Endoscopic Facelift in Naples, Florida

Introduction to Facelift Cosmetic Surgery

Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address sagging skin and combat facial aging. By lifting and tightening loose skin and underlying facial tissues, facelift surgery can smooth deep folds, redefine facial contours, and restore confidence. There are several techniques available, including the deep plane and endoscopic facelift, each tailored to meet individual needs and goals. A board-certified plastic surgeon will assess your facial anatomy and recommend the most appropriate surgical procedure, ensuring natural-looking results that enhance your unique features. Whether you are seeking to correct early signs of aging or more advanced facial sagging, a facelift can be customized to help you look refreshed and revitalized.

An Artistic Approach to Facial Rejuvenation

Hailed as a visionary, Dr. Mark Prysi, a Naples Facelift specialist, has developed the endoscopic composite facelift which combines a deep plane facelift and an endoscopic mid-facelift allowing for natural vertical facial rejuvenation. It restores facial contours back to their original youthful position, preserving each patient’s individuality without the signs of aging. Dr. Prysi’s endoscopic facelift incorporates principles of the composite flap face technique, an advanced approach that lifts and repositions multiple facial tissue layers for comprehensive rejuvenation. “My goal is always the same…to create a beautiful look that appears completely natural with no tell-tale signs.”

“I had a complimentary consultation and knew confidently that he was the surgeon I would go forward with....no other consultations necessary. [...] I am so thankful for the artistry and care Dr. Prysi demonstrates. I love the way I look....the compliments I receive and the confidence I feel.”

“The best cosmetic/plastic surgeons have an artistic eye. Dr. Prysi has this gift. I was thrilled with my results–no startled deer in the headlight look, no drawn to the side mouth. The outcome more than met my expectations. The office staff is welcoming, professional, and competent, and the surgery was performed without complications. If you are searching for a doctor who will help you achieve your “best” look, consult with Dr. Prysi before going elsewhere.”

“I can tell you my experience with Dr. Prysi has been overwhelmingly positive. I truly feel that having had an endoscopic face lift over ten years ago has brought me much satisfaction in the way I feel about myself. The entire staff is exceptionally friendly and is always there for you whenever you need your questions answered. ”

The endoscopic mid-facelift is one of the greatest techniques for facial surgery when compared to other facial procedures. The most satisfying aspect of these techniques over a traditional facelift surgery is the dramatic, youth-restoring result that is possible, while also maintaining the patient’s original natural beauty. The endoscopic facelift procedure obtains these results by repositioning the soft tissues of the face back to their original youthful position. The endoscopic composite facelift allows the results obtained in the middle facial region to be naturally harmonized with that of the lower third of the face and neck. Cosmetic surgery, especially facelifts, requires both technical expertise and an artistic eye to achieve optimal, natural-looking results.

A Preeminent Facelift Surgeon

Initially, facial plastic surgery treated only the skin of the face, tightening the overlying dermis without addressing any of the underlying muscles or tissues. Advances in this cosmetic procedure, such as the deep plane facelift and manipulation of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), allow for more natural and long-lasting results. The endoscopic facelift offers a facelift surgery with a total approach, which treats the sub-muscular (deep) layer as well as the overlying skin. The procedure allows the surgeon to treat areas that have traditionally been difficult: the central 1/3 or oval of the face, including the frown lines between the eyes, the brows, the folds adjacent to the nose, and the lines around the mouth.

Skin is only a covering for the deep structural elements of the face, including the fat and muscle that project the aging changes. The endoscopic facelift elevates all levels including skin, fat, and the underlying muscle. The deep plane facelift approach targets the deeper facial tissues, including muscles and fat pads, for comprehensive rejuvenation. Most of the aging process pulls tissues in a downward direction, meaning a direct uplift is needed, as opposed to simply stretching the skin to the sides, which is the protocol for most traditional lifts. Dr. Prysi performs facelift surgery for patients all over Southwest Florida, with many of them traveling from outside the Naples and Fort Myers area.

