Below, experienced Virginia Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds suggests ways to ensure your facelift will create a subtle new touch of youthfulness for your appearance, rather than the painful-to-watch spectacle of a “pulled” or “windswept” facelift.

Judgment and Experience

The starting point for a successful result is the experience and judgment of your plastic surgeon. A surgeon with good judgment understands the needs of the patient, and will never push someone to try an unwanted or unnecessary procedure. Good judgment involves considering the patient’s entire facial profile, understanding that each area of the face contributes to an individual’s distinctive look. Treating one area only, such as the jowls or neck, can upset the aesthetic balance of the face, making a person look unnatural and even unrecognizable.

Equally important is a surgeon’s track record of successful surgeries on a wide variety of facial types. This depth of experience, combined with a commitment to keeping abreast of the latest techniques and medical best practices, will ensure the most natural-looking result.

An experienced surgeon knows how important it is to pay attention to the muscles and ligaments under the skin, not simply stretch the surface layer, creating tension with deeper tissue.

Artist’s Gallery

The ideal plastic surgeon will be a gifted artist as well. A surgeon with an eye for proportion and balance will never pull facial features out of alignment or improperly place incisions. And finally, a top plastic surgeon will enthusiastically share with you before and after pictures of
his many facelift patients. In this gallery, you will see for yourself the difference exceptional artistry and surgical precision can make

To learn more about facelift, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bounds ats his Virginia Beach office by calling or emailing us today.

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The Lifespan of a Facelift

Given the amount of time and money that you invest into your facelift, it is understandable that you want lasting improvement. Luckily, you can look forward to maintaining your rejuvenated appearance for quite a few years after surgery. Most patients enjoy their results for seven to 10 years or longer.

Exactly how long your facelift results last depends on your genetics, skin type, the age at which you undergo facelift and the type of facelift you have. (In general, the results of full or traditional facelift last longer than those of mini facelift.)

But aging happens as your skin continues to age and relax, you will still look younger than you did if you did not undergo a facelift. Do not expect to suddenly wake up one day years after your facelift and look as though you never had the procedure. As Dr. Bounds likes to tell his patients who are having a facelift, if you had a twin sister who did not have a facelift, you will always look younger than she does.

With this in mind, the things you do in the months and years following your facelift can affect how long your results last.

Maximize Your Facelift Results

To maintain your results for as long as possible, Dr. Bounds recommends you do the following:

• Choose your facelift surgeon wisely. The experience and skill of your plastic surgeon influences the longevity of your results.
• Follow all of your aftercare instructions. This increases the chances of a smooth recovery and good scars.
• Do not smoke or drink heavily. Smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can accelerate the natural aging process.
• Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated. Beautiful skin starts from the inside out.
• Maintain your weight. Fluctuating in weight can cause your skin to stretch out and look saggy.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Prolonged sun exposure speeds up the natural aging process.
• Explore non-surgical treatment options. Botox or filler injections, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels are a great complement to facelift and can help maximize the beauty of your skin.

Contact Dr. Kevin Bounds

If you have any questions about the facelift procedure or expected results, Dr. Bounds is happy to help. To get in touch with him, please contact our practice today.

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Facelift can restore the buoyancy and suppleness you remember. By tightening sagging, stretched skin, facelift softens and revitalizes your features, brightening your expression and enhancing your self-confidence. Below, experienced Virginia Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Bounds discusses what to expect during a key phase of the procedure: the recovery.

The Healing Process

Recovery begins the moment you awake from the surgery. As the anesthesia wears off, you will feel tightness and tenderness near your incisions. The area will be covered with a dressing that will also hold in place tubes to drain excess blood and reduce swelling.

Swelling will actually increase in the first three days. You will have bruising and experience periods of discomfort. Pain should never be severe; in fact, you will probably only need pain medication for a few days. Anything more than moderate pain is a sign of a possible complication. During this phase you may feel some minor numbness and tightness of the skin, but these side effects will not last long. Your skin may feel dry and rough for a few months.

Your Role in Recovery

It’s important not to rush your recovery. Plan to stay home for one to two weeks. You should be able to resume most normal activities in a month, although your face will continue to heal for up to a year. You will notice an immediate change from your facelift, but the final result will take one to four months to become apparent, as swelling and bruising subside.

As soon as possible, you should begin walking around to boost circulation, support optimal healing and prevent blood clots. Straining, lifting and bending should be avoided, however. By the second day, you will be able to wash your hair, and you can use makeup again in about two weeks.

You probably won’t need to be told to sleep on your back. It will be the most comfortable position, and will help promote successful healing. Your head should also be elevated to reduce swelling. You will follow this nighttime routine for at least two weeks.

Eat healthfully, get plenty of rest, and follow the postoperative routine recommended by your surgeon. As a general rule, you should avoid alcohol, niacin and aspirin products. You will return to Plastic Surgery of Virginia Beach the day after your surgery, and again within the week for removal of sutures. If your procedure involved placement of staples in the scalp, those will be removed within two weeks.

To learn more about facelift and other rejuvenating procedures, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Bounds at his Virginia Beach office by calling or emailing us today.

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You’re ready for the procedure, now let’s review some things about your physical recovery after the facelift.

• You are likely to experience some discomfort after your facelift procedure but will have medications to relieve this.
• You will be wearing facial garments which may feel somewhat tight and restrictive but help reduce swelling and improve your recovery.
• Recovery is typically around two weeks, you can resume a more active lifestyle after four weeks.
• Sutures are removed seven to ten days after surgery.
• You should follow your surgeon’s instructions about showering and bathing, specifically when it’s okay to wash your hair.
• Numbness and muscle stiffness is normal for some time.  Scars, although hidden can take up to a year to fade.
• Remember that although genetics play a role in your physical appearance, a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise can help maintain your beauty. Begin by following a low sodium diet just after your procedure.
• Your facelift will enhance your beauty. To continue the benefits avoid smoking, limit your alcohol intake, and try to reduce stress and sun exposure.

