
As we age natural changes to the face such as sagging skin, loss of facial volume, and wrinkles, can become more prominent. Facelift surgery offers a powerful solution to address these concerns and helps patients restore a youthful appearance. This procedure has evolved significantly over the years and now provides a variety of techniques to target different areas of the face for a more natural and long-lasting result.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The surgery targets sagging skin, deep wrinkles, jowls, and excess fat. The procedure enhances facial contours by lifting and tightening the underlying muscles and tissues, giving patients a more youthful and refreshed appearance. A facelift can address multiple areas of the face including the cheeks, jawline, and neck, restoring a firmer and smoother complexion.

Who Is a Candidate for a Facelift?
Ideal candidates for a facelift are individuals in good overall health who are experiencing signs of aging, such as:
- Sagging skin around the midface or jawline
- Deep wrinkles or folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Loss of facial volume in the cheeks
- Excess fat and skin in the neck area, often referred to as “turkey neck”
- Jowls or loss of a defined jawline
Candidates should also have realistic expectations for the procedure. While a facelift can create significant improvements, it doesn’t stop the aging process. Patients typically range from their 40s to 70s, but people outside this age group may also be candidates depending on their unique facial structure and skin elasticity. Scheduling a consultation can help you determine if you’re a good facelift candidate.
What Are the Benefits of Facelift Surgery?
A facelift provides a comprehensive solution for facial aging. Some key benefits include:
- Restoring a smooth and youthful appearance
- Providing natural-looking results
- Boosting confidence in facial appearance
- Long-lasting facial rejuvenation

What Are My Facelift Options?
There are several types of facelifts available, each designed to address different concerns and levels of aging:
- Traditional Facelift: This technique targets the lower face and neck. It involves lifting the skin, tightening the underlying muscles, and removing excess fat and skin to restore a youthful contour.
- Mini Facelift: A mini facelift primarily focuses on early signs of aging, particularly around the jawline and cheeks. It requires smaller incisions and typically involves less recovery time.
- Mid-Facelift: This procedure focuses on the middle part of the face, lifting the cheeks and reducing sagging in this area. It’s ideal for patients who want to address volume loss in the cheeks without a full facelift.
- Neck Lift: Often combined with a facelift, a neck lift addresses sagging skin, fat deposits, and muscle bands in the neck area.
- SMAS Facelift: The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift targets both the skin and the underlying muscle layer for a more comprehensive lift. This method achieves longer-lasting, natural results by repositioning the skin and deeper tissues.