I consider each facial rejuvenation a unique artistic privilege.” 

– MARK F. PRYSI, M. D. F.A.C.S.

Other options, like the deep plane facelift, require that the skin hold up the other tissue, which means it quickly relapses within six to ten months after surgery. The endoscopic composite facelift gives longer-lasting cosmetic results than traditional procedures. In the hands of an expert, the endoscopic facelift can, on average, double the years of rejuvenation achieved through traditional facelifts.

However, the ability to create a great-looking and natural facial rejuvenation goes beyond experience and surgical skill into the intangibles of artistry and artistic vision. The biggest difference in plastic surgeons is not their technical skill but artistic judgment. Dr. Prysi’s revolutionary facelift technique provides the most natural appearing results. For more information on the endoscopic facelift, please call our office. Also, you can view multiple results in our Endoscopic Composite Facelift gallery.

What is an Endoscopic Facelift?

An endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive procedure to treat loose skin in the midface addressing both facial skin laxity and underlying tissue sagging. Compared to a traditional facelift, the endoscopic facelift combines the midface lift with other facelift variations to achieve maximum results. It can have many benefits when it comes to concerns with the center of the face. Endoscopic midface lifts are offered in the Naples, FL area for those who have moderate sagging skin, folds, or wrinkles in the face.

This technique is performed with smaller incisions through the hairline to better conceal them. It also differs from a deep plane facelift as the deep plane surgical procedure requires longer, deeper incisions to correct significant sagging of excess skin.

Who is an Endoscopic Composite Facelift Candidate?

Candidates affected by the aging process who are experiencing sagging in their cheeks, lines around their nose, and a downturned appearance to their lips may find the right treatment for them is the endoscopic midface lift. If you have excess fat around your face, you may be a candidate as well. Changes in facial fat distribution are also evaluated when determining candidacy for the procedure. Patients in their 30s, 40s, or 50s who still have supple skin often see the best results. It is important for a patient to have realistic expectations when it comes to the outcome of their surgical procedure. A facelift consultation with Dr. Prysi can help to determine if this procedure can benefit you.

Check out this video to see Dr. Prysi on Fox News 4 to explain the Endoscopic Composite Facelift procedure. Two of our patients, husband and wife, both underwent a facelift and achieved outstanding results!

Preparing for Your Consultation

A facelift consultation is an essential first step in your facial rejuvenation journey. During this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, review your facial anatomy, and explore the best surgical options with your surgeon. The surgeon will carefully evaluate your skin quality, facial structure, and overall health to determine the most effective approach for your needs. This is also the time to ask questions about the procedure, expected results, recovery process, and any potential risks. Open communication during your consultation ensures you are fully informed and comfortable with your decision, setting the stage for a successful outcome.

If you have had previous surgeries, be sure to mention them during your consultation to ensure that the proper procedure is discussed.

Preparing for Facelift Surgery

Proper preparation is key to a smooth facelift surgery and optimal recovery. Your cosmetic surgeon will provide detailed preoperative instructions, which may include stopping certain medications or supplements that could increase bleeding risk. It’s important to follow these guidelines closely to minimize complications. On the day of your facelift surgery, arrange for transportation to and from the surgical facility, and have a responsible adult stay with you for at least the first 48 hours. Setting up a comfortable recovery area at home with necessary supplies — such as pillows to keep your head elevated, ice packs to minimize swelling, and easy-to-prepare meals — will help ensure a restful and safe healing process.

The Endoscopic Composite Facelift Procedure

The two procedures in the endoscopic composite facelift surgery are an endoscopic midface lift and a Deep Plane Facelift. This advanced surgical technique delivers the results of two facelift surgeries at once, lessening the amount of recovery time required. An endoscopic composite facelift is performed under general anesthesia in a certified surgery center and takes several hours. In some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be an option for select patients.

