COVID-19 has changed many aspects of our lives, including how we work and communicate. Many of us now attend meetings via Zoom or connect with loved ones through FaceTime and video calls. With all that time staring at your reflection on the screen, you may have noticed some imperfections you weren’t previously aware of. Winkled skin and saggy jowls can stand out on camera and make you look older than you feel.

This sudden awareness of how we look on camera has prompted a large uptick in cosmetic surgery, especially facelift surgery. Many New Haven and New London men and women at my Guilford, Connecticut, practice have turned to procedures that lift and contour stubborn problem areas. It seems that quarantine has become the perfect time for a facelift. 

What happens during facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery involves lifting and adjusting facial tissues to create a more youthful appearance. At our practice, we perform the procedure under general anesthesia to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible. The process begins by making several incisions along the natural contour of the face, starting from the temple to the lower scalp. Underlying muscles are then repositioned, and excess skin is removed. The skin is re-draped, and we close the incisions with sutures. 

An average facelift takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete. You can return home the same day under the supervision of a family member or trusted loved one.

How long is facelift recovery?

Physically, it takes about 2 weeks to recover from facelift surgery. Symptoms such as numbness, swelling, or discomfort will subside after this time. However, the “social downtime” for facelift surgery can be much longer as swelling and bruising persist. Residual side effects may linger for 3 to 12 weeks. Most patients look their best and feel “photo ready” after 3 months of healing.

Why is quarantine a good time for a facelift?

This longer “social downtime” is one reason quarantine is the perfect time to consider facelift surgery. Many of us are working from home, and there are few get-togethers such as weddings or reunions to attend. There is less pressure to show your face before you’re healed and ready. If you do go out during your recovery, wearing a mask for virus protection offers a bonus: The lower half of your face and any post-op bruising or swelling are covered. 

Ideally, we suggest patients start the facelift process around 6 months before a major social event. This gives plenty of time for the body to heal and allows wiggle room for any minor complications. 

How do I know if facelift surgery is right for me?

The best facelift candidates are men and women who are in good overall health, have decent skin elasticity, and are between 40 and 70 years old. The procedure mainly targets the lower ⅔ of the face and can:

• Lift sagging cheeks
• Define the jawline
• Remove loose skin
• Reduce folds and lines around the mouth

During your one-on-one consultation, we will carefully analyze your face and examine the quality of your skin. Together, we can form a customized treatment plan to help you look like a younger version of yourself once more. 

If you’re interested in facelift surgery in the New Haven and New London area, request a consultation online. You can also contact our practice office by phone at (203) 689-5295.