What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses age-related changes in the face and neck.
During a facelift, a facial plastic surgeon skillfully repositions facial and neck tissues, tightens underlying muscles and removes excess skin. The goal is to restore the contours of your face that may have been altered by time, gravity and environmental factors.
A facelift is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Facial plastic surgeons tailor the technique to each patient's unique needs and desired outcomes. There are different types of facelifts, and some patients may choose to combine their facelift with other surgical and/or nonsurgical
facial rejuvenation procedures for a more comprehensive approach.
What Can Facelift Surgery Do?
Facelift surgery focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face, targeting areas such as the cheeks, jawline and neck. It addresses visible signs of facial aging, such as:
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Loose and sagging skin
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Deep wrinkles, creases and folds
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Loss of facial definition
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Drooping cheeks
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Excess or displaced fat
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Jowls
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Double chin
Every individual's face ages differently, and not everyone will need or benefit from improvements in all of these areas. A consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon can help determine what outcomes are achievable for your unique facial structure and aging patterns.
What Doesn't Facelift Surgery Do?
While a facelift can dramatically improve many signs of facial aging, it cannot stop the aging process entirely. The procedure also cannot:
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Soften dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement
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Correct skin texture issues or discoloration
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Lift sagging brows or eyelids
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Address facial volume loss
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Alter your underlying bone structure
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Change your fundamental appearance
Some of these concerns may be addressed with complementary treatments such as a
brow lift,
eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty),
facial implants,
cosmetic nose surgery (rhinoplasty),
skin resurfacing,
injectables (dermal fillers and neurotoxins) or skincare products. Your facial plastic surgeon will discuss your specific goals and develop a tailored treatment plan that may include a combination of surgical and nonsurgical procedures.
Am I a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Ideal candidates for a facelift are individuals who:
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Have visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin and deep wrinkles
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Are in good overall health without conditions that could impair healing
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Understand the benefits and limitations of the procedure
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Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure
A consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon is essential to determine if a facelift is the right choice for you. During this initial appointment, your surgeon will evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to create a personalized treatment plan.
How Can I Find a Qualified Facial Plastic Surgeon Near Me?
Every face is unique, and so is every facelift. A successful facelift requires not only surgical skill and anatomical knowledge but also an artistic eye to maintain natural facial proportions and expressions. Choosing the right surgeon is critical for achieving the best results from your surgery.
Facial plastic surgeons have specialized training specifically in surgeries of the face, head and neck. This dedicated focus allows them to develop a deeper understanding of facial anatomy and mastery of facial rejuvenation techniques. Additionally, facial plastic surgeons are often more up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies specific to facial procedures.
All AAFPRS members are board certified by a specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, such as the American Board of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery or the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Many have also achieved board certification by the
American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), indicating the highest level of expertise and experience in this specialized field.
Since 2019,
90% or more of AAFPRS surgeons have performed facelifts each year. Our interactive search feature makes it easy to locate an AAFPRS member near you.
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What Should I Expect During My Facelift Consultation?
A consultation is the first step of your facelift journey. This initial meeting with your facial plastic surgeon ensures you are educated about your options and sets the foundation for your procedure.
Here is what you can expect:
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Discussion of Your Goals: The consultation will include a conversation about your motivations for considering facelift surgery. Be prepared to discuss your specific concerns, desired outcomes and overall aesthetic goals. The surgeon will listen attentively and ask questions to understand your unique needs, preferences and perspectives.
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Medical History Review: The surgeon will go over your medical history, including any past surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, and current medications or supplements you are taking. This information helps determine your candidacy for facelift surgery and identify any potential risk factors.
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Physical Examination: The surgeon will conduct a thorough physical examination of your face and neck. Photographs may be taken for reference and surgical planning purposes.
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Exploring Your Facelift Options: Based on your concerns and goals, the surgeon will discuss different facelift techniques that may be suitable for you. They will explain the benefits and limitations of each option so you can make an informed decision about how you would like to proceed.
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Realistic Expectations: The surgeon will discuss the potential risks and outcomes of facelift surgery. They may show you before-and-after photos of previous patients who have undergone facelift surgery. This helps you understand the possible results and the surgeon's aesthetic style.
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Recovery Process: The consultation will also cover the typical recovery process after facelift surgery. The surgeon will explain what to expect in terms of downtime, discomfort and restrictions, and provide detailed instructions on post-surgical care.
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Cost and Financing: The surgeon will discuss the associated costs of facelift surgery and potential financing options if available.
