Maybe you’ve been feeling like you look more tired than you are—or seem older than you feel inside. Our bodies are constantly changing, and it can be frustrating to see the signs of aging when we know we’re not that old! A facelift is a safe, easy, and affordable way to turn back the clock and show your fresh face again.
How Long Does a Facelift Last?
A facelift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure wherein excess tissue is removed and the facial muscles are sculpted and tightened. The skin is also tightened, and any scars are virtually invisible. At the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Beverly Fischer has perfected the procedure to restore your youthful appearance without the painful recovery inflicted by a traditional plastic surgery facelift. By elevating the facial muscles, Dr. Fischer ensures that they hold their structure even longer and make recovery quicker.
With these thoughtful additions, facelifts can generally last for about seven to ten years—many times longer. That's why we recommend treating them as preventative measures against the effects of aging; if you have a facelift while you’re younger and then receive a refresher every decade or so, you’ll avoid the drastic changes required to “fix” aging issues later, you’ll stay more youthful looking throughout that time, and you’ll be more likely to achieve the look that you want.
What is the Best Age to Get a Facelift?
Again, it’s best to start on the early side. Generally, we have patients that are in their late 40s or early 50s seeking a facelift. Many range between 40-60 years old. On the younger end, many patients opt for a mini facelift (more on that below), so that they do not have to invest the money and time for a more in depth procedure later on. Smaller issues like sagging skin and jowls can be remedied at this point so they will not have to contend with larger problems later, and the progression will be more natural and less severe than undertaking a more drastic procedure down the road.
So how do you know if you’re ready for a facelift? This varies from person to person, but three important factors that influence the decision are how quickly your face is aging, what your budget is, and if you have the time to properly recover and heal. Not sure how quickly you’re aging? Here the changes that many people notice when they’re ready:
- A doughy jaw and neckline, even if you’re thin
- Sagging cheeks and jowls
- Lost facial volume
- Hollowness around the eyes and upper part of the cheeks
One way to fake a sneak peak at what a facelift could achieve is to stand in the mirror and pull back any loose or sagging skin near the back of your jawline. If you like the change, then you’ll be happy with a facelift.
RELATED: How to Know If You’re Ready for a Facelift.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
While costs vary depending upon the type of facelift you select, most facelifts cost between $7,000 - $10,000. For a customized quote, schedule a consultation with the Advanced Center for Plastic Surgery. Once we understand your exact goals, we can give you a more precise cost. We regularly offer discounts for procedures like facelifts so you can also schedule during the more affordable times and take advantage of payment plans that make it easy to spread the cost.
How Long Does a Facelift Take?
Facelifts are relatively simple procedures, lasting approximately two to four hours. They can be longer if you pair other treatments with them, like eye lifts or neck lifts. The majority of facelift patients only require local anesthesia and numbing agents with oral sedation, so you won’t need to “go under.”
What is a Mini Facelift?
While there are a number of different types of facelifts based on which part of the face you’re focusing on, an alternative to a full facelift is the mini facelift, which tightens the lower-middle part of the face, correcting any sagging jowls and strengthening the jawline. You might be a candidate if those are the areas you’d like to fix. Although it does not affect the upper portion of the face, a mini facelift still achieves a more youthful appearance, and can look more natural since less of the face is touched. It does not include the neck or other close areas, but you can address those with a neck lift.
Facelifts are one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, with more than 113,000 performed in the United States each year. They’re becoming even more coveted as we move through the pandemic, with people expressing pent-up demand and wanting to change their looks after inspecting them so much on Zoom!
These procedures are highly effective. Facelift before and after photos can be dramatically different—for the better. With a minimally invasive procedure coupled with minimal recovery time, they’re a smart way to enhance your appearance. Whether you choose a mini facelift (lower), midface, upper, or complete facelift, you can refresh your entire face with this procedure. Dr. Beverly has performed more than 600 facelifts and can achieve the beautiful look you’ve always wanted. She and her staff would be happy to help ensure that your face better reflects how you feel inside.
