Whether you are returning to the work force and wish to make a positive first impression, or you are simply ready for a refreshing change in your appearance, a facelift in Charlotte NC with Dr. Pratt may be the ideal solution for boosting your self-confidence and giving you a new lease on life.

What is a facelift?

The term “facelift” can be a bit confusing. The name itself implies a rejuvenation of the entire face, but rather a more accurate description is a lifting of the cheeks and neck. In your consultation, Dr. Pratt often uses the term “blended cheek and neck lift” instead of “facelift” to more aptly describe the goals of this procedure. The loss of elasticity and the weakening of underlying support structures associated with the aging face inevitably contributes to jowling, flattening of the cheeks, and in some instances a neck that mimics a turkey wattle. A facelift is designed to lift these fallen facial structures by surgically resuspending them in a position that resembles a more youthful appearance.

What are the different types of facelifts?

Classic Facelift – The gold standard in comprehensive facial rejuvenation of the cheeks, jowls, and neck. Incisions are camouflaged along the border of the ear and extended behind the ear and into the hairline. A small incision is also placed under the chin to help re-establish a crisp neckline. The classic facelift is performed under general anesthesia. Recovery time: 12 – 14 days.

Mini-facelift – Ideal for younger patients beginning to see early age-related changes in the cheeks and jowls but have an otherwise youthful neck. Down time is less than a classic facelift and may be performed under moderate sedation in select individuals. Recovery time: 5-7 days.

Liquid facelift – A non-surgical procedure designed to add volume to the deflated areas of the face that is seen with aging or weight loss. Liquid facelifts typically use synthetic fillers that act as temporary volumizers, although it can be combined with facial fat grafting to improve outcomes and extend longevity.

What are the benefits of a facelift?

Gives a more youthful and rested appearance
Minimizes and often eliminates jowling
Gives a more youthful appearing neck line
Minimal discomfort
Inconspicuous scarring

What can I expect from recovery?

Minimal discomfort
Moderate swelling
Surgical drain is removed within 42-72 hrs
A sensation of tightness in the cheeks and neck areas
Sleeping with head slightly elevated for 2 weeks
Return to desk type work in 1-2 weeks

FAQs about facelift with Dr. Pratt in Charlotte, NC

At what age should I consider getting a facelift?

The determination of whether or not someone is a facelift candidate is primarily based on the presence of whether or not the components of an aging face exist, such as; a pronounced inelasticity in the cheeks and neck, jowling, flattening of the cheeks, or an obliquity in the angle of the neck under the chin. When considering a facelift, patient age may vary tremendously. Variables such as; genetics, smoking history, cumulative sun exposure, and other environmental factors will influence age related facial changes.

Do you do the minimally invasive thread lifts or ‘lunch-time’ lifts?

In short, no. My commitment to always advocate what is going to yield the safest, most durable, most consistent result for every patient is not only unwavering, but non-negotiable. Although there may be occasional good results from lesser “lunch-time lifts” in select patients, the inconsistencies, unpredictability, and inherent lack of durability of such techniques cannot be underestimated.

I am afraid I’m going to look unnatural after a facelift. What can you do to make me feel better about this?

The principles of current facelift techniques have been established since the early 70’s. It is therefore the plastic surgeon’s role to accurately assess in consultation what is needed to restore youth in a particular individual and then skillfully implement the time-honored surgical techniques. Adherence to this process is the recipe for consistency in achieving natural results. This process, while undeniably comprehensive, can be time consuming and meticulous. Whether intentional or not, it is however, the deviation from this very process that compromises results. This leads to undesired outcomes, unnatural appearances, and revisional surgery. Facelift principles set forth by plastic surgeons nearly 50 years ago remain the gold standard today. The idea of circumventing those principles at the risk of compromising results is a notion that I personally will not entertain.

Does a facelift require general anesthesia?

The use of general anesthesia for facelifts in my practice is reserved for the classic facelift, which involves a comprehensive rejuvenation of the cheeks, jowls and neck. Individuals with youthful looking necks and mild signs of aging in the cheeks and jowls may be good candidates for surgery under moderate sedation.

I just quit smoking. Am I still a candidate for a facelift?

Active smoking, to many plastic surgeons is an absolute contraindication to facelift surgery. Smoking has a profound impact on healing and may lead to skin sloughing, fluid collections and poor scar quality following facelift surgery. Personally, in my practice, I require all active smokers to be smoke free for 6 months prior to a classic facelift – this helps to optimize healing and limit the risk of complications.

I have bags and loose skin under my eyes in addition to my turkey neck. Will a facelift address my lower eyelids as well?

No, a facelift will not address all the components necessary to adequately restore youth to aging eyelids. In approximately 75% of all facelift patients in my practice, eyelid contouring surgery (blepharoplasty) is done at the same time. Fat transfer procedures (fat grafting) around the eyes and cheeks can also be performed at the time of facelift surgery, thus giving a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

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Why choose Dr. Pratt for a Charlotte, NC facelift?

Cosmetic surgery can be life changing while simultaneously be the source of an incredible amount of anxiety. The idea of facial cosmetic surgery can be exponentially unnerving given its location on the body and the inability to remain inconspicuous following the procedure. Dr. Pratt’s unparalleled ability to demystify the facelift and give the appropriate context about any preconceived ideas regarding Charlotte NC facelift surgery is undeniably authentic and instills a sense of confidence in the most apprehensive of patients.

Dr. Pratt’s philosophy on aesthetic facial surgery is one founded on time tested plastic surgery principles, meticulous attention to detail, and a dogged pursuit of doing what is necessary to restore youth rather than simply make the face look tighter. His surgical plan is one that is uniquely comprehensive, carefully planned and refreshingly candid.

After graduating from the University of Florida College of medicine, Dr. Pratt completed a general surgery residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. During his six years as a general surgeon he also completed a surgical research fellowship in minimally invasive surgical techniques. Dr. Pratt further honed his skills at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he completed a second fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Following his plastic surgery fellowship, Dr. Pratt was a full-time faculty member and clinical instructor in plastic surgery at Carolinas Medical Center until he went into private practice in 2008. Since this time, his practice has remained exclusively dedicated to aesthetic surgery of the breast, body and face.

Dr. Pratt remains on the plastic surgery staff at 4 of the areas premier hospitals is one of the few plastic surgeons in the Charlotte community that has electively continued to take facial trauma call throughout his career. He has done surgical mission work in both Ghana, West Africa as well as Haiti.

Bespoke Plastic Surgery is located in south Charlotte, nestled in the heart of beautiful Ballantyne. The office is beautifully appointed and is equipped with a state of the art surgery center.

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