How Is a Facelift Performed?
Initial Consultation
During your facelift consultation Dr. Bartow will assess your facial structure, skin elasticity, and areas of concern to determine the best approach for you. You and Dr. Bartow will discuss your medical history, any medications you are taking, and your overall health to ensure you are a suitable candidate. The consultation is also an opportunity to share your aesthetic goals and ask any questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected results.
Preoperative Instructions
You’ll be given specific instructions before your facelift surgery to ensure that things go smoothly during the procedure and recovery. One important step is to avoid blood thinners such as aspirin or NSAIDs, as these medications can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Quitting smoking is also crucial, as smoking can impair the healing process and raise the likelihood of complications. It’s recommended to stop smoking several weeks before the surgery. Additionally, arranging for assistance is essential—you’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure and help you during the first few days of recovery.
During the Procedure
On the day of surgery you will be placed under anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The facelift typically lasts between three to five hours depending on the complexity of the technique used. Incisions will be made around the face, typically along the hairline and down to the ears. Dr. Bartow will carefully lift and reposition facial tissues, remove excess skin or fat, and tighten the muscles for a rejuvenated appearance. After the procedure, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area before being discharged to go home.
What Can I Expect During Facelift Recovery?
Facelift recovery is gradual and can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and your body’s healing process. Here’s a timeline of what to expect:
First Few Days
During the first 24–48 hours, you may experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort. Dr. Bartow may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort. Keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses can help reduce swelling. It’s essential to avoid strenuous activities during this period.
First Few Weeks
By the end of the first week most patients feel well enough to resume light activities. However, bruising and swelling may still be visible. Stitches are usually removed around one week after surgery and any bandages or drainage tubes will also be removed during follow-up appointments. Around two to three weeks after your surgery the swelling will continue to subside and you’ll begin to see more of your results. At this point many patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities – although strenuous exercise should still be avoided.
Long-term Recovery
Complete healing can take several months with final results becoming more apparent over time. Dr. Bartow will provide guidance on resuming your usual daily routine, including when you can return to exercise. Following all postoperative instructions will ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
When Will I See My Facelift Results?
You will notice an improvement in facial contours and a reduction in sagging skin shortly after surgery. However, it can take up to six months for swelling to fully subside and for the final results to be visible. The outcome will look natural and youthful with smoother skin and defined facial contours. Results typically last 10–15 years depending on factors such as skin type, lifestyle, and how well you care for your skin after surgery.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
On average facelift surgery can range from $8,000 to $15,000. The cost of a facelift varies depending on factors such as the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, and geographic location. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon fee for facelift surgery in 2023 was $11,395. Patients interested in facelifts should also consider additional costs such as surgical facility fees, anesthesia costs, post-surgery garments, and medications. You can receive a price quote for your facelift procedure during your consultation.
Facelift FAQ
What other procedures can be combined with a facelift?
A facelift is often combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lifts, and neck lifts, to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic can also enhance results.
Fat grafting to the face is also a powerful modality to help restore the youthful appearance of the face. As we age not only do we lose tensile strength in our skin and the supporting structures causing things to sag and droop and wrinkle, but the youthful fat pads and volume in our face begins to shrink as well. So we have two different processes occurring causing aging. To reduce the gaunt and hollow look society equates with being old and aged, Dr. Bartow loves to perform liposuction on the body to harvest fat, purify said fat, and then inject it into the face after a facelift to restore the youthful voluminous curvature of the face. This essentially acts like a filler, only after the initial healing process the effects are extremely long lasting, if not permanent.
Is a facelift painful?
While discomfort is expected during the first few days after surgery, pain is usually manageable with prescribed medications. Most patients report moderate discomfort rather than severe pain.
Does a facelift leave scars?
Facelift surgery does leave scars but they are typically well-hidden and minimal. Surgeons strategically place incisions along the hairline, behind the ears, and in natural creases to make scars less noticeable. Over time these scars usually fade and blend with the skin. Advanced surgical techniques and proper postoperative care can further reduce the visibility of scars. Most patients find that the subtle scars are a small trade-off for the significant aesthetic improvements achieved with a facelift.
What are the risks associated with a facelift?
As with any surgery facelifts have risks including infection, scarring, nerve damage, and prolonged swelling. Choosing a surgeon who discusses these risks in detail will help you to make educated choices about your decisions.
How long do facelift results last?
The results of a facelift can last 10–15 years depending on factors like skin type, lifestyle, and age at the time of surgery. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine can prolong the results. Daily sun protection and wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher are key for maintaining your facial rejuvenation results.
How soon can I return to work after a facelift?
Most patients return to work within two to three weeks depending on the type of job, the extent of the surgery, and the rate of healing. Dr. Bartow will let you know when it is safe for you to return to work.
Can non-surgical treatments replace a facelift?
Non-surgical treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can address early signs of aging but are not as effective as a facelift for more significant skin sagging and deep wrinkles.
How long does the facelift procedure take?
A standard facelift surgery usually takes between three to five hours depending on the complexity of the procedure and any additional treatments performed.
Will a facelift stop the aging process?
A facelift cannot stop aging but can turn back the clock significantly. While you’ll continue to age[ the results will keep you looking younger than if you hadn’t had the surgery.
Can men get a facelift?
Men can benefit from facelifts just as much as women. The techniques used for male facelifts focus on maintaining masculine facial features and preserving facial hair while addressing signs of aging.
