Facelift Surgery

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure used to help turn back the clock and create a more youthful natural-looking appearance. The effects of the aging process, gravity, and the sun result in a tired look, forming folds around the jaw (jowls), cheeks, and neck. In addition, laxity in the neck muscles as well as fat deposits result in an older appearance.

If you’d like to look as good as you feel, a facelift tightens the underlying muscles, smoothes the loose skin on your face and neck, and removes excess fat. As a result, your face will appear younger, firmer, and fresher. A facelift can also be performed in conjunction with a brow lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or fat grafting to restore volume loss in certain areas—such as below the eyes or lips—for a more complete facial rejuvenation.

At Florida Plastic Surgery Group, we believe that patients, their desires, and anatomy are all unique. Therefore, our experienced plastic surgeons evaluate each patient and create a customized surgical plan to meet each patient’s expectations. Our doctors use the latest techniques in facial rejuvenation to create a natural, younger appearing you—and not the wind-blown pulled back look created by many traditional facelift procedures.

Although the term “facelift” is commonly used to describe a variety of techniques, it is important you understand that not all techniques and not all surgeons are the same.

As with any product including cosmetic surgery, you should make an educated decision when choosing your surgeon and the particular type of facelift technique. Be cautious of cosmetic surgeons who advertise fast recovery facelifts or those who only specialize in faces since likely they have had limited cosmetic surgery training. The information below will provide a complete facelift overview to help you make an informed choice.

What Concerns Can Facelift Surgery Treat?

Facelift surgery has been one of the most popular surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures in America for many years. One of the reasons for this is likely its unique ability to take years off one’s appearance and effectively address common signs of aging, ultimately giving the face a more youthful, refreshed look. The many potential benefits of a full facelift surgery include: 

• Reduction in signs of wrinkles, fine lines, and creases
• Reduction in signs of jowling or deepened nasolabial folds
• Improvement of sagging skin affecting the lower face and neck areas
• Tightening of lax facial and neck muscles
• Improvement of displaced fat and lost volume in the midface

Our practice offers a variety of facelift techniques that can address specific concerns in a customized treatment. One of our plastic surgeons will examine you during the initial consultation and talk with you about the benefits that can be afforded by certain facelift techniques. Once you and our surgeon have determined the best option for your needs, a personalized treatment plan will be developed that is designed to meet your goals with beautiful results. 

Who is a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery is typically an excellent option for men and women with sagging skin around their neck and face that results in a tired, older appearance. Ideal candidates include those with good skin tone, strong bony framework, and elasticity. Patients should also be in good general health and be seen regularly by their primary care physician. In addition, individuals who smoke cigarettes or vaping devices should begin a smoking cessation program as we ask patients to stop smoking four weeks prior to surgery. The nicotine in tobacco products decreases the blood flow to your skin and results in delayed healing and increased wound complications. 

Thread Lift and Next Day Lift

Uses various sutures to help create a more youthful appearance.

Advantages

• Minimal Recovery Time

Disadvantages

• Provides only mild improvement
• Higher complication rate
• Results last for only short time

Mini Facelift, Short Scar Facelift, MACS Facelift, S-Lift

A less invasive facial rejuvenation procedure with smaller incisions and faster recovery.

Advantages

• Minimal Recovery Time
• Less Bruising
• Smaller Incisions

Disadvantages

• Not applicable for patients with severe aging

Full Facelift — Extended SMAS, Lateral Smasectomy, Etc.

Provides a complete rejuvenation of the neck and lower third of the face, but requires larger incisions and longer recovery time.

Advantages

• Can rejuvenate the neck & face
• Can set the aging process back further than minimal techniques 

Disadvantages

• Longer recovery time & bruising
• Require larger incisions, but all well hidden

For complete facial rejuvenation, ask our Jacksonville cosmetic surgery team whether you are a candidate for the FACIAL ENHANCEMENT package. The package includes a combination of a face/neck lift, mid-face lift, chin lift, and fat grafting to truly create a natural and youthful look.

