Delray Beach Facial Plastic Surgeons

Face Lift to Reshape the Face

hi, i'd like to know if a face lift can be used to reshape the face and not just for sagging skin. i'm 30 years old so my skin is still pretty tight but the whole face is kinda "droopy", i wonder if a face lift or a forehead lift could just be used to reshape the upper part of my face and make it wider and make the eyes a little more almond shape or make the jawline tighter.

In some ways your question is a very advanced question that signifies a deep understanding of how the human mind percevies age.  The human mind perceives age based upon the overal shape of the face. Shaping the face is the general goal for the majority of facial rejuvenation procedures and is how a facial plastic surgeon can achieve natural effective results.

However, a facelift is absolutely NOT the right procedure for a 30 year old in order to do this.  The goal of a facelift is to improve the jawline and the neck to get rid of that square appearance to the face. This generally occurs in the mid to later 40s and later.  In the 30's the general loss of facial shape, if it exists, occurs from mid-face ptosis (cheeks sagging) or more commonly volume loss in the face.  In these instances a mid-face lift or more facial fillers (restylane, radiesse, fat grafting) may be a better solution for you.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon

What Level of Pain is Considered Normal After a Facelift?

Should prescribed pain meds be able to numb the pain? If they do not, is something else wrong?

The recovery from a facelift is generally much easier then most people expect.  Most patient describe several days of ahving the feeling of discomfort/tightness especially in the area around the neck. That being said, intense pain is not common and is something that if you experience you should let your surgeon know about immediately. It can be a sign of a complication such as a hematoma. Again, this is the exception not the rule. 

Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon

I Am 76 Years Old, Can I Get A Facelift?

Since I am quite old and have lots of wrinkles will it be worth my while and how successful will the results be and how long will they last? Kelly

A facelift can be an excellent procedure in someone your age. In fact, age is really not the limit in facelift surgery, your health is.  As long as you are in good health and able to have elective surgery then you are likely a good candidate for the procedure.  I have patients that are 50 and may want a facelift, but cannot have surgery due to a heart condition. On the same token I see patients in their 80's that are perfectly healthy and have effective facelift surgery that is performed safely.

The first place I would visit is with your internist to determine if you are in good enough health to have an elective procedure. Then meet with your facial plastic surgeon to discuss your candidacy for the procedure.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon