Face Lift FAQs

An increasing number of men and women are deciding to undergo face lift surgery to revitalize their appearance. A face lift can be an excellent way to restore beauty by reducing or eliminating some of the most visible signs of aging. However, as the options for facial cosmetic surgery continue to multiply, selecting the right procedure for your needs can be difficult. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about various face lift procedures, along with answers to help clarify some of the major issues.

Who is a good candidate for face lift surgery?

People in generally good health who wish to remove signs of aging — including sagging in the face and neck, facial wrinkles, and lines and creases on the forehead — can benefit from face lift surgery. Ideally, patients will have skin that is still somewhat flexible, though there are no strict age requirements. Perhaps most important are realistic expectations about what a face lift can accomplish. It is therefore crucial that patients understand the limitations as well as the benefits of the various face lift procedures.

Am I too young (or old) for a face lift?

In determining whether a face lift is right for you, age is not necessarily the most important factor. Most face lift candidates are between 40 and 70 years old. However, the procedure can effectively enhance the appearance of people over 70, and some opt for the procedure in their 20s and 30s, often as a means of correcting hereditary conditions. In general, the condition of your skin and the features you would like to improve are more important considerations than your age. A qualified cosmetic surgeon can best evaluate whether a face lift is likely to accomplish your cosmetic goals.

How long will face lift results last?

Since the aging process is ongoing, no face lift produces permanent results. Nevertheless, many procedures leave the face looking refreshed for 10 years or longer. The longevity of your face lift will depend on many factors, including the condition of your skin, whether you smoke or drink, and how old you are when you undergo surgery. However, if signs of aging reappear, you will most likely continue to look much younger than your actual age, and further surgery usually remains an option.

Will it be obvious that I've had a face lift?

During a face lift, surgeons do everything possible to make the procedure invisible. The placement of incisions is selected strategically, so that any scars forming after surgery are likely to be hidden by hair or obscured by natural creases in the face. To limit scarring, incisions are made whenever possible in areas that tend to heal well, and extremely small sutures are used when repositioning skin. Nevertheless, some scarring is a possibility that should be taken into account by anyone considering face lift surgery.

What types of face lift surgery are available?

There are many different types of face lift procedures, each one offering various benefits for people with different cosmetic goals and needs. The range of options allows you to accomplish different objectives, which may have to do with aesthetics, cost, convenience, or a combination of all three issues. Common procedures include the lower face lift, the mid face lift, the mini “weekend” face lift, and the endoscopic face lift. A qualified cosmetic surgeon can best guide you in deciding which procedure is appropriate for your situation.

Is face lift surgery painful?

Given how sensitive the face is, most face lift procedures involve surprisingly little pain. Patients receive local or general anesthesia during surgery, depending on how invasive the procedure will be or their own preferences. However, most surgery involves some discomfort, and patients may experience moderate pain, particularly during the face lift recovery period. This often results from swelling and bruising occurring after the procedure. These effects are usually controlled with cold compresses, while additional pain can be minimized with medication prescribed by a cosmetic surgeon.

Can I be awake during face lift surgery?

Whether you sleep or remain awake during face lift surgery depends on the type of anesthesia used during the procedure. If general anesthesia is used, you will sleep throughout the operation, while local anesthesia allows you to remain relatively alert. Often you will be able to choose which type your surgeon uses. In other instances — for example, if your face lift is particularly invasive — the nature of your surgery and the area to be treated may make general anesthesia necessary.

Will face lift surgery eliminate all of my facial wrinkles?

Most face lifts can dramatically refresh and invigorate the lower two-thirds of the face. By removing excess fat and reshaping loose muscles and facial tissue, cosmetic surgeons reduce sagging in the cheeks and around the jaw. While this usually makes patients look younger and less tired than before surgery, a face lift will not eliminate all common signs of aging. For patients with wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes, BOTOX® injections, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing may be able to help. Blepharoplasty, on the other hand, can resolve drooping eyelids, and brow lifts often minimize a sagging forehead area.

What does SMAS stand for?

SMAS stands for the superficial muscular aponeurotic system. For the purposes of a face lift, this area constitutes the most important area of facial musculature. These are the muscles most commonly tightened to enhance a patient’s facial appearance. By altering their shape and consistency, cosmetic surgeons are able to reduce sagging in the cheeks and along the jawline, producing a younger, invigorated appearance.

What is an endoscopic face lift?

An endoscopic face lift is a less invasive alternative to a conventional face lift. For the right patient, it minimizes facial sagging and wrinkles while requiring fewer incisions and, often, less anesthesia than the traditional approach. During an endoscopic face lift, three or more small incisions are made in discreet areas of the face. Through one, a device fixed with a miniature camera is inserted, allowing surgeons to follow the procedure on a monitor. Through the remaining incisions, surgical instruments are used to remove excess accumulations of fat and remodel distorted muscles and tissue below the surface of the skin. Because less skin is cut during the procedure, an endoscopic face lift minimizes the possibility of visible scarring.

What is the average cost of face lift surgery?

The average cost of a face lift in the United States is $6,000. The actual price may be somewhat higher once fees for anesthesia, prescriptions, and medical tests are included. It’s also important to remember that prices vary widely from region to region and that different doctors may charge substantially different rates. Make sure you have a clear understanding of all the costs associated with your face lift before undergoing surgery.

Locate a Facial Cosmetic Surgeon in Your City

If you’d like to learn more about a particular face lift procedure, or if you have further questions about how different cosmetic surgery options can improve your appearance, consult a qualified professional. DocShop is designed to make it easy for you to locate a qualified face lift specialist in your area.