What is Facial Fat Grafting? 

Facial fat grafting is an innovative cosmetic enhancement technique that can be effective on its own or as an adjunctive treatment along with facelift surgery. Sometimes referred to as “fat injections” or “fat transfer,” this treatment relocates the patient’s own fat cells from one area of the body and injects them into facial areas targeted for rejuvenation. Facial fat grafting can help smooth away signs of fine lines and wrinkles, restore and enhance volume among facial features, and improve overall facial contours. An additional benefit to facial fat grafting is the liposuction component of the procedure, which allows for fat reduction in one area of the body in order to rejuvenate another. The difference between fat grafting and fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and others is that a portion of the fat transferred will last forever, whereas 100% of the filler will go away. 

Learn more about fat injection rejuvenation. 

How is the Facelift Procedure Performed?

Depending on the particular needs of the patient, a facelift is generally performed through an incision around the natural contours of the ear that extends toward the back of the neck. The deeper facial structures are contoured and then the skin is re-draped or tightened. This provides longer-lasting results than a skin-only tightening procedure and prevents that wind-blown, swept appearance of many “quicklift” facelift techniques. Any excess fat and skin are also removed at this time. An incision under the chin may also be necessary to remove excess fat and tighten the muscles of the neck. See above for more information about the different facelift techniques.

What is the Facelift Recovery Process Like?

The bandages are removed within the first few days and the stitches are taken out generally 1 week after surgery. As the incisions continue to heal, they will become more imperceptible and generally can be covered with makeup after around 2-3 weeks. Patients typically return to work after 2 weeks. Your skin may be numb after the surgery, but this resolves in the weeks following surgery.
 

Will I Have Visible Facelift Scars?

The extent of scarring from a facelift procedure will depend on the particular type of technique that is performed; however, it is important to note that today’s advanced facelift options typically do not result in significantly noticeable scarring. Even with a full facelift procedure, the incisions are usually placed in very inconspicuous areas within the hairline and behind the ear. This can lead to residual scars that are easily hidden or virtually undetectable to others. 

How Much Does a Facelift Cost? 

The total cost of a facelift is unique to each patient and ultimately depends on a variety of factors. The technique utilized, the complexity of the surgery, facility and anesthesia costs, the surgeon’s fee, and other associated expenses will be taken into account. Here at Florida Plastic Surgery Group, the price of facelift surgery typically falls in the $9,999 to $15,999 range based on whether the rejuvenation is primarily focused on the face or if neck rejuvenation and/or fat grafting is included, as well. It’s important to remember that the price is greatly dependent on the technique performed and each patient’s individual treatment plan. Our practice believes that you should have a full, upfront estimate of the total cost as early as possible so you will know what to expect. That’s why we produce an estimate that includes all associated cost factors at your initial consultation once your treatment plan has been established. At this time, a member of our team will go over the details with you and answer your questions regarding payment options. If you are interested in financing your procedure, we work with plastic surgery financing companies that offer an array of monthly payment plans to qualified applicants looking for flexible ways to bring treatment into their budget. 

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

Facelift surgery can yield results that last for several years. With that in mind, it is important to remember that, as the natural aging process continues, the facial skin will still be subject to the development of inelasticity in the future. Even so, facelift patients who take excellent care of their skin and their overall health can often maintain results for very long periods of time. 

Is a Facelift Without Surgery Possible?

If you are looking to avoid surgical intervention, or if you may not yet need surgery to achieve your facial rejuvenation goals, there are non-surgical alternatives available that may be right for your needs. While these procedures cannot produce results that are as significant or as long-lasting as facelift surgery, they can often provide effective treatment and beautiful outcomes. One of the more popular alternatives is what’s known as a “liquid facelift,” which combines a number of cosmetic injectables to comprehensively enhance facial areas and address signs of age, volume loss, and other concerns. A single injectable, rather than a combination of injectables, can also often be helpful for individuals who may not need a full liquid facelift but wish to improve specific signs of age such as crow’s feet, sunken cheeks, nasolabial folds, or other issues. Our practice offers a range of popular dermal fillers and injectables for these types of treatments. 

