Facelift

Over time, environmental and genetic factors can lead to folds, jowls, and pockets of fat that combine to make your face look older than you feel inside. Fortunately, there’s a way to bring back a younger-looking version of you and feel like yourself once again. A facelift addresses age-related changes that affect your face, including loosening connective tissues, volume loss, and sagging, particularly in the lower face and neck.

Dual board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz offer only the best facelift and neck lift techniques at their Charlotte, North Carolina, practice. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz possess the skill and expertise to perform a deep plane facelift that allows for the most optimal anatomic repositioning of the descended tissues. They create natural-looking results and a fresh, “unoperated” appearance to help facelift patients, who visit from the Lake Norman area such as Cornelius, Huntersville, and Davidson; Lake Wylie communities including Tega Cay and India Hook; Belmont; Indian Trail; and other nearby cities, look like themselves, only revitalized.

Facelift
 Before & After Photos

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Before & After Facelift Case 91 Left Side View in Charlotte, NC
BeforeAfter

Deep Plane Facelift

5 months post procedure

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Before & After Facelift Case 95 Front View in Charlotte, NC
BeforeAfter

Deep Plane Facelift & Upper Blepharoplasty

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Deep Plane Facelift, Bilateral Upper Blepharoplasty, Bilateral Lower Blepharoplasty - Before
BeforeAfter

Deep Plane Facelift, Bilateral Upper Blepharoplasty, Bilateral Lower Blepharoplasty

An extended deep plane facelift was performed with beautiful rejuvenation of the midface, lower face, and neck.  These photos were taken 4 months after surgery.  The patient, Dr. Garcia, and Dr. Surowitz are thrilled with her results.  Read More

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Before & After Facelift Case 90 Front View in Charlotte, NC
BeforeAfter

Deep Plane Facelift

3 months post procedure

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Before & After Neck Lift Case 13 Left Oblique View in Charlotte, NC
BeforeAfter

Necklift, Facelift, Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Blepharoplasty, Otoplasty

This gentleman wished to address his facial and neck aging, upper and lower eyelid aging, and prominent ears.  Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz treated him with a deep plane face and neck lift, upper blepharoplasty (not shown), lower blepharoplasty, and otoplasty.  He is very pleased with his natural results.  Read More

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Deep Plane Facelift - Before
BeforeAfter

Deep Plane Facelift

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Deep Plane Facelift - Before
BeforeAfter

Deep Plane Facelift

This patient was seen regarding options to address facial aging changes.  Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz preformed a deep plane facelift to address these concerns.  Patient is very pleased with her results.

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Before & After Facelift Case 93 Front View in Charlotte, NC
BeforeAfter

Deep Plane Facelift

2 months post procedure.

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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

What Is a Facelift?

Also known as a rhytidectomy, the facelift is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the U.S. each year.

A facelift reduces midface sagging, deep creases, and jowls by tightening the tissues that have drooped. Excess fat is removed or repositioned to fill in hollowing areas. These changes result in:

  • Fuller cheeks
  • A more defined jawline
  • Smoothing and tightening of the neck
  • An overall more youthful look

While there are surgical steps typical to every facelift, Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz customize each surgery to create a harmonious, natural, and refreshed look.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Charlotte, NC?

The cost of a facelift at our Charlotte facial plastic surgery practice varies depending on the amount of correction needed, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors. When you visit us for a private consultation, we will give you a personalized pricing estimate based on the treatment plan you and your surgeons create together.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

The ideal facelift candidate is someone in generally good health and looking to lift drooping tissues, remove excess skin, and achieve more youthful facial contours.

Deep Plane Facelift

Our surgeons are two of the few in the community who perform the deep plane facelift. They have the skill and expertise to perform this advanced approach that allows for the most optimal anatomic repositioning of the descended tissues. 

Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift

The mini facelift, also called a short scar facelift, is less invasive than a full facelift and produces less dramatic results. Here is an overview:

  • Good candidates: People with early jowls, mild skin laxity in the lower face, and good skin elasticity.
  • Scars: Begin at the temple and run in front of the ear (not under the earlobe like a full facelift).
  • Recovery: Involves less bruising and swelling than a full facelift. Patients return to work in approximately 7 to 10 days.
  • Results: Last less than 10 years (experiences vary).

Meet Our Surgeons

Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery combines the expertise of two dual board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons for unparalleled patient care. Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz offer a unique collaborative approach to facial plastic surgery, working as a compassionate and highly trained duo to bring out the very best in you.

Credentials You Can Trust

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery logo, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery logo, RealSelf Top Doctor badges, and TMC HIPAA Trained logo

Why Choose Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery for Your Facelift?

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeons Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz are facial rejuvenation specialists who work as a team to give you the exceptional results you desire and deserve. From your first unrushed consultation, the doctors collaboratively devote their expertise to bringing your vision to life.

You’ll be in the hands of not one but two experienced facial plastic surgeons who care about you as both a patient and a person. You can count on not only looking 10 years younger but also on enjoying laughter, warmth, and partnership along the way.  

What our clients have to say

I wish I could give 10 stars!

Amazing work coupled with the most professional and caring people! My experience was absolutely TOP NOTCH!! This was my first experience but I couldn’t have made a better choice.

5 star review

- S. Hill

What Is Facelift Recovery Like?

