Facelift

  • 3+ Hour Surgery
  • Back to Work: 1-2 Weeks

At The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our exceptional plastic surgeons consider the mini facelift the procedure of choice for people who want to look years younger. Certain patients are better suited to a more invasive traditional facelift, including those with deep wrinkles on the lower face and pronounced sagging in the cheek, jawline, and neck. By choosing the most appropriate facelift technique for each patient from Denver, Colorado Springs, and surrounding areas, our surgeons consistently provide personalized facial rejuvenation that looks natural and lasts many years.

Facelift
 Before & After Photos

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Before & After Mini Facelift Case 394 View #1 View in Golden, CO
Before / After
Case: 1 of 5

Case #394

This 62-year-old woman underwent a Mini-facelift with a platysmaplasty. She is shown before and 5 months after her procedure.
Surgeon: Andrew J. Wolfe, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 406 View #1 View in Golden, CO
Before / After
Case: 2 of 5

Case #406

This is a 70 year old woman who disliked her neck and also wanted a jawline. She underwent a facelift with platysmaplasty (neck muscle tightening beneath the chin). It is standard that women having facelifting procedures will have muscle tightening from the side and this usually achieves a nicely defined neck. However, in this patient's... Read More
Surgeon: Steven D. Vath, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 993 View #1 View in Golden, CO
Before / After (1 month)
Case: 3 of 5

Case #993

70 year-old outdoorsman with significant lower facial and especially neck aging, and a fair amount of sun damage as well (including excision of skin cancers). He underwent a formal "mini-facelift" with extra attention given to his neck issues, and is shown here approximately one month post-op, healing quite nicely. If you have similar issues... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 155 View #1 View in Golden, CO
Before / After
Case: 4 of 5

Case #155

This 46-year-old woman illustrates just how powerful a comprehensive facial rejuvenation can be.  She presented to Dr. Wolfe with a desire to improve her brows, eyelids, face, and neck.  After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Wolfe performed a mini-browlift, upper and lower blepharoplasties, a Mini-facelift, and tightening of her neck mus... Read More
Surgeon: Andrew J. Wolfe, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 11877 Front View in Golden, CO
Before & After
Case: 5 of 5

Case #11877

This 59 year old woman did not like the jowels and sagging neck line that had developed over the years. She underwent a mini facelift with submental resection (sometimes considered a full facelift) with Dr. Wolfe. As you can see, this procedure yielded a much younger appearance for the patient.After photos taken at 4 weeks post op. Read More
Surgeon: Andrew J. Wolfe, M.D.

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a facial plastic surgery procedure that rejuvenates the lower 2/3 of the face; it does not address the forehead, brows, or eye area. At CCS, a traditional facelift combines the mini facelift with submental resection to tighten the neck muscles through an incision under the chin.

A Reputation Built on Results

Dr Steinwald and his team at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery provided a personable, smooth experience...
I had an excellent experience with Dr. Freeman for my breast reduction. The hardest part was not knowing...
I recently had blepharoplasty with Dr. Freeman to reduce excess skin from my eyelids which was interfering...
I cannot say enough great things about this center. They treat their clients with respect and kindness....

What Is the Difference Between a Mini Facelift and a Facelift?

In general, a facelift addresses more significant aging of the lower face than a mini facelift.

Why Is a Mini Facelift Best for Most Patients?

With a mini facelift, our surgeons can provide satisfying results for most patients with minimal scarring and without affecting the hairline. The mini facelift addresses the most common reasons people seek facelift surgery:

  • Folds and wrinkles around the mouth
  • Sagging cheeks and jowls
  • Loss of definition along the jawline and neck

How Is a Traditional Facelift Performed?

Our surgeons perform facelift surgery as an outpatient procedure using light general anesthesia. The incision begins in the hair-bearing scalp at the sideburn, travels down in front of the ear, then under the earlobe and into the hairline behind the ear. Through the incision, the surgeon lifts and tightens the underlying structures. He also creates a second incision beneath the chin to tighten the vertical muscle bands of the neck and remove fat under the chin with liposuction if needed. Once complete, he re-drapes the skin over the reshaped facial structures without tension, removes the excess, and closes the incisions with fine sutures.

Facelift guide

Step-By-Step

Facelift Surgery Guide

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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: Ready to resume nonstrenuous work and exercise
  • 4 weeks: Ready to ease back into physical jobs and strenuous exercise
  • 6 to 12 weeks: Facial tightness eases
  • 3 to 6 months: Final results attained

Can I Combine My Facelift With Other Procedures?

Yes. Because facial aging is usually not limited to the lower face and neck, our surgeons often combine facelift surgery with other procedures, including:

  • Brow lift surgery repositions and reshapes the eyebrows.
  • 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.

Our Exceptional Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Dr. Paul Steinwald, and Dr. Matthew Freeman

Facelift FAQ

What is the best age to get a facelift?

The “best” age for a facelift is not a number; instead, it is when nonsurgical aesthetic treatments do not provide the rejuvenation you desire. Patients are typically in their 40s to 60s and should be healthy and have good skin elasticity.

When will I be ready to be seen in public?

Patients are typically ready to be seen by others in 4 weeks.

What makes today’s facelifts look natural?

Modern facelift techniques tighten more than the skin of the face; they reposition the structure between the skin and muscle called the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) to avoid a tight, windblown look.

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How much younger will I look after a facelift?

After a traditional facelift, patients typically look like themselves only 10 years younger.

How long do the results last?

Traditional facelift results last approximately 10 years. This time frame varies with the patient’s age at the time of surgery, skin elasticity, sun exposure, lifestyle, and other factors. While the surgery cannot stop the aging process, patients continually look younger than if they had not had the surgery.

What are my next steps?

Our plastic surgeons apply current yet proven techniques to achieve facelift results that speak for themselves. The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has two plastic surgery offices conveniently located in the Denver metropolitan area. One is located just outside Denver in lovely Golden, Colorado, immediately off 6th Avenue West; the other is near downtown in Cherry Creek, Denver. To learn what facial plastic surgery can do for you, request your consultation using our online form or call  (303) 278-2600 for an appointment.