During an endoscopic midface lift, two incisions hidden within the hairline are made. These tiny incisions result in minimal visible scarring. Dr. Prysi then inserts a thin device equipped with a small camera (an endoscope) through the incision. This allows him to monitor the procedure on a screen as he works. Surgical instruments will then be used to remove excess fatty tissue and reshape the facial muscles, addressing sagging or drooping of the midface.

For a deep plane face lift, incisions are mostly hidden inside the front of the ear and on the back of the ear, through which Dr. Prysi can remove excess skin and fat and tighten muscles. The facelift incisions are then closed with dissolvable sutures and covered overnight with  a surgical dressing.

For optimal safety and natural-looking results, it is important to choose experienced facial plastic surgery clinics with board-certified surgeons.

Endoscopic Composite Facelift Recovery and Results for Sagging Skin

Dr. Prysi’s instructions may vary among facelift patients but the healing process typically requires about a week of downtime before going out in public again. After the surgery, you will experience swelling and mild bruising, especially around the incision sites, which will fade with time. Any pain or discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain medicine, or as prescribed by Dr. Prysi. Scars left by the incisions will be well hidden in the natural contours of your face, or within your hairline.

You will notice preliminary results immediately, although it can take up to several months before your tissues settle completely into place and full results of the face and neck lift are revealed. Facelift results of an endoscopic composite facelift can last up to 10 years for most patients.

See the above video for an animated explanation of the Endoscopic Composite Facelift.

Naturally restore your personal facial S curve. Be you again. Be your personal best.

Combining Your Endoscopic Midface Lift with Other Procedures

The endoscopic midface lift can be combined with several other treatments, both surgical and non surgical. If you have excess neck skin due to laxity or feel you have a “double chin”, you may be a good candidate for a neck lift at the same time for complete rejuvenation. You may also be a good candidate for an endoscopic  brow lift or eyelid surgery, depending on your facial structure and goals. A brow lift can be used to tighten the tissue through your forehead, and a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) can remove baggy skin above or below your eyes.

Nonsurgical Facelift Options

For those seeking rejuvenation without surgery, nonsurgical facelift options offer effective ways to address early signs of aging. While these treatments cannot remove sagging skin or reposition deeper facial tissues, they can smooth fine lines, restore facial volume, and improve skin texture. Popular nonsurgical options include facial fillers, Botox, and chemical peels. Consulting with a board-certified surgeon is essential to determine which nonsurgical options are best suited to your goals and to understand their benefits and limitations.

Maintaining Facelift Results

Maintaining your facelift results requires a commitment to healthy habits and proper skin care. Protecting your skin from sun damage with daily sunscreen use is crucial for preserving a youthful appearance. Avoiding smoking and maintaining a stable, healthy weight can help prevent the return of lax skin and prolong your facelift results. Regular follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon allow for ongoing assessment and early intervention if needed. To further enhance and maintain your rejuvenated look, you may consider additional cosmetic procedures such as an endoscopic brow lift or eyelid lift. By combining a comprehensive approach to facial care with a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy long-lasting, natural-looking results from your facelift surgery.

