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Facelift Table of Contents

Revitalizing Your Appearance with a Facelift

The first signs of aging usually appear on the face. Wrinkles and fine lines start to form on the skin as the underlying tissue loses its collagen. Gravity causes facial fat and muscles to droop, resulting in jowling. Modern cosmetic treatments allow people to revitalize their appearance and restore the youthful look they once had with a facelift.

Why Choose Dr. Pontell for a Facelift?

An expert in the field of facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Jonathan Pontell has performed over 4,000 facelifts over his 27-year career, more than any other surgeon in the Philadelphia area. With double board certification and expertise in producing natural results, Dr. Pontell is one of the most trusted physicians in the field of facial plastic surgery. With a Doctor of Medicine degree from Jefferson Medical College and a Fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Pontell is fully certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Pontell’s training and expertise give him an instinct for excellence when it comes to surgical procedures. He listens carefully to his facelift patients and creates the changes they want to see.

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What is a Facelift?

Facelift surgery reduces fine lines, wrinkles, jowls, and sagging skin. These early signs of aging can affect men and women alike. Dr. Pontell performs various facelifts in Philadelphia, including traditional SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelifts and mini facelifts. His techniques routinely give patients very natural results. 

Depending on the extent of lift required to achieve the desired outcome, Dr. Pontell often combines the facelift with an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) or a brow lift to rejuvenate the forehead. Submental liposuction can be combined with a mini-facelift to help patients with extra fat under their chin. Dr. Pontell will help you determine which procedure best suits your needs.

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Facelift Before & After

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Who Is a Candidate?

Anyone looking to give their face a tighter, younger look is a good candidate for a facelift in Philadelphia.

Patients who are experiencing signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin or wrinkles, must meet the following criteria to move forward with a facelift procedure:

  • In good physical and mental health
  • Non-smoker
  • With realistic expectations for the results of the surgery
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Facelift Types and Techniques

Traditional Facelift

Traditional facelifts address the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The entire mid and lower face is lifted. Thus, a complete facelift isn’t just one surgery but several. It can be well-combined with upper and lower blepharoplasty and a brow lift.

Mini Facelift

Mini facelifts are effective for issues in the lower face, such as early jowls, skin sagging, and neck laxity. This procedure is best suited for younger patients, as it is designed to address light, early issues rather than fully-developed ones.

Revision Facelift

Revision facelifts, as the name implies, are designed to correct or improve the results of a previous facelift procedure. Patients unhappy with imbalances in their results often seek this treatment to correct the imperfections.

Dr. Pontell is an excellent practitioner with a warm, interactive demeanor. I've been his patient for 3 years and would not trust my face to any other Doctor.

Facelift Patient

Best Age for a Facelift

Traditionally, facelifts have been associated with people in their 50s and 60s. In recent years, however, they have exploded in popularity amongst people in their 30s and 40s. The truth is that facelifts can be beneficial to anyone, man or woman, above the age of 30, as long as they have facial laxity.

One of the advantages of getting the procedure at a younger age is that the results will be more subtle. Those dealing with early signs of aging and want to jump-start on dealing with the effects of gravity can benefit from early treatment with a less invasive approach.

Procedure

Facelift surgery requires local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. Dr. Pontell traces the incision within the hairline from the temples to in front and behind the ears. The process involves separating the skin from the underlying tissues and tightening the facial muscles and the skin to produce a smoother, more youthful appearance. Excess fat in the neck or jowls is removed if needed via micro-liposuction or directly with scissors. The skin is then repositioned on the face to give a natural look. Patients with significant jowling and sagging skin on the face can look up to ten years younger with a traditional facelift procedure. Patients with less noticeable facial aging only need a mini facelift to achieve their desired look.

Recovery

The length of recovery time following your facelift in Philadelphia will depend on your age and health status. Most patients experience an easy recovery and minimal pain, so they can return to their regular routines and work within two weeks. Patients must avoid strenuous activities for two weeks after the procedure.

Dr. Pontell sees patients the day after surgery to change the dressing and then again three days later. After ten days, he removes the sutures and assesses the healing process. As with any cosmetic undertaking, preventing excess sun exposure and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help preserve the results.

What Results Can I Expect?

Patients who choose to enhance their appearance with a facelift with Dr. Pontell often experience an incredible boost in confidence. They no longer have to hide their wrinkle-inducing facial expressions or use expensive creams to turn back the hands of time. Facelift surgery can turn back the clock as much as ten years. Patients can also expect the following:

  • Tighter lifted skin and facial features
  • Minimized wrinkles and heavy lines
  • A revitalized appearance
  • A sculpted jawline – no more jowls or double chin
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FAQ

Will I still look like myself after facelift surgery?

Can a facelift fix a double chin?

Are there any risks or side effects associated with a facelift?

Will I have scars after my facelift?

What type of facelift is right for me?

Will I still look like myself after facelift surgery?

While a facelift impacts the look of your skin, it will not change your unique facial features.

Can a facelift fix a double chin?

Both mini facelifts and traditional facelifts can address double chins.

Are there any risks or side effects associated with a facelift?

It is essential that you let your doctor know of any adverse reactions to anesthesia that you may have had in the past and follow their instructions closely. As with any surgery, bleeding and infection are always a possibility, but these are very infrequent issues.

Will I have scars after my facelift?

Scars are carefully hidden by Dr. Pontell when he makes the incisions. However, there will be scars around the ears that fade over time. It is recommended that women keep their hair a bit longer to hide these scars.

What type of facelift is right for me?

Traditional facelifts are typically recommended in older patients with more signs of aging, while mini facelifts are recommended for younger ones. It is recommended that you have a consultation to determine which option is best for you.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Philadelphia?

The cost of a facelift in Philadelphia varies depending on many factors, including surgical fees and overnight accommodations. Generally, the price can range anywhere from $12,500 to $20,000. More information will be provided about costs and financing during your consultation.

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Not Quite Ready? Ask About Our Minimally Invasive Alternatives!

Those looking for an alternative to facelifts may be interested in the following minimally invasive procedures:

Contact the Office for a Consultation

Dr. Jonathan Pontell has helped thousands of patients achieve their aesthetic goals throughout his career. His years of experience and training at the State University of New York Health Science Center in Brooklyn and Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City have equipped him with the know-how and instinct to solve virtually any cosmetic issue. He is one of the most well-respected doctors on the East Coast, and his office is ready to welcome you.

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