Facelift Surgery Guide: What to Know
- New Look New Life
- Jul 21
- 6 min read
In 2024, plastic surgeons performed 79,058 facelift procedures in the United States. It’s an option that can help address everything from sagging skin to jawline problems, giving you the facial rejuvenation results you’re looking for.
If you’re considering these cosmetic surgery procedures to achieve a more youthful appearance, a facelift procedure guide can bring you the peace of mind you need. Learn more about this option and get answers to your most pressing facelift surgery questions.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift procedure, also called a rhytidectomy, is a type of cosmetic surgery that can help address signs of aging in the face. It does so by repositioning or removing excess skin, muscle, or fat. A facelift can help with:
Sagging facial skin
Volume loss
Shifted fat pockets
Jowls
Folds or creases in the corners of your mouth
Loose skin in your neck that looks like a double chin
Facial symmetry problems
Although they don’t treat superficial wrinkles, facelifts can give you an overall more youthful look. Because they are highly individualized, each procedure can address your exact needs.
What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?
One of the most common facelift surgery questions is about the various types to choose from. Take a closer look at your options.
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift requires making incisions around your ears, below your chin, and at your hairline. Your surgeon then separates your skin from the underlying facial structures and tightens the muscles.
They may shift fat pockets or perform fat transfers to bring volume back to your face. If you have excess skin, they will remove it after repositioning the rest more tautly.
Deep Plane Facelift
In a deep plane facelift, your cosmetic surgeon lifts your face’s muscular layer along with fat and skin. They do this as one single unit. This procedure can address a few different facial issues at the same time.
SMAS Facelift
A SMAS facelift involves the face’s muscle layer. Your surgeon tightens your muscles and trims extra skin in your cheeks and lower face. If needed, they also adjust fat layers. It’s a variation of a traditional facelift.
Liquid Facelift
A liquid facelift is a non-surgical version of a facelift that relies on a combination of dermal fillers and neuromodulators such as Botox to address signs of aging. This procedure can add volume and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift focuses on lifting your lower face and neck. It’s a less invasive procedure that can be helpful for younger people or those who have more minor skin sagging issues, especially around the jawline.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Another of the most important facelift questions is whether you’re a good candidate for facial plastic surgery. Not everyone will be. The best facelift patients are in good overall health and can undergo anesthesia. You must have moderate to severe signs of aging and have realistic expectations regarding the results.
The healing process can be lengthy, so you must be able to take time off to rest. The right candidates are non-smokers or people who are willing to quit weeks before the procedure.
You may not be an ideal candidate if you tend to experience a lot of weight fluctuations. Losing or gaining significant weight can impact facelift results. You may also not benefit the most if you have poor skin elasticity.
How Do You Prepare for a Facelift?
The first step in the process is to schedule a consultation with your surgeon. They will need to get a sense of what your goals are to offer the right procedure. Additionally, they will get your full medical history to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery.
In some instances, you may need to get blood work done. Tell your surgeon about any medications you take and skin care products you use.
During this consultation, your surgeon will offer options regarding the procedure. They may suggest combining a facelift with other surgeries, like brow lifts, neck lifts, or liposuction, to help you achieve the exact results you’re looking for.
The next step in the process is to prepare for surgery. Your surgeon will require that you stop taking certain medications, including those that can increase bleeding. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit because nicotine slows the healing process. It’s also essential that you don’t drink alcohol for a few days before the procedure.
Because you will go under general anesthesia, you will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure. Arrange this early on in the process so that there are no surprises. It’s also vital that you take the time to prepare a recovery space in your home. Facial cosmetic surgery can require a few days of recovery, so plan ahead.
The night before the procedure, you will need to fast so that there are no complications with the anesthesia. Your surgeon will tell you exactly how many hours beforehand you’ll have to stop eating. On the day of the appointment, don’t wear makeup, lotions, or anything with a fragrance.
What Happens During a Facelift?
Your face will be cleaned to remove oils and impurities, and you will be given general anesthesia. Your surgeon will then make the first incision, the location of which will depend on the type of facelift you are getting. The most common locations are the hairline around your temples, around your ears, and under your chin.
The surgeon will then shift the skin, fat, and muscle layers as you discussed during your consultation. Once they have finished, they will close the incisions. You will be taken to a recovery room where the team will monitor you for a few hours before you’re allowed to go home.
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
Recovering from surgical cosmetic procedures such as facelifts requires patience and a willingness to take time to rest. You’ll need to elevate your head for a night or two and take the medications your surgeon prescribes. Following instructions exactly can help you achieve the best results.
The recovery time can take weeks. Throughout the first couple of weeks, you will have substantial bruising and swelling. It’s necessary to avoid strenuous activity of all sorts, including heavy lifting or any form of cardio exercise.
Between weeks two and four, your surgeon will remove your stitches (unless they dissolve on their own), and you will be able to slowly get back to your regular life. You’ll still need to avoid activities that could put stress on the surgical area.
To make the post-operative period as smooth as possible, follow all of your surgeon’s instructions. Get enough rest and stay hydrated. A surgical procedure can take a lot out of your body, so you need to replenish it with nutritious foods and water. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
How Do You Choose the Right Surgeon for a Facelift?
One of the most important decisions you can make when you decide to get any type of cosmetic surgery is to choose the right surgeon. To do so, it’s essential to ask for referrals and read up on the provider.
Take the opportunity during your consultation to ask a number of questions about their training and experience. Crucially, look for a board-certified plastic surgeon from the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Have they performed numerous facelifts? Do they have before-and-after photos of the results? Ask them all manner of information regarding the procedure. They should be able to explain complex medical terms in ways that you can understand and not feel in any way affronted by you asking these questions.
Visiting their office can also give you an idea of the quality of services they offer. If the place hasn’t been updated in a long time or you see unsanitary conditions, you’ll need to find another provider. You should feel comfortable in the location and be treated with respect and care by all of the staff members.
Trusting Expert Cosmetic Surgeons
If you are struggling with signs of aging, including sagging skin, loss of facial volume, and other issues, one of your options is to get a facelift. These plastic surgery procedures allow you to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying structures to achieve a more youthful appearance.
To obtain the right results, you need help from experts in the field. At New Look New Life, we offer the trusted care you deserve. With decades of experience, our board-certified surgeons can provide personalized options to address your exact aesthetic concerns.
Whether you’re curious about what the procedure can offer or you're seriously considering getting some kind of facelift, we encourage you to reach out to our team to learn more about your options. Request a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for one of our services.
Learn more about facial surgeries on our YouTube Channel. View related videos below.