What is a facelift? Procedure, benefits & photos 2025

The mirror doesn't lie, but sometimes we wish it would be a little kinder as the years pass. Facial aging affects everyone, gradually changing our appearance as skin loses elasticity and facial tissues begin to sag. That's where facelifts come in. What is a facelift? It's a surgical procedure that helps restore a more youthful appearance by addressing visible signs of aging in the face and neck. This guide covers facelift techniques, benefits, risks, recovery, and costs so you can make an informed decision. 

What is a facelift?

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that removes excess facial skin, tightens underlying tissues, and redrapes the skin on the face and neck. This helps smooth deep wrinkles, eliminate jowls, and restore lost volume that contributes to a tired appearance.

Facelifts come in different types to address specific concerns. A full facelift targets jowls developing in the cheeks and jaw, along with loose skin and excess fat in the neck, providing comprehensive rejuvenation for moderate to severe aging signs. A mini facelift focuses on areas with mild to moderate aging, typically the lower face and jawline, with less extensive surgery and shorter recovery time.

Facelift trends and stats

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, facial procedures rose by 4.3% between 2023-2024, helping them secure a position among the top 3 most performed procedures in the United States in 2024. This popularity appears justified by patient experiences, as 92% of patients on RealSelf rated this procedure as "worth it."

Modern facelift techniques now focus on creating natural-looking results rather than the overly tight, "windswept" appearance associated with older methods. Newer facelift techniques can consistently produce longer lasting and more natural results.

Why would someone consider a facelift?

Pursuing facelift surgery typically stems from wanting to address visible aging signs that non-surgical options can't fix. Deep facial folds, jowls, and sagging neck skin make people look older than they feel and can lead others to perceive them as tired or unhappy.

What is a facelift's greatest benefit? It dramatically restores a youthful appearance by repositioning deeper tissues, removing excess skin, and creating better facial, neck and jawline definition. The procedure helps patients look refreshed while preserving their unique facial characteristics.

Types of facelift procedures

Facelift techniques have evolved, with several approaches now available to address different aging patterns and patient needs.

Traditional (full) facelift

A traditional facelift involves incisions around your ears, hairline, and below your chin to separate skin from the underlying tissues. Your surgeon tightens muscles in your face and neck and may remove excess fat in your neck and jowls.  

Mid-facelift

A mid-facelift targets the cheeks, jawline  and mid facial region. Your surgeon will reposition the fat and tighten the skin in your cheek area, which can also help the under-eye area appear less sunken. 

SMAS facelift

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift targets the lower two-thirds of your face by tightening the lining of your muscle and trimming excess skin and/or fat in your cheeks and lower face. 

Deep plane facelift

The deep plane technique is the gold standard for patients with facial aging. This advanced approach lifts both the SMAS, the muscular layer of your face facial fat, and skin in different vectors and allows your surgeon to perform a more complete correction of facial aging.

Main benefits of a facelift

Facelift surgery offers several advantages for those seeking facial rejuvenation.

Restored youthful appearance

A facelift reduces visible signs of aging by eliminating loose skin,and deep wrinkles. It also repositions facial fat and tightens the muscles of the face and neck. Patients typically look 10-15 years younger after surgery, with improvements to sagging jowls, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines.

Long-lasting results

Unlike temporary treatments that require frequent maintenance, facelift results can last 10 to 15 years depending on the technique and individual factors. The procedure repositions the deeper structures of the face, creating improvements that age naturally rather than wearing off like fillers or Botox.

Improved jawline and neck contour

The procedure dramatically improves appearance by removing 'turkey neck' and jowls that develop with age, restoring a clean, well-defined jawline and creating youthful definition between the face and neck.

Boosted confidence and self-esteem

Patients report greater confidence and self-assurance in personal and professional settings after seeing their rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

Natural-looking enhancement

Today's advanced techniques create natural-looking results by refreshing your appearance while preserving your unique facial characteristics.

Disadvantages of a facelift

While facelifts offer many benefits, it's important to understand the potential drawbacks.

Recovery time and downtime

Most patients need two to three weeks before returning to normal activities. During this time, you'll experience swelling and bruising that gradually improves. Residual swelling may take a month to resolve.

Possible changes in facial sensation

Some patients experience temporary numbness or altered sensation due to manipulation of facial nerves. These sensations typically resolve within a few weeks or months. In rare cases, however, some changes may be permanent.

High cost of the procedure

Facelifts represent a significant investment. Costs range from $10,000 to over $50,000 depending on the surgeon's experience and location. Since this is considered cosmetic, insurance typically doesn't provide coverage, making it an out-of-pocket expense.