For more information about facelift surgery and recovery please contact us to request a consultation today.

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Where will you be after surgery?

Find a space in your home where you can be comfortable with your head slightly elevated (30-40 degrees) during the early stages of your recovery.  Either plan to use a recliner or prepare your bed with pillows to allow for this.

Who will your support team be?

It is important to have family and/or friends available to support you emotionally and to spoil you by taking care of the little things you may not be able to do for the first few days. Transportation, shopping, child care, cooking and cleaning will need to be delegated to your “support staff”. Find that one friend or family member who will be there to take you to your surgery, bring you home after and be your nurse for the first day or so.  This person will also bring you in for your post-operative appointments.

 Have your environment organized.

Assess your needs for the first week or so of recovery and have any entertainment devices, phones and chargers in place.  Make sure toiletries are easily accessible. You shouldn’t bend down, lift or strain yourself after surgery. Find those movies or books which you’ve been wanting to watch or read. Purchase some bags of frozen peas or ice packs so they are available to help with swelling.

 Food, yes food!

Have soft food ready to go.  Stay away from prepared foods or foods that are high in sodium to prevent swelling.  Avoid alcohol for the days before your surgery. Buy soft foods that are rich in protein, low in sodium and require little preparation like applesauce, oatmeal and soup. Know that as you are resting your face you should enjoy foods which required little or no chewing.

Wait, you smoke? Quit!

The impact of smoking on recovery is very negative. There is a greater chance of complications and your recovery can be slower.  Plus you’re going to look younger and better after your facelift, don’t let smoking add wrinkles to your beautiful result!

 Follow all instructions given to you by your Plastic Surgeon.

Before your surgery there will be a History and Physical appointment wherein your doctor and his staff will give you detailed instructions for your facelift, based on your specific medical needs and health history. Post-operative instructions will be given and should be reviewed with those who are providing your care after surgery.

Fill all your prescriptions. 

Your surgeon will have provided you with prescriptions for your recovery.  Fill them ahead of time so you have them readily available when you get home.

 Stay in contact with your Plastic Surgeon.

He will call after your surgery.  Do not hesitate to ask any questions you might have before the procedure so you will have the knowledge and comfort to make your recovery as stress free as possible. Follow instruction closely and of course return to the office for all appointments.

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Turn back the clock this fall, Look like a younger version of yourself with a Facelift

Five Facelift Facts

It’s not just celebrities who choose to have a facelift.

Over 200,000 facial procedures were performed last year with the number growing each year. Facelifts are a choice for people who have looked in their mirror and found time, gravity and heredity have changed their face so that they don’t look like themselves any more.

Your choice of plastic surgeon is key.

The experience of your plastic surgeon is important.  The choice of a skilled Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who understands your facial structure and skin can produce results which make you look like your younger self. Your surgeon’s experience in the practice of aesthetic plastic surgery will insure you look refreshed not fake.

A facelift can offer results that last for years.

If you have tried non-surgical treatments, like Botox® and fillers, and want a longer lasting results, then a facelift may be right for you.  Consult with the Plastic Surgeon who offers your dermal filler treatments about a facelift. A facelift can rejuvenate your appearance, taking years off your face without looking overdone.

There is no one way to perform a facelift.

Age presents differently on different faces so there are many ways to address the aging face. During the consultation your Plastic Surgeon can review surgical techniques which would address your individual concerns and help you look like a younger version of yourself not a different person. There are several methods used by plastic surgeons to perform a good facelift and skill and experience are important for a great result.

What you do is important to your results as well.

If you are in good health and want to look as young and happy on the outside as you feel inside, a facelift may be a great choice.  In saying this, you must be prepared to invest not just money but your time and effort in preparing for and recovering from your facelift. Listen to your plastic surgeon’s recommendations regarding your health and lifestyle leading up to and following your facelift procedure.

Look for our next Blog… Your Facelift, Planning the Before and After

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Mini Facelift

What is it?

Mini facelift surgery is the most common type of facelift surgery performed today. It addresses wrinkles and sagging skin on the lower third of the face using small incisions placed around the ears. It restores definition to the chin by removing excess tissue and artfully tightening remaining tissue. A skilled plastic surgeon such as Dr. Kevin Bounds can tailor a mini facelift procedure to give you a youthful, more refreshed appearance that accentuates your natural beauty and boosts your confidence.

Who is it for?

Mini facelift surgery appeals to many men and women because it can address some of the most prominent signs of aging. For example, some people experience hormonal changes, or are genetically predisposed to losing definition in their jaw. Many patients turn to mini facelift surgery to restore this definition.

Facelift

What is it?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a procedure in facial surgery that aims to give a more youthful appearance to the face. It reshapes the lower half of the face by removing excess facial skin.

Rhytidectomy can tighten loose, hanging skin around the jaw line, also known as “jowls.” It can also remove deep creases around the mouth and nose, and excess, hanging skin and fat under the chin and in the neck. The procedure can also tighten the underlying tissues, and it may be combined with plastic surgery to enhance the forehead, cheeks, brows, and eyelids.

Who is it for?

Roughly 100,000 women a year receive this procedure in the U.S. alone while only 30,000 men undergo a facelift. Even though there is a stigma, this procedure is for both sexes. This procedure targets areas on the face to give the patient a more rejuvenated look. If you are looking to look younger and more fruitful, this may be the procedure for you.

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