Facelift in Pittsburgh
Why Get A Facelift?
Sun damage, genetics, aging, weight loss, and smoking can all contribute to sagging skin and loss of definition in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. Designed to address the jowly, tired, or angry appearance that often develops with age, this procedure is frequently combined with eyelid surgery or a brow lift. We also offer an extended approach that includes comprehensive neck rejuvenation. If you are dissatisfied with the way your facial features have changed over time, a facelift may be the ideal solution. Contact our plastic surgeon near Pittsburgh to learn more.
Why Choose Dr. Pautler for a Facelift in Pittsburgh?
With more than 25 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Dr. Pautler is considered a leader in the field. As a female, board-certified Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. Pautler is passionate about achieving exceptional results for her patients while providing a welcoming and compassionate environment.
As a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgery AND the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Dr. Simona V. Pautler has the training and experience to offer state of the art procedures with predictable results. She has perfected her skill in performing attractive, yet totally natural-looking facelift surgery at the Advanced Surgical Center or the TriState Surgery Center, both in Washington, PA. Having performed hundreds of facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr Pautler is trusted by men and women from the greater Pittsburgh area as the go to facelift surgeon.
"My goal is to transform your face into a refreshed, more youthful-looking version of yourself. During a consultation I educate my facelift patients about what is possible while emphasizing natural beauty to ensure the best outcomes."
Dr. Pautler
- Dr. Pautler was recognized as a top doctor in 2023 by NewBeauty. She completed her residency at Yale New Haven Hospital and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, which are two of the most prestigious plastic surgery programs in the country.
- Dr. Pautler offers Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Pittsburgh area with exceptional results and an unparalleled patient experience.
What Are the Different Types of Rhytidectomy
Dr. Pautler offers four types of face-lifting procedures in Pittsburgh. The proper technique depends on your aesthetic goals, age, skin quality, and the amount of sagging you may have.
Mini Facelifts
A mini lift is best suited for younger patients, typically in their 40s to early 50s, who are beginning to notice early signs of aging. This approach allows Dr. Pautler to make shorter incisions that extend from the sideburn, along the front of the ear, and stop at or just behind the earlobe.
Because the incision is smaller, less skin is lifted and removed. The deeper cheek and lateral neck tissues can be tightened, which helps sharpen the jawline and improve early jowling. However, results are limited compared to more extensive procedures such as a deep plane or SMAS facelift.
This procedure is not ideal for individuals with significant skin laxity or those who have lost a large amount of weight. Dr. Pautler recommends them for patients seeking subtle improvement and quicker recovery.
Deep Plane Facelifts
The deep plane technique lifts both the skin and the underlying muscle as a single unit. As such, the skin is pulled less tightly, since the deeper structures attain the lift. This approach helps avoid an unnatural or “overdone” look and provides long-lasting results that patients enjoy.
However, it is a more invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia, involves more swelling, and carries a higher risk of nerve injury. Recovery is also longer compared to other techniques, such as the mini lift.
The procedure is ideal for patients with significant sagging, but it may not be effective in addressing very loose or wrinkled skin.
Extended Facelifts
An extended facelift addresses the signs of aging on both the face and neck. Before lifting the face, either through a deep plane or SMAS technique, Dr. Pautler makes a small incision under the chin to access the right and left platysma muscles. The two muscles are then tightened down the middle of the neck, creating a more youthful contour.
In addition to muscle tightening, this approach allows Dr. Pautler to correct excess fat beneath the platysma, bulging salivary glands, and even enlarged digastric muscles. Extended lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia and require a longer recovery period. However, they deliver dramatic improvements, especially for patients with advanced signs of aging or problem “Turkey Necks”. It is often the best option for older patients or those with a higher body mass index who need a more comprehensive treatment.
SMAS Facelifts
During a SMAS lift, Dr. Pautler will separate the skin from the underlying muscle/fascia layer, then tighten each layer individually. This allows for precise contouring and natural-looking results.
This approach is versatile and can be tailored to address the needs of different patients, including those with mild sagging or more advanced aging. It is generally less invasive than a deep plane lift, can be performed with lighter anesthesia, and recovery tends to be smoother.
One drawback is that the skin can sometimes appear overly tight if not done correctly. Moreover, more dissection under the skin may be required to lift the midface, which can increase bruising. That's why choosing Dr. Pautler for your facial rejuvenation is such an important decision; her skill, precision, and aesthetic eye help ensure safe treatment, minimized risk of complications, and results that look balanced and natural rather than overdone.
Dual Plane Facelift Patient Prep
1 Day Post Dual Plane SMAS Facelift
Am I A Good Facelift Candidate?
A facelift or a mini lift is ideal for patients wishing to reduce sagging skin in locations such as the neck, cheeks, and jowls. An open discussion with Dr. Pautler, will help determine the exact procedure needed for the best results. To minimize complications candidates should be in good physical and mental health with no significant medical conditions.
Ideal candidates should not be on any medications that can increase the risk of complications and should be non-smokers. The overall success of the procedure requires realistic expectations as to what a facelift can accomplish.
If you are considering facial rejuvenation, but are unsure if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Make an appointment with Dr. Pautler go get all your questions answered and review all your options in a low-stress, pressure-free environment, so you can make the best, informed decision.
