Would A Lower Rhytidectomy Help With My Sagging Skin?

A lower facelift is one of the best ways to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles or a sagging appearance caused by age. Also called a lower rhytidectomy, this procedure works by lifting the skin and tightening the tissues beneath for a smoother look. The team at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery performs hundreds of facelift surgeries every year. Our plastic surgeons are nationally recognized for helping patients achieve natural-looking results. 

While some people are afraid that a facelift will make them look too different from their natural appearance, the patients at our facility are a testament to our surgical and artistic skill. If you would like to learn more about eliminating the most visible signs of aging on your face, we invite you to tour our modern Reston, VA, facility and explore your options for lower rhytidectomy. Learn how a lower rhytidectomy procedure can help with drooping skin and similar issues so you can look and feel younger. 

Lower rhytidectomy candidates

When you look in the mirror, do you notice changes in the lower half of your face? Many Northern Virginia patients begin to see sagging, which causes a loss of definition in the jawline. If this is the case, a lower rhytidectomy can offer some exciting and satisfying results. While candidates for this procedure tend to range from their 40s – 60s, this cosmetic surgery can also be safely performed on younger and older patients as long as they are in good general health. Ideal patients are nonsmokers with skin that has a good amount of elasticity. 

If you desire a long-term solution to aging skin, the experienced team at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery will discuss your aesthetic goals and medical history during a private consultation at our Reston, VA, office. After an assessment of your skin and jowls, we can make recommendations about how to move forward and give you realistic expectations about your outcome. This means we may show you before-and-after pictures from previous patients. Our skilled staff will spend time listening to your concerns and desired results, working before and during the facelift procedure to help you appear younger. We believe the final results speak for themselves. 

About the lower facelift procedure

Austin-Weston performs lower rhytidectomy procedures on an outpatient basis at our accredited surgical facility. Some patients are required to stay overnight so we can monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. During your plastic surgery, we mainly focus on the underlying tissue of the bottom third of the face, jowls, and neck, removing any excess skin as needed. The skin is then carefully re-draped over the contours of the face to make your features seem smoother. Facelift surgery normally takes a few hours to complete, then a bandage is placed to minimize facial swelling and bruising. To learn more about the techniques used, contact our experienced plastic surgeons in Northern Virginia. 

When will I see results? 

Before scheduling your procedure, you should understand that lower rhytidectomy surgery is not a fast solution to solve common signs of aging. Just like any other plastic surgery, it takes time to recover. Facelift patients should expect to wait a couple of months before they are ready to show off their final results. The physicians at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery will give you an overview of the process and address any questions or concerns about recovery. 

It is normal to have some discomfort following cosmetic surgery. Your physician can prescribe pain medication for several days to manage any swelling or discomfort you may experience. Most individuals can return to work and resume normal activities after two weeks of resting at home. After three weeks, you can begin to see noticeable results that will continue to improve over time. At our Reston, VA, clinic, we can give you personalized instructions about how to prepare for facelift surgery and how to best prolong your results. 

While a lower rhytidectomy procedure offers long-term outcomes for patients, it won’t do much to stop the natural aging process. Austin-Weston suggests getting a touch-up treatment in about 7 – 10 years to combat future wrinkles and sagging features. This can include routine wrinkle relaxers such as BOTOX®, dermal fillers, and chemical peels to maintain your youthful look. 

Schedule a consultation today

Loose or sagging skin can make you appear older than you are. Genetic and environmental factors such as sun damage may also contribute to an aged appearance. At Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, we provide high-quality surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for our patients. Our team has helped numerous patients address traditional signs of aging. 

To learn more about how a lower rhytidectomy procedure can smooth out your sagging skin, contact our facility in Reston, VA. Our expert staff has undergone extensive training, earning a reputation across Northern Virginia for being trusted experts in plastic surgery. Schedule a lower rhytidectomy procedure to see a truly dramatic improvement in your facial features.