Facelift

Frederick H Watkins, MD

Plastic Surgeon & Cosmetic Surgeon located in Rockville, MD & McLean, VA

Few cosmetic procedures deliver more impressive results than a face-lift. For men and women living in or around Rockville, Maryland, and McLean, Virginia, Frederick H. Watkins, MD, is an invaluable resource for face-lift surgery. When you’re ready to explore the possibilities afforded by today’s face-lift techniques, book a one-on-one consultation today. Scheduling is as easy as a phone call or a visit to the online booking page.

Facelift Q & A

Why choose a face-lift over other aesthetic procedures?

The decision to pursue a face-lift is a personal one, and a choice that should only be made after you fully understand the procedure and what to expect in terms of process and results. Dr. Watkins views his role as your trusted advisor, and takes the time to explain the entire process before you make a treatment decision. 

Some of the reasons men and women pursue a face-lift include:

  • Excess skin at your jawline
  • Sagging skin and fat deposits in your face or neck
  • Sagging cheeks
  • Deep folds along the sides of your nose and mouth

It’s important to understand that a face-lift won’t address the appearance or tone of your skin. Fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, or hyperpigmentation remain even after your procedure, but there are treatments that improve those issues. 

What happens during a face-lift?

You’ll receive anesthesia to help you rest during your procedure. There are options to do the procedure entirely under local anesthesia (with some Valium to help you relax) or under general anesthesia (fully asleep). Dr. Watkins begins by making an incision near your hairline to gain access to the tissues of your face. He carefully removes excess skin, fat, and other tissue to improve the contouring of your face. In some cases, tissue is redistributed from one area of your face to another. 

Once Dr. Watkins is pleased with your facial contouring, he gently stretches your skin to create a smooth appearance and removes any excess skin at the borders. He closes the incisions and takes you to a recovery area where you’re closely monitored as the anesthesia wears off. 

A neck-lift can be performed at the same time as your face-lift. The process involves removing excess skin and fat from your neck to create a smoother profile. 

What can I do to improve healing after a face-lift?

You should expect the healing process to take several months, although you can probably resume normal activities within a week or so after your surgery. Dr. Watkins provides comprehensive post-operative instructions prior to your procedure. 

Be sure to change your bandages as advised, and be alert to signs of infection like increased pain, swelling, redness, or drainage from the incision lines. Dr. Watkins provides a prescription for pain medication to address discomfort as you heal, but you can switch to over-the-counter pain medications before long. 

If you have questions or concerns about the face-lift procedure or the recovery process, schedule an appointment with Dr. Watkins today, online or over the phone.