Facelift

Procedures

Roll back the clock and restore your youthful appearance.

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Facelift Surgery in Wilmington, Supply, and Hampstead North Carolina

Facelift remains one of the most common plastic surgical procedures that Dr. Ricciardelli performs.  Removing and tightening excess skin on the jawline and neckline and, more importantly, restoring cheek volume can take years off your appearance. The goal of a facelift is not only to lift and tighten loose skin, but also to elevate the underlying muscle and soft tissue back to a more youthful position. Dr. Ricciardelli has over 25 years of facial surgery experience and keenly aware of what is crucial in achieving a natural looking facelift.
“It’s important not to reduce the skin too much giving the face a too tight look. This will create a rippling effect when you smile. By restoring volume as well as tightening, I achieve a rested, gentle, natural look.  You want to look refreshed.” says Dr. Ricciardelli.

There is no substitution for experience and understanding when you are considering facial surgery. No two faces age alike and Dr. Ricciardelli’s approach to your surgery will depend on the degree of changes. These aging changes can be exacerbated by sun exposure, stress and hereditary factors.

If you're considering a facelift...
A facelift can’t stop the aging process, but it does “set back the clock,” improving the most visible signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and re-draping the skin of your face and neck. Two other procedures, S-lift and necklift may also be an option for you. These are less invasive procedures, that have a little less recovery and cost. All these procedures address specific areas with different results. A consultation with Dr. Ricciardelli can help you decide which procedure is best for you.
Who are the best candidates for a facelift?
Most patients are in their forties to sixties, but facelifts can be done successfully on people in their seventies or eighties as well. Bone structure and skin elasticity will play a role in your end result. A facelift can make you look younger and fresher, and it may enhance your self- confidence in the process.
Is facelift surgery for me?
If you are bothered by a sagging neck and jawline then facelift surgery may be for you. It is the gold standard when it comes to maximum rejuvenation. Dr. Ricciardelli appreciates and understands the nuanced relationships between facial structure and skin. He will use a variety of surgical techniques when lifting the skin and underlying facial structures to reduce the signs of aging. Dr. Ricciardelli take meticulous care to ensure that your incisions are well-concealed in the hairline or within natural creases.
Can I have another procedure done at the same time?
Yes. A facelift is often combined with other procedures as part as a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Most often facelift is combined with an eyelid lift, brow lift, neck liposuction, chin augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. These procedures can be done before, after or during your surgery. Dr. Ricciardelli will discuss these or other procedures that you might be interested in during your cosmetic consultation.
What do I need to do before surgery?
At your consultation, Dr. Ricciardelli will examine your face and neck, paying particular attention to facial structure, skin laxity and quality, and the degree of aging. Your goals and expectations will be discussed thoroughly. Often Dr. Ricciardelli will recommend that you start a skincare regime for before and after your procedure to enhance the overall effect. You may be asked to stop medications that increase your chances of bruising. Feel free to bring a list of questions. We love an informed patient. Dr. Ricciardelli will let you know what to expect before, during and after your procedure and answer all of your questions.
What can I expect during and after surgery?
Your privacy and safety are very important to us. On the day of your surgery you will park in a designated, convenience space in back of the Summit building close to the private back door entrance of our office. Your surgery will most likely be performed in our AAAASF (Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) certified operating suite. Your surgery will take about two hours.  After surgery, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite. Our recovery nurse will make sure that you are comfortable and inform your designated driver when you are ready to return to the comfort of your own home that day. You will be given detailed instructions for your specific needs. Most patients do not complain of pain after surgery but a mild discomfort. On average, most patients are able to return to work in 7 days and begin light exercising in 2 weeks. A lot will depend on your level of activity at work. You will be seen back in the office after surgery. Expect to have possible bruising, swelling and tenderness after surgery. Dr. Ricciardelli will call you in the evening to check-in on your progress as well as see you back in the office for your post-operative visits. Our door is always open for any questions.
What you should know about Summit
We use Exparel for long-lasting pain management

Dr. Ricciardelli is the only plastic surgeon in the area that is board certified by the ASPS and the ASAPRS

Our operating suite is AAAASF certified and the first in the area.

Dr. Ricciardelli personally calls all of his patients in the evening after surgery.

View Before & After Pics

facelift before & after photos

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation now!

At your consultation you’ll meet with one of our surgeons and we’ll discuss all of your options and answer all of your questions.

Meet Dr. Edward Ricciardelli

Dr. Edward Ricciardelli is one of the most highly trained plastic surgeons in the country. He is the only plastic surgeon in the area who is board certified in both head, neck, and facial surgery and plastic surgery.  He has been performing facial surgery for over 29 years.  During that time he has taught and trained other plastic and facial surgeons, lectured around the country, given courses on facial surgery, and cared for thousands of surgical patients. Read more…

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