Facelift
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jared Nimtz performs facelift surgery in Lexington and London to give his patients a more youthful appearance. This procedure can address a number of issues that develop as we age such as sunken or flattened cheeks, an overall loss of facial fat, smile lines (nasolabial folds), sagging skin around the mouth, jowls, and fat under the chin and jawline. People looking for a facelift specialist come to our practice from Louisville and Bowling Green, KY, and Knoxville, TN.
Personalized Facial Rejuvenation
The facelift rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face. Patients who do not have significant laxity of the skin on or around the face might not need a full facelift. Dr. Nimtz can identify exactly which procedures will give you the results you desire and tailor your facelift to meet your unique needs.
Many patients ask about various named facelift procedures they see in the media. We recommend not getting caught up in the name of a particular procedure because it is often just a marketing tool.
Facelift Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What’s the Difference Between a Facelift and a Mini Facelift?
The difference between a facelift and a mini facelift is the extent of the incision and dissection (the depth of the procedure). The incision for a full facelift extends from the temple, in front of the hairline, to in front of the ear, and then behind the ear right along the hairline. A mini facelift addresses the midface, so the incision starts at the temple and extends down in front of the ear.
A mini facelift performed in the office focuses primarily on skin excision rather than dissecting deeper, and mostly the midface is tightened. A full facelift involves the midface, jowls, and neck. Variations include a neck lift on its own or a neck lift and possibly a little of the jowls. During the consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns and decide on the areas you want to be lifted. Patients who want multiple areas lifted, such as the cheek, jowls, and neck, will need a full facelift.
Full Facelift vs. Mini Facelift Comparison*
| Procedure Aspect | Full Facelift | Mini Facelift |
| Areas improved | Midface, jowls, and neck | Midface |
| Addresses | Moderate to significant aging | Early to moderate aging |
| Surgical setting | Surgical center or hospital | In-office surgery room |
| Incisions | Longer than mini facelift | Shorter than full facelift |
| Recovery | 10 to 14 days | About 7 days |
| Longevity of results | 5 to 10 years | About 5 years |
*Each patient is unique; your results may vary.
What’s the Difference Between Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery?
Facelifts and neck lifts are different procedures that Dr. Nimtz often combines to address the aging of the lower face and neck. Here are some differences:
- Facelift: Tightens and firms the lower face, including sagging around the mouth (nasolabial folds) and the jawline, enhancing the upper neck as well.
- Neck lift: Tightens lax, wrinkled neck skin, repairs vertical platysma muscle banding, reduces fat under the chin and on the neck, and corrects horizontal neck creases.
Because facial aging typically doesn’t end at the neck, a combination facelift and neck lift provide the desired rejuvenation for most patients.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Lexington and London, KY?
The price of a facelift varies depending on the extent of treatment needed as well as other possible factors. After you meet with Dr. Nimtz, we will provide a cost estimate for the procedure. We provide patients with a detailed price quote following the consultation.
We offer CareCredit® and Alphaeon Credit as financing options, and our office also accepts Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover as well as cash or personal checks.
What Is the Difference Between a Surgical and Nonsurgical Facelift?
As reflected in its name, the nonsurgical facelift, such as Dr. Nimtz’s signature Lunch Hour Lift, does not involve surgery. This minimally invasive procedure, also called a liquid facelift, provides temporary facial rejuvenation through a combination of wrinkle relaxers like BOTOX®, dermal fillers like Juvederm®, and/or fat transfer to smooth out wrinkles and folds and replace lost volume in the cheeks and around the eyes. The best candidates for a nonsurgical facelift have early signs of aging or want an alternative to surgery. A surgical facelift provides significant rejuvenation, and the results last 5 years or more. Improvements from a liquid facelift are temporary, so maintenance treatments need to be repeated every 6 to 12 months.
A Reputation Built on Results
How Old Do You Need To Be To Have Facelift Surgery?
There is no specific “best” age for facelift surgery, although most patients are at least in their 40s. If you are bothered by signs of aging such as lax skin on your lower face, jawline, and neck; flattened cheeks; fullness under the chin; and neck banding, you may be a candidate for a facelift. Because we age at different rates, it’s best to seek the advice of an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Nimtz to discuss your concerns and options for facial rejuvenation, both surgical and nonsurgical.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Facelift?
Recovery following facelift surgery depends on the extent of the procedure. In general, patients need a week to recover after a mini facelift and a few more days for a full facelift. Most patients experience little discomfort during the recovery but want to avoid social settings until the swelling and bruising resolve.
