Bala Cynwyd, PA
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Facelift

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction to Facelift Surgery

Considered a gold-standard facial rejuvenation solution around the globe, a facelift dramatically improves signs of aging in the lower third of the face, correcting jowls, loss of definition in the jawline, and sagging cheeks. The procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a neck lift to strategically rewind the hands of time. 

At his practice in Bala Cynwyd, PA, Dr. Timothy Greco is a double-board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who focuses on advanced techniques that release the deeper ligaments, allowing him to reposition the facial structures in a highly natural and seamless way. This technique is known as the deep plane facelift. He believes that every patient deserves to present their best face to the world confidently and tailors his approach to your unique goals and wishes.

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What is a Facelift?

With age, changes occur in the soft tissues and bones of the face. The facial skin thins, your cells divide at a slower rate, and the proteins that support skin elasticity begin to break down. As the skin loses elasticity, it succumbs more regularly to the effects of gravity, causing the facial contours to sag. Wrinkles are caused by the tissue beneath the skin changing with age. These shifts include loss of facial fat volume as well. Some fat may begin to descend and collect in the jowls and under the chin, and the facial muscles may become lax. All of these occurrences contribute to an aged, tired look. Other factors that can negatively impact facial appearance include gravity, sun damage, smoking, heredity, and stress.

The skin is lifted off the underlying fat and muscle layers during a facelift. Facial tissues and muscles are then tightened after the deep ligaments of the face are released. Additionally, excess fat in the face and neck is sculpted and repositioned to recreate more youthful contours after releasing key ligaments of the face. This treatment approach is known as a deep-plane facelift, one of the most precise and far-reaching solutions for restoring your vitality and innate beauty. Once the changes are complete, the skin is then re-draped. Any excess skin is removed, and the wound is closed. It is important to remember that while facelifts are a great tool to slow the visible passage of time on the face, the procedure cannot stop the aging process altogether.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

Facelift surgery at Greco M.D. in Bala Cynwyd (Philadelphia) comes with a wide range of transformative benefits, including the following:

  • Firms lax muscles
  • Tightens drooping skin
  • Reshapes the cheeks
  • Improves definition in the jawline
  • Eradicates hanging jowls
  • Softens and fades wrinkles and lines
  • Creates a more youthful, inviting appearance
  • Enhances self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Tightens lax neck tissue

Benefits

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Facelift?

A facelift can be performed at any age. However, it tends to deliver the best results for patients in their 40s to 60s who are in good health and can maintain a normal weight. You can have a facelift well into your 80s and still have a positive experience with pleasing results. Patients in the process of slimming down should consider waiting until they have lost the appropriate amount of weight to allow for an ideal outcome. Those experiencing a significant degree of facial wrinkling and sagging might consider a facelift followed by laser skin rejuvenation for a more youthful appearance. If you suffer from health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, please discuss these issues with Dr. Greco during the consultation so that appropriate care can be taken while planning treatment. In general, the best candidates for cosmetic surgery are healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations for their results.

Candidates

What’s the First Step?

Your Facelift Journey with Dr. Timothy Greco

Before your facelift procedure is scheduled, you will have an aesthetic consultation with Dr. Greco in Bala Cynwyd/Philadelphia, PA. During this initial meeting, you will have time to discuss your concerns, and Dr. Greco will answer any questions you may have with precision and transparency. The consultation will also include a thorough physical examination. 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Greco will assess the following:

  • Sagging soft tissue in the midface, lower face, jowls, and neck
  • The suppleness of the facial skin
  • Loose skin, fat, and muscle in the neck
  • The need for a blepharoplasty, lip lift, or brow lift procedure

Dr. Greco does not favor an overly operated look and insists on natural-looking results. He encourages realistic expectations for your results by utilizing advanced digital imaging during consultation to help you visualize your outcome properly. It is also helpful to bring pictures of yourself at an age when you were pleased with your appearance to help convey your goals.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift Surgery

The facelift procedure is performed under MAC (a.k.a. twilight) anesthesia at Dr. Greco’s comfortable and private state-licensed surgery center. 

Typically, Dr. Greco begins the surgery by making an incision along the hairline and around the ears to lift the skin before adjusting the underlying tissue and muscle layers. The type of incision used will depend on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s needs.

