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What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical technique designed to restore a more youthful contour to the face and neck by removing excess skin, tightening underlying tissues, and repositioning the skin in a smoother fashion. It primarily addresses aging concerns in the mid to lower face and neck. Over the years, the procedure has been refined to offer more natural results with minimized scarring.

Modern facelift techniques focus on repositioning and lifting the underlying facial structures — not simply pulling the skin tight. This approach produces results that look like a younger version of you, rather than an artificially tightened appearance. The best facelift results are ones that others notice without being able to identify what changed.

Facelift Real Results

*Results may vary per patient

Facelift Techniques

There are different facelift techniques and the most suitable technique is determined based on the individual’s specific concerns, desired outcomes, and their anatomical structure.

Full Facelift:

A full facelift addresses advanced aging around the mid-face, neck, and lower face. Incisions typically start at the temples within the hairline, circle the ear, and end in the lower scalp. This technique offers pronounced and enduring results for those with significant aging signs.

Mini Facelift:

Suited for early aging signs, the mini facelift focuses on the neck and jawline. Incisions are shorter, often beginning at the temples and wrapping around the ear. This method boasts a quicker recovery and minimal scarring compared to its traditional counterpart.

Neck Lift (Submentoplasty):

Specifically designed for the neck area, this lift targets sagging, band lines, or fatty accumulations. Incisions usually start in front of the earlobe, progress behind the ear, and finish in the posterior scalp. It effectively counters the “turkey neck” appearance.

SMAS Lift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System):

Targeting the deeper tissue beneath the skin, the SMAS lift rejuvenates the mid-face, reducing sagging cheeks and prominent nasolabial folds. While its incision pattern mirrors the traditional facelift, it dives deeper to tighten the SMAS layer.

Deep Plane Lift:

A step further than the SMAS, the deep plane lift treats pronounced sagging in the mid-face, lower face, and neck. The incisions, akin to the traditional facelift, penetrate deeper facial structures, yielding pronounced, lasting results.

Liquid Facelift:

A non-surgical approach, the liquid facelift uses injectables like dermal fillers and Botox to refresh the face. No incisions, just precise injections. Results are immediate but temporary compared to surgical procedures.

There are different facelift techniques and the most suitable technique is determined based on the individual’s specific concerns, desired outcomes, and their anatomical structure.

Why Plano Plastic Surgery?

At Plano Plastic Surgery, our standard is excellence from the first consultation through every follow-up. Our surgical team brings decades of combined experience in cosmetic breast surgery, with a patient-centered approach that prioritizes safety, natural results, and genuine care.

All breast augmentation procedures at Plano Plastic Surgery are performed in our on-site AAAASF-accredited surgical suite — a credential that reflects the highest standards of facility safety and patient care. We customize every treatment plan to the individual patient, recognizing that goals, anatomy, and lifestyle are different for every person who comes through our doors.

Our team also has extensive experience with breast revision surgery, helping patients who have sought correction of results from prior procedures at other practices.

reverse tummy tuck before and after

How It’s Done

Facelift surgery at Plano Plastic Surgery is performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation in our AAAASF-accredited on-site surgical suite. The procedure typically takes three to five hours depending on the technique used and whether additional procedures are combined.

Your surgeon begins by making incisions in the natural creases around the ear — typically starting in the temple hairline, continuing in front of and behind the ear, and ending in the lower scalp. The specific incision pattern depends on the technique selected.

Through these incisions, the surgeon lifts and repositions the underlying facial soft tissue and, depending on the technique, the deeper SMAS layer of muscle and connective tissue. Excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is re-draped smoothly without tension. Repositioning the deeper structures — rather than simply pulling the skin — is what produces natural, long-lasting results.

The incisions are sutured closed in layers. Small drainage tubes may be placed for the first day or two to prevent fluid accumulation. Patients go home the same day with post-operative care instructions and a follow-up appointment scheduled for within the first week.

For patients combining a facelift with a neck lift, brow lift, or other facial procedures, those are addressed in the same session.

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Who is a Good Candidate?

