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Facelift Surgery

Turn back the clock with expert facelift surgery that restores youthful contours, smooths wrinkles, and rejuvenates your appearance naturally.

Procedure Time
3-5 Hours
Recovery
2-3 Weeks
Anesthesia
General
Results
10-15 Years

Restore Youthful Facial Contours with Expert Facelift Surgery

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is one of the most transformative facial plastic surgery procedures available. As we age, gravity, sun exposure, and loss of facial volume cause skin to sag, jowls to form, and wrinkles to deepen. Dr. Ridha's expert facelift techniques address these concerns comprehensively, restoring a more youthful, refreshed appearance while maintaining your natural facial characteristics.

At RIDHA Plastic Surgery in Saratoga Springs, NY, Dr. RIDHA combines artistic vision with advanced surgical techniques to deliver natural-looking facelift results. Unlike outdated methods that created a "pulled" appearance, modern facelift surgery focuses on repositioning underlying facial structures, tightening muscles, and removing excess skin to achieve harmonious, age-appropriate rejuvenation.

Whether you're concerned about sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, loose neck skin, or loss of jawline definition, a facelift can restore your confidence and help you look as vibrant as you feel. Dr. RIDHA offers various facelift techniques including traditional facelift, mini facelift, and neck lift, tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon with facial rejuvenation expertise
  • Natural-looking results that preserve your unique features
  • Advanced surgical techniques for minimal scarring
  • Comprehensive approach addressing multiple aging concerns
  • Personalized treatment plans based on facial anatomy
Plastic Surgeon
Board Certified
20+ Years
Experience
98% Rating
Patient Satisfaction

Benefits of Facelift Surgery

Dramatic Rejuvenation

Significantly reduce visible signs of aging including sagging skin, jowls, and deep wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

Restored Confidence

Look as vibrant as you feel and regain confidence in your appearance with natural-looking facial rejuvenation.

Long-Lasting Results

Enjoy facial rejuvenation that lasts 10-15 years, making facelift one of the most cost-effective anti-aging treatments.

Natural-Looking Enhancement

Modern techniques preserve your unique features while creating a refreshed, natural appearance without an "overdone" look.

Comprehensive Improvement

Address multiple concerns simultaneously including jowls, neck laxity, deep folds, and facial volume loss.

Minimal Scarring

Incisions strategically placed within natural contours and hairline for virtually invisible scarring.

Are You a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery can benefit individuals experiencing moderate to advanced facial aging. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:

✓ You May Be a Good Candidate If:

  • Generally 40-70 years old with visible signs of facial aging
  • In good physical and mental health without medical conditions that impair healing
  • Non-smoker or willing to quit at least 4 weeks before and after surgery
  • Realistic expectations about facelift outcomes and recovery
  • Bothered by sagging jowls, deep folds, loose neck skin, or loss of jawline definition
  • Adequate skin elasticity to support repositioned tissues
  • Stable weight without plans for significant weight loss
  • Able to take 2-3 weeks off work and social activities for recovery

Facelift Procedure Details

Duration
3-5 Hours
Varies based on extent of surgery and combination procedures
Anesthesia
General Anesthesia
You will be comfortably asleep throughout the procedure
Location
Accredited Facility
Performed in our state-of-the-art surgical suite
Recovery
Outpatient
Return home same day with overnight caretaker required
Results
10-15 Years
Long-lasting rejuvenation with proper skincare and sun protection

Facelift Recovery Timeline

Understanding the facelift recovery process helps you plan accordingly and ensures optimal healing for beautiful, natural-looking results.

