Procedure Time 2 - 4 Hours
Recovery Time 28 - 36 Days
Facelift Surgery That Looks Natural
Dr. Shire has developed a facelift technique, including liposuction, that provides a natural appearance with less bruising and a shorter recuperation time. Dr. Shire's facelift surgical techniques preserve the hairline, allowing you to wear your hair pulled back or up without exposing incision lines, eliminating the common sequelae of facelift procedures. He uses a hair-sparing incision, preventing the loss of temple/sideburn hair and hair behind the ears. This technique also maintains the natural shape and position of the ear and earlobe while hiding scars. Dr. Shire's facelift surgery lifts the deep muscle-fibrous layers of the face and neck, repositions and secures them without the need to pull or stretch the skin.
Facelift Before and After Photos
The Facelift Procedure
Although a facelift can be a relatively involved process, it can usually be broken down into three parts: anesthesia, surgical work, and recovery. Before any work begins, it's important that you are in good health and able to undergo surgery. A thorough evaluation and current lab work are required. To ensure your comfort and protection, an anesthetist may administer intravenous sedation. General anesthesia is not used for most patients, as our surgery is performed in our own AAAASF and Tennessee State-certified surgical facility.
Facelift surgery is common nowadays, but it's essential to understand the full scope of the procedure. Dr. Shire will take the time to explain not only the surgical process, risks, and possible complications but also the healing and recovery process, as well as other available options. The procedure can be customized for specific outcomes, including facial implants, resurfacing techniques, and wrinkle reduction.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
If you’ve been wondering who is a good candidate for a facelift, the answer often comes down to personal goals, facial structure, and skin quality. Ideal facelift candidates in Chattanooga and beyond are typically those in their 40s to 70s who notice sagging skin, jowls, or deep facial folds but still have good skin elasticity and bone support.
Ideal candidates are healthy, non-smoking individuals with realistic expectations and a positive outlook on enhancing, rather than altering, their natural appearance. During your facelift consultation in Chattanooga, your surgeon will review facelift before and after photos to help you visualize achievable, natural-looking improvements tailored to your facial features.
Types of Facelifts
When exploring options for a facelift procedure, it’s helpful to understand the different facelift techniques available.
- A mini facelift is ideal for patients with mild to moderate sagging who want a quicker recovery and subtle refresh.
- The deep plane facelift addresses the deeper facial layers, releasing the deep ligaments offering a more complete elevation of the underlying structures. It is especially for sagging cheeks and jowls.
- The SMAS facelift focuses on the elevation and repositioning of the muscle and supportive tissue to achieve a natural and refreshed appearance.
- The incision design facelift focuses on meticulous incision placement around the ear and hairline to help hide scars, preserve hair growth, and maintain natural facial proportions.
- A revision facelift is designed for patients who have already had facelift surgery and want improvement or to address new age-related changes, such as tightness, imbalance, or recurrent sagging.
- Most all facelifts (Cervical Facial Rhytidectomy) include the lower face and the neck.
Dr. Shire is the premier facelift surgeon in Chattanooga and has decades of experience, advanced training, and skill in the above facelift methods.
Facelift Surgery Recovery
Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, with no drains, dressings, or bandages. Most patients experience no pain, and 90% of them only require Tylenol®. Facelift patients typically look and feel good within a week, with many able to socialize within 7-10 days. Your individual recovery will depend on the type of facelift procedure that you choose. Review the general facelift healing timeline below, knowing that personalized details will be discussed at your consultation.
Facelift Recovery Timeline
Dr. Shire emphasizes a careful, protected healing period for the first 4–6 weeks after your facelift. During this time, he advises no bending, lifting, straining, or bearing down, and to avoid all cardiovascular activity to prevent swelling or complications. He also recommends sleeping with your head elevated to support proper healing and reduce fluid buildup.
By the end of this initial 4–6-week period, most patients are able to resume normal activities. While everyone heals at their own pace, Dr. Shire notes that most bruising and swelling improve significantly within the first two weeks.
- Week 1: Prioritize rest and gentle movement during the first week to help reduce swelling. Swelling and bruising will be present. Keeping your head elevated and following Dr. Shire’s activity restrictions are essential.
- Week 2: By this time, bruising and swelling will begin to subside. Most facelift patients feel comfortable returning to regular routines and light activity within 1 to 2 weeks.
- Weeks 3-4: Around weeks three to four, swelling continues to improve. Both bruising and swelling will likely be barely noticeable now, and facelift results start to become fully visible.
- Week 6 and beyond: Healing is well underway and almost complete. Your beautiful, refreshed, and natural look is now noticeable. Full facelift recovery time varies by procedure.
