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What is a facelift?

Growing older does not mean you have to look old! A facelift is designed to tighten sagging skin of the face and neck; firm up muscle support; smooth creases around the eyes, nose and mouth; remove excess fat in the neck; erase bands in the neck; and improve the jawline.

Presentation is variable, across a huge spectrum. Some individuals present in their 40s with lax jawline and signs of aging in the neck, while others may present with significant laxity of the skin from the eyes down to the neck, with sun damaged skin and lines in the face. Face and neck lift approaches are individualized depending on patient presentation and goals. Some individuals want their outcome to be subtle and not noticed – this gentle result is possible.

The approach to a facelift depends on individual presentation, but in general, incisions are strategically placed in the natural creases of the hairline around the ear and possibly under the chin. The objective is a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance that looks natural, not different. Some individuals have minimal laxity along the jawline and treatment only requires a small incision around the ear, and surgery can be performed under local anesthesia in about 1.5 hours. While there are many new, less invasive treatments out there, a surgical facelift is still the gold standard in facial rejuvenation, a comprehensive approach in one encounter.

A facelift not only improves and refreshes the face and neck—it can actually improve skin quality. The healing process stimulates inflammatory mediators that can improve old scarring and poor skin quality. Results go beyond just facial tightening.

Who is a good candidate for a facelift?

Good candidates for a facelift in Maryland are men and women in good physical and psychological health who have deflation and wrinkles of the face, lax and/or irregular skin texture, and a poorly defined neck and jawline.

This procedure may be combined with a brow lift, blepharoplasty, facial fat grafting, neck liposuction or injectables to rejuvenate the entire face and neck. During the initial consultation you will discuss with Dr. Shermak what you would like to improve so she can understand your expectations and determine how to best achieve your desired results.

Facelift in Baltimore, Maryland

What is the mini-lift under local anesthesia?

Some individuals, particularly those under 50 years of age, have minimal laxity along the jawline and upper neck. Pulling the skin up simulates the treatment goal. This procedure only requires a small incision around the ear, and can be performed under local anesthesia in about 1.5 hours.

How can I assure I don’t look overdone?

You should state your “end goal” to Dr. Shermak. Her aesthetic aim generally is to achieve a rested, refreshed look. The client should recognize herself or himself easily in the mirror after surgery, seeing the clock turned back, not the face of a stranger. Dr. Shermak would not want that for herself.

Will the facelift scars be visible?

The scars fall into the hairline and creases around the ear, or shadow under the chin. Scars will fade over time. If the temple is included, patients may actually experience an improved hairline.

Facelift in Baltimore, Maryland

How long will a facelift last?

On average, about 8 years. Some individuals with sun damaged skin or particularly lax skin may see a shorter duration of result, while others may be happy with their outcome for 15 years. A secondary facelift may be entertained later to improve upon relaxed results that will occur over time.

What is the recovery like for a facelift?

Facelift surgery tends to be performed on an outpatient basis. You may experience temporary swelling, numbness, and bruising that respond well to head elevation, ice packs and Arnica Montana herbal supplementation.

You will be seen in the office within 1 to 3 days to have your post-operative dressings removed. Stitches are removed 7 to 10 days after surgery. Makeup may be applied by 2 weeks after surgery. Most clients find they can resume regular activities and return to work within 2 weeks, with swelling taking up to a month to resolve.

Taking the next step Schedule a Consultation

We invite you to call Dr. Shermak’s Baltimore plastic surgery office at 410-324-6592 to schedule your personal facelift consultation today. You may also view our online library of before and after photography to get a better idea of what to expect from the facelift procedure in Baltimore.

1304 Bellona Avenue Suite 100, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

Dr. Michele Shermak offers some of the top cosmetic procedures Baltimore, MD has to offer
including Baltimore breast augmentation & liposuction

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$100 in office consultation fee. If patient decides to go ahead with the treatment, that $100 will be credited towards the procedure

COVID-19 Update 03/15/2022

This is a new day, with new safety protocols. Our goal is to keep everyone safe and respect the continued concerns COVID-19 may present.

The state of Maryland is now fortunately downgraded to Yellow Status. COVID stress on the medical system has lessened and most areas in the state no longer mandate masks.

Currently in our office we are maintaining sterile surfaces and compulsive cleaning protocols – as always. We are requesting information about vaccination status, to particularly better help us prepare for patients interested in surgical procedures.

We are not mandating masks. We do respect our patients’ wishes and will wear a mask when requested to do so. We want our patients to be absolutely comfortable. All of our staff are vaccinated.

This is certainly an evolving issue and we will continue to pivot as COVID statistics change – hopefully for the better! Thank you!