Skin microneedling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, can serve as a beneficial alternative to facelift surgery for some patients, as well. This procedure is designed to help the skin produce new collagen and rejuvenate itself from the inside out. Microneedling can be performed on its own or combined with platelet-rich plasma therapy for even more significant results. Our plastic surgeon can go over your options during the initial consultation and help you determine the best course of action for your needs and goals. 

Combining Facelift Surgery with Complementary Procedures

Facelift can be combined with a number of other treatments to address concerns affecting the upper areas of the face or to further enhance the overall results and create a more comprehensive aesthetic makeover. An option such as eyelid surgery can beautifully improve signs of aging and exhaustion around the eyes, while browlift surgery can smooth out furrows between the brows and reduce the appearance of creases along the forehead. Lip augmentation, fat grafting, and other treatments utilizing dermal fillers and cosmetic injectables can also be of benefit for patients who want to enhance volume in specific facial features and give particular regions a more refreshed and youthful look. Our surgeon can answer any questions you may have about treatments that can serve as ideal complements to facelift surgery. 

How Do I Choose the Right Facelift Surgeon?

Choosing a facelift surgeon can be a daunting task, especially when you consider that results aren’t as easily concealed as those with breast augmentation surgery. So selecting a qualified plastic surgeon is top priority as you move forward with your facelift decision.

Years of specialized training, along with trust in a competent surgeon will give you confidence that you’ve chosen a skilled doctor who will treat your case individually. By contacting the doctors at the Florida Plastic Surgery Group, you have access to surgeons who are both experienced in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Facelift Consultation — Your First Step to Selecting a Facelift Surgeon

Evaluating a surgeon for your facelift procedure occurs during the consultation phase. After you have consulted friends and family members who may have had a similar procedure, you’ll want to get recommendations on a particular surgeon. From there, arrange a consultation with the doctor to discuss the specifics of your case and the procedure in general. During the consultation, you’ll be learning more about:

• Educational experience of the surgeon
• Patient recommendations and surgical client testimonials
• The surgeon’s past procedures through before-and-after photos

What Your Doctor Should Be Assessing in Your Consultation

While you are evaluating the surgeon, the surgeon will be determining if you are a good candidate for a facelift surgery. Your surgeon must ascertain your expectations from the surgery, evaluate your bone structure, and determine whether additional corrective procedures are needed to provide you with the best possible facelift results. 

During the consultation, your surgeon should conduct a few of the following evaluations:

• Assess your overall health – current medications, herbal supplements, drug allergies and use of any drug, alcohol or tobacco products
• Discuss your current lifestyle
• Learn why you want a facelift
• Determine whether you might need or want additional facial corrective surgery, like a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, or skin treatments
• Take a variety of measurements – facial dimensions, skin thickness, texture and elasticity

From the information received during the consultation, you’ll have a much better idea if the surgeon is qualified to perform the facelift and if you feel comfortable with the surgeon’s bedside manner. After all, this trusted relationship will give you the piece of mind that you are in the right hands. 

Additional Facelift Frequently Asked Questions

Does a facelift always include a neck lift?

Whether a facelift includes a neck lift is dependent on the particular needs of each patient and the facelift technique that will be utilized. In most cases, a full facelift procedure (described in its section above) from our plastic surgeons will include a neck lift. 

How long before I can exercise again after facelift surgery? 

It is typically advisable to refrain from strenuous exercise for at least one month following facelift surgery. However, since each individual’s recovery process will be somewhat different depending on the facelift technique utilized and their unique rate of healing, the recommended time to wait before exercising may not be the same for everyone. Our plastic surgeon can give you a more specific recommendation once your customized treatment plan has been developed. 

