Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery & Laser Center: Armando Soto, MD
7009 Dr Phillips Blvd #100
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 218-4550
Fax: (407) 218-4551
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Facelift
*Includes surgical, anesthesia, and OR fees, and post-surgical garments
At Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery in Orlando, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Armando Soto offers facelift surgery to patients from Winter Park and throughout central Florida who wish to improve common signs of aging in the mid to lower face. Due to the natural aging process, facial tissue loses its elasticity and volume over time and leads to sagging cheeks, lines around the chin and mouth, and jowls. These effects can create a profile that looks tired, old, and angry. Using facelift surgery, Dr. Soto can tighten sagging tissue and remove excess fat to eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. Although facelifts are a complex procedure, modern methods and technology have enabled Dr. Soto to provide a less invasive approach than the traditional facelift. This shortens recovery time and reduces the risk of complications.
I have been so self-conscious with my aging appearance that I hated looking in the mirror. Now, since my procedure, I feel Dr. Soto has given me back a more youthful appearance and a greater sense of vitality and confidence. I recommend Dr. Soto to anyone considering facial surgery.
– J.P.
Surgical Technique
The technique used during a facelift depends on the patient’s facial features and the areas they wish to treat. Most surgeons will always aim for the less invasive technique, but some cases are severe and require internal tissues, fat, and skin to be manipulated. Patients must also understand the procedure in detail, including the level of invasiveness, placement of incisions, what layers of tissues will be corrected, and what risks may be associated with the surgery before moving forward.
Skin-Only Facelift
Also known as the “cutaneous facelift,” this technique removes loose, excess skin to create a tightened look. The remaining facial skin is repositioned to lift sagging cheeks and jowls and improve the profile of the jawline. With this facelift technique, the muscles or fat tissues are left untouched. As the treatment focuses on the skin only, recovery is quick. This is ideal for those who still have good tone muscle and distribution of fat, but find the skin losing elasticity in some areas.
Traditional Facelift (SMAS)
SMAS is the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, which is the muscle complex involved in making facial expressions like smiling or frowning. These muscle tissues lose their form and become displaced for those over 50 due to age, gravity, heredity, and environmental factors.
The SMAS facelift technique is the industry standard when it comes to facelifts. It involves lengthy incisions on the side of the face, from the temple to the lower hairline behind the ear, to lift and reshape the facial contours. Excess skin can fat can also be removed.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane lift may be the best approach for those who have severe cases of drooping and skin folds due to age or sun exposure. This is especially true for those who need extensive reshaping on areas that typically have volume and tight contours. A deep plane lift involves a highly specialized skill set as the technique addresses major tissues and muscle groups. A skilled plastic surgeon such as Dr. Soto is a must as the nature of the procedure has a high chance of damage to the facial nerves.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is also known as a “short-scar facelift” because it requires shorter incisions that heal quickly. This technique is a quick treatment that mainly corrects the middle and lower face. While many patients express interest in this approach, it doesn’t correct severe issues and usually renders short-term results. Patients who undergo this procedure are likely to schedule a full facelift in the future to fully rejuvenate and reshape the face to its youthful contours.
Your Facelift Procedure
All facelift procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility with the patient under general anesthesia. Dr. Soto will perform your facelift according to your personalized surgical plan utilizing one of the approaches discussed above. After your procedure, you will be observed for a short time, then released to a friend or loved one to drive you home. Even though this is considered an outpatient procedure, there are some cases where the patient stays overnight for monitoring.
Facelift Recovery & Results
It is normal to experience bruising and swelling after the surgery, and patients will initially feel as if their face is being pulled tight. Any swelling or tightness usually fades within a couple of weeks. It is important to limit intensive activities and get plenty of rest to promote quick, safe healing. Optimal results will be evident after several months.
Dr. Armando Soto
Dr. Soto is a board-certified plastic surgeon who brings an exceptional level of attention, skill, and integrity to every patient and procedure. For more than 15 years, he has helped Orlando women and men look and feel fabulous using innovative yet proven surgical and nonsurgical options. As a well-respected plastic surgeon, Dr. Soto is a member of leading professional associations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society.
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Facelift FAQs
Are there other nonsurgical treatments I can use as a facelift alternative?
Cosmetic surgery procedures are constantly evolving and finding ways to minimize invasiveness. There are many nonsurgical options that are considered less invasive than a facelift, including wrinkle relaxers such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. These alternatives can correct signs of aging, such as wrinkles and folds, but the results last only 6 months to a year. For those who want long-lasting results, facelift surgery is a better, more permanent option.
Will my facelift surgery results look natural?
You may feel a tight pulling sensation immediately after your facelift, but don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you’ll have a taut, “windblown” appearance. These feelings are a normal part of your facial tissues, skin, and muscles adjusting to their new positions.
To achieve a natural look, it is important to choose a reputable plastic surgeon with years of experience in facial cosmetic surgery. A doctor with experience in facial surgery will create smooth, flattering results that will last for years to come.
How visible will my scars be after facelift surgery?
A traditional facelift requires a long cut from the temple to the lower hairline, but the scars will be well concealed within the hairline and natural creases on the face. With the lesser invasive techniques, the scars heal very evenly and will almost be completely invisible to the naked eye.
What is the best age to get a facelift?
Anyone can consider a facelift as soon as signs of aging begin to impact their skin. Generally, we see patients around the age of 50 or 60 considering facelift surgery. However, personal habits and environmental conditions can impact the quality of the skin. Some patients are only 40 and are also good candidates for a facelift.
Request Your Consultation
Tighten loose skin and rejuvenate your face with facelift surgery by Dr. Soto. If you’re in the Orlando, FL, area and would like to learn more about treatment, request a consultation or call (407) 218-4550.