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Answering Your Questions: Come prepared with a list of questions. The surgeon should take the time to address all your concerns thoroughly. Don't hesitate to ask about the surgeon's experience, credentials and complication rates.
By the end of your consultation, you should have a clear understanding of what a facelift can realistically achieve for you and feel confident in your choice of surgeon. This sets the stage for a positive surgical experience and optimal results.
What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?
There are many facelift techniques, each designed to address specific concerns and suit different patient needs. Your facial plastic surgeon will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your individual facial anatomy, the extent of your aging concerns and your desired outcomes.
These are some of the most common types of facelifts:
SMAS Facelift
The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift targets a layer of facial tissue below the skin. By lifting and tightening the SMAS layer, the surgeon can achieve significant lift and contouring, with natural and long-lasting results.
Extended SMAS Facelift
Extending beyond a traditional SMAS facelift, an extended SMAS lift makes an incision in the SMAS and elevates these deeper tissues so they can be repositioned to a higher and tighter position.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift involves repositioning the layers of muscle and fat beneath the SMAS, providing a comprehensive, natural-looking and long-lasting lifting effect. The incisions are similar to those of a traditional facelift but allow for more extensive adjustment of tissues. The elevation of SMAS is more extensive and includes release of the deeper attachments to allow maximal movement.
Mid-Facelift
The mid-facelift targets the middle portion of the face, particularly the cheeks and the area around the nose and mouth. Incisions are typically made in the hairline or inside the mouth, allowing the surgeon to lift sagging cheeks and smooth nasolabial folds.
These categories can overlap. Facial plastic surgeons customize their approach for each patient, often combining elements from different techniques. The goal is always to provide natural-looking and long-lasting results that enhance and harmonize with your facial features.
How Should I Prepare for Facelift Surgery?
Your facial plastic surgeon will provide you with a personalized pre-operative plan tailored to your specific needs and procedure. Below are some of the steps you may be advised to take:
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Plan for Time Off: Plan to take adequate time off work and social activities to allow for proper recovery. Most patients need about two to three weeks to heal before resuming normal activities.
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Stop Smoking: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Quitting smoking well in advance of surgery is highly recommended.
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Adjust Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners and aspirin, can increase bleeding risks. Discuss any medication adjustments with your surgeon and primary care physician.
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Optimize Your Health: Focus on healthy eating, adequate sleep and staying well-hydrated to support your body's ability to heal.
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Organize Your Recovery Space: Prepare a recovery area at home with pillows for head elevation, entertainment options and easy-to-eat foods.
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Stock Up on Supplies: Gather any necessary supplies like ice packs, gauze and prescribed medications as instructed by your surgeon.
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Arrange Transportation and Support: Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the surgical facility and to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Don't neglect the importance of mental preparation. It's normal to experience a range of emotions, both positive and negative, before and after plastic surgery. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family members and engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress management. Taking care of your mental well-being helps you maintain a positive mindset throughout the experience.
What Are the Steps of a Facelift Procedure?
Anesthesia
The first step in a facelift procedure is the administration of anesthesia. Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient's preference, the surgeon will choose a combination of mild sedatives, local anesthesia and a mild intravenous anesthesia ("twilight sleep") or general anesthesia. This ensures the patient remains comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery.
Incisions
Once anesthesia is administered, the surgeon makes incisions. The placement and length of the incisions depend on the type of facelift being performed. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incisions are placed where they will fall in a natural crease of the skin for camouflage.
Adjustments
The skin is gently lifted as the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. The surgeon may sculpt, redistribute or remove fat. After addressing the deeper tissues, the surgeon trims any excess skin and gently redrapes the remaining skin over the newly uplifted contours.
Incision Closure
After trimming the excess skin, the surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures, skin adhesives and/or metal clips. The surgeon takes care to place the sutures in a way that minimizes visible scarring. Some sutures dissolve on their own, while others need to be removed during a follow-up visit.
Bandaging and Dressing
Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply bandages to protect the area where the incisions have been made. In some cases, a drainage tube may be placed under the skin to prevent fluid buildup. The patient is then transferred to a recovery area and monitored as the anesthesia wears off.
What Should I Expect After My Facelift?
Even though most patients experience minimal pain after surgery, your surgeon will prescribe medication to keep you comfortable. Some degree of swelling and bruising is unavoidable, and your surgeon may instruct you to use cold compresses to minimize these side effects. Your surgeon will also instruct you to keep your head elevated when lying down, to avoid activity as much as possible, and to report any excessive discomfort.
