Facelift


Beauty is not just skin deep. In fact, when it comes to the aging face, what’s going on beneath the surface is just as important — if not more important — than the changes you can see. The tissues under your skin play a crucial role in how young you look. Loss of muscle tone can give your face a flabby or drooping appearance, and reduction of the underlying fat layer causes your face to lose its defined contours and plump, smooth surface. Wrinkles, jowls and sagging neck folds further detract from a once-youthful countenance.

Although natural aging is a fact of life, it’s not impossible to turn back the clock. A facelift performed by Dr. Kahlil Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery targets the lax muscles and excess skin that are making you look older and feel dissatisfied with your image. Your facelift can be done alone or coupled with a neck lift, brow lift or eyelid surgery as part of a comprehensive anti-aging makeover.

What Is a Facelift?

Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) lifts and firms facial tissues to restore a more rested and youthful appearance. Specifically, a facelift improves the lower region of the face from the eyes downward, including the midface, cheeks and jawline. A growing number of noninvasive and minimally-invasive techniques can address some of the same concerns as a facelift, but none can match the dramatic results of a surgical approach. A facelift is the most effective and longest-lasting solution for facial aging.

Why Choose to Have a Facelift?

Every patient at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery has individual reasons for considering facelift surgery. Dr. Andrews will design your facelift around the particular problem areas you’ve noticed, which could include:

  • Creases along the lower eyelids
  • Facial folds starting from the nose and traveling to the mouth
  • Lines extending from the corners of the mouth to the chin
  • Loss of fat in the cheeks and around the eyes
  • Drooping or displaced facial fat
  • The appearance of jowls in the lower face
  • Sagging in the midface region
  • Loose skin and fatty deposits in the neck and chin

It’s important to remember that, although a facelift can dramatically improve the way you look and feel, it will not change the unique structure of your face. You will still look like you, but you will be a naturally refreshed, younger-looking version of yourself.

Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

A facelift is the most efficient way to reduce visible signs of aging. Like any surgical procedure, however, it is not the right choice for everyone. Facelift surgery is beneficial for individuals who are troubled by moderate to severe facial aging, often those in their 40s or 50s and beyond. You might be ready for a facelift with Dr. Andrews if:

  • You look older than your actual age
  • You feel your face does not reflect your youthful spirit and energy
  • You are concerned that your facial appearance is a social or professional obstacle
  • You wear cosmetics or clothing to hide signs of aging that make you self-conscious
  • You are in good overall health
  • You do not smoke
  • You have realistic expectations regarding your results

While many facelift patients fall into a certain age bracket, there is no “right age” for a facelift. Surgical rejuvenation may be an appropriate option even if you’re relatively young, as the aging process progresses at a different rate for everyone. Younger patients who are only exhibiting the beginning signs of aging can still benefit from the significant results of a facelift procedure. You and Dr. Andrews will determine whether facelift surgery is right for you during a personal consultation.

Finding the Right Technique

There are different types of rhytidectomy surgery. In your initial consultation, Dr. Andrews will discuss your goals and examine the quality of your skin to understand the best way to approach your facelift. Based on this assessment, he will choose the surgical technique that will be most effective and create the most natural result for your facial characteristics.

The traditional facelift technique involves an incision that starts at the hairline near the temples, then wraps around the ears toward the back of the scalp. This approach is the most extensive, and thus requires the most recovery time, but the results are the most dramatic. A traditional facelift is usually recommended for patients with moderate to advanced signs of aging.

Less invasive facelift techniques, such as a mini-facelift, involve shorter incisions and reduced recovery time. The trade-off is that these techniques produce more limited improvements. They are best for patients with a mild degree of wrinkling and sagging skin who want to correct these unwelcome changes before they become more pronounced.

Regardless of the incisional technique that is chosen, the basic steps of a facelift are more or less the same. Dr. Andrews will focus on eliminating fatty deposits, excising lax skin and repositioning facial tissues to take years off your appearance.