  • The facelift incision begins near the hairline at the temples and continues down around the front coursing behind the tragus and around the earlobe. An additional incision is made under the chin.
  • A limited incision lift is less extensive. The incision begins near the hairline just above the ear and continues around the ear. It does not extend into the lower scalp like with the traditional incision.
  • A neck lift incision starts in front of the earlobe. It continues around the ear into the lower scalp, and a small incision is made under the chin.

The wound is then closed with sutures and covered with bandages. A small tube may be placed under the skin behind one or both ears to drain any excess blood or fluids. The drains will be removed the following morning. 

The length of the procedure depends on its complexity. If additional cosmetic procedures are included as part of the same surgery, the procedure will take longer. In general, a facelift can take at least four hours.

 

Facelift

Expectations

Patient Reviews

  • I had a midplane face lift as well as a lip lift and a brow lift with Dr. Greco in October. I have known Dr. Greco for many years, having had botox and fillers with him in the past. His level of expertise and artistic sensibility gave me a beautiful outcome. Even though I trust him implicitly, I was still nervous about such a major procedure. But I am so thrilled that I listened to his advice. Not only was the actual surgery relatively uncomplicated, but the aftercare was also unbelievable. He called to check on me daily and his staff were compassionate and very caring. My daughter is getting married in November and I’m delighted that I had the work done. My friends and family are amazed at the natural results. Several of them have already seen him for consults. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My mother, who is my harshest critic, thinks the outcome is just beautiful. He definitely achieved everything we discussed and transformed my face back to the shape it was when I was much younger. His pricing is very fair as well. He’s been doing this work for a long time and keeps refining his technique. I highly recommend Dr. Greco to anyone who is considering improving the appearance of their face. He loves what he does and it shows.

    – Beth Cutler

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Facelift Recovery

Pain and discomfort are usually minimal after a facelift. You will be prescribed oral medication for any postoperative discomfort. You can expect to see swelling or bruising on the face for about two weeks, and there may be some tightness in the neck and jaw region until these symptoms fade. Some patients may feel depressed at first when they see the acute swelling that obscures their results. Rest assured, this is a normal reaction, and our team at Greco M.D. in Bala Cynwyd (Philadelphia), PA, is here to discuss any concerns you may have in the days and weeks following your surgery. Any residual bruising and swelling can be concealed with make-up that our aesthetician will customize for your individual needs. 

You will be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise for around two weeks, giving your incisions ample time to heal. However, taking gentle walks after your facelift is encouraged, as this can help boost circulation, prevent complications, and enhance your overall mood and well-being. You should also aim to get plenty of rest and have nutritious meals after surgery. This is the perfect time to pamper yourself and catch up on rest.

Most patients can resume normal activities within around two weeks. To ease your recovery, you should:

  • Avoid smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery.
  • Use ice compresses for the first three days after surgery.
  • Rest with your head elevated.
  • Follow the postoperative instructions from the doctor carefully.
  • Avoid direct sunlight to protect the postoperative scars and your skin.
  • Always apply SPF to your incisions prior to sun exposure once they’ve healed. 

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of a facelift in the Main Line, including Villanova, Bryan Mar, and Wayne, PA, can vary significantly, ranging from $30,000 – $36,000 for men and $27,000 – $32,000 for women. Pricing is affected by the specific techniques utilized, the extent of the work performed, and the addition of any other cosmetic procedures, such as a lip lift, blepharoplasty, or brow lift. Dr. Greco will provide you with a detailed quote after completing your facial assessment and medical review during your consultation in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Greco?

Dr. Timothy M. Greco, MD, FACS, is one of Philadelphia’s most revered facial cosmetic plastic surgeons, providing advanced aesthetic solutions for the face, head, and neck. He is double-board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), ensuring your utmost safety with  elegance and harmony of your final results. His private state-certified surgical center is located at 2 Bala Plaza (adjacent to Saks Fifth Avenue) in Bala Cynwyd, PA, for your convenience. Dr. Greco serves as the Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and currently holds medical licenses for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Minnesota.

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Dr. Timothy Greco is one of Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeons, skilled at all types of cosmetic procedures that help counter the effects of aging. Dr. Greco focuses solely on aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you’re in the greater Philadelphia or Main Line area, including Villanova, Bryn Mawr, and Wayne, PA, and are looking for a younger, fresher appearance customized to your facial structure, Dr. Greco can help! Get in touch today to schedule a consultation. Call 610-664-8830 or check the doctor’s schedule online.

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