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Facelift

When we meet with facelift patients from the local region or other countries, they tell us the same thing, “Although I look older, I feel much younger. I don’t recognize that face in the mirror.” As our society has become more fitness-oriented, many men and women remain active longer than they did in the past. Although someone might be 65 or 70 years old, they frequently can be found on the tennis courts giving a younger person a very challenging tennis match. We hear these patients say, “I want to look as young as I feel.”

Dr. William Burden

Dr. William R. Burden is a fully trained plastic surgeon. He is certified in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face, breast, and body. Dr. Burden is known throughout the Southeast and internationally as a specialist in facial cosmetic surgery. He is the surgeon that other plastic surgeons go to. Doctors seek out his care and refer their spouses, family, and patients to him. He developed the “No Scar on the Face Browlift” at Destin Plastic Surgery and is known for giving patients natural-appearing results. Dr. Burden will listen to your concerns and help you achieve your goal for the improved appearance you desire.

Renuvion: The Next Level of Expertise

Renuvion is the only FDA-approved energy device to improve the appearance of loose skin on the neck and chin. This cutting-edge technology is used during a facelift to further enhance the results around the jawline and upper neck. Dr. Burden adopted this technology early and has extensive experience using it in facelifts and neck contouring. Few surgeons have this technology or this amount of experience.

No Nip Tuck Here!

For over 50 years, the practice of facial plastic surgery involved a “nip and tuck” philosophy. The excess skin that had lost its elasticity had to be excised (nipped), and then the incision closed (tucked). Even though the results were good, the early result often gave the person a pulled or stretched appearance. Since the underlying structures were not surgically altered, the tightly pulled skin was the supporting structure for the results of the nip-and-tuck facelift. Skin assumes the shape of the underlying structures. As the skin relaxed following the facelift, the underlying aged face began to show through. When choosing a plastic surgeon, it’s important to find out whether they use an updated technique that addresses the underlying tissues.

What Is the SMAS Facelift?

Loose skin of the face, which causes jowling, and loose skin of the neck can be corrected by a facelift. In addition to removing the excess skin, newer techniques are used to tighten the muscles of the neck and the deep tissues of the face. The SMAS facelift, otherwise known as the S-lift or deep plane facelift, places less tension on the skin, thus avoiding the swept-back appearance of a skin-only facelift. This approach can also be tailored for men, who often want to retain a more masculine appearance while reducing loose neck skin and jowls. To obtain a comprehensive result, the forehead, lower eyelids, and face should all be corrected as a unit. There are exceptions, as some people may only need one part of this triad corrected.

How Long Is Recovery Time for a Facelift?

When choosing Destin Plastic Surgery for your facelift procedure, you should allow adequate time for recuperation. In general, 3 to 6 weeks is adequate to allow you to return to your normal social activities. Immediately following the surgery, pain is controlled with narcotic pain medications. After approximately 2 to 3 days, most people require pain medications at night only for sleep. At 10 to 14 days, most people will not require narcotic pain medications and will be comfortable with acetaminophen or a mild narcotic for pain control. A comfortable dressing is applied to the face and neck for the first 24 to 48 hours following the surgery. This dressing is removed and replaced with a lightweight garment to help support the neck and the face. This is worn for approximately 1 week following the surgery. For the first 24 to 48 hours, activities are restricted to short trips to the bathroom and a chair. Activity increases with each person’s comfort level. Most people generally return to their normal activities in 2 to 3 weeks. Many patients use BOTOX® Cosmetic to maintain their new youthful look after surgery.

State-of-the-Art, Multi-Specialty Surgical Center

Learn More

Dr. William R. Burden, MD, FACS, is known for his experience and dedication to staying at the forefront of leading technology in plastic surgery. Dr. Burden not only performs facelift surgery for patients from Panama City, Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Tallahassee, Dothan, Atlanta, and Birmingham but also from around the world. Many people travel from Europe, South America, and Asia to Destin, Florida, to seek out his services.

Request Your Consultation

For more information about facelift surgery, call our office at (850) 654-1194 or contact uscontact us online to meet with Dr. Burden.