Please note online appointments can only be booked for our Wayne office at this time. Please call 267.627.6463 to schedule appointments with Dr. Ho in Center City (Philadelphia).

For consultations or treatment visits booked online, a consultation or deposit fee of $150 will be charged at the time of scheduling.

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Next Wrinkle Free Wednesday, February 7th & March 6th

Wayne: 610.688.3363
Philadelphia: 267.578.3064

Wayne:

Philadelphia:

Please note online appointments can only be booked for our Wayne office at this time. Please call 267.627.6463 to schedule appointments with Dr. Ho in Center City (Philadelphia).

For consultations or treatment visits booked online, a consultation or deposit fee of $150 will be charged at the time of scheduling.

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Rhytidectomy Facelift Surgery in Philadelphia

Conveniently located to serve Philadelphia, Wayne, and the entire Main Line.

tina ho md facial plastic surgery office
Face Lift BeforeFace Lift After

Before & After

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Introduction to
Rhytidectomy (Facelift)

When features of the face begin to appear lackluster and show signs of aging, facelift surgery can significantly improve these issues. Depending on your concerns and aesthetic goals, Dr. Ho will tailor her facelift technique accordingly to bring back contour and youth to your face in a natural way.

What is Rhytidectomy?

facelift male philadelphia
Rhytidectomy is the technical term for the facelift procedure and is designed to surgically rejuvenate the midface, jawline, and neck areas. Youthful faces typically portray a more inverted pyramid appearance that includes good cheek and jaw definition. With the aging process, gravity forces over time flip the pyramid and bring about jowling (sagging of skin below the jawline) with decreased jaw definition, increased neck skin laxity, and neck muscle banding. Although non-surgical treatments such as filler injections and threading may help temporarily hide or soften these issues, the skin and soft tissue changes in the midface, lower face, and neck can only be definitively addressed by surgery. The facelift procedure is designed to redrape and resuspend the skin and deeper tissues of the face and neck to restore a more youthful appearance. This surgery requires the expertise of a surgeon who specializes in plastic surgery of the face and understands facial anatomy well, as associated possible risks with this procedure include injury to the facial nerve. Dr. Ho specializes in aging face procedures and performs each facelift according to the anatomic findings and surgical goals of the individual patient.

Introducing Dr. Tina Ho! A Double Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Ho is a highly respected female surgeon in the medical community, noted for her charitable work, scientific contributions, and impressive leadership. She is a proud member and is board-certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. As a female double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ho is both approachable and relatable to her patients and strives to empower them with beautiful, natural results. Her philosophy is to provide the highest standard of individualized care in greater Philadelphia for a broad spectrum of facial rejuvenation and reconstructive procedures.

What is a Neck lift?

Neck lift is a surgical procedure that focuses on rejuvenation of the neck. In similar fashion as the facelift, this surgery repositions the skin and deeper tissues of the neck to create a more youthful contour. The incisions for a neck lift are often more limited compared to those of a facelift. Depending on the anatomy and surgical history and goals of the patient, this procedure may be performed alone or in conjunction with a facelift. Dr. Ho is experienced in performing neck lift and will thoroughly evaluate each patient and discuss with them whether they are a candidate for this procedure.

Educational Videos On The Facelift Procedure

Facelift: Who is an Ideal Candidate?

Who is an ideal candidate for a facelift? Patients who feel they have laxity of the facial skin and deeper structures may benefit from facelift surgery. This procedure definitively restores facial and jawline contour with permanent rejuvenation results!

Facelift: What is Expected with Surgery?

Facelift surgery is performed typically with a neck lift to achieve the best rejuvenation results. The incisions are well-hidden, as they are placed along skin creases and within the hairline. During surgery, the skin is first elevated. The SMAS plane is then entered via a deep plane approach, and the deeper tissues are released and lifted. The excess skin is trimmed as the last step.

What can facelift surgery treat?

What can facelift surgery treat? Several aspects of facial aging including:

  • Skin laxity 
  • Facial wrinkles 
  • Sagging cheeks 
  • Jowling 
  • Nasolabial folds 
  • Marionette lines 
  • Ill-defined jawline

Turn back the clock and boost your confidence with the transformative effects of facelift surgery!

Facelift Before and After Videos

This kind 45 year-old female patient presented originally for chin liposuction consultation, bothered by the fullness under her chin. I instead recommended a definitive deep plane facelift and neck lift for the best facial and neck rejuvenation and contouring results. She already looks amazing at three months out in these before/after photos. Final outcome is seen at six to twelve months after surgery. We are so thrilled with her results.

This wonderful male patient in his 60s came to me for surgical consultation, bothered by his aging neck. We pursued a deep plane facelift and deep neck lift and are thrilled with his beautiful, natural results. This video displays his surgical outcome one year later. Male facelift patients with shorter hair can have undetectable scars if they are placed along natural creases and curves around the ears and heal favorably.

This beautiful female patient in her 50s came to me for surgical consultation, interested in facelift and neck lift for facial and neck rejuvenation as well as facial and jawline contouring. We pursued a deep plane facelift and deep neck lift where skin, fat, muscle, and gland tissue needed to be removed to achieve her surgical outcome. I am grateful for our surgeon physician relationship and we are so thrilled with her beautiful, natural results.

