Facelift surgery is one of the most common procedures patients ask about when they begin noticing signs of facial aging, such as jowls, loose neck skin, or loss of definition along the jawline. Many patients want to know how long a facelift lasts, what recovery is like, whether the results will look natural, and how to choose between different facelift techniques.
Below, our double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in the Philadelphia area, Dr. Catherine Weng, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about facelift surgery.
How long does a facelift last?
How long a facelift lasts really depends on how you look at it.
For example, if you had an identical twin and you had a facelift today while your twin did not, 10 years from now you would still look younger than your twin. A facelift does not stop the aging process, but it can help you look younger than you would have without surgery.
For patients who always want to maintain a more youthful appearance, it is often around the 10-year mark, plus or minus a few years, that they may begin to feel ready for another surgery.
How long does a mini facelift last?
A mini facelift typically does not last quite as long as a more traditional facelift or deep plane facelift. In general, Dr. Weng estimates that a mini facelift may last about 7 to 8 years.
The longevity also depends on the type of facelift performed and the patient’s anatomy, skin quality, and aging process.
What does recovery look like after a facelift?
Typically, facelift recovery takes about two weeks.
Most stitches are removed around day 10 or 11. By that point, most of the bruising and swelling is either gone or can usually be covered with makeup.
Dr. Weng asks patients to take it easy during the first two weeks after surgery. This means avoiding lifting, strenuous activity, and exercise during the early recovery period.
By the end of two weeks, most patients are able to return to in-person work and slowly begin bringing exercise back into their routine.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of a facelift can vary significantly, both within a specific practice and among different surgeons.
In Dr. Weng’s and Dr Pontell’s office, facelift pricing can range from approximately $10,000 for a mini facelift up to $24,000, depending on the type of facelift and the complexity of the procedure.
Does the facelift cost include anesthesia and facility fees?
No. Anesthesia and facility fees are additional.
Will I look natural after a facelift, or will I look pulled?
When a facelift is done well, the goal is a natural-looking result.
This depends on several factors, including careful incision placement, intentionally hidden scars, and using the correct direction or vector for lifting the tissues. When these principles are followed, patients should not have a “wind-swept” or overly pulled appearance.
A well-performed facelift should look refreshed and natural.
How do I know if I am too young or too old for a facelift?
Dr. Weng does not believe there is one specific age that is too young or too old for a facelift. Instead, it depends on the patient’s anatomy and overall health.
Some younger patients may be candidates for a facelift if they have experienced significant weight loss and now have facial laxity or volume changes that make the face appear more sunken or aged.
For older patients, the number itself is less important than overall health. Important factors include heart health, lung health, and general medical fitness for surgery and anesthesia.
What is the difference between the different types of facelifts?
There are many different approaches to facelift surgery. In Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng’s office, the main options include:
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift can help improve the jowls. However, it may not dramatically improve the neck, especially in patients who have a heavier neck or more significant neck laxity.
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift can help improve the jowls and smooth extra skin in the neck.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift can help address the jowls and neck while also lifting the cheek area, or midface.
These are the three main facelift techniques offered in Dr. Pontell and Dr. Weng’s office. Other surgeons may use different names or approaches, but these are the primary options Dr. Weng focuses on.
Will there be visible scars after a facelift?
A facelift does involve incisions, but they are placed strategically to be as hidden as possible.
Incisions are typically placed around the ears, behind the ears, beneath the hair, and sometimes under the chin. Once fully healed, these incisions should be well concealed and not very noticeable.
Will I need a neck lift with my facelift?
If a patient has excess skin laxity in the neck, a neck lift is typically combined with the facelift.
In many cases, the neck lift is part of the same procedure and uses the same incisions as the facelift.
What are the risks of a facelift?
As with any surgery, a facelift has risks. These can include bleeding, infection, scarring, and risks related to anesthesia.
Specific to facelift surgery, one risk is a postoperative hematoma, which is a collection of blood that can occur after surgery and needs to be monitored closely.
There is also a risk of nerve injury, including both sensory nerves and motor nerves. With careful surgical technique, these risks can be minimized.
Scarring is another consideration. If there is too much tension on the incision, scars can become more visible.
What about non-surgical options versus a surgical facelift?
There are many non-surgical energy-based devices that can help tighten the skin, but none of them can truly create the same lifting result as surgery.
In Dr. Weng’s and Dr. Pontell’s office, one non-surgical option offered is Ultherapy®. This can be a good option for patients who are not quite ready for a facelift and have very early signs of aging. It may also be helpful for patients who have already had a facelift and want to maintain the longevity of their results.
For patients who are not good candidates for surgery due to medical reasons, non-surgical cosmetic treatments may also be considered as an alternative option.
Considering Facelift Surgery?
The best facelift approach depends on your anatomy, goals, skin quality, degree of aging, and overall health. A consultation with Dr. Weng or Dr. Pontell can help determine whether a mini facelift, traditional facelift, deep plane facelift, neck lift, or non-surgical treatment may be the most appropriate option for you.
