Facelift

A facelift is a common cosmetic procedure designed to restore a more youthful appearance by improving sagging skin in the face and neck. It can help redefine the jawline, reduce jowls and create a smoother, more refreshed look. 

Whether you are noticing early changes or more advanced signs of aging, there are different facelift options designed to meet you where you are.

What is a facelift?

A facelift improves visible signs of aging by tightening underlying facial muscles and removing excess skin. This helps restore definition to the midface, jawline and neck. 

It’s important to know that a facelift does not treat all signs of aging. Concerns like wrinkles around the eyes or forehead may require additional procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery. 

Who may benefit from a facelift?

A facelift may be right for you if you:

• Notice sagging skin in the midface
• Have jowls or loss of jawline definition
• Experience loose skin in the neck area
• Want a more refreshed, natural appearance

A consultation with your surgeon is the best way to determine the right approach for your goals.

Understanding Your Facelift Options

Not all facelifts are the same. Your surgeon will recommend the option that best fits your needs.

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift is a more comprehensive procedure that addresses deeper tissues and the neck.

Dr. Googe performs a technique called SMAS plication, which tightens the underlying muscle layer while removing excess skin to create a smoother, longer-lasting result. 

This option may be best if you:

• Have more advanced skin laxity
• Want more noticeable, longer-lasting results
• Are interested in treating both the face and neck

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes several hours.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a less invasive option designed for earlier signs of aging in the lower face.

This procedure focuses on tightening the skin of the face and improving mild sagging or early jowls. It does not typically address the neck or deeper muscle layers. 

Because of this, results are more subtle and may not last as long as a traditional facelift. 

A mini facelift may be right for you if you:

• Have mild sagging in the midface or jawline
• Want a more subtle, natural improvement
• Prefer a less invasive approach

Mini facelifts can often be performed using local anesthesia in a procedure room and may involve a shorter recovery period.

What to Expect During Surgery

The Procedure

Facelift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you return home the same day. Traditional facelift urgery usually takes four to six hours depending on whether additional procedures are included. Mini facelifts are often shorter, taking around two hours.

Additional treatments such as fat grafting or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be used to enhance results and support healing.

Incisions & Technique

Incisions are carefully placed around the ears and hairline.

• Traditional facelift may include a small incision under the chin to address the neck
• Mini facelift typically involves smaller incisions and does not include neck corrections

Recovery & Healing

Right After Surgery

• A head wrap and surgical drain are placed temporarily
• The drain is usually removed the day after surgery at your first follow-up visit
• Swelling may increase for the first few days, then gradually improve 

Mini facelift patients may have less swelling overall and often do not require a drain.

Returning to Daily Life

• Plan for two to four weeks away from work depending on your job
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for about six weeks
• Walking is encouraged to support healing
• Final results are typically visible over several months

Risks and Safety Considerations

All surgical procedures carry some risk. Risks associated with facelift surgery may include:

• Bleeding or hematoma
• Nerve injury affecting movement or sensation
• Scarring
• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Anesthesia-related risks such as blood clots

Your care team will take steps to reduce risk and ensure your safety before, during and after surgery.

Preparing for Surgery

Your surgeon will provide personalized instructions to help you prepare.

Smoking & Nicotine Use

Nicotine reduces blood flow and can affect healing. Patients must stop smoking and avoid nicotine products at least four weeks before and after surgery. 

Managing Health Conditions

Blood pressure should be well controlled before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding complications. 

Follow-Up & Ongoing Care

You will have scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing and remove dressings or drains as needed. Your care team will provide detailed instructions for recovery and when to contact the clinic with concerns.