What Is a Facelift? Understanding the Procedure, Benefits, and Results

If you’ve noticed sagging skin along your jawline, deeper smile lines, or a tired look that doesn’t match how energetic you feel, you’re not alone. Facial aging happens gradually—often starting with subtle changes that become more noticeable over time. A facelift can help restore a refreshed, natural-looking appearance by lifting and tightening the tissues that have shifted with age. 

In this guide, we’ll break down what a facelift is, the different types of facelift procedures , what to expect before and after surgery, how recovery works, and more, so you can feel confident as you explore your options.

Facelift Basics: What It Is and What It Does

A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reposition facial tissues that have begun to sag due to aging, gravity, and collagen loss. Unlike temporary treatments that only address the surface, a facelift works beneath the skin to create results that look natural and last longer. 

What concerns does a facelift address?

A facelift is commonly used to improve:

• Sagging skin in the lower face
• Jowls along the jawline
• Deep creases around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
• Loose skin and banding in the neck (often treated with a neck lift or combined approach)
• Overall loss of facial definition 

Who is a facelift typically for?

Many patients consider a facelift in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond, depending on their skin quality and goals. Generally, the best candidates are those who:

• Notice moderate to significant facial laxity
• Have good skin elasticity for their age
• Are in good overall health
• Want long-lasting improvement instead of short-term maintenance 

A common misconception: “frozen” vs. refreshed

One of the biggest myths about facelift surgery is that it creates a stiff or “pulled” appearance. In reality, modern facelift techniques focus on lifting deeper structures rather than simply tightening the skin, so the outcome looks smooth, balanced, and like you (just more refreshed).

Types of Facelifts: Choosing the Right Approach

Not all facelifts are the same. The right approach depends on your anatomy, aging patterns, and what you want to improve. Today’s facelift techniques may include SMAS, deep-plane, or short-scar approaches, which differ mainly in how deeply the tissues are lifted and how the incisions are designed. 

Your surgeon will recommend the technique that aligns with your goals—whether you’re looking for a subtle refinement or a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Full Facelift

A full facelift is the most comprehensive option and is designed to address more advanced facial aging. 

What it targets:

• Lower face
• Jawline
• The neck (commonly combined with a neck lift for more complete rejuvenation) 

Best for:

• Moderate to severe sagging
• More pronounced jowls
• Deeper lines and folds
• Patients who want the most significant, longer-lasting improvement 

Recovery:
Because it’s more extensive, full facelift recovery is typically longer, but results are often more dramatic and can last for many years.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a less invasive version of the traditional facelift designed for patients with early signs of sagging, especially in the lower face. 

What it targets:

• Mild to moderate sagging in the lower face
• Early jowling along the jawline 

Why patients like it:

• Smaller incisions
• Often shorter recovery time
• Subtle, natural-looking improvement 

Best for:
Many mini facelift patients are in their 40s and 50s and want a refreshed look without the scope of a full facelift. Keep in mind that mini facelift results are still meaningful, but may not last as long as those of a full facelift.

Non-Surgical Facelift

A non-surgical facelift is a broad term used for treatments that provide temporary lifting or tightening without surgery. These options can help “buy time” or maintain results, but they can’t replicate what a surgical facelift can achieve. 

Examples may include:

• Thread lifts
• Dermal fillers (to restore lost volume)
• RF skin tightening or other energy-based treatments 

What to expect:

• Less downtime
• More subtle improvement
• Results that are not permanent and often require regular maintenance 

Non-surgical treatments are often best for younger patients or those not ready for surgery—and they may be part of a long-term plan for facial rejuvenation over time.

What to Expect Before and After Your Facelift

Pre-op consultation and planning

Your facelift journey begins with a consultation, where your surgeon will evaluate your facial anatomy and skin quality, discuss your concerns and goals, recommend the most appropriate facelift technique, review the procedure details and recovery expectations, and create a customized surgical plan designed around your needs so you feel informed, prepared, and confident moving forward.

