Facelift Surgery in Lexington, KY

Facelift Surgery in Lexington, KY

Most facelifts are performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient setting at the surgery center. At our practice, we use Artiss fibrin sealant in nearly all facelift procedures to eliminate the need for drains and reduce the requirement for a chin strap or facial garment. Artiss also helps minimize bruising and potentially lowers the risk of complications like hematomas. While discomfort after surgery is usually minimal, it’s important to allow adequate recovery time before resuming normal activities. Generally, patients can expect to be presentable in public within about two weeks post-surgery, though individual recovery times may vary.

Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

Facelift surgery addresses facial aging that cannot be corrected through non-surgical treatments alone. You may be a strong candidate if you’re experiencing:

• Jowling along the jawline – Sagging tissue creates an undefined or heavy appearance.
• Loose facial or neck skin – Skin laxity causes drooping in the midface, lower face, and neck.
• Loss of jawline definition – The contour between the face and neck becomes blurred.
• Deep nasolabial folds – Lines from nose to mouth become more pronounced.
• Platysmal bands in the neck – Vertical neck bands emerge as muscle structure weakens.

Ideal facelift candidates should also meet these criteria:

• Good overall health with no conditions that impair healing
• Realistic expectations for surgical outcomes
• Non-smoker status or commitment to cessation before and after surgery
• Adequate skin elasticity to respond well to lifting
• Stable weight to maintain long-term results

Candidacy is determined during your consultation. Dr. David S. Kirn or Dr. Ahmed Al Bayati will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals to recommend the most appropriate facelift technique for natural-looking results.

Understanding Facelift Incisions & Techniques

Facelift surgery involves strategic incisions placed along the hairline in the temples, around and behind the ears, and potentially along the hairline behind the ear to remove excess skin, contour subcutaneous fat, adjust cheek fat pads, and tighten the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a connective tissue layer in the face. Both surgeons prefer placing incisions behind the tragus, the cartilage in front of the ear, for better scar concealment. Typically, the face and neck are addressed together during surgery, although separate procedures may be necessary in some cases.

Facelift Recovery Timeline

Facelift recovery time varies by procedure type and individual healing patterns. Understanding what to expect helps patients plan appropriately and achieve optimal results.

• Week 1 – Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first week. Patients rest at home with their head elevated and follow post-operative care instructions carefully. Dressings and drains are typically removed the day after surgery.
• Weeks 2-3 – Many patients return to work and light social activities around two weeks post-surgery, though mild swelling and bruising may persist. Makeup can help conceal residual discoloration. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and intense exercise remain restricted.
• Weeks 4-6 – Most visible healing is complete. Patients gradually resume normal activities, including exercise, as cleared by their surgeon.
• Months 3-6 – Residual swelling continues to resolve. Final facelift results become evident as tissues settle into their new contours.

Post-operative instructions and follow-up visits at Kirn Plastic Surgery Center support safe, successful recovery and help patients achieve the best possible outcome.

Cost of a Facelift

Facelift costs depend on the type of facelift, surgical complexity, anesthesia, and facility fees. Exact facelift pricing is determined during consultation.

Kirn Plastic Surgery Center offers facelift financing options to help patients manage treatment costs. Payment options are reviewed before scheduling surgery.