Aging of the face occurs when the soft tissues of the cheek "fall" down below the level of the jaw. This results in jowls and deepening of the crease from the nose to the corner of the mouth. Simultaneously, the skin and muscle of the neck loosens and hangs. A facelift is designed to counteract these movements.

There are many types of facelift techniques, but I employ the most advanced, which is not only tightening the skin, but reconstructing the deeper layer called the SMAS. The SMAS is the layer of tough tissue under the skin that is sagging in the cheeks, and which extends down and includes the muscle of the neck. This layer is elevated and tightened, and may also be combined with liposuction of the neck. The skin then is tightened gently over the reconstructed SMAS. This is the most natural looking facelift (avoiding that "pulled look"), and longest lasting (probably 7 to 10 years). My computer imaging is very accurate to show you what you might look like after a facelift. In addition, I will show you many actual patients who have similar problems, and then show you their results after I performed their surgery.

The scar of a well-performed facelift should be only minimally noticeable, even if the hair is worn short or back. This requires meticulous stitching (I use only sutures under the skin, not on top), and weaving the scar inside natural lines of the ear, and up into the hair. This takes more time in the operating room, but is definitely worth it. During the consultation, I will show you exactly where these scars occur, and we will look at many pictures so you can see how it fades over time.

The "short-scar facelift" or MACS lift is a great technique to limit the length of the scar, to just near the ear, but not behind the ear or along the neck hairline. This can achieve a terrific result in the selected patient.

The "mini-facelift" or "weekend-facelift" is a special technique designed to tighten the neck muscles and skin, and remove fat with liposuction. In selected patients, this can give an excellent effect without the longer healing time of a complete facelift. This technique can also refresh a previous facelift. Because of the different options for facelifting, you can see the value of the consultation. We will address your goals, your anatomy, and your best technique.

There is no "correct" age for a facelift patient. The tendency now is for younger men and women (in their 40's and 50's), to undergo this procedure, rather than waiting until their 60's. The younger patients will look less dramatic, but their results will last longer, and look more natural.

Surgery: Facelift surgery requires sedative anesthesia, sometimes administered by an anesthesiologist, takes appx. 4 hours, and you go home the same day. Small drains are sometimes placed under the skin of the neck and removed in 2 days. A chin strap is worn for 1-2 weeks.

Healing time: Ice or frozen peas are used around the eyes for the first 24 hours. Stitches are removed on the fifth day. Walking is started immediately, limited exercise starting at 2 weeks. You feel OK, but the bruising and swelling around the eyes and neck keep people off work or away from major social activities for 2-3 weeks. Mini-facelift patients usually have bruises located only in the neck which may last for 3-7 days.

Pain level: Surprisingly, most people experience very little pain, during your consultation, I will explain why this is true. Rank=3 Pain information

Photos: Photo information

Risks: The scars are hidden around and behind the ears, and sometimes under the chin. The cheeks and possibly ears will be numb but this diminishes with time. The neck and face will feel tight for weeks. Low risk of bleeding or areas of the skin that don't heal properly (but this is increased in smokers). Other risks. Risk information

Costs: $9,000 to $12,000 total (depends on the type of lift and type of anesthesia). Cost information