Facelift Surgery: Overview

Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a gold-standard cosmetic procedure designed to reverse visible signs of aging in the face and jawline. In 2025, modern facelift techniques are more refined, natural-looking, and longer-lasting than ever—helping patients restore youthful contours without a “pulled” appearance.

🎯 What a Facelift Can Treat

• Sagging facial skin and jowls

• Deep nasolabial folds (lines from nose to mouth)

• Loose skin under the chin or along the jawline

• Volume loss in the cheeks and midface

• Wrinkles and skin laxity in the lower two-thirds of the face

• Facial asymmetry due to aging

🛠️ Facelift Techniques in 2025

1. SMAS Facelift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System)

• Lifts both skin and deeper facial tissues for natural, longer-lasting results

• Addresses midface, jawline, and upper neck sagging

• Often combined with fat grafting or eyelid surgery for full facial rejuvenation

2. Deep Plane Facelift

• Releases and repositions deeper facial ligaments and muscles

• Offers dramatic yet natural-looking lifting of cheeks and jowls

• Especially effective for patients in their 50s to 70s

3. Mini Facelift

• Less invasive version with shorter incisions

• Ideal for early signs of aging and minimal skin laxity

• Faster recovery and less downtime

4. Neck Lift (Often Combined)

• Tightens sagging neck skin and removes excess fat

• Can be performed in conjunction with a facelift or on its own

5. Thread Lift (Non-Surgical Alternative)

• Uses absorbable sutures to lift facial tissue

• Minimally invasive, but temporary—lasts 6–12 months

• Best for younger patients with mild sagging

📉 What a Facelift Does Not Do

• Doesn’t treat fine surface wrinkles or sun damage (best addressed with lasers or chemical peels)

• Does not stop the aging process—though it resets the clock

• Doesn’t replace lost volume (may be combined with fillers or fat transfer)

⚙️ Surgical & Recovery Details

• Typically performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation

• Duration: 2–5 hours, depending on technique and if combined with other procedures

• Incisions hidden along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin

• Sutures are typically removed in 5–10 days

🕓 Recovery Timeline

✅ Candidacy

You may be a good candidate for facelift surgery if you:

• Are bothered by visible facial aging or sagging

• Have good skin elasticity and bone structure

• Are in good general health and a non-smoker

• Have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes

🔄 Common Combination Procedures

• Neck Lift – to address laxity below the jawline

• Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) – for droopy or puffy eyes

• Fat transfer – restores lost volume to cheeks, temples, or lips

• Laser skin resurfacing – improves skin texture and tone

• Brow lift – elevates a heavy or sagging forehead

⚠️ Risks & Considerations

• Swelling, bruising, or temporary numbness

• Risk of hematoma (bleeding under the skin)

• Scarring (typically well hidden in natural contours)

• Facial nerve injury (very rare with skilled surgeons)

• Asymmetry or dissatisfaction with results

💡 Facelift Trends in 2025

• Increased demand for deep plane facelifts among patients aged 50–70

• Younger patients (40s–50s) opting for mini facelifts and preventive treatments

• Combination of surgical and non-invasive treatments (like RF microneedling or injectables)

• Use of fat grafting for full-face rejuvenation with longer-lasting volume

• Surgeons emphasizing natural results over over-pulled appearances

👨‍⚕️ Find a Board-Certified Facelift Surgeon Near You

At ePlasticMD.com, we connect you with board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in facelift techniques that blend science, artistry, and safety. Whether you're seeking subtle refinement or a complete transformation, we'll match you with a trusted expert.

👉 Visit ePlasticMD.com to explore facelift options and book a consultation near you.

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✍️ Now Here’s the Separate Blog Post:

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Facelift

Facial aging is a natural part of life—but that doesn’t mean you have to live with deep lines, sagging skin, or jowls if they bother you. A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is one of the most effective ways to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance, often turning back the clock by 10 years or more.

At ePlasticMD, we believe in connecting you with top-rated, board-certified plastic surgeons who can deliver elegant, natural-looking facelift results tailored to your unique features.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the skin and underlying tissues of the face to combat sagging and signs of aging. Today’s techniques go far beyond just tightening skin—they also lift deeper facial muscles (like the SMAS or deeper planes) to restore youthful structure without looking tight or artificial.

What Concerns Can a Facelift Address?

• Sagging cheeks or jowls

• Loose skin around the jawline and neck

• Deep smile lines or marionette lines

• Facial volume loss (especially midface)

• A tired, aged facial appearance

What to Expect from the Procedure

Facelifts are typically performed as outpatient surgery under anesthesia. Your surgeon will create discreet incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin to lift, sculpt, and redrape the skin.

The procedure may be combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat grafting for complete rejuvenation.

Facelift Recovery: What’s Normal?

• Swelling and bruising are expected for the first 1–2 weeks

• You’ll likely wear a compression garment or dressing

• Most patients return to work in 10–14 days

• Final results appear gradually over 1–3 months

How Long Do Results Last?

Facelift results typically last 7 to 12 years, depending on your skin quality, lifestyle, and age. Many patients continue to age gracefully and may only require minor touch-ups or non-surgical treatments down the line.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon?

A facelift is a highly personalized surgery requiring deep anatomical knowledge and aesthetic precision. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures.

At ePlasticMD, we only refer you to surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, so you can move forward with full confidence in your care and results.

Ready to Reclaim a Youthful Look?

Whether you're just starting to notice signs of aging or are ready for a transformative facial procedure, we’re here to guide you.

👉 Visit ePlasticMD.com to find a top facelift surgeon near you and schedule a private consultation today.