Cost of a Facelift, Necklift and Face Mini Lift
After the consultation and physical exam, Dr. Portuese will make a judgment as to which is the best surgical technique to use to achieve the goals of the patient and the surgeon. This is done after a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, physical exam, and the patient’s needs, wants, and concerns regarding their face. At the end of the consultation, the patient coordinator will then discuss the costs and scheduling for a facelift, neck lift, and mini lift. There is less than a 5% chance that any touch-ups need to be done in the first year after the surgery, however, these surgical fees also cover any touch-ups that may be done. These touch-ups are typically considered a minor adjustment. Payment options for surgery at the Seattle Facelift Center and Dr. Portuese’s office include checks, cash, Visa, and MasterCard, and third-party financing available through Care Credit.
PREOPERATIVE CARE FOR THE FACELIFT, MINI LIFT, AND NECK LIFT SURGERY
Depending upon medical history and age, there are certain medical and laboratory tests that may need to be ordered prior to any elective cosmetic surgery such as a facelift or neck lift. A physical examination will be done by Dr. Portuese, but some patients may also elect to have a complete thorough exam done by their family physician. An EKG or heart tracing will need to be performed on men 45 years of age and over and women 55 years of age and over as a routine screening to make sure that there are no preexisting heart problems. Other blood work may need to be performed depending upon individual health history. For example, a complete blood count or a potassium level should be done on patients who are taking a diuretic. Women of childbearing age should undergo a pregnancy test the week prior to the surgery to make sure that they are not pregnant at the same time as undergoing cosmetic facial surgery. It is also important to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and any type of herbal supplements. This includes stopping all vitamins and herbal supplements two weeks prior to surgery. It is also extremely imperative that patients are not smoking cigarettes two weeks before and two weeks after this type of surgery. Dr. Portuese will not perform a facelift or neck lift surgery on anyone who is smoking because they simply do not heal appropriately in the postoperative phase. It is also important that the facelift or neck lift patient arrange for a caretaker for the first 48 hours after their surgery. Patients need a responsible caretaker to be with them for the first two nights after their surgery. Patients are not allowed to drive themselves for one week or take public transportation home following surgery because of the effects of the anesthesia the first day after the surgery. The Seattle Facelift Center surgery staff will ask for the caretaker’s name and contact information as well as who will be taking the patient home from the recovery room at the Seattle Facelift Center.
The recovery period lasts for approximately two weeks after the surgery. It is imperative that patients take it easy during this time. Nothing should be done to raise the heart rate or blood pressure and exercise should be curtailed for two weeks. It is suggested that patients sleep on one or two pillows to keep their head elevated above their heart. This helps to keep the swelling down during the first few days of the recovery period. It is important to do all housework, laundry, and grocery shopping the week prior to the surgery so that this is not a concern after the surgery. Grocery shopping can be done to stock up on soft foods such as yogurt, soups, pudding, and other items that would be easy to eat and drink during the postoperative phase. If patients who are undergoing a facelift or neck lift have young children, arrangements should be made for their care for the first day or two during the recuperation phase of the facelift or neck lift.