A facelift involves the surgical improvement of lax skin, wrinkles, and other signs of age in the lower third of the face, and often the upper area of the neck. Medically referred to as a rhytidectomy, facelift surgery can be helpful for both women and men who are experiencing moderate to severe signs of jowling, wrinkles and folds, and other concerns that may be having an effect on their self-confidence.

According to 2022 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons^®, facelift treatment remains in the top 10 most popular surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures, and its popularity continues to rise.1 Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Amie Miller, MD, understands the importance of utilizing advanced techniques and genuinely customizing facelift procedures to produce results that can meet your expectations with outcomes that look natural, without portraying an “artificial” or “wind-swept” appearance. She can meet with you for an initial consultation to talk about your goals and determine whether facelift surgery is the best option for your needs.

Facelift At a Glance

Potential Benefits: A facelift can be advantageous for both women and men who would like to achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin in the lower facial area. This treatment can address loose skin in the jawline (jowls) and tighten the skin of the lower face and upper neck area for improved contours and a firmer look and feel.
Candidates: Ideal candidates for this treatment typically include individuals who are in good health and are experiencing aesthetic concerns for which a facelift may provide the best option for improvement. Candidates should also be non-smokers, or able to quit the habit well before surgery and abstain from tobacco use after the procedure, as well. Age is generally less of a factor in determining candidacy than the severity of cosmetic concerns that are present.
Procedure: Facelift procedures are major surgeries that will require general anesthesia; however, an overnight hospital stay is typically not necessary for these treatments.
Recovery: Most patients will need to plan for about two weeks of recovery at home before resuming normal daily activities.
Surgeon: Dr. Amie Miller is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed customized facelift procedures hundreds of times. She takes an approach to facelift surgery that is based on bringing out the patient’s natural beauty and producing results that look beautiful, but not “artificial.”

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

Facelift surgery has proven to offer significant benefits for individuals who are considering options that can help them achieve a more youthful and refreshed facial appearance. This treatment targets the lower facial area and is capable of diminishing signs of aging and loose skin to produce smoother, firmer results and more defined jawline contours. In general, a facelift can improve the appearance of:

Skin laxity and wrinkles in the lower facial area
Jowls and the formation of excess skin around the jawline
Prominent nasolabial folds and wrinkles around the mouth
Sagging, inelastic skin under the chin

While facelift surgery is often performed as a standalone procedure, it can also be paired with other facial plastic surgery treatments for more comprehensive aesthetic results. Eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or other options can be added to a facelift treatment plan for patients who are interested in enhancing other facial areas. Dr. Miller can talk with you about your ultimate goals and answer any questions you may have about additional options that can be combined with facelift surgery, or whether facelift on its own will be sufficient for your needs.

What Does the Facelift Procedure Involve?

Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. During a facelift, Dr. Miller will remove excess skin, tighten underlying facial muscles, and smooth the remaining skin to diminish signs of jowls and give the lower facial area a firmer and more youthful appearance. The specific location of the incisions necessary for this treatment will ultimately depend on the particular surgical technique utilized, which will be determined during the consultation; however, most traditional facelift techniques involve incisions made within the hairline and in the areas of the temples. These areas allow for very discreet scarring which should be virtually unnoticeable to others. There may also be an incision made under the chin, particularly if a degree of neck lifting will be part of the facelift procedure. That incision also typically results in minimal scarring.

What Can I Expect During Facelift Recovery?

Most individuals are able to return to work and other daily routines after approximately two weeks. Bruising and swelling will be present after the facelift procedure; however, these effects should begin to fade over the course of recovery, and residual discomfort can be mitigated with medication. It is important to keep your head elevated for a few days, even while sleeping. Dr. Miller will provide you with a full list of guidelines to help you achieve a safe and effective recovery.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

A facelift typically starts at approximately $14,000 here at Foothills Plastic Surgery. Please note that this is a general estimate since the treatment is customized for each individual’s needs and goals, which makes the total price of facelift surgery quite variable among patients. The complexity of the facelift procedure, fees associated with the surgical facility and anesthesia, whether other treatments are incorporated into the overall treatment plan, and other factors will have an effect on the final cost. After your treatment plan has been created during your initial consultation with Dr. Miller, a member of our team will be able to present you with a custom price quote and go over it with you in detail. We can also answer any questions you may have about convenient payment options available at our practice, which include financing plans available through reputable third-party financing agencies that can help qualified applicants pay for their facelift surgery over a series of installments.

If you have additional questions about facelift surgery or other procedures available from Dr. Miller, or if you are ready to schedule your consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact Foothills Plastic Surgery today.

Medical Reference:

1American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2022 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report