How Does a Facelift Work?

Dr. Lawton performs facelifts under general anesthesia, and the surgery typically lasts three or four hours. She will make incisions around your ears and hairline where the scars will be nearly invisible once healed. Then she’ll remove excess tissue before lifting and repositioning the muscles and skin over your facial structure for a natural-looking, younger, and more defined look.

A facelift works by tightening skin and muscle in your face that has sagged with time and removing excess tissue that contributes to drooping and laxity. There are three kinds of facelifts depending on your needs.

• An endoscopic facelift is the least invasive and primarily addresses the mid-face
• A short-scar facelift tightens and re-drapes the skin to improve facial laxity and creases
• A deep plane facelift repositions the underlying muscles and is best for severe cases 

During your consultation, Dr. Lawton will discuss your aesthetic goals and will personalize your facelift procedure to best meet your needs.

Recovery After a Facelift

Recovery time after a facelift depends on what type of procedure you have. Most facelifts require one or two weeks of downtime, but deep plane facelifts may take longer. 

Swelling and bruising are normal for a couple of weeks after a facelift. Pain medication and ice packs can help manage discomfort, and sleeping with your head elevated will aid healing.