As we age, certain changes begin to appear on the face. We develop wrinkles, lines, and spots seemingly overnight, and skin that was once firm and supple begins to sag. Fortunately, Dr. Ridgway is highly skilled at resolving these cosmetic flaws with arguably the best facelift Bellevue has to offer. While performing it, he is capable of reversing unwanted effects of aging and restoring a youthful, beautiful, and exceptionally natural facial appearance.

Facelift Summary

Length of Surgery:

  • 2-4 hours (generally outpatient)

Anesthesia:

  • General

Normal recovery:

  • Can return to work in 1-2 weeks
  • May resume light exercise after 4 weeks
  • Swelling will be resolved after 4-8 weeks

Possible side effects:

  • Some swelling
  • Bruising
  • Mild pain and/or discomfort

Benefits Of A Facelift

Facial wrinkles and sagging skin can betray your age in an instant. In fact, when they appear prematurely, they can actually make you appear older before your time. Fortunately, you can get back your youthful appearance by:

  • Restoring a refreshed and revitalized facial appearance.
  • Tightening sagging facial skin.
  • Reducing deep lines and wrinkles.
  • Restoring your youthful contours.
  • Reversing an aging and tired expression.
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Facelift Before & After

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Your Initial Facelift Consultation

Dr. Ridgway understands there are many questions to be asked and answered during the initial decision-making process. As patients gather information they naturally have concerns about undergoing facial plastic surgery and how these changes will affect their appearance.

Initial Consultation

During your first consultation Dr. Ridgway will get to know you by listening carefully to what you are expecting to achieve and also by asking questions so that he thoroughly understands your goals. As a top Seattle facelift surgeon, he knows that to be successful, he and his patients must be in full agreement on the end result.

Examination

After performing an examination of your face assessing your skin elasticity, muscle tone, and facial structure, he will provide his recommendations. Dr. Ridgway will explain his surgical plan and answer questions that are certain to come up, including questions about financing and whether insurance will cover any part of the surgery.

Q&A

During the consultation process, you will be able to look at photos of Bellevue facelift patients who have concerns similar to yours so you can assess Dr. Ridgway’s work. This is a big decision and you will be encouraged to take your time while gathering all the information you need to give you confidence that you are making the right decision. Dr. Ridgway is happy to answer questions as you go through the process no matter how long you need.

Finally, if you have any questions about cost or financing options, your consultation would be a great time to get those questions answered. Dr. Ridgway offers some basic pointers and information to look for when discussing the cost of a facelift in Bellevue or Seattle. While the cost of a facelift may be the determining factor, it is very important to understand what kind of facility, staff, expertise, care, bedside manner, and additional value is covered by the cost. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Ridgway during your consultation.

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Facelift Facts

A facelift is designed to address the sagging of the skin and the underlying muscles as well as a layer of tissue called the SMAS. The Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System lies above deeper tissues and since it is heavier than the skin, it actually pulls the skin downward. This can give a false impression that you are tired or unhappy when all that is wrong is the muscles are sagging.

Repairing the Foundation of Facial Structure

A true facelift involves repairing the sagging from beneath by lifting the muscles and SMAS to a youthful position, suturing it in place, and then gently adjusting the surface skin to match the restored muscle structure. This ensures your face and neck do not look stretched or pulled tight but reflect a youthful, refreshed version of you.

What a Facelift Does Not Handle

There are other facial rejuvenation issues that a facelift does not address. Sagging eyelids, bags under the eyes, loss of volume in the face, and surface skin texture issues are handled by other procedures which can usually be done in conjunction with a facelift. If you have any of these issues, Dr. Ridgway can offer his recommendations which may range from the use of injectables for restoring volume to eyelid surgery in Bellevue. At his Bellevue clinic, he can provide both surgical and non-surgical solutions to your particular concerns.

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An Overview of a Facelift

To obtain a natural-looking facelift surgery requires technical and artistic sensibility from the surgeon administering it. To begin, Dr. Ridgway will acquire all of the information needed to deliver the results you want. His first step in the procedure will be to administer general anesthesia, ensuring your comfort and safety throughout the entire procedure. He will then make a precise incision either around each ear or within your hairline. Both options offer their own pros and cons, and Dr. Ridgway will thoroughly discuss them with you during your initial facelift consultation to help you decide which one is in your best interest. Regardless of the incision chosen, Dr. Ridgway will take special care to ensure it is well-hidden so your final outcome is as natural and discreet as possible.

Through the incisions, Dr. Ridgway will expertly tighten, repair, and elevate your skin and underlying muscles. In many cases, he will also remove excess skin to ensure a firm and supple outcome. Once your youthful and vibrant facial appearance has been achieved, Dr. Ridgway will carefully close the incisions to ensure that any scars are virtually imperceptible. This is one of the true tests of a highly trained and focused facial plastic surgeon in Seattle, the ability to leave no evidence of a facelift or any other cosmetic surgery.

