Facelift in Syracuse & Rochester, NY

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NATURAL FACE / NECK LIFT & THE AGING FACE AND NECK

Since birth, the body ages with the passage of each year. At some point, the outside appearance of the body – especially the face and neck – starts to show signs of aging that are socially and psychologically unattractive. While the brain and mind can stay young and active with mental exercise and fulfilling life’s work, aging features of the face begin to diverge from one’s inner self.

Examples of these changes include (from the top of the face to the neck): saggy or tired appearance of the eyelids; baggy or hollowed appearing lower eyes; deepening creases around the mouth, or hollowed cheeks; jowls and loss of defined jawline; and heavy neck, or hanging, loose skin with vertical banding on thin neck. Genetics play a major role in how and when the body progresses through this change, but accumulation of outside factors such as sun exposure, smoking, stress, or weight loss also contribute to these aging signs of the face and neck.

AGING FACE – SKIN LAXITY

There are specific features that characterize aging face and neck. Foremost, it is the change in skin texture and appearance. Environmental factors accumulated over lifetime, such as sun exposure and smoking, and genetics result in changes in skin with loss of elasticity and formation of permanently etched expression wrinkles.

Changes seen in aging skin are more than just the skin surface. Just underneath the outer layer of the skin lies the inner layer of the skin – the layers of supportive fiber network consisting of collagen and elastin. This fiber network allows the skin to stretch and recoil with each movement of the muscle every moment in life. With biological aging and accumulation of damage from the environment, the skin begins to wear out. The inner layer of the skin begins to thin as collagen and elastin begin to disappear. Since the skin no longer stretches and recoils as effectively, some parts of the skin will begin to accumulate wrinkles over time. Other parts of skin where gravity takes hold, will begin to sag and become more lax.

AGING MID-FACE – LOSS OF VOLUME AND HOLLOW APPEARANCE

Located between the skin and bone of the face, are the soft tissues of the face which consist of muscle and a series fat compartments. These fat compartments are located in specific areas of the face – especially overlying prominent bony areas, like the outer rim of the eye/cheek junction (malar prominence). Over time, fat compartments of the face begin to lose volume and deflate, resulting in a hollowed appearance. This is especially noticeable in areas like the cheeks, inner corner of the eyes (tear trough), and temple areas. The loss of facial volume, especially at the bony prominence, leads to a hollowed aging facial appearance and conveys loss of vitality.

AGING LOWER FACE – JOWLS FORMATION AND LOSS OF JAWLINE

Underneath the skin, other structures of the face are also changing with the aging process. Skin and the soft tissue of the face (fat pad and muscles overlying the bone) are attached and anchored to the bone by a series of retaining ligaments. The retaining ligaments of the face are like the supporting cables of a suspension bridge. With the aging process, these retaining ligaments begin to weaken, resulting in sagging of the soft tissue of the face as gravity pulls them down. Because these retaining ligaments are located at specific areas of the face (over the bony prominence of the cheek “zygomatic ligament” or jawline “mandibular ligament”; and along the side of the face “masseteric cutaneous and parotid cutaneous ligaments”), weakening of these supporting cables results in characteristic signs of aging face (jowls, and loss of jawline).

IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR FACE / NECK LIFT

Patients often ask what is the correct age for facelift. Patients who undergo facelift for men and women range between the ages of 40-70, with the average age around early to mid-50. More important than the chronological age is the “biological age” determined by the patient’s hereditary features combined with lifestyle choices accumulated over time.

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF CONSULTATION

On the day of consultation, we will first listen to the patients to hear what their concerns and goals are. Next, careful examination will demonstrate each the unique features that help determine what procedure(s) will best achieve their goals while reducing the risks of adverse outcomes.

We may bring to attention some other additional procedures that the patient may consider at the same time for the face/neck lift. Most common procedures to combine with face lift include blepharoplasty (“eye lift” or eyelid procedure), midface volume restoration (example, fat graft transfer), facial implants, laser resurfacing of the skin around the eyes and mouth, and/or SMAS transfer to deep crease lines/lips. The advantage of combining these adjuvant procedures with face/neck lift are: 1. Cost efficient for the patient 2. Same time commitment for recovery

Finally, prior to scheduling the procedure, our office will communicate with the patient's primary care provider for preoperative medical clearance. Depending on the patient's age, medical background, and the types of planned procedure, the patient may need to undergo one or more tests to ensure we can proceed safely.

