Your face is uniquely beautiful and reflects so much about you to the rest of the world.
And like everything else, your face changes over time. Some women and men choose facial enhancement to help them age on their own terms, and facelift surgery is a popular and effective choice. It has long been the gold standard for rejuvenating the lower half of the face. This remarkable procedure can restore a sleeker jawline, smooth lines around the mouth, lift and firm the neck, and enhance cheek contours.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons perform several types of facelifts, including mini facelifts, at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery. They use proven, advanced facelift techniques to help you look refreshed and feel great about yourself at any age.
Request A ConsultationWho Is a Good Facelift Candidate?
Ideal facelift candidates have good overall health and realistic goals for what plastic surgery can achieve. Most patients who undergo a full or deep plane facelift are somewhere between 55 and 75, although we treat women and men of varying ages with concerns that can be improved by a facelift.
Types of Facelifts
St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery offers 3 specialized facelift options to meet your needs, whether you seek comprehensive rejuvenation or a subtle lift. Your surgeon will assess your skin’s quality, elasticity, and thickness to determine the most suitable facelift technique for your needs.
Full Facelift
A full facelift addresses the area beginning below the eyelids to the neck. The incision starts at the front of the hairline near the temples, follows the ear’s natural contour, and extends up behind the ear and along the hairline. The incision is strategically placed in natural folds and creases to minimize visible scarring.
Deep Plane Facelift
The technique behind the deep plane facelift involves releasing the retaining ligaments of the face to mobilize the deep muscle fully. This method achieves a natural look by repositioning the muscles without pulling or stretching the overlying skin.
Mini Facelift
For patients with less pronounced aging and a desire for a subtle lift, the mini facelift, or Next Day Lift, addresses the lower portions of the face. Recovery after a mini facelift is quicker than other facelift options and results in minimal scarring, as the incision is confined to the area behind the ear.
Facelift Benefits
After a facelift, you can look forward to:
- Firmer, smoother skin
- More youthful-looking cheeks
- Softened nasolabial folds
- Enhanced chin and jawline definition
- Sleeker neck contour
What Is Facelift Recovery Like?
Following your procedure, small drains are positioned along either side of your neck to remove excess fluids, aiding in the healing process. Your face is bandaged to protect the incision. After 24 hours, the drains are removed, and your bandages are swapped for a more comfortable jaw strap. This strap should be worn daily for 7 to 14 days to minimize swelling and promote healing.
Swelling and bruising peak 3 to 4 days after surgery and then typically subside quickly. You will want to schedule 1 to 2 weeks of downtime as you focus on recovery, but you can expect to see significant improvements when the sutures are removed on day 7.
After 1 to 2 months, you can see and feel the transformation as the residual swelling fades. Most patients are photo-ready with a refreshed sense of confidence by the eighth week after surgery.
Facelift FAQs
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results can last up to 10 years or more with a healthy lifestyle, daily sun protection, and medical-grade skin care.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
While a facelift targets the lower face, it may not address other areas contributing to a tired or aged look. This is where combining procedures, such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)or a brow lift, can be beneficial to rejuvenate the entire face. Our surgeons can customize a treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals for a natural and harmonious transformation.
How much does a facelift cost?
Since we customize each facelift procedure, it’s impossible to quote prices without an in-person evaluation. At the end of your consultation, we will provide you with a custom quote for your surgery and all associated fees. We offer numerous payment and financing options to help you make your cosmetic goals a reality.
Trust Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons for Your Facelift
If you’d like to discuss your facelift options with one of St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery’s board-certified plastic surgeons, request a consultation using the online form, or call us at (636) 530-6161 to schedule an appointment.
Request A Consultation