The number of men and women requesting a facelift procedure in Boston continues to increase. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, a facelift was the 2nd most popular facial cosmetic procedure in 2023 as 78,482 people had the procedure in America. This strong demand reflects a high patient satisfaction level, with RealSelf reporting that 92% of facelift recipients consider the procedure worthwhile.

Our Boston facelift patients consistently echo this sentiment, expressing high satisfaction with their facelift results:

“I can not say enough about how lucky I was to find Dr Mark. He put me at ease, understood I was in my fifties and was not planning to be a beauty queen. I had lost a lot of weigh (100 lbs) and had loose skin to prove it. We discussed many different options and he guided me to what was most important to me. He then expertly has been taken me through procedures including face lift, neck lift and eyes. He is honest about your out come and hasn’t disappointed me! Trusting a doctor to do things to your body is scary. I am so glad I trusted this man.” 

Many patients still wonder how they can be sure that facial surgery results will look natural. If the procedure is safe, what technique would best suit them, and how the recovery will be?

What is a facelift? 

We all mature at different rates, but one of the first places we notice the signs of aging is on our face. Often, as we enter our forties, creases around our mouth deepen, the skin on our cheeks loosens and sagging jowls appear beneath our jawline. 

The good news is a facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, effectively addresses all of these issues by tightening underlying muscles, lifting tissues, sculpting fat, and removing excess skin. 

New surgical techniques in Boston mean the “wind-tunnel” facelift of the past has had a facelift of its own. Now, patients can choose from various types of facelifts and choose one that is designed to achieve a youthful and more natural-looking appearance.

What are the pros and cons of a facelift? 

Pros:

  • Facelifts can be very effective at improving signs of aging for both men and women.
  • It produces natural results and can make you look and feel younger.
  • A facelift generally only takes 2-5 hours depending on which type of procedure you choose.
  • Patients can often see results quickly and are ready to go out within two weeks.
  • A full facelift’s results are usually long-lasting – often around 10 years.
  • You won’t be left with obvious scars.

Cons:

  • It might take a full year to see the final results.
  • While scars fade, some may not disappear completely.
  • Facelifts are a significant investment, and unfortunately, they’re not usually covered by insurance.
  • As it is a surgical procedure, there are some risks

Who makes a good facelift candidate?

In general, good candidates for a facelift:

  • Are healthy with no underlying health conditions
  • Are non-smokers
  • Have a positive outlook and realistic expectations
  • Have visible signs of aging, including sagging cheeks and jowls as well as marionette lines and banding across the neck

Often patients are 50 and over, but some patients choose to have a facelift while still in their forties.

Which facelift is right for me?

The first step in choosing the right type of facelift procedure in Boston is to choose the right surgeon. Make sure the cosmetic surgeons you consult with are board-certified and have substantial experience in facelift procedures. 

Dr. Markarian considers your weight, skin thickness, quality, and, of course, your desired outcome from the surgery before giving his recommendations. 

Your doctor’s choices will be influenced by their subspecialties and skills, so thorough research about their credentials and training is key.

Types of facelift procedures

Generally, the fear of looking unnatural is the main concern for patients considering a facelift. This is probably down to the “skin-only” facelift of the past where the surgeon pulled up and removed excess skin often resulting in the “wind-tunnel look.” And while that method may still suit some patients today, there are many other procedures to choose from.

Full Facelifts

A full facelift gives you a more youthful appearance by reshaping the lower half of the face and smoothing out deep creases around the mouth and nose. It also removes hanging skin around the jawline and fat under the chin and in the neck. There are two types of full facelift:

SMAS Lift

During the SMAS lift, (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), incisions are made in front of or behind the ears so Dr. Markarian can reposition the sheet of firm tissue or fascia that covers the muscle layer of the face, as well as the fat pads, separately from the skin. He then redrapes the skin. The benefits of this surgery can last up to 15 years, which is significantly more than traditional facelift procedures.

Deep Plane Facelift

With the second type, the deep plane facelift, Dr. Markarian creates a flap that includes skin fat and SMAS, and lifts and tightens them together as one, lifting the mid-face below the SMAS. Some doctors believe this gives a more natural result, as the skin stays attached to the muscle layers.

Partial Facelifts

Similarly, partial facelifts can produce impressive results in addressing light to moderate aging by correcting sagging around the neck and jawline to create a natural and younger look.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift or short scar facelift, known in medical terms as the minimal access cranial suspension facelift (MACS), improves the lower face and jowls by using a shorter incision than that used in a full facelift.

Lower Facelift

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, facelift focuses on everything below the corners of the mouth. It addresses the laugh lines and jawline and often improves the area under the chin and neck as well.

Can I improve my face and neck without going under the knife?

If an operation seems too big a step, and the signs of aging are not that severe yet, you may decide to head to the med spa rather than going down the surgical route. Less invasive procedures are quicker to undergo and to recover from than surgical options and the effects are often popular with patients.

Injectables

Injectable toxins and fillers are combined during the so-called “Liquid Facelift.” This plumps up the skin, improves the appearance of wrinkles and sagging, and can be administered in a lunch hour. However, the impact of injectables may not create a dramatic enough result for some patients, and the effects can wear off within months.

Facial balancing 

Facial balancing uses fillers in varying proportions to balance the appearance of your facial features. Since dermal fillers are frequently used, this procedure helps address concerns of aging and wrinkles, especially where signs of aging are asymmetrical.

