Facelift
Facelift surgery is designed to tighten loose skin on the lower third of the face, the neck, and the jawline. The facelift procedure refreshes the natural facial symmetry unique to each individual while removing major folds and wrinkles on the face and neck that naturally occur with aging. The neck and jawline regain more youthful definition. Facelift surgery has grown in popularity over the years, making it the third most desired facial cosmetic surgery procedure.
Who Can Benefit From Facelift Surgery?

Men and Women
The best results are seen in candidates with reasonable surgical expectations of looking rested, refined, and naturally vibrant. Healthy men and women with facial softening and sagging or laxity in the neck and jowls generally see great improvement.
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Healthy Individuals
Ideal candidates for facelift surgery include healthy individuals who do not smoke and do not have any underlying medical conditions that may limit healing. All patients are evaluated for candidacy during their consultation.
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All Ages
Facelift surgery can be performed on adults of any age. However, most individuals are in their 40s and beyond when they undergo facelift surgery.
Schedule Your ConsultationFacelift Techniques
Facelift
A standard facelift is designed for the more mature face that not only has laxity of the skin but also has muscles in the lower face that have relaxed. This patient may have “neck bands” and/or facial fat that has collected under the chin. Most often, the neckline has lost its definition and youthful angles. The incisions begin much as in the mini-lift but extend behind the ear and up into the hairline behind the ear. This facelift addresses all areas of the lower face and neck by tightening the underlying muscle, followed by trimming and redraping the facial skin. Frequently, another incision is made under the chin that allows Dr. Hand to tighten the muscles in the neck that have separated and cause banding and also to remove fat deposits. A neck suspension is also commonly done to improve neck definition.
Mini-Lift
The mini-lift is designed for the younger person who observes a general loosening of his or her face but has no major folds or wrinkles. The incision begins hidden in the hair above the ear and continues in the natural curve in front of the ear, finishing at the base of the ear or slightly behind it. Minimal swelling can be expected since no muscle correction is done.
Mid-Facelift
This procedure is always performed by Dr. Hand on the patient who chooses lower lid blepharoplasty (eyelift) as a facial rejuvenation choice. Through the lower lid blepharoplasty incision, the malar fat pads are repositioned and the mid-face is lifted vertically to assist in softening the nasolabial lines (the lines between the nose and the lip).
Concerns About the Healing Process
Recovery
A compressive dressing will be wrapped around the head immediately after surgery and will be changed to a looser dressing the next day by Dr. Hand. On the third postoperative day, the dressing may be removed and the patient should shower and gently wash the hair. Most patients will see swelling and bruising subsiding within 1 to 3 weeks depending on the amount of muscle correction. Generally, the more extensive the procedure, the longer swelling continues. Sutures in front of the ear are removed at 4 days after facelift surgery. The sutures behind the ear will be removed at 10 days to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Scars
Most patients will find that their incision lines fade quickly and that scars become difficult to visualize within months of the procedure. It is always recommended that sunscreen and a hat be utilized when outside until the incision lines have totally faded. Cover-up creams may be used after about 7 days to cover redness.
Cost
The cost of facelift surgery will vary from patient to patient and depends on several factors, including the extent of correction required and whether they are combined with other procedures. Dr. Hand will provide you with a cost estimate for your facelift procedure during your initial consultation.
Pain
The patient will not feel any pain during surgery, as local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia will be administered. Any postoperative discomfort can easily be controlled with oral pain medication that Dr. Hand will prescribe.