If a dressing has been applied, it will be removed within one to two days. In some cases, a drainage tube may have been inserted during surgery. This will typically be removed on the first or second day after surgery. All sutures and staples are usually removed within five to 10 days following surgery.
Recovery usually takes two to three weeks, though many patients feel comfortable going back to work in two weeks.
What Results Can Be Achieved With a Facelift?
The goal of a facelift is not to make you look like someone else or unnaturally young, but rather to restore a more youthful, refreshed version of yourself. A successful facelift should leave you looking natural and feeling confident in your appearance.
While individual outcomes vary, the results of a facelift may include:
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Smoother, tighter skin
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Reduction of deep creases, such as nasolabial folds
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Improved cheek volume and contour
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Restoration of a more defined jawline
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Overall more sculpted facial appearance
Facelift scars are usually not noticeable after enough time has passed for them to mature. Due to their placement, they are easily disguised in natural skin creases, by the hair, or, when maturity takes longer, by makeup until total healing has occurred.
Your facial plastic surgeon should be able to show you before-and-after photos of their previous patients to give you a realistic idea of potential outcomes. They may also use computer imaging to demonstrate possible results for your specific case.
Facelift Before & After Images
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Facelift FAQs
What are the risks of facelift surgery?
Facelift surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries certain risks. These may include:
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Infection
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Unfavorable scarring
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Hematoma or seroma
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Temporary or permanent nerve damage
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Reactions to anesthesia
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Asymmetry
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Hair loss near incision sites
Your surgeon should discuss these risks in detail during your consultation.
What is the best age for a facelift?
There's no ideal age for a facelift, as everyone ages differently. Most patients are between 40 and 70 years old, but younger and older individuals can also benefit from the procedure. Factors like skin elasticity, overall health and personal goals are more important than age.
Can I have a nonsurgical facelift?
There is no true nonsurgical equivalent to a facelift. However, there are noninvasive and minimally invasive options that can provide temporary lifting and rejuvenation, such as:
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Injectables (dermal fillers and neurotoxins)
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Thread lifts
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Ultrasound or radiofrequency skin tightening
These options can be effective for mild to moderate signs of aging, but they do not provide the same extent or longevity of results as surgical facelifts. We advise meeting with an experienced facial plastic surgeon to discuss minimally invasive options and form a treatment plan tailored to you.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of facelift surgery varies widely depending on factors such as the surgeon's experience, the complexity of the procedure and the geographic location of the practice. On average, facelift costs in the U.S. range from $12,000 to $25,000. This estimate includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fees, facility costs and follow-up care.
Choosing a surgeon based solely on cost is not advisable. Focus on credentials, experience and results. Many practices offer financing options to help manage costs.
Does insurance cover facelift surgery?
Insurance does not cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. A facelift is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and therefore is not typically covered.
How much younger does a facelift make you look?
Facelift surgery results are not measured in a specific number of years younger. However, many patients say they feel as though they look up to 10-15 years younger. The extent of rejuvenation achieved depends on many individual factors such as skin condition, the extent of aging, the techniques used by the surgeon and adherence to post-operative care recommendations.
How long does a facelift last?
The results are long-lasting, often enduring for 10 years or more. While the natural aging process continues, you will always look younger than if you had not undergone the facelift procedure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage and following a consistent skincare routine can help prolong your results.
Will I have scars after my facelift?
Some degree of scarring is inevitable after any procedure that involves incisions. However, a skilled facial plastic surgeon will make incisions in inconspicuous locations and use advanced closure techniques to minimize scarring.
Scars typically fade significantly over time.
Will people know I had a facelift?
The goal of facelift surgery is to achieve natural-looking rejuvenation without making it obvious that you had surgery. When performed by a skilled facial plastic surgeon, the results should appear subtle and refreshed, not like you've had extensive work done.
What procedures can be combined with my facelift?
A facelift focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face. For complete facial rejuvenation, many patients choose to combine a facelift with one or more of the following procedures and treatments:
Combining procedures provides more comprehensive results and may be more cost-effective. Your facial plastic surgeon can recommend complementary procedures based on the aesthetic goals you hope to achieve.
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Your face deserves the highest level of care and expertise. The
AAFPRS Find a Surgeon tool connects you with highly qualified, board-certified facial plastic surgeons in your area who are committed to delivering exceptional care and outstanding results. These experts can provide personalized consultations, answer your questions and help you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.