Looking for a bottom face lift to look younger and fresh. At age 71 and in good health, what is the downtime?

Question

At my age and healthy what is the cost and down time>?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

A Lower facelift can be done under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia. A lower facelift will address the loose skin of the neck, the loose muscles of the neck, the irregular jawline and some of the lower cheek. The cost of surgery usually depends upon several factors. These include the geographic area your surgery takes place in, the surgeon who you choose, what type of anesthesia you choose and the length of time that your surgeon feels your surgery will take. The usual recovery time for a procedure like this is approximately 7 to 10 days. However, most surgeons don’t want their patients resuming for exercise activity for approximately three weeks.   Best wishes.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question. 
In general, if you have not had previous surgery for the face and neck, it is more likely that a combination of a facelift and neck lift would be the most appropriate. The downtime is generally around two weeks. This can be influenced by blood pressure problems, as higher blood pressure is associated with a greater tendency to bruising and swelling, and by the fragility of the tissues in general.

For most people, between two and three weeks from surgery is the interval that seems to be adequate for recovery and return to socializing or work. Return to exercise usually takes three to four weeks, and return to full-intensity exercise approximately five weeks.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

A lower face/neck lift under local is so easy to undergo and has such amazing results for only $20,000 for quality work.  In just 2 days you already see a hugh improvement and with almost no or minimal bruising or swelling.  I recommend getting the whole face, neck and chest resurfaced at the same time for only $5000 more so everything looks rejuvenated and youthful.

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The down time after lower face surgery is in my patients 2 weeks before they resume daily activities. This time will vary from doctor to doctor and the care and compliance of the patients following instructions.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

As long as you are in good health, age is not a factor for you to proceed with surgery. The cost will vary depending on the surgeon you select and the facility. After 2 weeks you would be able to return to normal activities and you could use make up to conceal any remaining bruising. After 4 to 6 weeks patients can usually return to formal exercise. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to lern what options are available to you. Good luck.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Age is not a factor for this kind of surgery. The Concept™ Facelift that we perform is suitable for all patients that have lax facial skin, jowls, loss of definition to the jawline and developing deep lines and wrinkles. The effects of aging to the face frequent give the appearance of looking tired who ever much sleep you may have had.
The results of the Concept™ Facelift procedure will leave your with a natural, fresh and youthful appearance that lasts up to 10 years. There are no bandages, stables, drains or IVs, Our approach promotes the benefits of safe awake, local anesthetic surgery without the need of performing unnecessary general, spinal or epidural anesthesia. After all, nothing is safer than being awake and being able to speak with the surgeon and telling him exactly what you want. For patients that may feel anxious at the prospect of being awake, we also offer gentle sedation to relieve those anxieties. Good luck

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

The cost and recovery time for your procedure will depend on numerous factors. The amount of correction needed, the anesthesia used, and the experience of the surgeon all weigh into this answer. Even your location will make a difference in the overall cost of your procedure. I encourage you to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess you in person and develop a surgical plan based on your unique needs and goals. I would plan on a recovery period of about two weeks to give you ample time to heal before returning to your regular schedule.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

A combination of non-surgical options like Kybella, PDO NovaThreads, Ultherapy and Thermage would do well in combination for skin tightening for the neck. VASER Liposuction (with ThermiRF, Renuvion and InMode FaceTite) is a great alternative for contouring and tightening the chin and neck and can be combined with a neck lift at the same time, if you're a candidate. I suggest getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist to develop a long-term treatment plan that works for you. Best, Dr. Emer.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually my patients are back to work withing 7-10 days depending upon their job.  As far as cost, it really depends on your geographic region.  Prices can vary according to the costs of running a practice in a local area.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Correction of gravitational changes to the face with a face/neck lift would improve deepening nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jowls, and improving the cervicomental angle.  At 71 you will also have deflation of your face due to fat loss.  Combining a face/neck lift with an autologous fat transfer would also add needed volume to your face giving you a more complete rejuvenation.