Facelift & Neck Lift

At some point, you may start to notice your face looking older than you feel inside. With age, wrinkles and fine lines develop around the mouth, jowls add bulk to the lower face, and loose neck skin forms a “turkey wattle.” While nonsurgical treatments can minimize early signs of aging, people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s often choose to get facelift and neck lift surgery at our Anchorage, Alaska, practice for these more advanced signs of aging. Our plastic surgeons personalize each facelift procedure to help women and men from the Kenai Peninsula and Wasilla, Palmer, and other Mat-Su Valley communities look naturally rejuvenated.

To schedule an appointment, please call (907) 563-2002 today.

Are You a Candidate for Facelift & Neck Lift Surgery?

If you look in the mirror and feel like the sagging cheeks and jowls you see don’t reflect your energy and youthfulness, a facelift can help you look as good as you feel. A neck lift can repair the vertical platysma muscles in the neck that separate as we age, creating thin bands on either side of the neck and reducing the definition of the jawline. Additionally, to be a good candidate for a facelift, you must be a nonsmoker. Smoking not only contributes to facial aging but inhibits healing after surgery. You should be in good overall health and it’s important to have realistic expectations about your results. A facelift typically makes patients look as they did about 10 years earlier. Although the aging process continues after your surgery, you will continue to look younger than your chronological age.

Many facelift patients also benefit from eyelid surgery and a brow lift to rejuvenate the upper face.

What Is the Best Type of Facelift?

If you’ve researched facelifts for any time at all, you may be overwhelmed by the various types of facelift procedures described online. Here’s a quick overview of your facelift options.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is a comprehensive rejuvenation technique that targets the underlying layers of facial tissue, including the deeper muscle and fat structures. By lifting and repositioning these foundational elements, it addresses significant sagging, deep wrinkles, and volume loss for a more youthful, natural appearance. This approach provides dramatic, long-lasting results and is ideal for individuals seeking a significant enhancement in facial contours and overall rejuvenation.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift limits its focus to the lower face and neck. It offers a subtle yet effective solution for early signs of aging, such as mild sagging and wrinkles. With a shorter recovery time and less noticeable scarring compared to full facelifts, this technique is well-suited for individuals looking for moderate improvements and a refreshed appearance with minimal downtime.

SMAS Facelift

The most common technique—and the modern standard for facelift surgery—is the SMAS facelift. SMAS is short for superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a layer of tissue and muscle that connects the lower face, jawline, and neck, stretching from the ear to the neck. Plastic surgeons learned many years ago that simply stretching the skin tight during a facelift, without adjusting the SMAS layer, led to results that didn’t last long and appeared pulled or “windswept.”

Ponytail Facelift

The ponytail facelift is a modern technique that emphasizes lifting the mid-face and temples using minimally invasive techniques. This innovative approach targets specific areas for a higher, natural-looking lift, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional facelifts. It’s particularly effective for those seeking significant lifting with reduced invasiveness and a quicker recovery period.

How Is a Facelift & Neck Lift Performed?

Our surgeons perform facelift and neck lift surgery using general anesthesia. You will need to have a trusted adult drive you home after your surgeon confirms you’re ready to leave the surgical facility.

The SMAS facelift involves lifting and repositioning the tissue and muscle layer, then re-draping the skin in a way that looks natural. The surgeon removes some excess skin before suturing the incisions, which are well-concealed in the hairline and in the natural crease of the ears and behind them.

During a neck lift, the surgeon tightens the platysma muscles. Additionally, the surgeon may remove or reposition fat below the chin and remove excess skin before suturing the incisions.

How Long Is Facelift Recovery?

Recovery experiences can vary based on the specifics of the surgery and individual factors. Here is a general timeline of what to expect:

First Few Days

• Expect significant swelling and bruising, which will peak around 3 to 4 days post-surgery.
• Discomfort and pain can be managed with prescription medication.
• Avoid bending over and strenuous activities to aid in healing.
• Rest and elevate your head while sleeping to reduce swelling.

1 to 2 Weeks

• Physical recovery will involve managing swelling and bruising, with the initial phase of recovery often requiring a significant amount of rest.
• Follow-up appointments to check on healing progress and potential removal of sutures if applicable.
• Return to light, non-strenuous activities as advised by your surgeon.
• You may return to work if your job involves minimal physical activity, but avoid any strenuous tasks.
• Maintain a low profile in social situations, as swelling and bruising may still be noticeable.

2 to 4 Weeks

• Swelling and bruising will begin to subside, though residual effects may remain.
• Gradually return to more regular activities and follow your surgeon’s advice on resuming normal routines.
• Return to more demanding work duties and resume regular exercise, avoiding vigorous activities that could strain the healing tissues.

1 to 2 Months

• Significant improvement in appearance as swelling and bruising continue to fade.
• Most individuals feel more comfortable in social settings, though complete healing may still be ongoing.
• Follow-up visits to assess the final results and overall recovery progress.

Several Months

• Final results will become apparent as swelling fully resolves and healing progresses.
• Scars will continue to fade and refine over several months.
• Continue to follow your surgeon’s recommendations for maintaining optimal results.

The recovery following a facelift is really 2 phases—the physical recovery and the social recovery. Your social recovery depends on how comfortable you feel being in public before the swelling and bruising completely resolve. If you’re planning to attend a significant social event, such as a wedding, you should allow at least 2 months to completely heal.

Commonly Combined Procedures

Many patients enhance their facelift with a complementary procedure to enhance their results. “Stacking” procedures allows you to enjoy comprehensive rejuvenation with only one recovery period and one set of anesthesia and facility fees. Popular options include:

• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
• BOTOX® Cosmetic
• JUVÉDERM® Dermal Fillers

During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will create a custom treatment plan to meet your needs.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The cost of a facelift depends on several factors, including if it’s combined with a neck lift, the extent of the changes needed, the location of the plastic surgery practice, and other factors. The cost of facelift surgery in Anchorage, for example, will be different than in Seattle or Los Angeles. After your consultation, we’ll provide a price quote that breaks down the costs.

Schedule a Consultation

Women and men in Anchorage and elsewhere in Alaska considering a facelift can schedule an appointment by calling (907) 563-2002 or request a consultation at our practice using the online form.