What happens on surgery day?

On the day of your facelift, you’ll be cared for in a safe, controlled surgical environment with anesthesia provided for comfort, and your surgeon will make carefully placed incisions to lift and reposition deeper facial tissues, address excess skin, and close the incisions with attention to creating smooth contours and minimizing visible scarring.

When will you see results?

You may notice an improvement early, once the swelling begins to subside. Most patients experience a more noticeable improvement within a few weeks, but the final results will continue to be refined over the following months

Facelift Recovery Timeline: What’s Normal and What’s Not

Week 1: Expect the most swelling and bruising this week, along with tightness and mild discomfort, as your body begins to heal and you focus on rest and careful incision care. 

Week 2: Bruising typically starts to fade, and swelling continues to improve, making many patients feel more comfortable resuming light daily activities (and sometimes returning to non-strenuous work). 

Weeks 3–4: Most swelling has significantly decreased, and your results begin looking more natural, so you may feel more confident being out socially while your facial contours continue refining. 

Weeks 6–12 and beyond: Residual swelling gradually resolves, and incision lines continue softening and fading, allowing your final facelift results to emerge with a smoother, more refreshed appearance over time.

Returning to normal activity

Your surgeon will give you personalized guidance, but in general:

• Work: Often 1–2 weeks for many patients, depending on your job and comfort level
• Exercise: Light activity may resume earlier, but strenuous workouts typically wait several weeks
• Social events: Many patients plan for a few weeks before major events, especially if they want bruising and swelling to be minimal 

When to call your surgeon

Your team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions. Always reach out if you experience:

• Sudden or severe swelling on one side
• Increasing pain that doesn’t improve with medication
• Signs of infection (unusual redness, warmth, drainage, fever)
• Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

On average, facelift results can last 7–10 years, depending on the technique used and your natural aging process. Some patients enjoy their results for even longer, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle habits and ongoing skin care. 

What affects facelift longevity?

Several factors can influence how long your facelift lasts, including:

• Skin quality and elasticity
• Genetics and how you age
• Sun exposure and sunscreen use
• Smoking and lifestyle habits
• Weight fluctuations
• Overall skincare and facial maintenance 

What to expect over time

A facelift doesn’t stop the aging process, but it can “turn back the clock.” As you continue to age, you’ll likely still look younger than you would have without the procedure. 

Many patients choose to maintain their results with non-surgical touch-ups, such as:

• Injectables (like fillers or neuromodulators)
• Skin tightening treatments
• Medical-grade skincare

Is a Facelift Right for You?

Good candidates for a facelift often:

• Are in good general health
• Have realistic expectations
• Want improvement in sagging skin, jowls, or neck laxity
• Understand that results look natural and refined (not “perfect” or completely different)

Because facelift surgery is a personal decision, it’s important to feel ready—not pressured. Patients who feel informed, calm, and confident tend to have the best experience and satisfaction with their results. 

Questions to ask during a consultation

• Which facelift technique is best for my concerns?
• Will I benefit from a neck lift or other complementary procedure?
• Where will my incisions be placed?
• What will my recovery timeline look like?
• When will I see the final results?
• Can I see facelift before-and-after photos of patients with similar concerns?

Why Choose Regional Plastic Surgery Center for Your Facelift?

Choosing where to have facelift surgery is just as important as choosing the procedure itself. At Regional Plastic Surgery Center, patients receive thoughtful guidance, advanced surgical care, and personalized planning—because your results should look like you, not like “you had work done.” 

Patients choose us for their facelift to find:

• A team of highly-skilled surgeons
• A balance of artistry and surgical expertise
• A focus on natural-looking outcomes
• A personalized consultation process and tailored surgical planning

Ready to explore facelift options?

If you’re considering a facelift, the next best step is a consultation to discuss your goals, review your options, and create a personalized plan that aligns with your vision.

Schedule your facelift consultation with Regional Plastic Surgery Center today.