Facelift Patient Testimonial

Patient Testimonial: Eyelid Lift + Facelift + Neck Lift

Testimonial

I am writing this review because I am so impressed with Dr. Tina Ho. About 7 years ago, I had plastic surgery by one of the best plastic surgeons in the Manhattan/Greenwich, Ct area. A surgeon whose clients include many tv personalities including Kathy Lee. I was very pleased with the results.

Needless to say, years later I looked to have some refresher work done, luckily I found Dr. Tina Ho who specializes in plastic surgery in the Philadelphia area. She has extensive experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques. She also strives to provide meticulous, creative, and personalized care throughout the entire surgical process with the end goal of delivering beautiful and natural results.

So Why Do You Recommend Dr. Ho?

While women continue to make up the majority of plastic surgery patients, most surgeons are male. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the female-to-male ratio of plastic surgeons is approximately 1:5. Opening up to a stranger about your insecurities can be nerve-wracking.

That said, a female plastic surgeon better understands the feelings you have about your body and its aging process. With a female plastic surgeon, you can trust that you’ll be treated with the utmost compassion. You may also feel more comfortable showing another woman the areas of your body you’d like to enhance without fear of judgment. “I can attest to the fact that sitting in front of a male plastic surgeon, even one of the best, (picking apart your face/body) is both embarrassing, intimidating, and humiliating. Plus, it is hard to point out concerns about our faces or body to a man.

However, a female plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Ho, can identify more closely with how women’s bodies develop over time. Ultimately it’s easier to talk to woman-to-woman about your problem areas, so it might be best to work with a female surgeon. “It is a given that all plastic surgeons want you to feel more confident in your appearance, but a woman can better understand your body and why you’re seeking plastic surgery. As a female plastic surgeon and mother,

Dr. Ho can help you translate your treatment goals into realistic outcomes. “If you’re a woman looking into cosmetic surgery and to achieve your desired aesthetic, it’s worth your time to consult with Dr. Tina Ho who’s not only qualified and experienced, but your same gender. She takes the time to discuss your surgical goals and expected outcomes, as well as, the surgery and recovery process.

She is extremely accessible, and makes it a point to address any questions or concerns you may have, and she focuses on recommending the right procedure(s) for you. “Dr. Tina Ho has a passion for combining surgery with aesthetics to help you achieve a youthful face and body that’s beautiful, proportional and natural-looking. She knows that no two patients are the same and she takes the time to understand your unique surgical goals. Dr. Ho takes great pride in seeing her patients enjoy a boost in their confidence and self-esteem following plastic surgery.

 

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BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS

What is Dr. Ho’s approach to Facelift and Neck Lift?

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the head and neck region. She possesses dedicated training in aging face procedures from one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship programs in the country. Dr. Ho dedicates ample time and effort with every patient to determine the best surgical plan and to establish realistic goals and expectations with surgery. Her surgical technique focuses on creating a natural, more youthful-appearing result that is tailored to the individual patient’s anatomy. Dr. Ho places incisions along the hairline and natural skin creases for minimal scarring. Her surgical approach targets repositioning of the skin as well as the deeper tissue layers including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, an important muscle layer involved in suspension of tissues in the face. Furthermore, Dr. Ho often performs fat transfer in conjunction with facelift and neck lift to restore volume to facial areas in the face such as the temples, cheeks, and lips and further enhance a patient’s rejuvenated appearance. Her goal is to create a fresh, more youthful, and unoperated look for every facelift and neck lift patient.

“I strive to create a fresh, more youthful, and unoperated look for every facelift and neck lift patient.”

Dr. Tina Ho

Dr. Tina Ho

FAQ’s

What should patients expect after Facelift and Neck Lift?
Each facelift and neck lift procedure is different and catered to the individual patient. Therefore, the types of incisions utilized as well as extent of swelling, bruising, and tenderness that occur after surgery will vary by patient. Closed suction drains are typically placed in the surgical sites underneath the skin to collect bloody drainage and help reduce the formation of a hematoma (blood fluid collection) or seroma (serous fluid collection) that may interfere with healing after surgery. A compression dressing is placed around the head and neck region at the conclusion of the surgery to prevent hematoma or seroma formation as well. Every facelift and neck lift patient will follow-up with Dr. Ho the following day after surgery for compression dressing removal and replacement and drain removal. Each patient will then follow-up again at one and two weeks after surgery for suture and staple removal. Any immediate bruising and swelling after surgery can be managed well with icing, head elevation, and compression dressing adherence with the majority resolving by two weeks out from surgery. Patients who undergo additional fat transfer may experience more lingering swelling that may take up to one month to resolve. Post-operative pain is usually managed well with prescribed pain medication. Improvement in the appearance of the face and neck is typically observed immediately or after most of the swelling has subsided. Dr. Ho seeks regular follow-up with her patients to ensure that every patient heals well and is satisfied with their surgical outcome.
What type of patient is the ideal candidate for Facelift and Neck Lift?
The ideal candidate for facelift and neck lift is a healthy non-smoker patient who has no remarkable medical or surgical history, does not take blood-thinning medications, and demonstrates strong bony facial features, normal hyoid position, and good skin elasticity. Patients with moderate to significant skin and soft tissue laxity in the midface, lower face, and neck areas will most benefit from facelift and/or neck lift. The Dedo classification of the aging neck helps guide the plastic surgeon in identifying ideal candidates for facelift and neck lift as well as the specific anatomic components of the lower face and neck of the individual patient that need to be addressed with surgery. Class VI patients have an abnormal hyoid position and will likely have suboptimal results with facelift and neck lift surgery. Dr. Ho utilizes the Dedo classification principles as well as her aesthetic experience and intuition to restore natural, freshly rejuvenated facial and neck contours in her patients.