Thread Lift

A thread lift inserts temporary sutures underneath the skin to produce a lift and attract collagen to the treated areas. This may go some way in helping the laxity of the skin.

Minimally Invasive Facelift

Radiofrequency treatments, like Thermi, Exilis, Profound RF, Facetite, and Thermage work by heating the skin’s deeper layers to induce new collagen and can even lift deeper tissues. Similarly, laser and ultrasound treatments like Ultherapy and HiFi send heat into the skin, causing the body to produce more collagen even with only one treatment.

However, it’s worth noting that many require repeat visits to the clinic for touch-ups, and the costs will add up. If sagging is very severe, it may be time to question whether they will bring you the best return on their investment in the long run. 

What surgeries can you combine with a Facelift procedure in Boston?

Since facelifts only focus on the bottom two-thirds of the face and the neck, this leaves those looking to improve the appearance of their eyes, forehead, or other areas with choices to make. It is possible to combine surgeries with a facelift and this can achieve an impressive result while saving you both recovery time and money.

Blepharoplasty

This procedure is routinely performed alongside a facelift as it repairs droopy eyelids and often involves removing excess skin, muscle, and fat from around the eyes.

Brow Lift or Forehead Rhytidectomy

A brow lift gives the eyes a more open appearance and improves wrinkles across the forehead. Performing one at the same time as a facelift also often gives a more balanced and natural result.

Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty)

Otoplasty can improve the shape, position, or proportion of the ear – bringing balance to the ears and face. Since facelift incisions are generally made around the ears, surgeons can easily access the ears for cosmetic reshaping at the same time.

Facial Symmetry Surgery

Some patients have concerns regarding asymmetries between the two sides of their face. There may be asymmetries between facial features (e.g. eye or cheek height) which can be addressed alongside a facelift procedure. Alternatively, asymmetrical facial aging may have caused one side of the face to age more quickly than the other. A facelift procedure can correct asymmetrical facial aging by lifting one side of the face to a larger extent so the sides are symmetrical.

Neck lift

A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, isn’t designed to make an impact on the face but improves jowls, reduces fatty deposits under the chin, and addresses loose neck skin and muscle banding in the neck.

How much does a facelift cost in Boston?

Many patients have concerns over the financial implications of getting a facelift procedure in Boston. If you are interested in the pricing, planning, or financing options for facelift procedures, view our blog on ‘How much does a Boston Facelift cost?’

How long does facelift recovery take?

It can take up to two to three months for your face to feel “back to normal.” Most people can return to work two to three weeks after surgery, but it might take longer if you have a more invasive procedure.

Facelift recovery timeline

Getting a facelift is a big decision, and it’s natural to wonder what recovery will be like. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

Before you go under the knife

Get comfy! Set up a recovery area at home with supplies like gauze, comfy clothes, and entertainment to keep you occupied while you rest.

First 24 hours

You should be able to go home on the same day as your surgery. Arrange for a friend or family member to help you out for the first day after surgery. You’ll likely be feeling the effects of anesthesia and pain medication, so avoid driving. As the American Society of Plastic Surgery describes, “day one is usually when you most need pain medication to stay on top of discomfort.” 

First week

Expect swelling and bruising. Dr. Markarian advises keeping your head elevated for a few days to reduce swelling, and to minimize strenuous activities like working out for a few weeks until he gives you the green light. You’ll get your stitches removed by the end of the first week, and you can start wearing makeup again.

Second week

Your incisions will start to heal, and the worst of the swelling and bruising should be gone. You should also be able to go back to work by the end of the second week.

How long does a facelift last?

The longevity of your facelift results depends on several factors, such as:

  • Genetics
  • Skin elasticity
  • Skincare habits
  • Lifestyle choices
  • Age

While it varies for everyone, here’s the average amount of time patients enjoy their results after each type of facelift surgery:

  • SMAS facelift: 7-15 years
  • Deep plane facelift: 10 to 15 years
  • Mini facelift: 5 to 10 years
  • Lower facelift: 5 to 10 years

What are the risks of facelift surgery?

Healthline says, as with any surgery, there are possible complications to be aware of. These include:

  • Poor results
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Infection
  • Numbness
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Scarring
  • Blood clots
  • Cardiac complications

How do I achieve natural-looking facelift results?

Find a surgeon you trust

Look for someone who truly understands facial anatomy and can help you achieve the look you’re going for.

Communicate your goals

Tell your surgeon what you want. Let them know you’re aiming for a natural, refreshed look, not a drastic change. Bringing in a photo of yourself from when you were younger can be really helpful.Most importantly, Dr. Markarian believes that patients considering facelift surgery should choose the surgeon that they have the best connection with.

Disclaimer

Please note: All materials on the Site, such as text, treatments, outcomes, photographs and images and any other material provided on the Site are for information purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding treatments. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Site.
Though the content of this blog has been carefully prepared, the author of this content is not a medical doctor and the content has not been reviewed by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon. 
Unless specifically stated, patients referred to in this blog have not received a Facelift by Dr. Mark Markarian. This blog does not endorse the work of any doctors or surgeons mentioned. Stories relating to patients’ personal experiences of the Facelift procedure should be treated as anecdotal only.
Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and his, her, or their responsibility