs of infection.
Following this initial appointment, subsequent follow-up appointments will be scheduled at six weeks, six months and one year later, in order to monitor your healing, during which Dr. Zakhary will examine your healed incisions and address any questions and concerns you may have.
Self-Care Tips Following Your Facelift Procedure
Following your facelift procedure, it is important to take care of yourself in order to help you ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. After your facelift is over, make sure to:
- Rest and allow yourself time to recover.
- Avoid strenuous physical activities and lifting heavy objects for several weeks.
- Take pain medication as prescribed and apply cold compresses to help alleviate swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and wear a broad-brimmed hat when you are outside.
- Keep your head elevated when sleeping or resting to reduce swelling.
- Follow a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids to promote quicker healing.
- Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled by Dr. Zakhary to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly.
By following these self-care tips, you can help ensure a safe and successful facelift recovery.
Dr. Kristina Zakhary’s proven results
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Why Choose
Dr. Kristina Zakhary
Calgary’s Top Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgeon with special focus in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, with over 20 years of experience specializing in facial surgery
Accredited by both the Canadian and American Boards of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Is the Canadian representative to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Is on the Board of the directors of the Canadian Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Teaches medical resident doctors facial plastic surgery at the University of Calgary
Performed 5,000+ successful surgeries.
As Featured In
Frequently Asked Questions about Facelift Surgery
How long does a facelift last?
Facelift surgery results should last 5-10 years – generally, how long your result will last depends on many factors including your skin thickness, elasticity, and type, as well as exposure to sun damage.
How much does it cost to lift your face?
The cost of a facelift varies between $18,500 to $20,500 depending on a variety of factors. Additionally, the patient will be responsible for the operating facility fees. Please call our office for a more reliable cost estimate.
What is the best age to get a facelift?
The best age to get a facelift is between 45 to 75 years old. The earlier the surgery is reformed, the better your skin quality usually is, leading to a better result.
Are mini facelifts worth it?
It can be worth it if you wish for a subtle improvement in your jowls with lower downtime, especially if you are between 45 to 50 years old.
Are facelifts painful?
Facelift recovery is not usually painful, and Dr. Zakhary and her team will do their best to improve your comfort during healing.
How long does it take to look normal after a facelift?
Usually, your appearance will return to socially acceptable around 3 weeks post-surgery. If all goes well, patients should be ready for social gatherings/meetings/ parties after around 6-8 weeks post-surgery.
What are the potential risks of facelift surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries some potential risks and complications. Some risks following your facelift procedure may include excessive bleeding, scarring, or hair loss, as well as nerve damage or weakness in your face. In addition, any surgery poses the risk of infection, which can lead to complications if left untreated.
Book a Consultation
We appreciate your inquiry, and look forward to helping you with your cosmetic needs. In order to best help you, we require all cosmetic patients to come in for an initial consultation. To schedule an appointment, you can complete the form below, or call our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
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