The Dedo classification helps guide the plastic surgeon in determining ideal candidates for lower face and neck surgery including submental liposuction, facelift, and neck lift and what anatomic issues need to be addressed with surgery. Class I patients possess good skin and muscle tone with little fat and an ideal cervicomental angle. Class II, III, IV, and V patients demonstrate skin laxity, focal fat accumulation, platysmal banding, and weak chin, retrospectively. Class VI patients have an abnormal hyoid position and will likely have suboptimal results with surgery.

What Is Platysma Banding?

Platysma banding is considered as one of the first signs of aging in the neck. It refers to the appearance of vertical neck lines usually in the midline of the neck that become more pronounced with facial animation and is due to hyperactivity of the platysma muscle. There are various non-surgical and surgical treatment options for improving this issue that range from neurotoxin to platysma plication, which can be performed at the time of facelift and neck lift. Dr. Ho is experienced in both non-surgical and surgical management of platysma banding and will work with each patient to determine the best treatment option based on their neck anatomy and treatment goals.

What are other surgical procedures that are routinely performed with Facelift?
It is common for other procedures to be performed at the same time as facelift surgery, depending on the patient’s anatomic issues and surgical goals. They include but are not limited to the following: neck lift, fat transfer, platysma plication, submental liposuction, chin augmentation, and blepharoplasty. Dr. Ho is experienced in a wide range of aging face procedures and will thoroughly evaluate each facelift candidate and discuss with them whether they would benefit from additional procedures at the time of their facelift surgery.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The scope of each facelift procedure will have an impact on its price. With that said, the cost of a facelift in Philadelphia is determined by factors such as the type of anesthesia used and the amount of operation time required. At the time of consultation, Dr. Ho’s surgical coordinator provides a formal individualized surgical fee quote to each patient. The average cost ranges from $22,000-$28,000 plus facility fees. Other things to consider are if this is a regular or mini facelift.

What Is Deep Plane Facelift?

Deep plane facelift is one type of facelift surgery that is centered on lifting the skin and SMAS or muscle layer together as one unit to create long-lasting facial rejuvenation results. Compared to other SMAS flap approaches to facelift including SMAS imbrication and SMAS plication, the deep plane technique involves making an incision into the SMAS layer more anteriorly with more medial elevation under the SMAS layer and greater release of multiple ligaments tethering the aging face. The outcome of the deep place facelift is a powerful yet naturally lifted face with minimal tension including enhanced lift and projection in the midface. Deep plane facelift is a technically more advanced surgery that may be associated with more prolonged healing but yields longer lasting results. Dr. Tina Ho is experienced in the deep plane approach and will thoroughly evaluate each facelift candidate to determine whether they may benefit from deep plane facelift.

What Is the difference between Facelift and Lower Facelift? What is a Mini Facelift?

Plastic surgeons who specialize in facelift surgery may use a variety of terminology to label the procedure to help distinguish their surgical approach for marketing and patient education purposes. Lower facelift typically refers to a facelift procedure that only addresses the lower face including the jawline. Mini facelift can be described as a facelift surgery that involves smaller incisions and less tissue resuspension and benefits those patients with milder skin and soft tissue laxity issues. Therefore, terms such as lower facelift and mini facelift may give patients the impression that the anticipated surgery is less invasive with shorter downtime compared to traditional facelift surgery. Dr. Ho spends ample time and effort to explain her customized surgical approach to each facelift patient and address their questions and concerns to ensure that both are on the same page regarding surgical goals and expectations.

What Is Revision Facelift surgery?

Revision facelift surgery refers to a facelift procedure that is performed on a patient with history of prior facelift. A patient may be a candidate for revision facelift if they are seeking corrective surgery to improve a new or persistent deformity after fully healing from recent surgery or repeat surgery several years after an initial facelift for additional facial rejuvenation. Although facelift surgery delivers permanent results, the surgical results may only last for several years out and then start to fade since the face and neck continue to age over time. Revision facelift surgery is typically much more challenging compared to primary facelift given that the facial anatomy is altered with scar tissue present. The risks of bleeding and poor healing as well as needed surgical time may be higher with revision surgery.

Your Rhytidectomy Facelift Surgery in Philadelphia will be performed by Dr. Tina Ho in her surgery center in Philadelphia.