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.

Trust Your Facelift to the Experts

Surgical team

Learn why patients travel from throughout the Denver metro area for facelift surgery at The Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

  • Our team has performed thousands of successful facelifts and mini facelifts using a variety of advanced approaches. 
  • Our board-certified plastic surgeons have trained with some of the world’s leading experts in facial rejuvenation.
  • We use meticulous techniques to achieve natural and sustained results with reduced bruising and swelling. 
  • We have hundreds of facelift and mini facelift before-and-after photos to demonstrate the caliber of our results. 
  • We take the time to learn about your lifestyle and your goals to ensure the best experience and outcome. 

Our surgeons would be happy to meet with you in person and answer your questions. Simply request your consultation or call our office at (303) 278-2600.

What Is a Facelift?

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.

Smiling woman with glowing skin.

SMAS Facelift Before & After Photos

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

Case: 1 of 9
Before & After SMAS Facelift Case 12190 Left Side in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8
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
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 11625 Front in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before/After (6 weeks)
Case: 2 of 8
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
Before & After SMAS Facelift Case 12214 Front in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before & After
Case: 3 of 8
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
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 11885 Front in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before & After
Case: 4 of 8
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
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 472 View #1 in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before / After
Case: 5 of 8
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.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 11452 Front in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before & After
Case: 6 of 8
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.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 11847 Front in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before/After (6 weeks)
Case: 7 of 8
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
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 12168 Front in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8
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

Facelift Benefits

By addressing signs of aging, a facelift provides a rejuvenated and refreshed look that lasts for years. Here are some key benefits:

  • Tightens loose skin on the face and neck
  • Diminishes fine lines and deep creases
  • Redefines the jawline and cheeks
  • Restores a more youthful face shape
  • Achieves a youthful appearance without an “overdone” look

Perhaps the most important benefit our patients enjoy is the confidence that comes from knowing they look their best.

facelift steps illustration

Step-By-Step Facelift Surgery Guide

facelift steps illustration View Facelift Guide
female model

Are You a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

You may be a good candidate for facelift surgery if you’re noticing:

  • Sagging in the midface or jawline
  • Deep creases extending from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Jowls forming along the jawline
  • Loose skin and excess fat in the neck

Ideal candidates are typically in good health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

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

A full facelift typically addresses more significant aging of the lower face than a mini facelift.

ConsiderationFaceliftMini Facelift
Areas AddressedCheeks
Jawline
Neck
Cheeks
Jawline
Neck
Repairs Vertical Neck Bands?YesNo
Incision in the Hairline?Yes, near the temple and behind the earNo
Incision Under the Chin?YesNo
Surgical Time3+ hours2.5 to 3 hours
InvasivenessMore invasive than a mini faceliftLess invasive than a facelift
Recovery2 Weeks1 to 2 weeks
Results Last10 years8 to 10 years

Why We Use the Mini Facelift for Most Patients

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

With a mini facelift, our surgeons can provide satisfying results for most patients with minimal scarring and without affecting the hairline.

full facelift incision diagram
Full Facelift Incision
mini facelift incision diagram
Mini Facelift Incision

Can I Combine My Facelift With Other Procedures?

Because facial aging isn’t 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.

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.

Woman looking into a mirror, smiling with her hands brushing against her cheeks.

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.

Meet Your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons

logos for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Societ, American Board of Plastic Surgery, & Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc. logos for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Societ, American Board of Plastic Surgery, & Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc.

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.

Review Our Consultation Process

What Do Facelift Scars Look Like?

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.

Grey haired woman with smooth skin, gazing off to the side with a smile

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...
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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...

Facelift FAQs

How much does a facelift cost in Denver, CO?

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.

Surgical Team

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.

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