Is a facelift different for men versus women?

There are some distinctions between facelift surgery for male patients and facelift surgery for female patients. Although the procedure is universally designed to diminish signs of age and inelastic skin for a more youthful appearance, facelift surgery is different for men vs. women in a number of ways. Men typically desire outcomes that provide enhanced definition and sharper contours, whereas women often prefer softer results. The surgical techniques themselves are also tailored to the patient’s facial anatomy and skin properties, which is naturally distinct among genders. Because of differences in hairlines, the best incision locations for male patients may not be in the same specific areas as they would be for female patients. For men, particularly those who have very short haircuts and those who may be balding in certain areas, the incisions will need to be strategically placed in regions that can yield the least conspicuous scarring. 

Are there age limits for facelift surgery? 

Inelastic skin and facial wrinkles can develop very early or very late in a person’s lifetime. While facelift is often performed in patients in the 40s to 60s age bracket, individuals in their 30s and 70s have also undergone the treatment. Whether this procedure is an ideal option is more dependent on an individual’s overall health, the condition of the facial skin, and desired goals, rather than age.
 

How can I reduce swelling after facelift surgery?

Keeping the head in an elevated position during recovery can help reduce swelling after facelift surgery. Certain medications and/or vitamins, as well as ice packs and cool compresses, may also be recommended by our plastic surgeon to help minimize swelling. Our practice will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions with some steps you can take to aid the healing process.
 

How painful is a facelift? 

A full facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so patients should not experience any pain whatsoever during the procedure. It is normal to experience some degree of discomfort while healing progresses after treatment. Fortunately, effects such as swelling, bruising, and discomfort are well-tolerated by most patients and can be managed with medication until they fade away on their own. 

How many years younger can I look after a facelift? 

While the results of a facelift vary among individual patients, outcomes often create an appearance that looks approximately 8 to 10 years younger. One thing to keep in mind is this: regardless of exactly how many years a facelift can take off your appearance, you should still always look younger than you would have if you never had the procedure. Facial skin will continue to be affected by the natural aging process; however, it’s almost as if the clock has been reset, allowing the skin aesthetic to be years behind what it would normally be. With good at-home skin care regimens, avoidance of smoking, a healthy diet, and protection from the sun’s harmful rays, you can go a long way toward keeping the skin looking youthful and firm for an extended period of time. 

Should I get a full facelift or a mini facelift? 

Once our plastic surgeon evaluates your skin and talks with you about your goals, he can explore whether a mini facelift may be all that’s necessary to meet your expectations. A mini facelift is a less invasive alternative to a full facelift and typically requires less downtime; however, a mini facelift is generally more ideal for patients who are experiencing less severe signs of inelastic skin and facial aging. Plus, a full facelift is capable of addressing certain types of aesthetic concerns that a mini facelift cannot improve. Ultimately, the best option will be based on your specific concerns and overall goals for treatment.
 

Will the facelift results look natural? 

One of the most prominent goals of our skilled plastic surgeons is to create facelift results that look as natural as possible. To avoid a “wind-blown” or “overdone” appearance, our doctors customize the treatment plan based on unique anatomical characteristics of each patient, and then utilize precise surgical and suturing techniques designed to produce a very natural-looking result. Ultimately we want to bring out your natural beauty and effectively renew your appearance while minimizing the potential for creating an outcome that looks artificial. 

Is a facelift covered by insurance? 

All types of facelift surgery are typically considered by insurance companies to be elective cosmetic procedures and are therefore not covered. With that in mind, our practice accepts numerous payment methods, including plastic surgery financing plans, to allow for the greatest convenience possible when it comes to paying for facelift surgery. 

Schedule a Facelift Consultation

To learn more about facelift surgery, or if you would like to find out if this treatment is the right option for you, please contact Florida Plastic Surgery Group today to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors.