The Center for Cosmetic Surgery 725 Heritage Road #100
Golden, CO 80401 Phone: (303) 278-2600 Monday – Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery 755 Heritage Road #100
Golden, CO 80401 Phone: (303) 279-6100 Monday – Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery 501 South Cherry Street #900
Denver, CO 80246 Phone: (303) 951-2100 Monday – Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery 501 South Cherry Street #900
Denver, CO 80246 Phone: (303) 951-2102 Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Center for Cosmetic Surgery 6985 Tutt Blvd Ste 110
Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: (719) 380-1823 Monday: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday – Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Facelift at a Glance
3+ hour surgery
Back to work: 1-2 weeks
Facelift surgery remains the gold standard for firming, lifting, and smoothing the lower face and neck. At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Denver, Colorado, our team of surgeons is renowned for exceptional, natural-looking facelift results and outstanding care. Each brings distinct strengths and a shared commitment to excellence, collectively shaping our premier approach to facial rejuvenation. Today, you can choose how you age with surgical and nonsurgical options that help you mature gracefully. Our team of experts can help you age on your terms.
A facelift, also called a full or traditional facelift, rejuvenates the lower 2/3 of the face; it does not address the forehead, brows, or eye area. In our practice, a traditional facelift combines the mini facelift with submental resection to tighten the neck muscles through an incision under the chin. It is less invasive than a deep plane facelift while providing our Colorado patients with long-lasting, natural facial rejuvenation.
SMAS Facelift Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
This patient sought a facelift and neck lift to address concerns related to facial aging, including loose skin along her neck and jawline. Her main goals were to achieve a more refreshed appearance while maintaining natural facial expressions and definition. After careful evaluation and discussing her expectations, she decided to proceed with... Read More
Not a traditional "deep plane facelift" here in Denver, but a 2-layer SMAS facelift, which is generally just as effective at addressing neck issues during a shorter case with less downtime, risk and outlay. This patient is shown at approximately 6 weeks post-op with minimal swelling, and scars expected to fade significantly. If you have simil... Read More
This patient sought to address visible signs of aging, specifically excess skin and fat accumulation along the neck and reduced jawline definition. He elected to undergo a SMAS Facelift in Denver and Colorado Springs with the goal of achieving a more defined facial contour. The patient hoped to improve the transition between his neck and jawl... Read More
This 72 year old woman was displeased with the loose skin along her jawline and wrinkling and laxity of the skin on her neck. She underwent a mini facelift with Dr. Steven Vath, which resulted in a much more youthful appearance.After photos taken at 6 weeks post op. Read More
This is a 59 year old woman who wanted to get rid of her jowls and loose neck skin. She underwent a minifacelift to tighten her neck and define her jawline. Post-operative pictures are from 6 weeks after surgery.
This is a 70 year old that underwent a mini-facelift by Dr. Steven Vath to improve her lower face, jawline and neck. Post-operative pictures are from 6 weeks after surgery.
50 year-old woman who disliked the appearance of her anterior neck after gradual again (but also had undergone jaw surgery for a fracture approximately 20 years earlier). She underwent a mini-facelift with Dr. Steinwald (concentrating on the neck area), and is shown here at approximately 6 weeks post-op. If you have similar issues/desires and... Read More
This patient sought a subtle, refreshed look that would help her feel more like her younger self without creating a dramatic change. Her main concerns centered on her jawline definition, early jowl formation, and loose skin around her neck. After a thorough consultation and listening to her goals, she decided to proceed with a mini facelift a... Read More
Eyelid surgery corrects hooded upper eyelids and puffy undereye bags.
Liposuction reduces a double chin and other pockets of unwanted fat.
Fat grafting fills in tear troughs and hollows around the eyes and restores volume to the cheeks.
Combining facelift with other facial procedures is very common and often results in more complete results.
How Is a Facelift Performed?
Traditional facelift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure using light general anesthesia. The incision begins in the hair-bearing scalp at your sideburn, travels down in front of your ear, then under your earlobe, and into the hairline behind your ear. For most of our patients, our surgeons use a shorter incision that does not go into the hairline.
Through this incision, your surgeon lifts and tightens the underlying structures of your face. Modern facelift techniques reposition the structure between the skin and muscle called the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) to avoid a tight, windblown look.
A second incision may be made beneath your chin to tighten the vertical muscle bands of the neck. In some cases, our surgeons perform liposuction to remove fat from under the chin. Your skin will then be meticulously redraped over the reshaped facial structures, excess skin will be trimmed away, and the incisions will be closed with fine sutures.
How Long Is Recovery After a Facelift?
While experiences vary, most patients have only mild discomfort for the first few days after facelift surgery. Expect recovery to progress along the following general timeline:
1 to 2 days: Bandages and compression wrap are removed
1 to 2 weeks: Swelling and bruising subside
10 days to 2 weeks: Resume nonstrenuous work and exercise
4 weeks: Ease back into physical jobs and strenuous exercise
6 to 12 weeks: Facial tightness relaxes
3 to 6 months: Final results are visible
Patients are typically ready to be seen in public after about 4 weeks of healing.
The Aesthetic Society membership applies to select physicians within the practice.
Start With a Personal Consultation
Our consultations are your time to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your aesthetic vision, explore your procedure options, and develop a personalized surgical plan. You’ll also receive clear pricing and details about available financing options to help you move forward with confidence.
Facelift incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring, along the hairline and around the ears, where they are easily concealed. With proper care during the healing process, scars typically fade and become less noticeable over time.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
Facelift results typically last around 10 years depending on factors such as your age at the time of surgery, skin elasticity, lifestyle, and other considerations.
To prolong your facelift results:
Follow a consistent skincare regimen: Use high-quality products tailored to your skin type.
Protect your skin from the sun: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Avoid smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging and can negatively impact your facelift results.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly.
Maintain a stable weight: Significant weight fluctuations can affect the contour and appearance of your face.
While a facelift can’t stop the aging process, it effectively resets the clock and lets you maintain a more youthful look as the years pass.
A Reputation Built on Results
Dr. Teresa Cunningham is an OUTSTANDING cosmetic surgeon who is highly skilled, very diligent and incredibly approachable physician. Her staff is first-rate and the team's ability to work in concert...
After consulting with several surgeons, choosing Dr. Matthew Freeman for my breast augmentation was the best decision I could have made! The entire experience exceeded my expectations from start to finish....
After consulting with several surgeons, choosing Dr. Matthew Freeman for my breast augmentation was the best decision I could have made! The entire experience exceeded my expectations from start to finish....
Dr Freeman did an amazing job with Motiva implants. I went with the smallest size that fit my breast shape, and I love the amazing naturalness and feel. I didn’t want to look like I had gotten breast...
The cost of a facelift at our Denver practice varies depending on the technique performed. You’ll receive a personalized estimate for your procedure during your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Our flexible financing options help many patients move forward with their surgery without a financial strain.
What is the best age to get a facelift?
The “best” age for a facelift is not a number; it’s when nonsurgical aesthetic treatments no longer provide the rejuvenation you desire. Patients are typically in their 40s to 60s and should be healthy and have good skin elasticity.
How much younger will I look after a facelift?
While everyone is different, generally after a traditional facelift, patients look like themselves but around 10 years younger.
Schedule Your Consultation
Please schedule a personal consultation to learn what a facelift with our highly trained and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons can do for you. The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has two plastic surgery offices in the Denver metro area, one in Cherry Creek and another in Golden. Simply call
(303) 278-2600 or request your consultation online.