Recovery

Immediately after one of the best facelift Seattle surgeries, Dr. Ridgway will place a bandage around your face to control swelling and bruising before sending you home to begin the healing process. Throughout the initial recovery period, it’s normal to experience some pain, though Dr. Ridgway will make sure you have medication to manage any discomfort. During this time, you will be advised to rest, avoid exercise and strenuous activity, and walk slowly around the house to ensure an optimal healing process. Though each patient is unique, most of our clients are ready to return to work, social outings, and their normal daily activities within two weeks.

Are You A Candidate For A Face Lift?

Dr. Ridgway is deeply committed to personalized patient care. As such, he determines candidacy for all of his patients on an individual basis after carefully evaluating the signs of facial aging that concern them most. With that said, the procedure is most commonly performed on men and women in their late forties and beyond who want to address fairly advanced signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls. However, younger patients can be considered candidates for a mini-facelift as a preventative procedure that can also treat earlier signs of aging.

Although these guidelines should give you an idea of who can benefit from a facelift, the only way to know for sure if you are an ideal candidate is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ridgway. During your appointment, he will walk you through the procedure and help you determine if it is in your best interest.

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Facelift FAQ

What can a facelift be used to improve?

What does a facelift procedure entail?

Is a facelift procedure right for me?

What is recovery like after a facelift?

How long does a facelift procedure take?

Will I have visible scars after my facelift?

How long do my results last?

How do I choose a plastic surgeon for a facelift?

What can a facelift be used to improve?

Over time your skin may begin to show signs of aging, losing its suppleness and elasticity. You may find that you develop wrinkles and sagging skin around your cheeks, neck, and jawline. Deep wrinkles around your mouth and loose skin on your neck can leave you looking older than you feel, affecting your confidence and self-esteem. A facelift will restore a youthful definition to your jawline, and smooth wrinkles, lines, and creases for a rejuvenated, more youthful facial appearance. Contact Dr. James Ridgway today to schedule a consultation for arguably the top facelift Bellevue has to offer.

What does a facelift procedure entail?

Before undergoing surgery, you will be given an anesthetic. An incision will then be placed either near your ear or hairline. The incisions are placed in locations that are easy to conceal and follow natural contours of your body so they are hidden. The skin and muscle will then be tightened and secured. The care with which the procedure is performed is critical; the results should appear fresh and natural, rather than tight and pulled. Dr. James M. Ridgway is known for his artistry in producing stunning results in this procedure. His goal is to help you look younger, fresher, and rejuvenated, with results that appear completely natural.

Is a facelift procedure right for me?

A facelift is a common procedure for adults who are beginning to show signs of aging on their face and neck. You should be in good health and have reasonable expectations for the outcome of your procedure. Those who have sagging skin, wrinkles, creases, a saggy, undefined jawline, or “turkey neck” can see a beautiful improvement from a facelift.

What is recovery like after a facelift?

You will be given detailed instructions for your recovery. You can usually resume work after one to two weeks and return to more vigorous activities and exercise after about four weeks. You will have a prescription for pain medication so the healing process is comfortable. Dr. Ridgway will carefully monitor your recovery so it goes smoothly.

How long does a facelift procedure take?

The procedure requires from two to four hours, and is performed on an outpatient basis. After the procedure, you will rest during a short observation period, and then be allowed to return to your home to rest and recover.

Will I have visible scars after my facelift?

Once your incisions have healed, they are typically invisible to the naked eye. Dr. Ridgway places incisions in discreet locations so they are hidden from view. As the days pass and healing is complete, the incision lines are usually imperceptible.

How long do my results last?

Everyone ages differently, and a facelift does not halt the aging process. A facelift produces long-lasting improvements which typically last for up to ten years. Taking care of your skin, eating a healthy diet, exercise, managing weight, and avoiding sun exposure can prolong the benefits. A customized skincare regimen with the right products is also helpful in maintaining the young, rejuvenated appearance of your face.

How do I choose a plastic surgeon for a facelift?

Dr. James Ridgway is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who is recognized by the American Head and Neck Society. He and the rest of the staff at his Seattle practice are dedicated to patient health, safety, and comfort. Dr. Ridgway is highly-respected for his surgical skill in head and neck surgeries, and for consistently producing natural results without the “worked on” look.

Schedule Your Consultation

If deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and an aging expression are causing you to look older before your time, we encourage you to schedule a consultation for one of the best facelifts in Seattle with Dr. James M. Ridgway. During your private meeting, he will carefully evaluate the signs of aging that concern you most before composing a custom treatment plan designed to restore your refreshed and youthful facial appearance.

Schedule A Consultation

Schedule A Consultation

If you are ready to refresh and rejuvenate your look today, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the best plastic surgeons Seattle has to offer: Dr. James M. Ridgway. During your private consultation Dr. Ridgway will carefully evaluate your face and the subtle imperfections that concern you most before providing you with a personalized blend of Bellevue cosmetic surgery procedures that will help you achieve your ideal facial appearance.

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