Facelift

What Is Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It involves tightening facial muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning tissues to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. A facelift can address sagging skin, deep folds, jowls, and loose neck skin, and is often performed in conjunction with neck lift surgery for more comprehensive rejuvenation. It can be highly customized to suit each patient’s unique goals. While it does not stop the aging process, it can significantly enhance facial contours and boost one’s confidence.

Who Is a Candidate for a Facelift?

A good candidate for a facelift is typically someone in overall good health who wants to address noticeable signs of aging in the face and neck, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, or jowls. Ideal candidates usually have good skin elasticity and strong bone structure, which helps support natural-looking results. While many patients are between their 40s and 70s, age is less important than the degree of facial aging and an individual’s aesthetic goals. Non-smokers—or those willing to stop smoking before and after surgery—tend to experience better healing. It is also important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the outcome of their procedure.

A consultation with Dr. Day can help determine whether facelift surgery, alone or combined with a neck lift, is the right choice for you.

How Is a Facelift Performed?

A facelift typically involves discreet incisions, often beginning at the hairline near the temples and continuing around the ears. Through these incisions, the underlying facial tissues and muscles are lifted and tightened to create the foundational support and youthful contour for the overlying skin to provide lasting results. Excess skin is carefully trimmed away, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a smoother, more natural look. In most cases, a small incision under the chin can be made to address sagging in the neck. Once the desired improvements are made, the incisions are closed with sutures. This procedure usually takes six to seven hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether additional treatments, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift, are performed at the same time.

What Can I Expect in My Facelift Recovery?

Most facelift patients experience some level of swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first few days of their recovery. Oftentimes, these effects gradually improve over one to two weeks. Patients are typically advised to rest with their head elevated and avoid strenuous activities during early recovery. Sutures are usually removed within a week, and many people feel comfortable returning to work and social activities in two weeks or less. Full results tend to become more visible as swelling subsides over several weeks. Temporary numbness or tightness may also occur but generally resolves with time. Following post-operative instructions and attending all follow-up appointments can help ensure a smooth healing process and optimal outcomes. Dr. Day and his team will provide personalized guidance based on your specific procedure.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

Facelift results can be long-lasting, but not permanent, as the natural aging process continues over time. Most patients enjoy noticeable improvements for about 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as skin quality, lifestyle, and genetics. A facelift can effectively reposition underlying tissues, remove excess skin, and restore a more youthful appearance, but it does not stop future aging. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a good skin care routine can help prolong your results. Many patients find they continue to look younger than they would have without surgery, even years later.

Are There Alternatives to Facelift Surgery?

There are several non-surgical and minimally invasive alternatives to a traditional facelift, though they typically provide more subtle and temporary results. Options such as dermal fillers can help restore lost volume, while BOTOX^® Cosmetic can reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles. Additionally, treatments like microneedling, chemical peels, and other skin tightening techniques can help more mild signs of facial aging. While these treatments can be effective for early signs of aging, they generally cannot achieve the same level of correction as a surgical facelift.

A consultation with Dr. Day can help determine the best approach based on your goals and the degree of skin laxity.

Will I Have Visible Scars After a Facelift?

Facelift surgery does involve incisions, but an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Day will take great care to place them in discreet, well-concealed locations. Typically, incisions are made around the ears, within the natural contours of the hairline, and sometimes under the chin. As a result, scars are usually less noticeable once healing is complete. Initially, scars may appear slightly red or raised, but they tend to fade significantly over time and become thin, pale lines. Proper aftercare, including following post-operative instructions and protecting the area from sun exposure, can help optimize healing. Seldom will anyone other than, perhaps, your hairdresser notice them. Most patients find that the improvement in facial appearance far outweighs the minimal visibility of scars.

How Much Does Facelift Surgery Cost?

The cost of facelift surgery can vary based on several factors, including:

• Anesthesia, facility, and surgeon’s fees
• Procedure complexity
• If facelift surgery is being combined with another procedure like a neck lift
• Post-operative care

Following your consultation, a member of our team will provide you with a personalized quote based on your specific needs and goals. At Brighter Day Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, we offer financing options for qualified applicants through PatientFi^® and Cherry to help make procedure payments more manageable.

To learn more about facelift surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Day, please contact our practice today.