A facelift involves the surgical improvement of lax skin, wrinkles, and other signs of age in the lower third of the face, and often the upper area of the neck. Medically referred to as a rhytidectomy, facelift surgery can be helpful for both women and men who are experiencing moderate to severe signs of jowling, wrinkles and folds, and other concerns that may be having an effect on their self-confidence.

According to 2022 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons^®, facelift treatment remains in the top 10 most popular surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures, and its popularity continues to rise.1 Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Amie Miller, MD, understands the importance of utilizing advanced techniques and genuinely customizing facelift procedures to produce results that can meet your expectations with outcomes that look natural, without portraying an “artificial” or “wind-swept” appearance. She can meet with you for an initial consultation to talk about your goals and determine whether facelift surgery is the best option for your needs.

Facelift At a Glance

Potential Benefits: A facelift can be advantageous for both women and men who would like to achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin in the lower facial area. This treatment can address loose skin in the jawline (jowls) and tighten the skin of the lower face and upper neck area for improved contours and a firmer look and feel.
Candidates: Ideal candidates for this treatment typically include individuals who are in good health and are experiencing aesthetic concerns for which a facelift may provide the best option for improvement. Candidates should also be non-smokers, or able to quit the habit well before surgery and abstain from tobacco use after the procedure, as well. Age is generally less of a factor in determining candidacy than the severity of cosmetic concerns that are present.
Procedure: Facelift procedures are major surgeries that will require general anesthesia; however, an overnight hospital stay is typically not necessary for these treatments.
Recovery: Most patients will need to plan for about two weeks of recovery at home before resuming normal daily activities.
Surgeon: Dr. Amie Miller is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed customized facelift procedures hundreds of times. She takes an approach to facelift surgery that is based on bringing out the patient’s natural beauty and producing results that look beautiful, but not “artificial.”

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

Facelift surgery has proven to offer significant benefits for individuals who are considering options that can help them achieve a more youthful and refreshed facial appearance. This treatment targets the lower facial area and is capable of diminishing signs of aging and loose skin to produce smoother, firmer results and more defined jawline contours. In general, a facelift can improve the appearance of:

Skin laxity and wrinkles in the lower facial area
Jowls and the formation of excess skin around the jawline
Prominent nasolabial folds and wrinkles around the mouth
Sagging, inelastic skin under the chin

While facelift surgery is often performed as a standalone procedure, it can also be paired with other facial plastic surgery treatments for more comprehensive aesthetic results. Eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or other options can be added to a facelift treatment plan for patients who are interested in enhancing other facial areas. Dr. Miller can talk with you about your ultimate goals and answer any questions you may have about additional options that can be combined with facelift surgery, or whether facelift on its own will be sufficient for your needs.

Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

Facelift surgery may be an excellent option if you are experiencing visible signs of aging in the mid-to-lower face and neck, such as sagging skin, deep creases, jowling, or a loss of youthful definition. Ideal candidates are typically healthy adults—often in their 40s to 70s—who want to restore a more refreshed and lifted appearance without looking “overdone.”
Good candidates should also:

Be non-smokers or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
Be in generally good physical and mental health
Have realistic expectations about what a facelift can achieve
Be committed to proper skin care and a healthy lifestyle to maintain results

During your consultation, Dr. Miller will evaluate your anatomy, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a facelift—or a combination of facial procedures—can provide the rejuvenation you’re looking for.

What Does the Facelift Procedure Involve?

Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. During a facelift, Dr. Miller will remove excess skin, tighten underlying facial muscles, and smooth the remaining skin to diminish signs of jowls and give the lower facial area a firmer and more youthful appearance. The specific location of the incisions necessary for this treatment will ultimately depend on the particular surgical technique utilized, which will be determined during the consultation; however, most traditional facelift techniques involve incisions made within the hairline and in the areas of the temples. These areas allow for very discreet scarring which should be virtually unnoticeable to others. There may also be an incision made under the chin, particularly if a degree of neck lifting will be part of the facelift procedure. That incision also typically results in minimal scarring.

What Can I Expect During Facelift Recovery?

Most individuals are able to return to work and other daily routines after approximately two weeks. Bruising and swelling will be present after the facelift procedure; however, these effects should begin to fade over the course of recovery, and residual discomfort can be mitigated with medication. It is important to keep your head elevated for a few days, even while sleeping. Dr. Miller will provide you with a full list of guidelines to help you achieve a safe and effective recovery.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

Facelift results are designed to be long-lasting, often helping patients look 10 to 15 years younger. While the natural aging process will continue, many individuals enjoy the benefits of their facelift for a decade or longer—especially when the procedure is performed by a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon.

Several factors can influence the longevity of your results, including:

Genetics and skin quality
Sun exposure and environmental stressors
Lifestyle habits (such as smoking or alcohol consumption)
Weight fluctuations over time

To help maintain your rejuvenated appearance, it’s important to adopt a comprehensive skincare regimen, wear daily sun protection, and stick to a healthy diet and lifestyle routine.

How Noticeable Are Facelift Scars?

One of the most common concerns among facelift patients is scarring. Fortunately, Dr. Miller uses meticulous techniques to minimize the visibility of incision lines. Facelift incisions are typically placed along the natural contours of the hairline and around the ears, making them discreet and easily hidden once healed. In some cases, a small scar will also be present under the chin—this is particularly necessary when neck lifting is included.

With proper aftercare, most scars fade significantly over time and become barely perceptible. Following post-operative instructions—including avoiding sun exposure, refraining from smoking, and using medical-grade scar creams—can promote optimal healing and reduce scar visibility.

It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments, where Dr. Miller will monitor your healing and provide personalized guidance to support your recovery process.

Complementary Procedures

A facelift can deliver dramatic rejuvenation, but combining it with other facial procedures often yields the most harmonious and comprehensive results. Depending on your needs and aesthetic goals, Dr. Miller may recommend complementary treatments such as:

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Lifts and tightens the upper and/or lower eyelids to reduce puffiness and sagging around the eyes.
Brow Lift: Smooths forehead creases and elevates a drooping brow for a more alert and youthful expression.
Neck Lift: Tightens loose neck skin and addresses muscle banding to improve the jawline and neckline.
Fat Grafting: Restores lost volume in the cheeks, temples, or lips to enhance facial contouring.

Dr. Miller will help you explore all available options to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and cosmetic vision.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

A facelift typically starts at approximately $14,000 here at Foothills Plastic Surgery. Please note that this is a general estimate since the treatment is customized for each individual’s needs and goals, which makes the total price of facelift surgery quite variable among patients. The complexity of the facelift procedure, fees associated with the surgical facility and anesthesia, whether other treatments are incorporated into the overall treatment plan, and other factors will have an effect on the final cost. After your treatment plan has been created during your initial consultation with Dr. Miller, a member of our team will be able to present you with a custom price quote and go over it with you in detail. We can also answer any questions you may have about convenient payment options available at our practice, which include financing plans available through reputable third-party financing agencies that can help qualified applicants pay for their facelift surgery over a series of installments.

If you have additional questions about facelift surgery or other procedures available from Dr. Miller, or if you are ready to schedule your consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact Foothills Plastic Surgery today.

Medical Reference:

1American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2022 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report