The lower facelift is a surgical procedure designed to treat the aging face by improving sagging in the lower portion of the face, primarily the jaw line and neck. During surgery, relaxed or sagging tissue is tightened and excess skin is removed, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance to the neck and jaw line.

The facelift is an ideal procedure for individuals looking to improve sagging along the jaw line and/or loose skin and wrinkles of the neck. Most patients begin to recognize these facial changes in their forties. Patients undergoing this procedure are usually 45 to 65 years of age, although healthy individuals older than this may benefit. Dr. O'Mara takes care when performing the facelift to ensure a natural look after surgery by concealing the incisions as best as possible while also avoiding excess tension on the skin, which can lead to a pulled and unnatural appearance.

Dr. O'Mara performs the facelift at an outpatient surgery center using either IV sedation or general anesthesia. While surgical times will vary, the facelift generally takes three hours to complete. Incisions are located under the chin and around the ears and are hidden within natural skin creases to minimize visibility. Working through these incisions, Dr. O'Mara lifts the skin and tightens the deeper soft tissue to eliminate unwanted sagging. He then removes excess fat and skin before re-draping the skin for a natural appearance. For a more youthful and improved contour, the area beneath the chin may be treated with liposuction of excess fat or by tightening the muscle bands in the front of the neck.

The recovery after the facelift takes approximately one to three weeks. A dressing is applied to the face after surgery and will be removed the next day. Sutures and surgical clips are removed after one week. Discomfort and pain are generally minimal, though medication can be taken if necessary. Patients can expect some degree of swelling and bruising which typically fades within ten to fourteen days. Most patients find that they can resume social activities after five to seven days and, if necessary, make-up can be applied after one week to help conceal any remaining bruising. Most non-physical work can be resumed within one to two weeks while physical work and more strenuous activities can be resumed after three weeks.

Once the healing process is complete, you will enjoy your younger, more natural look for many years to come.