Everything to Know About Facelifts: What’s Included, Average Cost, & More
Lately, your reflection feels a bit different; you’re seeing more sagging skin and jowls and you’re curious about what could help. At Rivé Plastic Surgery, we’re here to elevate what already feels authentic and confident in you, not to change who you are. If you’re wondering whether a facelift might be the right next step, here’s a clear, simple look at what it can do and what to expect.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to address signs of aging in your face and neck. These aging effects include loose or sagging skin, deep folds or wrinkles, loss of facial volume, and jowls. While aging is inevitable, how you look and feel doesn’t have to reflect how you’re aging.
There are different versions of facelifts. A full facelift targets more extensive sagging in your cheeks, jawline, and neck. We also offer a “mini facelift,” which uses smaller incisions (often near your temples or ears) for a less-invasive approach. The mini version is better suited for early signs of aging in the lower face and jawline, offering a refreshed, youthful appearance with a shorter recovery time and less bruising or swelling. We also offer endoscoping facelift techniques, which use the most innovative, minimally invasive technology to lift deeper tissues through small hidden incisions. This approach can be ideal for patients seeking natural-looking elevation with reduced downtime.
How Much Is a Facelift?
The total cost for a facelift can vary based on the practice and what’s included. When you choose Rivé Plastic Surgery, your facelift package includes our surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, operating room and facility costs, and post-operative care, including dressings and follow up visits. Because every face and surgical plan is unique, we provide custom quotes after your consultation. It’s also important to note that a facelift is an elective procedure, meaning it will not be covered by insurance.
What’s Included in a Facelift
Pre-operative consultation
Your facelift journey starts with a personalized consultation. We examine your facial features and structure, discuss your goals, review your health history, and ensure you’re a good candidate. Ideal candidates have aging skin with lines, wrinkles, or sagging skin with good skin elasticity. Having realistic expectations is important for long-term, natural-looking outcomes.
The surgical procedure
During the procedure, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia. The incisions will be strategically placed behind your ears and within your hairline to help minimize visible scarring. Through those incisions, excess fat and skin are removed, and the underlying facial tissues and muscles are tightened. Finally, one of our surgeons will redrape your skin over the newly sculpted contours, resulting in a natural look and more defined appearance. The surgery takes around four hours. In many cases, facelifts are paired with adjunct treatments such as laser resurfacing or fat grading to enhance skin quality and restore youthful volume for the most optimal, balanced results.
Post-operative care
You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days, with some bruising potentially lasting up to two weeks. Most patients return to work or light activities in about two weeks. It may take patients a couple of months before their face feels back to normal. We’ll give you detailed post-op instructions, support your recovery, and help you maximize your results.
Risks, Safety, & Realistic Expectations
As with any surgery, a facelift comes with potential risks, including bleeding, infection, changes in skin sensation, poor healing, asymmetry, or scarring.
As for what to expect, a facelift will rejuvenate your face, but it won’t freeze time and stop you from aging. The natural effects of aging will continue, so your postoperative care and lifestyle plays a key role. Remember to always use sun protection, have a good skincare routine, and live a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Surgeon & Practice
When you’re ready to take the first step toward considering a facelift, consider these questions:
- Is the surgeon board-certified?
- Has he or she performed many facelifts?
- Can you see the before and after photos of patients with similar anatomy?
- What’s included in the quote?
- How many post-op follow up visits are required?
At Rivé Plastic Surgery, we believe that aging gracefully is about enhancement, not erasure. You deserve to feel as powerful on the outside as you do on the inside. Our board certified plastic surgeons combine advanced skill with an artistic eye to deliver results that look natural, refined, and uniquely you. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, our team is committed to make you feel informed, supported, and confident, every step of the way.
