A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the face by reducing the visible signs of aging. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, and the underlying tissues of the face begin to sag, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and a less defined jawline. A facelift can help restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance by tightening the skin, repositioning the underlying tissues, and removing excess fat. By addressing these concerns, a facelift can help you look and feel more confident in your own skin.

If you’re considering facelift surgery, you’re likely a good candidate if you’re in good overall health, a non-smoker, and have realistic expectations about the outcome. Typically, patients who benefit from a facelift are those with moderate to advanced signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and a loss of definition in the jawline. Age really doesn’t matter. Candidates can range from age 30 all the way to age 80 and above in some cases.   It’s essential to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your individual concerns and determine if a facelift is the right choice for you.

There are several types of facelift procedures available, each with its own unique benefits and advantages. Some of the most common types of facelifts include the SMAS based facelift, mini facelift, and a variation of the SMAS based lift called deep plane facelift. The well done SMAS based facelift is a more extensive procedure that addresses most of the face and neck in many cases when included with the facelift.  It also enables volumization of the face and cheeks as needed. This is called Auto Augmentation as the deeper tissues can be lifted to create a beautiful volumization of the cheeks.  A mini facelift is a less invasive option that targets the jowls and cheeks but does not involve the neck. . The deep plane facelift procedure targets the deeper tissues of the face and also provides great results. Your plastic surgeon will help you determine which procedure is best suited to your individual needs and goals. There are also hybrid procedures that included and customize the approach of the SMAS enabled and deep plane together in different areas of the face and neck.  Often times, it becomes very necessary to lift the neck at the same time as the face.

While non-surgical anti-aging treatments like Botox, fillers, and chemical peels can provide temporary improvements, a facelift offers a more comprehensive and long-lasting solution to facial aging. A facelift can address a wider range of concerns, including sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and a loss of definition in the jawline. Additionally, a facelift can be combined with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift, to create a more comprehensive and rejuvenated appearance. Overall, a facelift provides a more dramatic and long-lasting result compared to non-surgical treatments.

The length of a facelift surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure, the complexity of the case, and the individual patient’s needs. On average, a traditional facelift can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to complete, while a mini facelift may take around 2 to 3 hours. After a thorough analysis and consultation, our surgeon and our specialized care team will provide you with a more detailed estimate of the surgery time during your consultation, as well as discuss the recovery process and what you can expect during the post-operative period.