Combining Procedures for Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation

Many patients benefit from a multi-faceted treatment approach. Your facelift may be an ideal time to receive additional rejuvenation procedures that complement the improvements achieved through rhytidectomy. Today there is a wide array of treatment options that plastic surgeons can use to help patients achieve a more attractive and youthful appearance.

One popular option is a neck lift. Neck lift surgery tightens lax tissue along the chin and jawline and corrects hanging skin (often called a “turkey neck”) along the front of the throat. Many patients who show signs of aging on the face also show signs of aging on the neck, making this a very commonly performed combination.

Other popular pairings with a facelift are a brow lift and/or an eyelid lift. A brow lift tightens and smooths the skin of the forehead. An eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) creates a more refreshed appearance around the eyes by removing excess skin from the upper lids and reducing puffiness and bags in the lower lids. These procedures go well with a facelift because they improve the upper third of the face, an area that facelift surgery has no effect on.

Many patients opt to combine their facelift surgery with nonsurgical rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Andrews can replace lost volume and enhance facial contours with injectable dermal fillers, relax facial wrinkles with Botox, or repair skin damage with dermabrasion, chemical peels, microneedling and laser therapy.

Your Facelift Procedure

The exact technique used for your facelift will depend on a number of factors, including your cosmetic goals, your facial anatomy, the extent of your procedure and whether or not another procedure is being performed at the same time. Facelift surgery is typically done under general anesthesia and follows this general outline:

  • The initial incisions are made
  • The skin is separated from the underlying tissues
  • Muscles and fat are lifted, tightened and repositioned
  • Excess skin is removed
  • The remaining skin is redraped and smoothed over the improved contours
  • The incisions are stitched closed

The time it takes to complete facelift surgery varies. Typically, you can expect the procedure to take between two and four hours. Afterward, Dr. Andrews will insert drains, wrap your face in bandages and transport you to a private recovery area.

Recovering After a Facelift

While you will likely be anxious to see your new look right away, your face will need time to heal before it’s ready to make its public debut. Pain, swelling, bruising and tenderness are common after facelift surgery. Some of these effects will start to subside within days, while others may persist for a few months. Dr. Andrews will provide you with aftercare instructions to follow at home.

If pain is a concern for you, Dr. Andrews can prescribe oral medications for you to take. Keeping your head elevated and using a cool compress will help alleviate the swelling. Stay home and rest while your body is in the critical early stages of the healing process. Patients typically take up to two weeks off work and social engagements following a facelift. You should not resume strenuous activities, including exercise, until you are cleared to do so. Dr. Andrews will schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor the progress of your healing.

What Results Can I Expect After a Facelift?

Dr. Andrews’ facelift surgery in Coralville erases signs of aging to restore a more refreshed and youthful facial appearance. After your procedure, you will look like a naturally revitalized version of yourself. Facelift patients report that they feel younger, sexier, more energetic and more confident about the way they look. These benefits can last a very long time — perhaps even the rest of your life. A facelift cannot stop the aging process, but it can help you enjoy lifted facial contours, a defined jawline and smoother, tighter skin for many years.

Be sure to make choices that are conducive to healthy skin and a healthy body if you want your results to last as long as possible. This includes eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, using high-quality skincare products and applying sunscreen daily.

Contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery About Your Facelift Today

The passing of time is inevitable, but you don’t have to leave your youthful good looks and confidence behind as you age. Dr. Andrews is experienced in a wide range of facial rejuvenation techniques that he can customize to match your facial features and target your areas of concern. To learn more about facelift surgery or to find out whether the procedure is right for you, contact Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery at 319-800-6877 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrews. Dr. Andrews and his staff proudly serve the communities of Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Waterloo and the Quad Cities.


Click the button to the right to view more before and afters.

Before & Afters

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
5.0
2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
5
4

    Contact Us





    Consent to receive text messages


    Contact Physicians Clinic of Iowa

      Consent to receive text messages