Before, During, and After the Procedure
Consultation and Preparation
At the initial consultation, Dr. Pautler will perform a thorough examination of the face and neck and evaluate the skin’s elasticity to identify problem areas for improvement and to determine which procedures are best to perform the desired changes. During this time, Dr. Pautler will also make suggestions for additional procedures that can enhance the overall results.
To ensure you are a good candidate, topics of your medical history that are often discussed include:
- Previous surgeries
- Previous cosmetic procedures including non-surgical procedures
- Current and past medical conditions
- Allergies, current medications, and dietary supplements
- Tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drug use
Once you are determined a good candidate, Dr. Pautler will provide you with a customized treatment plan that will best achieve your goals. Our Pittsburgh plastic surgery office will also discuss the overall cost of the procedure and all financing options available.
Surgical Steps
Face-lifting procedures are generally performed under general anesthesia in a surgical center or hospital as an out-patient. In some situations, they can be performed under sedation and local anesthetic.
The steps of a procedure include:
- Anesthesia. Appropriate anesthesia is used depending on how invasive the procedure to be performed is and if additional procedures are needed.
- Incision. Incisions are made in areas such as the hairline to minimize scarring.
- Tissue manipulation. Using the incisions, the tissues of the face can be accessed and adjusted to produce the improved contours of the face.
- Skin tightening. The remaining skin is adjusted with excess tissue being excised to reduce sagging.
- Closure. The incisions are then closed using the methods best suited to minimize scarring and allow appropriate healing.
- Dressings. The face is carefully wrapped in bandages to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Post-op instructions will be provided as to when the bandages can be removed.
Recovery and Aftercare
As with the majority of procedures, swelling, bruising, and discomfort is expected during the first one or two weeks after the procedure. To help minimize swelling and improve healing, it is recommended that patients sleep with their head elevated. Pain is typically mild after this procedure and can be controlled with prescribed medications and over-the-counter treatments.
During the first two weeks, patients are asked to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activities, smoking, and excessive sun exposure to encourage healing. After this time, a gradual return to normal activities and return to work will be allowed depending on the duties performed at your job. The majority of healing should be achieved by six weeks but the final results may take up to four to six months to become fully appreciated. Any visible scarring will gradually become less noticeable and fade over the next six months to a year.
Facelift Recovery and Aftercare Experience
Recovery after a rhytidectomy depends on the technique performed. A minimally invasive technique, such as a mini lift, tends to have a quicker healing period with less downtime. A more extensive approach usually requires more time. In general, this is what you can expect during the recovery period.
Immediate Post-Op Surgery (Day 0–1)
At the end of the procedure, bulky dressings are often placed around the face and neck to control swelling. These are usually removed within 24 hours, and lighter wraps or bandages may be applied. Sometimes, Dr. Pautler will use small drains (to prevent fluid buildup), which will also be removed within the first day. Patients may be given a compressive chin or neck strap to provide gentle support as the tissues heal.
First Week Post-Op Surgery (Days 1–7)
During the first week, activity should be very limited. Patients are encouraged to keep their heads elevated, especially at night, to minimize swelling and promote proper healing. Cold compresses or ice packs may also be applied to the treated areas to reduce swelling and provide comfort. Moreover, avoid looking down, since bending the neck can create unnecessary tension on the incision areas.
Some patients find it challenging to open their mouths widely because of tightness around the cheeks and jawline. We recommend a soft diet, such as soups, smoothies, and yogurt, to make meals easier during this time. Around day seven, your facelift surgeon, Dr. Pautler, will remove sutures in front of the ear and under the chin.
Early Recovery (Weeks 2–4)
Around a week after having the procedure, patients begin to feel more comfortable. The tightness around the face and neck starts to ease, and you can sleep in a flat position.
At about two weeks, sutures behind the ears are removed. Light daily activities, such as walking, can be resumed. Anything that raises blood pressure, like strenuous exercise, should still be avoided until after the third week. After this point, gentle physical activity may be reintroduced gradually.
Intermediate Recovery (Months 1–3)
Swelling will resolve, any lingering bruising will fade, and numbness may still be present, but will gradually improve. If there was any nerve weakness, it often begins to resolve during this period.
By now, most regular activities and exercise routines can be resumed. We’ll also schedule the first round of postoperative photos to document progress and compare early results with pre-surgery images.
Long-Term Recovery (Months 6–12+)
Full recovery from a face-lift can take six months to a year or more. By this stage, the face feels natural, and the sensation of tightness is forgotten. Swelling has resolved, and scars have matured and faded. The face is evaluated for symmetry and balance, and if any small adjustments or touch-ups are needed, they are usually planned around the ninth month.
The results will improve gradually as the tissues settle into their final position. However, it is important to note that patients heal differently. This depends on how well the body responds to treatment and whether you follow postoperative instructions such as protecting the skin from the sun, avoiding smoking, and eating a balanced diet.
How Much Does A Rhytidectomy Cost in Pittsburgh?
The cost of a facelift depends on many different factors and the extent of procedures needed to maximize the results of the procedure. The factors taken into consideration when determining the final price include the surgeon’s experience, the extent of surgery, additional procedures, and associated support staff, facility fees, and anesthesia costs.
While the costs associated with selecting an experienced facelift plastic surgeon can be higher, the lower risk of complications and improved outcomes achieved by expert surgeons often make the cost worth it. This is especially true if a complication occurs or additional surgery is needed.
Facelift Before & After Photos
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Pittsburgh Facelift FAQs
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