The facelift procedure: an overview

A facelift involves several key steps from consultation through recovery:

• Initial consultation to assess facial anatomy and discuss goals

• Medical evaluation and pre-surgical testing

• Pre-surgery preparation, including adjusting medications and stopping smoking

• Receiving either general anesthesia or intravenous (IV) sedation, with IV sedation offering pain-free surgery without requiring a breathing tube

• Incisions are strategically placed along the hairline and around the ears

• Your surgeon lifts and repositions deeper facial tissues, removes excess skin, and redrapes the remaining skin

• Fine sutures close the incisions to minimize visible scarring

• Initial recovery in a monitored setting before returning home

Risks and complications of a facelift

Like any surgery, facelifts come with potential risks including bleeding, infection, scarring, and asymmetry. Some patients may experience hair loss near incision sites, skin discoloration, or in rare cases, damage to facial nerves affecting expression or sensation. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience reduces these risks. Discuss your medical history openly, as certain conditions or medications may increase potential complications.

Recovery after a facelift

The facelift recovery period typically follows this progression:

• First 24 hours: Swelling, possible drainage, and bandaged face.  Bandages are removed the day after surgery

• Days 3-7: B swelling peaks, bruising noticeable

• Days 7-14: Stitches typically removed, swelling begins to subside, cosmetic improvements becoming apparent

• Weeks 2-4: Return to normal activities, will begin to see continued improvements in face contour

• Months 1-3: Residual swelling improves, sensation gradually returns

• 6 months: Final results become visible as all swelling resolves

Sleep with your head elevated for at least two weeks to minimize swelling, and avoid bending, lifting heavy objects, or strenuous exercise for the first two weeks. Apply cool compresses as directed to reduce swelling, but never place ice directly on your skin. Follow your surgeon's instructions regarding incision care. This usually involves cleaning the area and applying prescribed ointments.

Your doctor will prescribe pain medication for the first few days after surgery. Most patients transition to over-the-counter pain relievers after the first day or two as discomfort subsides. Each person's recovery varies, so be patient with your body's healing process.

Cost and financing options for a facelift

Facelift costs vary, with the national average ranging from $10,000 to over $50,000. Factors such as the surgeon's fee (based on their experience), anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care all influence the cost. Geographic location also plays a role, with procedures in major metropolitan areas generally costing more.

Since insurance doesn't cover cosmetic procedures, many practices offer financing options including medical credit cards like CareCredit, which offers special financing with deferred interest for approved applicants. Some practices provide in-house payment plans allowing you to spread costs over several months. Personal loans from banks or credit unions are another option. Interest rates vary based on your credit score.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?

While non-surgical options can't match the comprehensive rejuvenation of a facelift, they offer temporary improvements in localized areas with minimal downtime.  They can complement the results of a facelift, but they are not a good choice as a primary treatment  if you need a facelift.

• Dermal fillers restore lost volume in the cheeks, temples, and nasolabial folds, lasting six to 12 months

• Botox and similar neuromodulators reduce dynamic wrinkles for three to four months

• Thread lifts provide a mild to moderate lift using dissolvable sutures, with results lasting one to two years

• Ultrasound and radiofrequency treatments stimulate collagen production for mild skin tightening, with results lasting one to three years

These alternatives carry limitations compared to surgical options. They cannot remove excess skin, provide only temporary results requiring ongoing maintenance, and deliver more subtle improvements. They work best for patients with early aging signs or those wanting a refreshed look without surgery.

Ages where facelifts are common

There's no right age for a facelift, but most patients fall between 40 and 70 years old. The procedure is commonly performed in the late 40s to early 60s when signs of aging become more pronounced but skin maintains good elasticity. Earlier intervention often yields more natural-looking results, as less dramatic changes are needed. Patients in their 40s to 50s typically have better skin quality and healing capacity. Those in their 60s and 70s may achieve more dramatic improvements but might have health considerations that affect surgical planning.

Does a facelift tighten the neck?

A traditional facelift will improve the appearance of the face as well as the neck..  For patients with minimal facial aging and significant neck aging, including "turkey neck," vertical banding, or excess fat under the chin, your surgeon may  recommend a neck lift.

Before and after photos of a facelift

These before and after photos show how facelifts can restore younger-looking contours while keeping natural expressions. Individual results vary based on age, skin quality, and facial structure.

Common questions to ask your doctor about a facelift

Ask your surgeon these questions during your facelift consultation:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?

• What will be expected of me to get the best results?

• Where and how will you perform my procedure?

• Which surgical approach would work best for my particular case?

• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my facelift?

How long will my results last?

Facelift results typically last over 10 years. Your genetics, lifestyle habits, and skincare routine will influence longevity.

Can I pair a facelift with any other procedures?

Many patients combine their facelift with complementary procedures for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Popular additions include eyelid surgery to address droopy eyelids, a brow lift to raise sagging brows, reduce forehead wrinkles, and create a more refreshed expression, and laser resurfacing to improve the appearance of the skin

Dr. Palmer for facelift surgery

If you’re considering facial rejuvenation in Fort Lauderdale, Palmer Cosmetic Surgery is a premier facelift destination. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Palmer performs all procedures in his fully accredited on-site surgical suite using his innovative P.A.L.M.E.R. Lift technique. This approach delivers natural-looking results, faster recovery, and uses safer intravenous sedation instead of general anesthesia for a more comfortable experience.

Call (954) 989-5001 to schedule your consultation.