RECOVERY FROM FACE / NECK LIFT

There is an on-call physician during off-hours, and surgical patients will also have access to the surgeon’s personal cell phone for any specific surgery-related questions/concerns.

Week 1: Patients should expect some swelling and bruising. Patients do not typically complain of pain, but they should expect some numbness which will resolve over time. One should plan for a restful, relaxing week ideally indoors. Sutures will be removed on day 7 after the surgery.

Week 2: Some patients are almost back to normal by week 2, but most will take another week to fully get back to their normal selves. During week 2, each day rapid improvement (less swelling) will be noted. Some people may be able to return to work sooner than 2 weeks after the surgery. By the end of week 2, patients should expect recovery back to normal and return to work.

1-2 Month visit: We return to the photo room and take a full set of photos. Next, we will upload these photos and compare them next to the pre-op photos. This is an exciting day for everyone, and reminds us at our practice why we love what we do.

All Photos

I am extremely happy that I have found a doctor that is so caring and intelligent as Dr. Kim. He truly cares about his patients and provides you with detailed information when discussing surgery issues and concerns. I have much more confidence in Dr. Kim than other doctors that I have seen. I recently completed Face Lift surgery and look forward to Rhinoplasty for a nose defect. His staff is great and I highly recommend this great surgeon!!!

Anonymous Healthgrades

My only regret was that I didn't do it sooner - I had a natural facelift and blepharoplasty about 3 months ago. My only regret was that I didn't do it sooner. I just wanted to look as young as I feel. Mission accomplished! The whole experience was totally positive. Dr. Kim is a wonderful surgeon and a very lovely person. I felt total confidence in his care. His staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.

N. RealSelf

Amazing doctor - could not be happier with the results - Dr.Kim is very professional and did exactly what I asked for. The Staff was great from the front desk to the nurses. I had a Facelift and could not be happier with the results . I would recommend him. You will not regret it .

F. RealSelf

Lower Facelift - Neck and lower lid blepharoplasty - I used to joke and say I was starting a facelift fund when I was younger. Then I looked in the mirror at 55-years-old and wished I had created that fund. I started the procedure with a consultation and Dr. Kim was amazing and I decided to go ahead with the procedures and I have no regrets! I plan to do more work soon. I had a lower face and neck lift with some lip enhancement and lower lid blepharoplasty.

C. RealSelf

57 years old and wanted to start my new path in life retired...not looking tired! I did extensive research and sought out 5 surgeon recommendations. I was extremely impressed with Dr. Sang Kim for several reasons: 1 - He specialized in and only performs /neck surgeries, 2 - Dr. Kim is younger and probably more newly established, but there was no doubt that he is a perfectionist and a professional in his field, 3 - He is patient and really listens. I felt confident and trusted that he was giving me his best recommendation for my concerns, 4 - He didn't try to push unnecessary or extra procedures, 5 - I was impressed by how obvious it was that Dr. Kim's administrative and medical staff liked him and respected his work. But most of all, I am extremely satisfied with the results of my face lift!

S.F. Google

10

Total Reviews

4.9

Average Rating

About Us
How much does a facelift cost?

The total cost of your facelift will depend on the technique used. During your consultation, Dr. Kim will develop your custom treatment plan based on your needs and goals. When this is complete, he can go over cost estimates. To avoid unnatural-looking results, it's better to concentrate on finding an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Kim, instead of the cheapest price. Natural Face Clinic can give you information on low-interest medical financing that will make your facelift easier to afford.

Which technique is best for me?

The best surgical facelift technique for you will depend on your concerns, goals, degree of skin laxity, which areas of your face are being addressed, and more. To produce the results you want, Dr. Kim will explain the different surgical techniques during your consultation. He can then help you choose which technique is best, including if a mini facelift or a traditional facelift would better suit your needs.

Should I get a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?

Although there are many great nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, these can only produce small improvements. For moderate to severe skin sagging, a surgical facelift is the best choice to significantly improve your appearance. During your consultation, Dr. Kim will discuss your choices, including nonsurgical procedures, to help you choose which is best for your needs and goals.

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.