Surgical Alternatives to the Endoscopic Midface Lift

If you are not a good candidate for the endoscopic midface lift, you may be a good candidate for other treatments. Candidates for plastic surgery treatments can experience different goals or facial goals, so consulting with a facial surgeon is the best way to know which option is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a facelift? Pre-operative instructions typically include stopping smoking several weeks before surgery and avoid taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding. Ensure you arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and assist you for the first few days of recovery. Ahead of your surgery, stock up on cold compresses, petroleum jelly, and clean washcloths for postoperative care. It's also wise to prepare a recovery area with pillows that allow you to keep your head elevated and have essential items within easy reach. How long does it take for bruising on the face to go away? It is uncommon to experience significant bruising with the lower facelift procedure. Typically, a facial bruise can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Most bruises will follow a sequence of color changes from red to purple, blue to dark brown, and finally to a pale yellow before fully fading away. To potentially speed up healing, one can apply a cold compress shortly after the injury and keep the bruised area elevated. What is best age for facelift? In most cases, a facelift works best for people in their 40s, 50s and 60s when signs of aging begin to become prevalent. Deep lines, wrinkle, fine lines, and sagging skin are the result of the aging process and can be best corrected through surgical techniques rather then non-surgical ones. Why don't all surgeons do this procedure? It is easier to tighten the skin towards the ears and remove the excess and then try to correct the flattened appearance by fat grafting. The only way to get a natural result, however, is to have the artistic judgement to realize all facial tissues need to go vertically towards the eye, naturally restoring a person's facial personality. Like an artist's eye, the surgeon must inherently perceive this 3-dimensional facial restoration. This intrinsic artistic visualization is only possessed by a few. It is impossible to restore your natural facial contour in the mid facial area without a vertical endoscopic mid facelift. Does insurance cover the cost of an endoscopic facelift? An endoscopic facelift is considered an elective procedure done for cosmetic purposes; therefore, insurance companies will not cover the cost of the procedure. How do I reduce swelling in my face? You may use iced compresses to the face after your surgery to reduce swelling. Avoid foods that are high in sodium. Sleeping with the head of your bed at 30 - 45 degrees will also help reduce swelling. How long is recovery from a facelift? Dr. Prysi asks that you plan to be home for the first 7 days after a facelift. Most patients can resume work (depending on the type of work) within 14 days. Who is not a candidate for an endoscopic facelift? The best candidates for an endoscopic facelift are those with moderate facial imperfections due to excess fatty tissue or lax skin. Those with more pronounced signs of aging will need to combine a neck lift with the endoscopic face lift. When should I get an endoscopic facelift? An endoscopic facelift can be an effective solution for women and men in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, who are facing moderate signs of facial aging with moderate amounts of sagging skin. If under 50 an endoscopic facelift alone can be the ideal procedure. Is an endoscopic facelift worth it? Only the patients can decide for themselves if a surgical procedure is worth it. If you are looking to regain confidence and self-esteem by eliminating signs of aging on the face and restoring youth, an endoscopic facelift may be a great option for you. How does an endoscopic facelift work? A long, thin tube with a camera and light attached at the end is inserted under the skin of the face to view the underlying muscles and tissue structures. Equally long and thin instruments are then inserted under the skin to manipulate and tighten the tissue in a more youthful position. Does an endoscopic facelift last longer than a standard facelift? Both a standard facelift and endoscopic facelifts are projected to last around 10 years, but an endoscopic facelift has the possibility to last longer because the underlying muscles and tissues have been addressed too. How do you reduce swelling after a facelift? How do you reduce swelling after a facelift?nElevating the head, especially when sleeping for several weeks post-surgery, can significantly help in reducing swelling. Apply cold compresses or ice packs to the affected areas for the first 48 hours to minimize inflammation. