Facelift Overview

What is a Facelift? 

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is one of the most common facial procedures today. This cosmetic surgery is performed on more than 150,000 men and women a year. At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville, Florida, our knowledgeable and experienced surgeons will work with you to improve the overall aesthetic of your face and create a refreshed appearance. In fact, many patients can look as much as 10-15 years younger. It’s important to find a reputable surgeon skilled in facial surgery. Surgeons who know what they are doing will make every effort to work within the confines of the patient’s bone, skin, and muscle structures to achieve a younger, more natural look.

Dr. Hollie Hickman consulting patient at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery Actual Patient

What Can a Facelift Do?

Although every patient will have different goals, a facelift in Jacksonville generally achieves the following:

  • Reduces deep facial folds and large wrinkles
  • Improves sagging and drooping skin 
  • Restores a smooth jawline 
  • Delivers an elegant neck contour
  • Opens up and rejuvenates the eye area
  • Achieves an overall more youthful and attractive facial appearance

Who is the Ideal Candidate for a Facelift in Jacksonville?

If you’re in Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine, or Ponte Vedra Beach, FL area, and you’re considering facelift surgery, you may be wondering if you’re a good candidate. The best patients for a facelift are men and women who:

  • Are unhappy with wrinkles or sagging facial skin
  • Has minimal to moderate excess skin in the neck, jowls, and mid-face
  • Has good bone structure of the face and has lost some (but not all) skin elasticity 
  • Are non-smokers in general good health 
  • Have realistic expectations for the procedure
  • Fully understand the surgery, risks, recovery, and what to expect 

Facelift Patient Testimonial

“Dr. Burk did a fantastic job with my face and neck lift! Also, Kim Lindsey is helping to keep my new look in fabulous shape! She is an excellent (and extremely friendly!) aesthetician! PVPS is awesome!”

D.A. 

Facelift Surgical Details

All facelift procedures are performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility. The length of your facelift in Jacksonville will vary, but it generally takes between 3-4 hours. 

Dr. Robert Burk consulting patient on Facelift

Dr. Burk Discusses Facelift

Surgical Techniques for a Facelift

There are a variety of techniques used to perform facelift surgery. Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery takes into account factors such as facial anatomy, skin laxity, and the overall aesthetic goal of the patient to determine the best approach. Each procedure is unique and will vary based on the type and location of the incision, the number of tissue layers affected, the plane of elevation, and the invasiveness of the procedure.

Skin-Only Facelift

The skin-only facelift has been in practice since the early 1900s. Known as a “cutaneous facelift”, this technique is less invasive because it addresses the skin only. The result of this surgery is more subtle than some of the newer muscle tightening procedures; however, it also offers a lower risk and shorter recovery period for the patient.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is geared towards patients who want a refreshed appearance, but require less invasive surgery. Some facelift procedures that are considered “mini” include the QuickLift® or Lifestyle Lift®. Patients who wish to maximize the outcome of their cosmetic surgery and get the most dramatic outcomes will most likely need a full facelift in order to meet these aesthetic goals.

Deep Plane Lift

The deep plane lift goes a step further than the traditional approach. This technique is better suited for men and women with severe sagging and drooping, and therefore is usually reserved for older patients. In addition to the SMAS layer being adjusted, a deeper section known as the “deep plane” is also treated. While this procedure offers certain advantages over a traditional facelift, surgeons must be skilled and act with caution so that facial nerves are not damaged during the process.

Traditional Facelift (SMAS)

The SMAS facelift is considered the gold standard of facelift surgery. Even though it’s more complicated, the SMAS facelift results are dramatic and longer-lasting. The technique involves manipulating a group of muscles beneath the skin known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). This section of muscle controls facial expressions. An incision is made along the hairline from the temple to just behind the earlobe. The skin is then separated and lifted. The underlying muscles and tissues are tightened and secured so they maintain their new position.

What is Recovery Like After a Facelift?

Some patients may be required to stay overnight in the hospital. After surgery, patients will be bruised and swollen, and the face and neck will feel tight in the days immediately following. These are some short-term effects that will gradually improve within a few days. 

Your Facelift Results

It is common for patients to feel anxious about their outcomes. Patients need to understand it can take several full months for the final results to appear after a facelift in Jacksonville. The surgery also requires a long incision. However, in almost all cases, these scars are well hidden because they fall just along the hairline and around the ears in the natural folds of the scalp. In most cases, the scars should be barely visible to the naked eye.

Actual Patient Banner media
Office media

Why Choose PVPS for Your Facelift in Jacksonville?

At Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery (PVPS), our team includes multiple Board-Certified plastic surgeons dedicated to providing exceptional care and achieving beautiful, natural results.

With national recognition and numerous awards, including being named among America’s Best Plastic Surgeons, our expertise and patient-centered approach set us apart. Our surgeons are active members of leading professional organizations, ensuring the highest standards in the field.

Voted America's Best Plastic Surgeons for Facelift in 2021, trust PVPS for your facelift and experience personalized, compassionate care from a team committed to excellence. 

America's Best Plastic Surgeons for Facelift in 2021 Award

Learn More About PVPS

Facelift FAQ 

Is there a non-surgical alternative to a facelift?

What is the best age to get a facelift?

Can a facelift help with sun-damaged skin?

Will a facelift change the shape of my face?

How does smoking affect facelift recovery and results?

Is there a non-surgical alternative to a facelift?

Botox®, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels are examples of non-surgical procedures that can assist in smoothing out wrinkles, improving fine lines, and adding facial volume. These procedures also help to even out skin tone. However, these treatments only affect the surface of the skin and are temporary. Patients with loose skin, drooping jowls, or a sagging neck will need to consider surgery if they want these features improved.

What is the best age to get a facelift?

The common age range for patients who undergo a facelift is between 50-70. It is safe to say most patients will look 5-10 years younger following a facelift procedure. Younger patients (40-50 years old) generally have stronger skin elasticity, so their results may last longer than those of someone older. However, older patients may have results that appear more dramatic — and for them, this can be very worthwhile. Patients should think of a facelift as a process to turn back the aging clock. You will still age, but you will appear a few years younger.

Can a facelift help with sun-damaged skin?

While a facelift primarily addresses sagging skin and deep wrinkles, it doesn’t directly treat sun-damaged skin. However, it can create a smoother surface for the skin by tightening and lifting. Many patients opt to combine a facelift with skin resurfacing treatments, like laser therapy or chemical peels, to address discoloration, sun spots, and texture issues caused by sun damage.

Will a facelift change the shape of my face?

A facelift is designed to enhance your natural facial contours by lifting sagging skin and tightening underlying muscles. It won’t change the fundamental shape of your face but will restore a more youthful version of your existing structure. If you're looking to alter your facial shape, such as adding volume to the cheeks or chin, additional procedures like fat grafting or implants may be needed.

How does smoking affect facelift recovery and results?

Smoking can significantly impact both the healing process and the long-term results of a facelift. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin, which can delay healing and increase the risk of complications like poor scarring or tissue loss. Surgeons typically require patients to stop smoking at least several weeks before and after surgery to ensure optimal recovery and results.

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us
Actual Patients Contact us media

© Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery. All Rights Reserved. Collaborative Creative Team J.A.M. Web Design & Internet Marketing by Studio III

Protected by reCAPTCHA | Privacy - Terms

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 904-664-1552.
Contact Us