Facelift surgery is one of the most popular and effective plastic surgery procedures to help patients of all ages achieve a more youthful and contoured facial appearance. This is because a facelift addresses wrinkles, fine lines, and skin laxity in the mid and lower face (from the cheeks to the neck).
While a traditional facelift procedure is performed under general anesthesia, many women and men do not want to (or cannot) undergo a surgical procedure in which they are fully sedated. For this reason, Dr. Wald is proud to offer facelift surgery performed under local anesthesia. And what’s more, this procedure is performed in the office, as opposed to a hospital or surgical center.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Wald?
Dr. Wald is an award-winning double-board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of clinical experience. He is a faculty member at Harbor-UCLA, where he trains the next generation of plastic surgeons. By integrating laser skin treatments into his practice, Dr. Wald continues to provide his patients with the highest and most advanced quality care.
Is an In-office Facelift Right for Me?
Women and men who are frustrated with age- and lifestyle-related concerns on the face, such as facial lines, sagging skin, and jowls, may be interested in facelift surgery. However, facelift surgery under local anesthesia is a fantastic option for patients with pre-existing medical conditions or those not wanting to be sedated with general anesthesia. Ideal candidates for this procedure are:
- Non-smokers
- In good general health
- Looking for long-lasting improvement to their facial aesthetic
- Have realistic expectations for their results
Dr. Wald will evaluate your condition and discuss the two different facelift options to help you decide if facelift surgery under local anesthesia is right for you.
What Is Covered During My Facelift Consultation?
Dr. Wald will meet with you to discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals. He will examine your facial anatomy and explain the specific differences between a traditional facelift and an in-office facelift to help determine which procedure will be best for you. Additionally, Dr. Wald will answer any questions you may have, discuss his pre-surgical instructions, and provide you with the estimated cost of your facelift procedure.
Are you interested in facelift surgery under local anesthesia? Call us at 714-312-3549 to schedule a consultation today!
What Is a Facelift Under Local Anesthesia?
As the name suggests, a facelift under local anesthesia is a facelift procedure that is performed using local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia. Although you will be awake during your surgery, you will not feel any pain or discomfort.
A facelift under local anesthesia achieves the same results as a traditional facelift; however, there are some specific benefits to having your facelift performed under local anesthesia, including:
- Local anesthesia is typically safer than general anesthesia.
- Local anesthesia typically uses smaller incisions, resulting in smaller scars.
- Local anesthesia has a lower risk of blood loss and causes less post-surgical bruising and swelling.
- Local anesthesia avoids common side effects of general anesthesia, such as nausea and vomiting.
- Local anesthesia allows patients to return to normal eating, walking, and other activities faster than general anesthesia.
How Is a Facelift Under Local Anesthesia Performed?
Before your surgery, you will be given local anesthesia and oral sedation, which will keep you awake but prevent you from feeling any pain during the procedure. Once the anesthesia is administered, Dr. Wald will make incisions on the sides of your face (in the hairline) that will extend down the profile of your face, behind your ear, and end at the base of your scalp. Dr. Wald will then use a weaving technique with barbed sutures to tighten the underlying facial tissues and muscles. Dr. Wald will remove any excess skin and pull the remaining skin on your face and neck to reveal a more youthful appearance before closing your incisions.
How Long Is Recovery for Facelift Under Local Anesthesia in Orange County?
After your facelift procedure under local anesthesia, you will feel better and have a shorter recovery. While you will still have some bruising, swelling, and discomfort, these side effects will dissipate within a week or two. Medication can also help to alleviate any pain you may feel. If Dr. Wald placed drains to remove any excess fluid and blood, he will remove them the day after your procedure.
Your facelift recovery will take several weeks. After one week, the external sutures will be removed, and you can return to work. It is important to give your body the time and rest it needs to heal from the procedure. Following your post-operative instructions, sleeping on your back, avoiding direct sun exposure, and avoiding strenuous physical activities for four to five weeks will help your recovery.
When Will I See My Facelift Results?
You will experience some bruising and swelling immediately after your facelift procedure, but these will dissipate over a few weeks. It can take several months for your results to become final; however, once they do, your face can look up to 10 years younger, which can help you feel much more confident about your appearance. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a good skin care routine (including wearing broad-spectrum SPF daily) can help prolong your facelift results and have you looking your best for years to come.
How Much Does Facelift Under Local Anesthesia Cost in Orange County?
The cost of facelift surgery using local anesthesia varies with every patient and depends on several factors, including the extent of correction needed. However, this surgery will cost less than traditional facelift surgery since general anesthesia will not be used and the procedure will be performed in the office instead of a surgery center or hospital. You will receive the estimated cost for your facelift procedure during your consultation.
Interested in Facelift Under Local Anesthesia in Orange County?
If you are interested in learning more about facelift surgery under local anesthesia or any other procedure Dr. Wald offers, contact us online or by phone at 714-312-3549 to schedule a consultation.