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids can also assist in reducing facial puffiness. How do you take care of your face after a facelift? You will need to have a responsible adult take you home from the surgery center and stay with you the first 48 hours. Dr. Prysi encourages patients to bring their caregiver to the pre-operative appoinmtment so they will know the extent of care you will need. Most patients choose to hire professional nursing care for the first 24 hours. How long does facelift last? A facelift can give your face and neck a more youthful appearance. Facelift results are not permanent. With age, the facial and neck skin may begin to droop again. Some patients choose to have lower facelift after 5 years to tighten loosened skin. Quality skin care is important to maintain the result of surgery. How many times can you get a facelift? Typically, a facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, can last for about ten years. As signs of aging reappear, some individuals may consider having a second facelift, often referred to as a secondary or revision facelift. There is no absolute maximum number of facelifts one can have, but with each subsequent surgery, the risks and complications may increase, and the skin's elasticity and healing capacity may be affected. Generally, individuals will not need more than two facelifts. When should you get a facelift? Commonly, people consider a facelift when they notice significant sagging in the facial skin, deep wrinkles, jowls, a double chin, or a tired appearance that doesn't improve with non-surgical treatments. While there is no perfect age to get a facelift, most candidates are between the ages of 40 and 70, when these signs of aging become more prominent. Is endoscopic surgery painful? You will be given anesthesia during surgery so you will not feel any discomfort or pain. The recovery does involve some slight swelling and bruising, but any pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief or prescriptions from your surgeon. How long after a facelift can I exercise? Dr. Prysi allows you to begin walking for exercise 2 weeks after surgery. You may resume golf, tennis and weight lifting 6 weeks after surgery. What is the difference between an endoscopic composite facelift and other facelifts? In typical facelifts, many surgeons have their own technique. They are, at their root, simply variations of the same thing. Layers of the face are moved horizontally towards the ears to tighten loose skin and underlying tissues. If done incorrectly, it can flatten the face and give an unnatural appearance. Often, it is rectified by adding fat grafts to the cheek area. In contrast, endoscopic facelifts rejuvenate vertically up towards the eye, placing the tissues back to the original position of youth. The aging effect has caused the skin, muscle, and fat of the cheek to distend towards the corners of the mouth. With an endoscopic composite facelift, movement is made vertically back to its original position, resulting in fuller cheeks naturally. The artistry lies in the individualized result for each patient. The endoscopic composite facelift is also longer lasting because it does not rely on skin tension to hold the heavy tissues in position. What is an endoscopic facelift? An endoscopic facelift is a procedure to tighten and reshape the underlying facial muscles and tissue to achieve a rejuvenated appearance. Unlike a traditional facelift, an endoscopic facelift is performed through small incisions and most importantly achieves a vertical lift which is necessary for a natural look. How long does an endoscopic facelift last? The results of an endoscopic composite facelift can last over 10 years. Are you awake for an endoscopic facelift? General anesthesia or twilight anesthesia may be used during an endoscopic facelift. However, the patient will not be awake during the procedure. How do I prepare for a lower facelift? The most important thing to do is read your pre-operative packet; this will help you form questions for your meeting with the nursing staff. Pre-operative instructions typically include stopping smoking several weeks before surgery and avoiding taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs as they can increase bleeding and bruising. Ensure you arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and care for you for the first few days of recovery. It's also wise to prepare an area with pillows that allow you to keep your head elevated and have essential items within easy reach. How many times can you get a lower facelift? A lower facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, can last for about five years with quality medical grade skin care. As signs of aging reappear, some individuals may consider having a second facelift, often referred to as a secondary or revision facelift. There is no absolute maximum number of facelifts one can have, but with each subsequent surgery, the risks and complications may increase, and the skin's elasticity and healing capacity may be affected. Generally, individuals will not need more than two facelifts. See All

Schedule a Facelift Consultation in Naples

If you are ready to schedule an endoscopic facelift consultation with Dr. Prysi to see if it is right for you, contact our Naples plastic surgery office today by filling out our online form or by calling 239.449.6489.

Have questions?

Schedule a consultation to discuss any questions you may have and to learn more about the procedure you are interested in. Dr. Prysi can’t wait to meet with you!

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Artist. Surgeon. Innovator.

Mark F. Prysi, MD, FACS

Every facial surgery is a piece of art.

Dr. Mark Prysi is a nationally recognized, board-certified Plastic Surgeon, and expert in facelift procedures in Naples, FL. He is an internationally renowned expert in plastic surgery who has been consistently recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in Southwest Florida” and one of the “Best Doctors in America.” He is the former Chief of Plastic surgery at Naples Day Surgery and past chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Naples Community Hospital. Dr. Prysi’s innate surgical skills and artistic aesthetic judgment combined with over 25 years of experience makes all the difference.

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