Facelift
Restore youthful contours with the gold standard in facial rejuvenation.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift repositions deeper facial tissue to restore the jawline, cheeks, and neck. Unlike traditional facelifts that simply pull the skin, this procedure releases and repositions the deeper muscle layers (SMAS) and fat pads. The result is a natural, tension-free restoration of the midface, jawline, and neck: avoiding a tightened look. By focusing on the underlying architecture of the face, we achieve results that are not only more natural but also significantly more durable. For patients whose aging is concentrated in the midface and under-eye area, Dr. Castro also offers the Glidelift™, a hidden-scar technique performed through incisions concealed in the hairline.
Request a Private ConsultationThe Ideal Candidate
- Jowls or loss of definition along the jawline
- Lower-face descent, cheek descent, or deep facial folds
- Loose skin in the lower face or neck
- Desire for longer-lasting surgical correction rather than temporary treatments
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia
- Estimated Duration
- 4–5 hours
- Downtime
- 14–21 days
- Return to Work
- Desk work and remote activities are typically possible within two weeks. Public-facing professional activities are usually comfortable at three weeks. Strenuous activity is restricted for four to six weeks.
Surgical Technique
A facelift at our practice focuses on repositioning the deeper facial support layer, not simply pulling the skin tighter. Incisions are placed around the ear and into the hairline so they can heal as discreetly as possible. The skin is lifted enough to reach the deeper support layer, which is repositioned to restore cheek support and sharpen the jawline. When neck bands are present, they can be treated through a small incision under the chin with neck muscle tightening. The skin is then laid back without tension, extra skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed carefully.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Facelift?
A facelift is a good fit for adults with jowls, lower-face looseness, and neck aging that non-surgical treatments cannot meaningfully correct. Good candidates avoid nicotine, are medically optimized for surgery, and have clear goals. A facelift restores deeper support and facial definition; it is not intended to change identity or stop the natural aging process.
Recovery
The first week after facelift surgery usually brings the most swelling, bruising, and tightness. If drains are used, they are commonly removed within the first one to two days. A compression wrap or supportive dressing is worn early in recovery to help control swelling. Many patients feel comfortable in social settings after about two to three weeks, although residual swelling, firmness, or mild sensory changes around the cheeks and ears can last longer. Final softening, scar maturation, and refinement continue over six to twelve months.
Acute Recovery
Compression wrap worn. Drains removed day 1–2. Swelling and bruising most pronounced. Head kept elevated.
Social Recovery
Swelling substantially reduced. Bruising resolved or easily concealed. Most return to social activities.
Continued Refinement
Residual firmness and sensory changes continue to resolve. Light exercise may resume. Scar management ongoing.
Final Result
Full result visible. Scars mature to near imperceptibility. Refreshed, natural appearance sustained.
Facelift Risks & Considerations
Hematoma, a collection of blood under the skin, is the most common facelift complication and is more likely in patients with high blood pressure and in men. Facial nerve injury causing weakness is rare but serious. Skin tissue loss can occur, especially in smokers or patients with poor circulation. Other risks include prolonged swelling, asymmetry, widened scars, infection, earlobe distortion, and hair loss near hairline incisions. Blood pressure control, nicotine avoidance, and careful follow-up help reduce these risks.
- Hematoma (blood collection)
- Skin tissue loss
- Facial nerve weakness or injury
- Visible or widened scarring
- Hair loss near incisions
- Prolonged swelling or asymmetry
- Infection
- Earlobe distortion
Alternatives to Facelift
Non-surgical treatments such as fillers, Botox, laser resurfacing, or radiofrequency can improve selected lines, volume loss, or skin texture, but they do not reposition deeper facial tissues. A neck lift may be enough when the concern is isolated to the neck. A Glidelift™ may be better when the concern is centered around the midface and lower-eye support. Blepharoplasty may be better when the main issue is eyelid skin or lower-eyelid bags.
Facelift Patient Guides
Medical Sources
Facelift - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the typical recovery timeline?
- Most patients return to social activities within two to three weeks. Initial swelling and bruising subside significantly during the first ten days.
- Will there be visible scarring?
- Incisions are meticulously placed along the natural contours of the ear and hairline to ensure they are inconspicuous once fully healed.
- How long do the results of a facelift last?
- While a facelift does not stop the aging process, most patients enjoy a more youthful appearance for ten to fifteen years before natural aging continues.
- Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
- Yes. Many patients choose to combine a facelift with eyelid surgery or fat grafting to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
- Will I look like a different person?
- The goal is restoration, not transformation. You will look like a refreshed version of yourself with natural, tension-free results.
Ready to talk through your options?
Every plan begins with a conversation about your anatomy, your goals, and whether this is genuinely the right procedure for you.
Schedule a ConsultationPerformed by Dr. Ruben Castro in Newport Beach, California