Restore the Jawline and Neck, Naturally
Improve Face Shape, Neck, and Jowls with Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery lifts the deep structures of the face — restoring cheek fullness, jawline definition, and neck contour with results that age gracefully.
Facelift at a Glance
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Overview
The goal of a facelift, or rhytidectomy, is to gracefully improve the descent of facial tissues and reset the clock on aging. The procedure corrects visible signs of aging in the mid-face, lower face, and jawline — providing natural results that don't look 'pulled.'
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Recovery
Downtime is around 1–2 weeks. Most patients have minimal bruising and only about 10% of swelling remaining after 2 weeks, so many feel comfortable being in public without others noticing they had surgery. Full healing takes up to a year, with most changes occurring in the first 3 months.
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Results
The procedure provides a permanent and transformative improvement — turning back the clock and restoring a more youthful and elegant facial contour. Deep plane facelifts can last 10–15 years; short scar facelifts last 2–5 years.
Facelift
Am I a Good Candidate?
What Do Scars Look Like?
More Details About Facelift
Deep Plane vs. Short Scar — The Two Techniques
The Surgical Process
A facelift is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, sometimes with sedation. The surgeon makes a series of discreet incisions to lift the skin and reposition the underlying facial tissues. The underlying facial muscles and tissues are tightened, and the skin is redraped to create a smoother, more youthful contour.
Deep Plane vs. Short Scar Facelift
We offer two distinct facelift techniques to address different patient needs: the Deep Plane Facelift and the Short Scar Facelift. The Deep Plane technique is a more advanced procedure that repositions not only the skin but also the underlying muscle and tissue in a single unit. During a deep plane facelift, the surgeon accesses deeper tissues of the face and makes an incision in the SMAS (the muscle layer) to lift and reposition the deeper structures. The face (SMAS) and neck muscles (platysma) are tightened and lifted in a natural vector. If fat under the chin needs to be removed, this is done under direct vision by the surgeon — which produces a cleaner result than blind liposuction.
A Short Scar Facelift addresses subtle aging in the lower face and neck. Using incisions in the temple hairline and around the ears (and sometimes under the chin), the skin is lifted and the muscle layer is grouped together in an ideal position — but no incision is made in the muscle layers, which means the deep structures tend to return to their prior position more quickly. There are limited changes to the deeper structures of the neck with this technique.
| Deep Plane Facelift | Short Scar / MACS Facelift | |
|---|---|---|
| Downtime | 7–14 days | 7–14 days |
| Incisions on face/neck | About the same | About the same |
| Surgical risk | About the same | About the same |
| Longevity | 10–15 years | 2–5 years |
| Incisions in muscles | Yes | No |
| Improvement in jowls | Maximum | Moderate |
A Comprehensive Approach to Facial Rejuvenation
A facelift is a powerful way to turn back the clock on the most prominent signs of aging in the mid-to-lower face. While it can be performed as a standalone procedure, it is often combined with a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or laser resurfacing for a more comprehensive and harmonious facial rejuvenation. We will work with you to create a personalized plan that addresses all of your aesthetic goals — and only those goals.
Surgeon's Notes
Why I do deep plane facelifts almost exclusively
I trained in both short scar and deep plane techniques, and for the vast majority of my patients I now recommend deep plane. Here's why: a short scar lift tightens the skin, which makes the face look pulled within a few years as the deeper tissues continue to descend. A deep plane lift releases and repositions those deeper tissues themselves — the SMAS layer, the cheek fat pads, the platysma — which means the lift holds its position for 10–15 years rather than 2–5. Patients in their 50s and 60s asking 'when will I need this redone?' deserve the longer answer. The short scar lift still has a role for younger patients with subtle laxity who want a quick refresh — but I'm honest in consultation about what each technique can and cannot deliver.
Facelift
Facelift Recovery & Results Timeline
Please remember this is just a guide for Facelift recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.
Day 1 – 3
You may have a bandage or compression garment on your face. Swelling and bruising will be most prominent during this time. Keep your head elevated when sleeping. Pain is minimal and can be managed with tylenol and ibuprofen in most cases.
1 – 2 Weeks
The majority of the bruising will have resolved, and you can typically return to light activities and social engagements.
3 – 4 Weeks
Most of the swelling will have subsided, and you will begin to see your results take shape. You can return to a full exercise routine at 4 weeks.
6 Months – 1 Year
All residual swelling will have completely resolved, scars have softened and improved, and the final, beautiful results of your facelift will be fully apparent and stable.
Facelift Pricing Estimates
$16,465 – $24,975 (Short Scar to Deep Plane)
Financing available from $686 per month
There are many factors that can affect pricing of procedures. After your initial consultation you will receive a complete quote.
Pricing
How much does a Facelift cost?
The cost of Facelift varies based on the complexity of the procedure, the technique used, and your individual goals. During your consultation, your surgeon will create a personalized treatment plan and provide a detailed quote.
Your Surgeons
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation to discuss Facelift with our board-certified surgeons.