A facelift is most appropriate for patients who are bothered by visible aging in the lower face and neck — sagging along the jawline, jowling, deep nasolabial folds, and loose neck skin — and who want results that are lasting and natural-looking.

Ideal candidates are individuals who:

  • Is generally in good health and does not have medical conditions that can impair healing.
  • Has realistic expectations about what a facelift can achieve.
  • Does not smoke, or is willing to quit before and after surgery.
  • Shows signs of facial aging but still has some skin elasticity.
  • Is committed to following pre- and post-surgery instructions.

There is no single right age for a facelift. Most patients are in their forties through sixties, but candidacy is determined by anatomy and the degree of visible aging — not by age alone. Some patients in their late thirties with significant early aging may be good candidates; others in their seventies remain excellent candidates with good skin quality and health.

A facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face. It does not significantly improve the forehead, brow position, or eyelids. Patients who want a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation may combine a facelift with a brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or facial fat transfer. Your surgeon will help determine the right combination during your consultation.

Facelift Recovery and What to Expect

Facelift recovery typically takes two to three weeks before patients feel comfortable resuming most social and professional activity. More strenuous activity is restricted for four to six weeks.

Days 1 to 5

Your face will be bandaged to minimize swelling and support the newly repositioned structures. Small drainage tubes may be in place for the first day or two. Mild to moderate pain, tightness, swelling, and bruising are expected and managed with prescribed pain medication. Keep your head elevated and avoid bending or straining.

Week 1 to 2

Swelling and bruising peak around days two to three and then begin to decrease. Most stitches or sutures are removed between five to ten days. By the end of the second week, noticeable bruising should significantly decrease. Light activity can resume, though heavy lifting and strenuous exercise remain off-limits.

Weeks 2 to 4

Most patients feel more like themselves and can begin light activities. Numbness, tingling, or a tight feeling around the surgical areas is typical and will gradually resolve. Many patients are comfortable returning to work and social engagements by week three.

Months 1 to 3

Most swelling has resolved. Incision lines -- initially pink -- begin to fade and will continue to improve over time. Regular exercise is usually permitted after the first month, following your surgeon's guidance.

Long-term

The full effects of a facelift can take several months to fully materialize as residual swelling diminishes and incision lines mature. To maximize the longevity of your results, maintain a healthy lifestyle, protect your skin from the sun, and follow a proper skincare routine. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon will ensure healing progresses well.

FAQ

How much does a facelift cost in Plano, TX?

The cost of a facelift depends on the technique used, whether additional procedures are combined, anesthesia, and facility fees. Exact pricing is discussed during your consultation. Patient financing options are available — ask our team about payment plans.

Most patients enjoy the results of a facelift for seven to ten years or longer. A facelift does not stop the aging process, but it provides a lasting improvement over where you would be without surgery. Many patients choose to complement long-term results with non-surgical maintenance such as injectables or skincare.

Modern facelift techniques are designed to produce natural-looking results by lifting and repositioning the underlying facial structures rather than simply pulling skin tight. The best outcomes look like a refreshed, younger version of you — not a face that has obviously been altered. Choosing a skilled, experienced surgeon and discussing your aesthetic goals clearly are the most important factors in achieving natural results.

A full facelift addresses significant sagging and laxity throughout the lower face and neck. A mini facelift uses shorter incisions to target early or mild signs of aging in the lower face and jawline, with a quicker recovery. The right choice depends on your degree of facial aging and your goals. Your surgeon will advise during your consultation.

Yes. A facelift is frequently combined with a neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or facial fat transfer to achieve a more comprehensive result. Combination procedures are performed in the same surgical session. Your surgeon will discuss which combinations are appropriate for your anatomy and goals.

There is no single right age. Candidacy is determined by your anatomy and the degree of visible aging — not by age alone. Most facelift patients are in their forties through sixties, but patients in their late thirties or seventies can also be excellent candidates depending on their skin quality, health, and goals.

Yes. All facelift procedures are performed in our AAAASF-accredited on-site surgical suite at 4100 W 15th Street, Suite 106, Plano, TX 75093.

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