A facelift typically aims to enhance the appearance of the lower face and upper neck in order to create a tighter, more youthful look. When performed by an experienced surgeon, facelift surgery can revitalize a patient’s facial aesthetic.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons, John Connors, MD, FACS and Alexandra Hart, MD, FACS, offer various advanced facelift techniques including deep plane face and neck lift procedures for Atlanta-area patients. To schedule a customized facelift consultation with one of our surgeons, we encourage you to contact Plastic Surgery Group of Atlanta.
- Sedation: General anesthesia
- Potential Benefits: A more youthful, revitalized facial aesthetic; dramatic reduction of age-related concerns in the lower face and upper neck
- Longevity of Results: Generally very long-lasting
- Recovery: Patients can usually return to regular activity within two weeks and strenuous exercise within six weeks
Am I a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Often, candidates for facelift surgery wish to address visible skin laxity around the cheeks, under the eye, and surrounding the jaw. Facelift surgery can target one or more areas, depending on your unique goals for your face and overall appearance. Further, facelift candidates should be physically healthy, be a non-smoker, and approach the procedure with practical result expectations, understanding the risks and benefits and how they apply to their own individual case.
What Is the Ideal Age for Facelift Surgery?
The common age range for patients who undergo a facelift is 50-70. Younger patients (40-50 years old) generally have stronger skin elasticity, so their results may last longer than those of someone older. With the increased use of medical weight loss (GLP-1), many patients who have lost a significant amount of weight have been undergoing this surgery at a younger age. These patients, or those older than 60, can sometimes achieve more dramatic-looking results, which can make this procedure very worthwhile for them.
Candidates should understand that age does not necessarily dictate the most effective time to seek out a facelift. The amount of skin laxity present is generally the primary component in the planning process. Moreover, Dr. Connors or Dr. Hart will perform a thorough evaluation of your physical health before moving forward with facelift surgery.
Complementary Procedures to Facelift Surgery
To enhance and refine the results of a facelift, many patients choose to incorporate additional cosmetic treatments into their treatment plan. Facelifts are most commonly combined with other facial aesthetic surgeries, such as neck and chin liposuction, facial fat grafting, brow lift surgery, and blepharoplasty. Non-surgical options, like ablative lasers and chemical peels, can also be performed to further enhance the skin’s texture, tone, and overall appearance.
Because the lower face and upper neck are in such close proximity, neck lift strategies are almost always included in facelift surgery. When performed together, facelift and neck lift surgery can create a more cohesive, refreshed appearance from the chin down. Our surgeons are well versed in the “deep plane” method, which can be applied to both neck lift and facelift procedures for a more natural-looking enhancement.
How Is a Facelift Performed?
There are various techniques used today to perform a facelift. Facial anatomy, skin laxity, and the aesthetic goals of the patient will determine the best approach. Each procedure will be unique to the patient and will vary based on the type and location of the incision, the number of tissue layers affected, the plane of elevation, and the level of invasiveness.
“Deep Plane” Facelift
The “deep plane” technique involves a complex lifting and repositioning of the deeper layers of muscle and tissue. Generally requiring a small incision under the chin, a “deep plane” facelift can provide a smoother and more youthful-looking improvement.* The “deep plane” method is highly nuanced and should only be entrusted to top quality plastic surgeons with extensive training and knowledge of facial anatomy.
Traditional (SMAS) Facelift
An SMAS facelift can produce dramatic and long-lasting effects. The technique involves manipulating a group of muscles beneath the skin known as the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS), which controls facial expression. The surgeon typically places an incision along the hairline from the temple to just behind the earlobe before separating and lifting skin as needed. From there, the surgeon can tighten and secure the underlying muscles and tissue so they maintain their new position.
“Mini” Facelift
A mini facelift is geared towards patients who want some of the benefits of a facelift, while at the same time minimizing the cost and invasive nature of the surgery. Some procedures that are considered “mini” include the “Quicklift” or “Lifestyle Lift.” Patients who wish to maximize the outcome of their surgery, resulting in the most dramatic results, will most likely need to opt for a full facelift in order to meet these aesthetic goals.
All facelift procedures are performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. The length of the surgery will vary, but it generally takes between three to four hours. Although this surgery is considered an outpatient procedure, some patients may be required to stay overnight in the hospital.
What Does Recovery from Facelift Surgery Entail?
After surgery, patients will likely be bruised and swollen and the face and neck will feel tight and pulled. Patients will often look very swollen and pulled for the first two weeks after surgery. Once the swelling and bruising subsides, the soft tissues will begin to relax and the “new you” will become visible. You should refrain from smoking during your recovery, as tobacco can interfere with wound healing and even affect your surgical results.
You will likely be directed to attend a follow-up visit between three and seven days after the procedure. At this appointment, your surgeon will evaluate you to determine that you are healing properly.
“Im a 65 year old woman who had began to age. With Dr Harts gentle touch she enhanced my face making me look more like I feel not like my age. She was friendly nice and very professional making the experience extremely pleasant."
Will the Results of My Facelift Look Natural?
It is common for patients to worry that their facelift results will appear “tight” or “unnatural.” While it can take several full months for the final results to appear, be aware that this “tight” effect may be the cause of treatment provided by less experienced or skilled facelift surgeons. As such, it is important to find a reputable surgeon skilled in facial surgery. Surgeons who know what they are doing will make every effort to work within the confines of the patient’s bone, skin, and muscle structures so a younger, more natural look can result.
Dr. Connors and Dr. Hart are each proficient in various methods of facelift surgery – including the very popular “deep plane” strategy, which is widely known to produce natural-looking effects. Both of our surgeons are committed to creating a natural result that meets the patient’s aesthetic goals.
Does Facelift Surgery Cause Scarring?
Facelift surgery does require incisions; however, in almost all cases, scars can be well hidden as they fall just along the hairline and around the ears in the natural folds of the scalp. Our surgeons will take every precaution possible to place the incisions in inconspicuous locations, and in most cases, the scars should be barely visible to the naked eye.
Is There a Non-Surgical Alternative to a Facelift?
Certain non-surgical procedures can assist in smoothing out wrinkles, improving fine lines, adding facial volume, and evening out skin tone. These include BOTOX® Cosmetic, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. Please note, however, that these treatments typically only affect the skin’s surface, and the results are not developed to last for years at a time (as is the case with facelift surgery). Patients with loose skin, drooping jowls, or a sagging neck may need to consider surgery if they want these features improved.
Facelift FAQs
Does facelift surgery always include a neck lift?
Facelift surgery does not always include a neck lift, but the two procedures are frequently performed together to achieve a more harmonious appearance. Since the lower face and neck are closely connected, many patients opt to address sagging skin, wrinkles, and excess fat in both areas simultaneously.
How can I reduce swelling after facelift surgery?
Swelling is a normal part of the recovery process following facelift surgery, but it can be managed with proper care. Applying cold compresses, keeping your head elevated, staying hydrated, and following your postoperative instructions can help reduce swelling more quickly.
Is a facelift different for men versus women?
Men and women frequently have distinct cosmetic goals when it comes to facelift surgery (as well as facial rejuvenation in general). Males often desire a defined, sturdy jawline and profile, whereas females usually want to enhance softness and contour. Furthermore, your facelift results will be tailored to align with your unique goals; if you so desire, your gender identity can play a role in the final result.
To learn more about facelift surgery, contact our practice today to schedule your consultation.