1
Immediate Recovery

1-3 Days Post-Op

Days 1-3

Initial recovery at home with compression garment, drainage tubes, and careful wound care

  • Bandages, compression garment, and possibly drainage tubes in place
  • Swelling, bruising, tightness, and mild discomfort (managed with medication)
  • Head elevated at 30-45 degrees to minimize swelling
  • Limited mobility, no bending, lifting, or strenuous activity
  • Follow-up appointment within 24-48 hours for drain removal and assessment
2
Short-term Recovery

First Week

Days 4-7

Gradual improvement as initial swelling decreases and bandages/sutures are removed

  • Bandages and most sutures removed around day 5-7
  • Swelling and bruising begin to subside noticeably
  • Continue wearing compression garment as directed
  • Light activities like walking encouraged to promote circulation
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and excessive facial movement
3
Short-term Recovery

Week 2

Week 2

Significant improvement in appearance, return to light work and social activities

  • Most visible swelling and bruising resolved (makeup can conceal residual bruising)
  • Return to work and social activities for most patients
  • Continue avoiding strenuous exercise and contact sports
  • Incision lines may appear pink or red (will fade over months)
  • Begin gentle facial massage as instructed to reduce swelling
4
Mid-term Recovery

Weeks 3-6

Weeks 3-6

Continued refinement as swelling resolves, resume most normal activities

  • Gradual resolution of residual swelling
  • Resume exercise and most normal activities by week 4-6
  • Facial contours become more defined and natural-looking
  • Incision lines continue to fade and soften
  • Sensation may still be altered in some areas (typically resolves over months)
5
Long-term Recovery

Months 3-12

Months 3-12

Final results emerge as all swelling resolves and tissues fully settle

  • All swelling fully resolved by 3-6 months
  • Final facial contours and skin tightness evident
  • Incision lines fade to fine, barely visible scars
  • Sensation fully returns to normal in most areas
  • Enjoy rejuvenated appearance for 10-15 years with proper skincare

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about facelift surgery to help you make an informed decision.

Facelift results typically last 10-15 years, though individual results vary based on factors like skin quality, genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits. While a facelift doesn't stop the aging process, it effectively turns back the clock, and you will always look younger than if you had never had the procedure. Many patients choose to undergo a secondary facelift after 10-15 years to maintain their rejuvenated appearance.
Facelift incisions are strategically placed within the natural contours of your face and hairline to minimize visible scarring. Incisions typically extend from the temple, down in front of and behind the ear, and into the lower scalp. With proper healing and scar care, most patients find their scars fade to thin, barely noticeable lines that are easily concealed by hair and makeup. Dr. RIDHA uses meticulous surgical techniques to optimize healing and minimize scarring.
While you'll notice significant improvement once initial swelling subsides around 2-3 weeks, final results take 6-12 months to fully develop as residual swelling completely resolves and tissues settle into their new position. Most patients are thrilled with their appearance much sooner, typically within 4-6 weeks, with results continuing to refine over the following months.
Both SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and deep plane facelifts are advanced techniques that address deeper facial structures for more natural, longer-lasting results than traditional skin-only facelifts. SMAS facelift repositions the underlying muscle layer separately from the skin, while deep plane facelift releases and repositions the SMAS and overlying tissues as one unit. Dr. RIDHA will recommend the best technique based on your facial anatomy, degree of aging, and aesthetic goals during your consultation.
Yes! Facelift is frequently combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for comprehensive results. Common combinations include neck lift (for improved jawline and neck contour), eyelid surgery (for refreshed eyes), brow lift (for elevated brows and smooth forehead), and fat grafting (for restored facial volume). Combining procedures can be more cost-effective and allows you to address multiple concerns with a single recovery period.
There is no specific age requirement for facelift surgery. The ideal time for a facelift depends on your degree of facial aging rather than your chronological age. Most patients are between 40-70 years old, though some younger patients with premature aging or older patients in good health may also be excellent candidates. As long as you are in good health and have realistic expectations, age is less important than your overall health status and aesthetic goals.
A mini facelift (also called a limited-incision facelift) addresses early signs of aging in the lower face and jowl area with shorter incisions and less extensive tissue repositioning. It's ideal for younger patients with mild to moderate aging. A full facelift addresses more advanced aging concerns including the mid-face, jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and neck with more comprehensive tissue repositioning. Dr. RIDHA will help determine which approach is best for your needs during consultation.
Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort rather than significant pain after facelift surgery. Sensations typically include tightness, numbness, and swelling rather than acute pain. Any discomfort is easily managed with prescribed pain medication for the first few days, with most patients transitioning to over-the-counter pain relievers within 3-5 days. The tightness sensation is normal as tissues heal and typically resolves within 2-3 weeks.