What is a facelift?

A facelift is a surgical method that removes excess sagging facial skin to make the face appear younger.  A full Facelift lifts and tightens the upper face, lower face, and neck. Incisions will usually be placed in front, within, and behind the ear. Facelift surgery seeks to lift the descended skin of the cheeks, jaw line and neck and suspend it into its normal, more youthful position. 

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. William Scott McDonald, performs 3 types of facelifts. A comprehensive facelift lifts and tightens the upper face, lower face, and neck. Incisions will usually be placed in front, within, and behind the ear. A mini lift or neck lift addresses only the bottom third of the face. It uses shorter incisions and less skin removal than a full facelift.  Often performed under local anesthesia, it is a quicker and less invasive procedure, but the results may not last as long.  A cheek lift or midface lift addresses the signs of aging around the cheekbones. There will be minimal incisions.

Should I Consider a Facelift?

Facelifts address the mid face down to the neck. As we age, our skin looses firmness, resulting in a sagging jawline, drooping cheeks and turkey necks. If you experience any of these, or your skin appears smoother one you pull it back, facelift surgery could be for you. Facelift surgery by Dr. Scott McDonald can take years off of your appearance, but it is not designed for full facial rejuvenation. If you are unhappy with several areas of your face, Dr. McDonald may recommend combining your facelift with additional procedures including eyelid surgery and fat grafting for optimal results. During your initial plastic surgery consultation at our South Miami plastic surgery office, Dr. McDonald will help you decide on the appropriate procedures and begin customizing the rejuvenation procedure ideal for your needs.

How is a Facelift Performed?

The facelift surgery itself is highly customized. Dr. McDonald makes inconspicuous incisions in and along the hairline, along the natural curves and creases of the ear and hid behind it. With years of performing facelifts, Dr. McDonald uses his skill to avoid noticeable scarring and leaving hair growth and the ear shape unaffected. Facelifts are typically performed as an out-patient procedure.

What is Recovery for a Facelift?

Recovery for a facelift is between 3-4 weeks. For the first week, Dr. McDonald asks that you rest and recover. You can expect some swelling and bruising the first 2 weeks.  After 2 weeks, you can resume light activities and walking and may be able to return to work.  Patients are usually cleared for regular exercise at 4 weeks.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

A facelift by Dr. McDonald varies between $5,500-7,500 depending on the type of facelift performed and the facility chosen by the patient.  The fee includes all of the pre-op and post op visits, anesthesia and facility costs. Not included is the pre-op labwork required for surgery.