A facelift is the most powerful tool to turn back time in the most natural way.
Many people are afraid of getting a facelift because they assume that people who look like they have had plastic surgery look unnatural as a result of a facelift. Commonly I see patients misled due to these misconceptions about facial rejuvenation.

1) A properly done facelift looks natural: FACT

You see many people around you and probably won’t notice that many had a facelift. Newer techniques performed by Board Certified Surgeons that specialize in Facelifts have developed the means to create a result which looks and moves naturally. In fact, many of the people that look unnatural look this way as a result of other procedures, not a properly done facelift.

2) A facelift peels off the whole face: MYTH

The facelift only targets the lower half of the face. The area the facelift is performed on are these areas:
-Cheeks
-Jawline (jowls)
-Neck
The eyes and forehead are not altered as a result of a facelift. Procedures for the brow are called browlift. Procedures on the eyes are called blepharoplasty. These are separate procedures and can be done along with facelift.

3) There is only one type of facelift: MYTH

There are endless types of facelifts. In fact, each surgeon does their own variation of a facelift based on their experience, ability, comfort level, and aesthetic taste. This is why you want to make sure that your surgeon has the proper training and background. Specifically, proper Board Certification and hopefully other credentials which show that the surgeon specializes in this. Things like research in facelift surgery, specific training related to it, and good before and after images can tell you if the surgeon has specialization in this.

4) A facelift is a risky operation: MYTH

Facelifts are outpatient procedures that can be done both awake with local anesthesia or with general anesthesia. Patients get proper clearance by their doctor to ensure the risks are low. Compared to other procedures in surgery, the likelihood of needing a touch up (revision) is actually quite low.

5) Facelift is a painful operation: MYTH

Patients typically only need painkillers maybe for one night. Some are fine with just Tylenol even on the first night. This procedure has little to no pain.

6) Facelift requires a lot of recovery: MYTH

Patients can go to their favorite restaurant by day 10 to 12 with little to no signs of surgery. We call this “restaurant ready.” There is little to no pain. The only real recovery may be some mild bruising in the lower neck that fades quickly and can be hidden with a high collar or scarf.

7) Facelift will make you look like a different person: MYTH

If properly done by a facelift specialist, a facelift will make you look like a more youthful and vibrant version of yourself. Tissues are placed in a natural position to create the following:
-Youthful higher cheekbones
-Clean, smooth jawline without jowls
-Clean neck without the sagging skin and fat
These improvements are done without changing any bony structure or eye structures which really define your face.

8) The facelift can improve the neck: FACT

A properly done facelift has the power to improve the neck and perform a necklift at the same time as the facelift. In fact, most well-trained surgeons believe that it is a MUST to improve the neck during a facelift, because the incisions and approach is the same.

9) Facelift incisions are very well hidden: FACT

Facelift incisions are hidden around the ears. Even at 1 week when the sutures come out, the incisions are not easily visible nor obvious. They heal so well, we don’t even use the word scars because they are hidden in normal skin folds and look like the normal folds.

10) There is no “right age” for a facelift: FACT

The best timing for a facelift is……when the patient is ready for it. A facelift specialist will be able to best tell you and show you what a facelift can do. During your consultation, the surgeon can actually move your facial tissues in a way to show you what things can look like after the facelift. Sometimes, it is best to try other non-surgical procedures to get as much improvement first before deciding on a facelift. Other times, the amount of work needed to make a difference requires surgery. Your surgeon can help you decide.