Age-related facial changes can be gradual but visible. Deepening lines, sagging skin, and loss of definition often develop over time, even when you take care of your skin. If you’re considering a surgical approach to restore smoother contours, facelift surgery may offer the long-term results you’re looking for.
At Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery in St. George, we perform facelift procedures tailored to your unique anatomy, goals, and stage of aging, utilizing modern techniques that support a natural-looking outcome.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens the skin and underlying tissue of the lower face and neck. It addresses sagging along the cheeks and jawline, softens deep folds, and repositions facial tissue for a more defined profile.
A facelift does not alter your basic features, but it can significantly enhance the appearance of your face, making it look rested and youthful.
We also offer neck lift and brow lift to complement facial rejuvenation when needed.
Who Is a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
You may be a candidate if you have visible signs of aging, such as jowling, loose skin on the neck, or volume loss in the mid-face. Most patients are generally healthy and seek long-term results that non-surgical options can’t deliver.
During your consultation, we’ll determine whether a full facelift or a modified version is best for your skin, bone structure, and degree of change.
What Happens During Facelift Surgery?
Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Incisions are made around the ears and possibly under the chin, depending on the area of correction. The deeper layers of tissue and muscle are repositioned to lift and support facial structure. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is redraped to match your new contours.
The procedure usually lasts two to four hours. Patients return home the same day, accompanied by post-operative instructions and scheduled follow-up appointments.
What to Expect After Facelift Surgery
Recovery varies, but most patients experience swelling, tightness, and bruising for the first one to two weeks. A compression garment or bandage may be worn to reduce swelling. Most people return to light activities within ten to fourteen days and resume full routines after several weeks, depending on their healing response. We guide you through each stage and monitor your progress with follow-up visits.
Results continue to improve as swelling fades. While a facelift does not stop aging, it resets the clock by several years, providing a refreshed appearance that lasts.
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery improves sagging, restores definition to the jawline and cheeks, and creates smoother transitions in the lower face and neck. It also enhances skin tone and reduces creases along the nose and mouth.
Most patients report feeling more confident and at ease in their appearance, especially when the results align with how they feel internally.
Cost of a Facelift in St. George
The cost of a facelift varies based on the extent of the procedure, the type of anesthesia, and whether other procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery, are performed simultaneously.
Pricing includes surgeon’s fees, facility and anesthesia costs, and follow-up care. We provide a detailed estimate during your consultation and discuss financing options if needed.
Why Choose Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery
Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery specializes exclusively in facial procedures, offering focused care combining surgical expertise and personalized planning. Every facelift is performed in a clinical setting that prioritizes safety, education, and natural-looking outcomes. With a team led by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kent E. Gardner, the clinic brings over two decades of experience and a results-driven approach to each patient’s care. From consultation to follow-ups, we aim to support informed decisions and deliver consistent, lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results typically last seven to ten years. Aging continues, but the improvements made during surgery help maintain a younger-looking appearance compared to what you would have had without the procedure.
What is the recovery time for facelift surgery?
Most patients return to work and social activity after two weeks. Full healing may take several months, but discomfort and visible bruising resolve more quickly.
Are there risks associated with facelift procedures?
All surgeries carry risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, or temporary nerve changes. We review these in detail during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.
At what age should I consider a facelift?
There is no fixed age. Some patients seek surgery in their forties, while others wait until their sixties or beyond. Timing depends on your skin condition, goals, and overall health.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation in St. George
If you’re ready to explore surgical options for facial rejuvenation, schedule a facelift consultation at Gardner Facial Plastic Surgery. We’ll examine your facial structure, review your goals, and help you decide if this is the right time and approach. Visit our consultation request page to get started.
