Facelift in Charlotte, NC
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It is the most comprehensive approach to correcting facial wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of volume resulting from aging, gravity, and changes in fat, muscle, and bone structure. The procedure involves tightening underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and refining facial contours to correct issues such as midface drooping, jowling, and a double chin. While a facelift cannot stop the aging process, it can restore a naturally refreshed and youthful appearance.
Importantly, a facelift does not alter your fundamental appearance. At Esse Dermatology, our surgical technique emphasizes lifting without over-tightening, preserving natural facial contours and avoiding the “overdone” or wind-swept look.
Facial Aging: What Happens Over Time
As we age, the face undergoes several structural changes:
- Volume loss
- Skin laxity and deep folds (nasolabial folds from nose to mouth; marionette lines from mouth to chin)
- Laxity in the underlying muscles and deep tissues
- Excess fat and skin accumulation along the jawline and jowls
- Changes in skin texture, tone, and pigmentation
About the Facelift Procedure
At Esse Dermatology, facelifts are typically performed under tumescent local or twilight anesthesia, ensuring comfort while minimizing risks associated with general anesthesia. These methods also promote faster recovery, reduce bruising, and eliminate the need for surgical drains. Incisions are discreetly placed within the hairline and natural facial creases around the ears for minimal visibility.
Two-Step Approach
- Deep Tissue Lifting: We begin by elevating the deeper structures, particularly the SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System), to reposition sagging tissue and reinforce long-term facial support.
- Skin Redraping: The outer skin is then gently repositioned over the newly lifted structure, and excess skin is trimmed. Fat may be removed or redistributed to restore volume in key areas such as the midface or under the chin, resulting in smoother, more youthful facial proportions.
In some cases, facelift surgery is complemented by neck liposuction or a minimally invasive neck lift to enhance overall harmony. To target aging signs around the eyes or brow, additional procedures such as eyelid or brow surgery may be suggested.
We also highly recommend laser resurfacing at the time of surgery to treat fine lines, pigmentation, and textural changes, particularly in areas where surgery alone cannot rejuvenate the skin (e.g., under the eyes or around the mouth). Combining treatments ensures a more cohesive, natural result. If facial contours are rejuvenated but aged skin remains untreated, the contrast can appear unnatural and give away signs of surgery. Our team will guide you through complementary treatments to maintain a balanced, age-appropriate aesthetic.
Your Consultation
During your personalized consultation with Dr. Lauren Moy, your goals, medical history, current health conditions, and medications will be reviewed. A thorough facial and skin analysis will be performed, and your surgeon will answer all your questions and outline your best treatment options. “Before” photos and facial measurements may also be taken.
If you are a good candidate for surgery, a tailored treatment plan will be created for you. You’ll receive comprehensive information on the procedure, preparation, recovery, potential risks, and expected outcomes.
Ideal Candidates for a Facelift
You may benefit most from facelift surgery if you:
- Have sagging skin in the mid- to lower face
- Notice jowls or fatty deposits along the jawline and beneath the chin
- Have deep nasolabial folds or marionette lines
- Exhibit facial volume loss and weakened skin tone
- Are in good general health, do not smoke, and maintain realistic expectations
Injectables and dermal fillers may help to an extent but cannot eliminate loose skin, which is a key issue addressed by surgical facelifts.
Schedule a consultation at Esse Dermatology to learn how a facelift can help restore your youthful contours, enhance confidence, and revitalize your natural beauty.