What is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to reduce signs of aging by repositioning facial tissues, removing excess skin, and restoring a smoother, firmer appearance to the face and jawline.
Face lift surgery works by targeting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or SMAS layer, which controls the structural support of your facial skin and muscles. By lifting and tightening this muscular layer and trimming away loose skin, the procedure helps return definition to your natural features without looking overdone.
To complement the natural contours of the face, without undergoing traditional facelift surgery, some patients combine a facelift with an eyelid lift, brow lift, or neck lift for full-face improvement.
Who is Not a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
Most patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are ideal candidates for a facelift, especially if they’re noticing jowls or deepening folds around the mouth and chin.
However, a facelift may not be right for you if you have unmanaged medical conditions, a history of previous surgeries that complicate healing, high blood pressure, or lifestyle habits that could affect your recovery, like smoking or sun exposure.
What are the Different Types of Facelift Procedures?
Facelift procedures come in different forms. Many without the need for local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Here are the most common:
Deep Plane Facelift
This method works beneath the SMAS layer, lifting deeper tissues for dramatic, longer-lasting improvement. Best for advanced aging and heavy sagging.
Mini Facelift
A less invasive option focused on early jowling and mild facial aging, the mini facelift offers a subtle lift with shorter incisions and faster healing.
Ponytail Facelift
A newer technique that repositions tissue vertically using incision sites behind the ear or in the lower scalp for minimal visible scarring.
Liquid Facelift
This non-surgical alternative uses fillers and neuromodulators to smooth wrinkles and restore volume for temporary results without surgery.
Vampire Facelift
Another non-surgical option, this treatment uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate collagen and enhance skin quality.
Thread Lift
A minimally invasive treatment where threads are inserted beneath the skin to lift sagging areas. Results are short-term but require no downtime.
Vertical and Endoscopic Techniques
Both use advanced surgical techniques to reposition the underlying tissues and target the mid-face. Often combined with a mid facelift for better cheek definition.
Are Facelift Scars Noticeable?
Scar placement is carefully planned along the hairline and around the ears, which means that with time and good postoperative care, these scars fade and become barely visible.
What Does Facelift Recovery Look Like?
1 Week After Facelift
Expect swelling and bruising to be at their peak. You may be prescribed pain medication, advised to rest, and avoid movement to minimize swelling.
2 Weeks After Facelift
Stitches may be removed and swelling begins to decrease. Patients typically return to light activity and resume basic skincare.
3 Weeks After Facelift
Most bruising has faded. Mild tightness and numbness may persist.
4 Weeks After Facelift
Residual swelling may still be present, especially after a more extensive surgery, but most patients see clear improvements.
Total recovery time varies based on the type of facelift and your personal healing process, but most people feel fully back to normal after 6 to 8 weeks.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
The cost of facelift surgery depends on the type of procedure, the extent of correction, and the provider’s experience.
A mini is typically less expensive than a full deep plane facelift, with fewer incisions and faster healing. If you’re combining procedures, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or brow lift, this will also impact your total cost. A consultation is the best way to receive a detailed quote based on your needs and anatomy.
