If you’re considering a facelift here in Montreal, you’re probably curious about what to expect—not only for your results but also for your experience. Board-certified and Royal College-certified surgeon Dr. Mark Samaha is committed to helping each person he treats have a smooth and rewarding facelift experience. Laying out clear expectations for the procedure is a major part of creating that fulfilling experience.
This blog post will provide some helpful information about what you can expect before and after facelift surgery so you feel informed and confident as you take your next steps.
Before
Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Samaha will carefully discuss your goals with you and create a plan to address your concerns through the least invasive technique possible. This customized plan is a hallmark of his Maximum Result Minimum Recovery™ philosophy.
Dr. Samaha is one of only a few plastic surgeons in the Montreal area who performs a deep plane facelift. This approach is more advanced, yields more improvement in the midface (cheeks), and is longer-lasting than the traditional “SMAS” technique. Learn more about whether this procedure is right for you in our previous blog post.
Should you and Dr. Samaha decide to move forward with the surgery, he will provide information about altering medication use if necessary. NSAIDs and other blood-thinning medications may increase the likelihood of risks such as bleeding and bruising. Dr. Samaha will discuss this issue with you during your initial consultation.
Prep
At a preoperative appointment 2 to 3 weeks prior to your surgery, Dr. Samaha will see you again to review the plan and answer questions. You’ll be given written instructions, and a nurse will spend considerable time clarifying and explaining the instructions as needed. The team will also examine your heart and lungs and verify your blood tests to make sure you are healthy for surgery.
As your surgery date approaches, you can prepare by planning for support the day of your procedure, including transportation to and from the facility.
After
Recovery
It’s important to note that you will not feel pain during or after your procedure, though you may experience some swelling and bruising initially. Recovery is typically a fairly comfortable process, and most people feel ready to return to work and other daily activities after about 2 weeks.
Any drains and dressings will be removed 1 to 2 days after surgery. Sutures will be removed at a follow-up appointment about a week after the procedure.
Dr. Samaha carefully hides scars around the ears and along the hairline so they will not be easily noticeable. You can see examples of these scars in our facelift before-and-after photo gallery.
Results
Expected results include:
- Reduced sagging in the lower face
- Reduction of jowls
- Increased definition along the jawline
- Fewer wrinkles on the lower face
- An improved midface with a more youthful highlight in the cheekbone region— something that is not achieved with a traditional facelift technique
These results are generally long-lasting, effectively turning back the clock by about 10 to 15 years. Maintenance with nonsurgical treatments such as BOTOX Cosmetic® and dermal fillers can extend the life of your results.
If a facelift is in your future, Dr. Samaha and his team are eager to help you achieve your best results as quickly and comfortably as possible. To learn more about your facelift and other plastic surgery options here in Montreal, please contact us online or call (514) 613-3004.