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Take a decade or more off your face and neck

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses signs of aging in the face and neck. It effectively tightens sagging skin, smooths deep folds, and restores lost volume for a more youthful appearance. By lifting and repositioning underlying tissues, a facelift can redefine the jawline, improve neck contour, and create a balanced, natural look. Dr. Nadimi offers various facelift techniques tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals, ensuring results that look refreshed and harmonious rather than artificial or overdone.

Facelift treats:

  • Sagging skin on the face and neck
  • Deep folds or creases around the nose and mouth
  • Loss of facial volume and contour
  • Jowls along the jawline
  • Loose skin and fat under the chin
  • Lack of definition in the neck area
  • Wrinkles and fine lines around the lower face
  • Asymmetry caused by aging tissues
  • Drooping cheeks or midface sagging
  • Tired or aged facial appearance

Types of facelifts

Deep plane facelift

The deep plane facelift involves surgical manipulation of the deep plane, which consists of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the underlying superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS). This releases key retaining ligaments to allow precise repositioning of the midface and lower face. By lifting and redraping these deeper structures, the procedure reduces tension on the skin, creating a natural, long-lasting rejuvenation of the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jawline.

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Extended deep plane facelift

The extended deep plane facelift builds upon the standard deep plane approach by extending the dissection to include the neck and more extensive areas of the lower face. This method releases additional ligaments, such as the mandibular ligament, allowing for comprehensive lifting and contouring of the neck, jowls, and midface. This approach provides a dramatic improvement in cases of advanced aging while maintaining a natural appearance.

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Full/SMAS facelift

The full/SMAS facelift is a comprehensive procedure that addresses aging in the entire face and neck by lifting and repositioning the SMAS layer, excising excess skin, and restoring volume. By integrating midface, lower face, and neck correction, this approach effectively smooths deep wrinkles, tightens sagging skin, and enhances facial contours. The focus on the deeper structural layers ensures durable results for patients with advanced signs of aging.

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Revision facelift

The revision facelift corrects issues arising from a previous facelift, such as asymmetry, scar tissue, or changes due to further aging. This surgery requires advanced techniques to preserve existing structures, often involving scar revision, readdressing the SMAS layer, or re-draping the skin to enhance symmetry and refine results. Dr. Nadimi meticulously assesses prior surgical plans to ensure optimal outcomes while minimizing complications.

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Primary facelift

A primary facelift is the initial procedure performed to address signs of facial aging, such as wrinkles and jowls. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, it typically involves elevating the SMAS layer, repositioning subcutaneous fat, and redraping the skin. The procedure restores youthful contours by targeting facial sagging, jowls, and skin laxity while avoiding excessive tension on the skin to ensure long-term, natural results.

Lower facelift

The lower facelift specifically addresses the lower third of the face, including the jawline, chin, and neck. Through targeted SMAS elevation and fat sculpting, this technique sharpens the mandibular contour and eliminates sagging under the chin. The lower facelift is particularly beneficial for patients whose aging concerns are localized to the jawline and neck, delivering significant improvement while preserving the natural harmony of the midface.

Mini facelift

The mini facelift targets the SMAS layer and skin in the lower face through smaller incisions, typically placed around the ears. This technique is less invasive than traditional facelifts and focuses on correcting early signs of aging, such as mild jowls and minimal skin laxity. By limiting the scope of dissection, the mini facelift achieves subtle yet noticeable results with shorter recovery times and a lower risk of complications.

Benefits of a facelift:

  • Lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues
  • Smooths deep creases and folds around the nose and mouth
  • Improves the definition of the jawline and neck
  • Restores youthful facial contours and volume
  • Provides long-lasting and natural-looking results
  • Targets multiple signs of aging in a single procedure
  • Minimizes tension on the skin, reducing visible scarring

Facelift FAQs

What is the best age to consider a facelift?

There isn’t a specific age that’s “best” for a facelift—it really depends on your unique anatomy and aging process. Many people start considering a facelift in their 40s to 60s when they notice sagging skin, deep wrinkles, or loss of facial volume. However, younger patients with early signs of aging or older individuals with good skin elasticity and overall health can also benefit.

How long do facelift results last?

The longevity of facelift results depends on factors like the surgical technique, skin quality, and individual aging processes. On average, a facelift can provide results that last 10-15 years. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following a good skincare routine can prolong the outcomes.

What is the recovery time after a facelift?

Recovery from a facelift depends on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s healing process. Most patients can return to non-strenuous activities within 1-2 weeks, although swelling and bruising may take 3-4 weeks to resolve. Full recovery, including the emergence of the final results, typically occurs within 3-6 months.

Are facelift results natural-looking?

When performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Nadimi, facelift results usually look natural and refreshed, avoiding an overdone or “pulled” appearance. Techniques like SMAS lifting or deep plane approaches focus on repositioning deeper tissues rather than merely tightening the skin, ensuring subtle and balanced rejuvenation.

Can a facelift address the forehead or eyes?

A facelift primarily targets the midface, lower face, and neck. To address concerns in the upper face, such as a sagging forehead, drooping brows, or tired eyes, complementary procedures like a brow lift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed alongside a facelift for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Is a facelift permanent?

While a facelift provides long-lasting improvement by reversing existing signs of aging, it cannot stop the natural aging process. Over time, patients may experience new changes in their skin and tissues. However, the improvements achieved through a facelift are permanent, and patients will continue to look younger than they would have without surgery.

Will there be visible scars after a facelift?

Facelift incisions are strategically placed along natural contours of the face, such as around the ears and within the hairline, to minimize visible scarring. With proper care, the scars typically fade over time and become inconspicuous. Dr. Nadimi provides detailed postoperative instructions to promote optimal healing.

Can men get facelifts?

Absolutely. Facelifts are suitable for both men and women. Although the techniques are similar, facelifts for men often take into consideration their unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Whether it’s defining the jawline or tightening loose skin, a facelift can help men regain a more youthful appearance. Dr. Nadimi tailors each procedure to achieve natural results.

Meet Dr. Nadimi

Sahar Nadimi, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon renowned for her meticulous approach and natural results. As clinical faculty at Loyola University Medical Center, she teaches advanced facial plastic surgery techniques to residents, ensuring the highest standards of care. Dr. Nadimi tailors each facelift to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals, restoring youthful contours with precision and artistry. Schedule your consultation today to explore how a facelift can rejuvenate your appearance.

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CONTACT US219-322-3131
Contact Us 219-322-3131