Facelift Risks and Complications
When done by an experienced surgeon such as Dr. Shire, the facelift procedure is very safe. Like any medical procedure, it is essential to understand the potential facelift risks and complications before proceeding. Temporary swelling, bruising, or tightness are standard parts of facelift healing. Less common risks may include minor asymmetry, numbness, or delayed healing– especially for smokers or patients with certain medical conditions.
Infection or bleeding is rare but possible. The best way to reduce risk is by following your surgeon’s instructions closely. Dr. Shire takes every precaution to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your facelift journey.
Facelift Surgery Longevity and Maintenance
How long does a facelift last? An effectively performed facelift can last between 10 and 15 years, depending on factors such as genetics, skincare, and lifestyle. Consistent sun protection, not smoking, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle are key to maintaining your rejuvenated look. Many patients opt for subtle non-surgical touch-ups, such as injectables, laser treatments, or skin tightening, to boost and refresh their results over time.
As the best facelift surgeon in Chattanooga, Dr. Shire will design a personalized plan that not only enhances your current appearance but also helps you age gracefully in the future. Dr. Shire explains that while many patients choose to revisit their facelift after 10–15 years, the improvements created by surgery never truly “go away.” The natural aging process continues, but you will always look better and more refreshed than if you had never had a facelift at all.
With a personalized treatment plan and thoughtful long-term maintenance guidance from Dr. Shire patients can enjoy lasting confidence, youthful contours, and results that age gracefully along with them.
What to Expect From Facelift Results
Before enjoying the final results of your facelift surgery, you will go through an aftercare process guided by Dr. Shire. We'll provide you with detailed instructions to promote optimal healing. It typically takes 28 to 36 days to heal fully and return to normal activities. Following your facelift, you may experience temporary swelling and bruising, but you will feel good and look better quickly. However, it is crucial to follow Dr. Shire's post-op instructions and activity limitations to achieve the best results.
These instructions include avoiding extended exposure to direct sunlight, rigorous activities, smoking, and alcohol. It can take two to three months for your face to feel fully normal in terms of sensation, tightness, and texture.
You can expect some swelling and bruising for the first few weeks, but the final results should reveal a more youthful appearance. For optimal results, it's important to work with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Shire. Some patients prefer to combine other procedures with a facelift for a more symmetrical outcome.
What Makes Dr. Shire the Top Choice for Your Facelift Surgeon?
An experienced and skilled facelift surgeon makes the difference between youthful, natural results that accentuate your individual beauty versus an overly tight, fake, and artificial-appearing outcome. Dr. Shire is the premier choice for facelift surgery and has solidified his reputation as the best facelift surgeon in Chattanooga and the broader southeastern United States.
Dr. Shire’s skill and results stem from the impressive education and training he received while beginning his career. He earned his medical degree and completed his internship, residencies, and fellowship at prestigious and well-known facilities. His advanced and specialized training has equipped him with a deep understanding of facial anatomy, aesthetics, and facial plastic surgery and is the foundation of his exceptional results.
When you choose Dr. Shire for a facelift in Chattanooga, you choose a dedicated professional who is committed to your satisfaction and outcome. Dr. Shire meets with each patient individually to listen to your unique goals and concerns and design a facelift that seamlessly accentuates your natural beauty. His skill and compassionate demeanor build trust and confidence. Dr. Shire’s commitment to excellence in both surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction is highlighted in the numerous local and national awards he has received.
Dr. Shire’s unmatched artistry, attention to detail, and surgical skill ensure that each intricate part of your facelift is done with precision and care. This creates stunning, natural-appearing results that rejuvenate your facial appearance and augment your unique beauty. As the best facelift surgeon in Chattanooga, Dr. Shire looks forward to partnering with you to deliver the beautiful and long-lasting results you desire.
Procedures That Pair Well With a Facelift
There are several procedures you can combine with facelift surgery to achieve a more complete, youthful look. Many people choose this route to ensure that all their facial features are harmonious and don't clash with the natural effects of aging. Of course, you'll want to consult Dr. Shire to discuss your options and expectations, but there are numerous procedures to choose from.
Browlift
Facial implants
Botox®
Eyelid surgery
Skin resurfacing for wrinkles
One of the benefits of combining procedures is that you'll only have one recovery period. Healing from multiple procedures at once will not extend the recovery process. Many patients travel to Chattanooga for Dr. Shire's expertise, experience, and the completely natural results he achieves.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Chattanooga?
Across the United States, facelifts in cities like Los Angeles and New York can cost between $20,000 to $100,000. However, in Chattanooga, you can benefit from significantly lower costs while still achieving excellent results. On average, the surgeon's fee ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, making it much more cost-efficient than in many other states.
Please note that this estimate does not include facility fees and anesthesia, which are additional costs. The total cost of your procedure may vary depending on the extent of the work required. During your initial consultation, you'll be able to discuss these details further and receive an accurate estimate. As with any service, costs and fees are subject to change over time.
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