Facelift
Take 10 years off your age and restore a more lifted and youthful face with a surgical facelift or midface lift.
A surgical facelift consultation at our Eagan, Woodbury, and Vadnais Heights clinics can effectively address several concerns associated with facial aging. As we age, several factors contribute to our skin and face looking older. Years of environmental damage and strong facial expressions can cause deep lines in the skin. Natural bone and fat loss can lead to a gaunt appearance and excessive sagging of tissue due to a lack of support.
Additionally, our skin loses its plump volume and becomes less resilient. The general shape of our face goes from being an uplifted heart shape to being more like an inverted triangle with heaviness and drooping along the jawline. In turn, we can appear much older than we feel.
Meet Your Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeons
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most critical decisions in your aesthetic plan. At our practice, you are under the care of double board-certified facial plastic surgeons who focus exclusively on the face and neck. Our team possesses a deep understanding of complex facial anatomy. This specialization allows them to perform advanced surgical techniques that yield superior, natural-looking outcomes while prioritizing patient safety.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in St. Paul?
The facelift cost in Minneapolis varies depending on the complexity of your specific case. A comprehensive quote typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, and facility costs. Since this is an elective procedure, insurance typically does not cover the expense. However, we believe that cost should not be a barrier to achieving your aesthetic goals. We offer flexible financing options to help fit the procedure into your budget.
The Facelift Procedure: What to Expect
On the day of surgery, your comfort is our priority. We discuss facelift anesthesia options with you beforehand, which may range from IV sedation to general anesthesia, making certain you are comfortable throughout the operation.
Incisions are discreetly placed within the hairline and around the natural contours of the ear. This strategic placement allows any resulting scars to be virtually imperceptible once healed, letting you wear your hair up or short with confidence.
Our facial plastic surgeon in St. Paul uses advanced techniques, such as the SMAS or Deep Plane method, to lift the underlying muscles and tissues. This restores the structural foundation of the face, corrects jowls, and smooths deep creases for a natural, long-lasting result. Once the deeper tissues are secured, the skin is redraped over the new facial contours. Excess skin is trimmed away, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures to promote quick healing.
Indications
- Sagging skin around the jawline
- Loose skin on the neck
- Jowls along with corners of the mouth
- Flattening of the cheek area
Benefits
- Smoothing and tightening of neckline
- Tightening of the jawline
- Lift to low face
- Smoothing of wrinkles
What is the Recovery Timeline for a Facelift?
Knowing the facelift recovery timeline is essential for planning your work and social schedule. While every patient heals differently, most individuals can expect a similar progression.
- Days 1-3: You will experience the most swelling and tightness during this initial phase. Rest is imperative.
- Days 4-7: Stitches are typically removed. Bruising may peak before starting to fade.
- Days 10-14: Most patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous work and social activities. Makeup can often be applied to conceal residual discoloration.
Regarding facelift downtime, it is essential to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
The best way to determine if this surgery is right for you is to view facelift before and after photos and schedule a professional assessment. Generally, good candidates for facelift surgery are healthy men and women who wish to correct visible signs of aging.
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Signs of facial aging, such as deep creases below the lower eyelids or along the nose and mouth
- Loss of muscle tone in the lower face, creating jowls
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw
- Realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery
If you have significant neck sagging, your surgeon may recommend combining the procedure with a neck lift to harmonize the lower face and neck contours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Facelift
How long do facelift results last?
While a facelift can temporarily set back the clock, the aging process continues. Most patients enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for 10 years or more. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and proper skin care can help prolong these results.
What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?
A mini facelift addresses mild to moderate sagging in the lower face, involving shorter incisions and a quicker recovery. A full facelift is more comprehensive, addressing deeper structures and significant skin laxity, and often includes the neck area for complete rejuvenation.
Will I look "windblown" or unnatural after surgery?
Our surgeons use advanced deep-plane techniques to reposition underlying muscle and tissue rather than simply tightening the skin. This approach avoids the "pulled" look and creates a natural, rested appearance.
Can I smoke before or after the surgery?
Nicotine constricts blood vessels and significantly impairs healing, increasing the risk of complications. You must stop smoking for at least four weeks before and after the procedure to promote safety and optimal scarring.
What other procedures can be combined with a facelift?
Patients often combine a facelift with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lifts, or laser resurfacing for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Non-surgical treatments, such as volume replacement or neuromodulators, can also enhance and maintain surgical results.
Schedule Your Consultation in St. Paul
Restore the definition and youthful contours of your face with a procedure designed for natural, lasting results. If you are ready to explore how a facelift can help you look as refreshed as you feel, we are here to guide you. Schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Eagan, Lakeville, Vadnais Heights, or Woodbury to discuss a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs.
Related Procedures
Before + After Results
View before and after photos of surgeries performed by facial plastic surgeons Dr. Christopher Tolan, Dr. Garrett Griffin, Dr. Zachary Farhood, Dr. Sebastian Sciegienka, and Dr. Anna Bakeman in Minneapolis, MN.