The recovery experience following facelift surgery is unique for each patient. In general, however, you can expect the recovery to follow a timeline similar to the following:

  • Immediately after surgery: You’ll feel a bit unsteady after waking up in the recovery room. You’ll need a family member or friend to drive you home and stay with you overnight. Taking pain medication will help manage discomfort, which typically peaks during the first day or two.
  • Day 2: A follow-up is usually scheduled the day after surgery when the surgeon removes or changes your dressings and evaluates the incisions and swelling. You should still be getting plenty of rest while also taking brief walks around your home to ensure good circulation.
  • First week: You can expect swelling and bruising to peak during this period, even as you begin to feel much more like your usual self. Over-the-counter medications are often all that’s needed to manage discomfort by the 4th or 5th day after surgery. You may feel well enough to do some light chores around the house.
  • Second week: You may notice some numbness or tightness as your swelling and bruising continue to dissipate. That’s normal.
  • Weeks 3 to 4: Most patients return to work about 3 weeks after a facelift. Depending on your level of comfort with your appearance, you may go out to dinner or meet with friends during this time. By the end of the first month after your surgery, you’ll start to see the initial results of your facelift. Make sure to apply sunscreen before leaving home.
  • Weeks 4 to 6: At this point, your recovery is nearly complete. You can resume all normal activities as the tissues return to their relatively normal state. Some residual bruising or swelling can persist for the next couple of months, but these changes are very subtle, and you can safely return to your everyday life.

Most people return to work and social activities within 2 to 3 weeks after a facelift. You will experience some bruising and swelling during the first couple of weeks, and it’s normal to feel a little fatigued for the first few days. You will need to hold off on intense exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks as you recuperate.

How Much Younger Will I Look After a Facelift?

When performed by a facial plastic surgery specialist, a facelift usually results in patients looking like they did 10 to 12 years earlier. Even though the aging process continues, you’ll continue to look younger than if you didn’t have a facelift.

Will I Have Scars After a Facelift?

A facelift does involve some fine incisions, but Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz take great care to disguise these along your hairline and around your ears, so they are barely visible once healed.

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Are There Nonsurgical Alternatives to a Facelift?

For most facelift candidates, surgery is the best way to achieve natural-looking results that last. However, some people with less advanced signs of aging may benefit from a nonsurgical liquid facelift using a combination of the following injectables:

  • Dermal fillers: Fillers add volume in the cheeks, tear troughs, temples, and more to smooth away wrinkles and restore youthful fullness.
  • BOTOX® Cosmetic: BOTOX relaxes wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, such as forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet.

These treatments also work beautifully for extending your facelift results so you can enjoy a naturally rejuvenated look for as long as possible.

Combining Facelift Surgery With Other Procedures

While a facelift rejuvenates the lower part of the face, facial aging rarely stops there. For more complete rejuvenation, many people have one or more of the following procedures combined with their facelift:

Nonsurgical treatments can be combined with facelift surgery as well. Many patients choose to enhance their facelift with laser skin resurfacing to rejuvenate their complexion.

Popular Facelift FAQs in Charlotte

What’s the best age to get a facelift?

Nearly two-thirds of all facelift patients are between the ages of 55 and 69. This is generally when sagging and jowls become more noticeable. It’s important to note, however, that there is no “right age” for a facelift; some people are ready in their 40s while others wait until their 70s.

Who’s not a good candidate for facelift surgery?

You are not a candidate for facelift surgery if you are pregnant, significantly overweight, or are in poor health, physically or emotionally. You may need a different procedure if your concerns center on your skin quality or upper face. The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate for facelift surgery is to consult with one of our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons.

How painful is a facelift?   

You can expect some pain after facelift surgery, but it is usually well managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Sensations of heaviness, tightness, and tenderness in the face are common, often due to post-surgical swelling and bruising.

Popular Facelift FAQs in Cornelius

What age is too late for a facelift?

There is no upper age limit for facelift surgery because the aging process affects people differently. If you are in good health, do not smoke or use nicotine products (or are willing to stop before and after surgery), and have realistic expectations for your results, you may be a candidate for a facelift.

Before & After Facelift Case 107 Left Oblique View in Charlotte, NC
This patient, age 76, is shown before and 3 months after her facelift at Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, NC.

What is the most natural looking facelift?

The most natural-looking facelift results are achieved by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who uses modern techniques that do more than tighten sagging skin. Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz are highly experienced in deep plane facelifts that reposition the facial tissue and muscle to help patients look like a refreshed, younger version of themselves.

What’s the best alternative to a facelift?

The “best” facelift alternative depends on your signs of aging and aesthetic goals. If you’re not ready for surgery or want a nonsurgical alternative, laser skin resurfacing, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and dermal fillers can provide impressive rejuvenation individually or on their own. If your concerns focus on the upper face, a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or both procedures might help you look refreshed and more youthful.

Popular Facelift FAQs in Huntersville

How long do facelifts last?

Facelift results typically last at least 10 years. While a facelift is ideal for tightening and lifting facial tissues, it does not stop the natural aging process. Your face will continue to age, but it will do so from a new starting point, effectively turning back the clock by a matter of years.

How long are you in bed following surgery?

Bedrest is not part of facelift recovery. While it’s important to take it easy for the first few weeks, it’s equally important to take brief indoor walks multiple times a day starting the day after surgery.

What is the most common complication of a facelift?

Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin) is the most common complication after facelift surgery and typically develops within the first 24 hours. Other risks include facial nerve damage, infection, anesthesia side effects, and poor healing, especially in smokers. The best ways to minimize these risks are to choose an experienced facelift surgeon and follow your post-op instructions closely.

Request Your Consultation

If you would like to meet with our Charlotte facelift specialists to discuss what is possible for you with facial plastic surgery, please request a consultation online or call (980) 949-6544.

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