Facelift &
Neck Lift

Restore youthful facial contours and achieve a refreshed, natural-looking appearance

What is a Facelift
& Neck Lift?

As we age, our skin loses elasticity and facial tissues lose volume and gradually descend. Over time, this process leads to many of the hallmarks of facial aging – jowls, deeper facial folds, loose neck skin, and a less defined jawline. A facelift / A facelift/necklift (or rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to restore a more youthful appearance by repositioning these deeper tissues and removing excess skin. Modern facelift techniques focus on restoring natural facial contours rather than simply tightening the skin, resulting in a refreshed appearance that looks natural—not tight or “overdone.”

More defined jawline
Reduce wrinkles and sagging
Tighter, smoother neck
Natural, long-lasting results

Who Is a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for a facelift and neck lift if you:

Have sagging skin or deep creases in the lower face
Notice loose skin or bands in the neck
Want to restore a more youthful profile
Are in good overall health
Do not smoke, or are willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations for your results

Schedule a Consultation

What to Expect

Consultation Procedure Recovery

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During your private consultation, your doctor will:

Listen carefully to your concerns and aesthetic goals
Evaluate your facial structure and skin
Review your medical history
Discuss available treatment options with you
Explain the benefits, limitations, risks, and expected recovery
Recommend a personalized treatment plan

We encourage you to ask questions, discuss your goals openly, and take the time you need to understand your options. Our goal is for you to leave your consultation with all the information necessary to make the treatment decision that is right for you.

The Procedure

Facelift and neck lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on your treatment plan.

Incisions are carefully placed around the ears and, when necessary, beneath the chin so that scars are as inconspicuous as possible after healing.

Rather than simply tightening the skin, modern facelift techniques reposition the deeper facial support tissues (known as the SMAS) before removing excess skin. This creates a more natural appearance and longer-lasting improvement.

Depending on your anatomy, neck contouring may include tightening the neck muscles (platysmaplasty), removing excess fat, or both.

Most patients return home the same day after surgery.

Facelift/Neck Lift Recovery

Recovery varies from person to person, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is.

You can expect:

Swelling and bruising during the first two to three weeks
Mild to moderate discomfort that is typically well controlled with medication
Temporary tightness or numbness around the face and neck
Gradual improvement over several weeks

Many patients feel comfortable appearing in public after approximately two to three weeks, although subtle swelling may continue to improve for several months.

Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery, while strenuous exercise should be avoided until your surgeon advises it is safe.

Your surgeon will provide detailed postoperative instructions and will follow your progress closely throughout your recovery.

While scars are permanent, they typically heal very well and are carefully concealed within the hairline and natural contours around the ears.

The results of a facelift and neck lift continue to improve as swelling resolves, with final results becoming more apparent over several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I look "pulled" or unnatural?

No. Modern facelift techniques focus on restoring youthful facial anatomy rather than simply tightening the skin. The goal is a refreshed, natural appearance—not an operated look.

How long do facelift results last?

Although the aging process continues after surgery and is different for everyone, the results of a facelift typically last 10 years or more. Healthy lifestyle habits, sun protection, and good skincare can help maintain your results.

Will a facelift remove wrinkles?

A facelift primarily lifts sagging skin and tightens loose tissues. Fine lines and skin texture are often better treated with other techniques, such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, or medical-grade skincare.

Will I have visible scars?

Incisions are carefully placed around the ears and within the hairline whenever possible. Most scars fade significantly over time and are difficult to notice once healed.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Many patients choose to combine facelift surgery with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), fat grafting, chin augmentation, or skin resurfacing to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Sometimes these procedures can be done at the same time, while in other cases a staged approach may be recommended. Your surgeon can discuss this with you during your consultation.

Am I too young for a facelift?

There is no ideal age. Some patients benefit from surgery in their 40s or early 50s, while others may not need one until much later. The decision depends on your anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals rather than your age alone.

When can I return to work?

Many patients return to non-strenuous work in approximately two weeks, although this varies depending on the extent of surgery and your comfort level with residual swelling or bruising.

Will insurance cover a facelift?

Facelift and neck lift surgery are cosmetic procedures and are generally not covered by health insurance.

What is a deep plane facelift, and do I need one?

A deep plane facelift is one of several advanced facelift techniques used to address facial aging by repositioning the deeper tissues of the face. In appropriately selected patients, it can provide excellent, natural-looking results.

In recent years, however, the term “deep plane facelift” has become increasingly popular and is sometimes used to describe procedures that do not meet the traditional definition of a true deep plane facelift. More importantly, a deep plane facelift is not the best choice for every patient.

The most effective facelift is not defined by its name, but by choosing the surgical technique that best matches your anatomy, pattern of aging, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, your surgeon will recommend the approach that is most appropriate for you to achieve a safe, natural-looking, and long-lasting result.

When can I travel after my facelift surgery?

We generally recommend remaining in the area for at least the first 10 to 14 days after surgery so you can attend your early follow-up appointments and we can monitor your healing. Most patients can travel after this period if they are recovering well, although longer trips and air travel may require additional planning.

If you are traveling from out of town, be sure to discuss your plans with your surgeon during your consultation. We will help you determine a travel timeline that is safe and appropriate based on your procedure and recovery.

I have a special event coming up. How far in advance should I have my facelift?

While most patients feel comfortable appearing in public within 2 to 3 weeks, subtle swelling continues to improve for several months. If you have an important event where you want to look and feel your best, we generally recommend scheduling your facelift at least 3 to 6 months beforehand. This allows ample time for swelling to resolve, scars to mature, and your results to look natural and refined.

If your event is approaching sooner, discuss your timeline during your consultation. We can help determine whether surgery is appropriate before your event or whether it would be better to wait until afterward.

Schedule a Consultation

GALLERY