Facelift Recovery Timeline
Most facelift patients need about 2 weeks of downtime after surgery, although experiences vary. Recovery generally proceeds along the following timeline:
WEEK 1
Most patients experience relatively little discomfort after facelift surgery. Prescription medication usually is quite effective and typically not needed after the first week. You will need to keep your head elevated at all times for a few days to help minimize swelling. Sleeping in a recliner or propped up with pillows can help.
WEEK 2
Bandages and sutures will most likely be removed by the end of the second week. Many patients start feeling well enough to do light housework and return to nonstrenuous jobs. Makeup can camouflage any lingering bruising after about 10 days. Some patients consider a new hairstyle as part of their new look. It is normal to experience some numbness, tingling, and tightness at this time; these side effects can last a few months or more depending on the specifics of your procedure.
WEEKS 3 and 4
Swelling, bruising, and tightness have typically faded significantly by this time. You will likely be able to appreciate the improvements in your rejuvenated facial contours. By 4 weeks, patients are usually ready to ease back into their exercise routines. Scars will look pinkish-red, feel slightly firm, and be raised.
If you have any concerns along the way, do not hesitate to reach out to our office.
Can I combine facelift surgery with other procedures?
Because the facelift focuses on the lower 2/3 of the face, Dr. Nimtz often combines it with other facial plastic surgery procedures and minimally invasive procedures for more complete rejuvenation. The following procedures can be performed to enhance facelift results:
Dr. Jared Nimtz
Dr. Nimtz is a Lexington board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly skilled, experienced, and truly cares about his patients. Through a conservative, classic approach to surgery he provides natural-looking results that are attractive and proportionate.
Meet Dr. NimtzNoninvasive Facelift
We are the only office in central Kentucky to offer the Fotona4D® noninvasive laser facelifting procedure. Our Fotona4D laser uses 2 different laser wavelengths (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG) and requires a series of 4 facial treatments to lift, tighten, and resurface the skin. Patients experience tightening of the brow, cheeks, nasolabial folds, and brighter, fresher skin. This unique procedure treats the exterior of the face as well as the interior oral cavity.
Facelift FAQ
What’s the difference between a facelift and a brow lift?
While both cosmetic surgery procedures address facial aging, a brow lift addresses the area from the eyebrows to the hairline, and a facelift focuses on the lower 2/3 of the face. Dr. Nimtz often performs these procedures together for rejuvenation of the whole face.
Can I get eyelid surgery at the same time as my facelift?
Yes! Lower eyelid surgery addresses sagging and puffiness under the eyes, and a facelift continues the rejuvenation down from the upper cheek area to the jawline. Depending on your needs, Dr. Nimtz may recommend upper eyelid surgery and/or a brow lift as well.
How long will it take to see my final facelift results?
Patients usually feel comfortable going in public within 2 to 3 weeks after facelift surgery. Typically, patients are close to their final results in about 4 to 6 weeks when swelling, firmness, and bruising have faded significantly. The healing process is typically complete within 6 months.
Should I massage my face to help it heal after my facelift surgery?
During the initial healing stages, it’s important to avoid any pressure on your face, such as massage. Wait until Dr. Nimtz clears you before having any massage or other wellness therapy.
Will anyone be able to see my facelift surgical scars?
Dr. Nimtz places facelift incisions where the scars will be concealed by the hair or natural facial creases. As they heal, the scars typically flatten, soften, and fade until they are not noticeable. This process can take at least a year.
How many years on average does a facelift take off your appearance?
A facelift can take 5 to 10 years off your appearance depending on how old you are when you have the surgery, your degree of facial aging, the condition of your skin, and other factors. The aging process will continue, so proper skin care and a healthy lifestyle are needed to maintain facelift results as long as possible.
How long does a facelift last?
Facelift results typically last at least 5 years depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skincare regimen. While a facelift cannot stop the natural aging process, patients continue to look years younger than if they had not had the surgery at all.
Are facelifts safe?
The safety of facelift surgery is affected by your choice of a plastic surgeon, your health and lifestyle, and your commitment to post-op care during recovery. If you are in good health, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, and take care of yourself as directed after surgery, your outcome is likely to be positive.
If you live in greater Lexington, Louisville, or other cities in Kentucky, request a consultation at Commonwealth Plastic Surgery using our online form or call (859) 277-9435 for an appointment.