From what to expect to the which technique is best, here’s everything you should know about getting a facelift.
By Dr. Philip Solomon and Nancie Heiber
For decades, people have turned to face lifts to create a lifted, youthful look—and with good reason. It’s one of the most effective procedures for reversing signs of aging. But what exactly does a facelift entail and how do you know what type is right for you? Dr. Philip Solomon MD, FRCSC, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgeon, practising Facial Plastic Surgery in Toronto, tells us everything you should know about getting a facelift.
So, what exactly is a facelift?
A facelift, medically referred to as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to diminish visible signs of facial aging. It addresses concerns such as skin laxity in the mid-face and jawline, as well as the presence of deep folds and wrinkles. This is achieved through the precise tightening of underlying tissues, removal of excess skin, and strategic repositioning of fat and muscle layers. Facelift surgery may be performed under twilight sedation or general anesthesia, typically allowing patients to return home the same day. The procedure is highly effective, often rejuvenating a patient’s appearance to resemble how they looked 10 to 15 years prior.
What areas of the face does a facelift typically target—and what does it not address?
A facelift primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck. Although several surgical techniques exist, my preferred approach is the deep plane facelift, as it consistently delivers the most comprehensive and natural results. This technique enables the repositioning of the skin, subcutaneous fat, and superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS)as a unified layer, allowing for the careful release of deeper attachments around key facial ligaments. By doing so, it achieves a more effective elevation of sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds, jowls, and the jawline, while permitting skin closure under minimal or no tension—significantly reducing the risk of visible scarring. It is important to note that a facelift does not address concerns such as eyelid hooding, under-eye bags, brow position, nasal shape, chin projection, or overall skin quality. For patients seeking a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, we frequently combine facelift surgery with complementary procedures such as blepharoplasty, brow lift, CO₂ laser resurfacing, fat grafting, rhinoplasty, and chin augmentation.
What exactly are the different facelift techniques?
The key distinctions between traditional, mini and deep-plane facelifts lie in the extent of tissue dissection, the specific anatomical layers addressed, the incision length and the degree of rejuvenation achieved. A traditional facelift typically utilizes the SMAS technique. In this approach, the skin and underlying muscular layer are elevated and tightened separately. A mini facelift in my practice utilizes the deep-plane approach but through a shorter incision, therefore providing a more limited correction, focusing primarily on the midface, jawline, and— to a lesser extent— the submental region, without fully addressing neck laxity. This technique is best suited for patients in their 30s to late 40s, depending on their unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. A full deep-plane facelift, in my opinion, represents the most advanced and natural method for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Having performed both traditional and deep-plane facelifts for over 25 years, I have consistently found the deep-plane technique to yield superior, longer-lasting, and more natural results compared to the traditional approach
What are the most common concerns or misconceptions patients have before surgery?
The most common concern among patients is the fear of looking unnatural. Most individuals wish to maintain a natural appearance while achieving a more youthful, defined look. It’s also common to feel some anxiety leading up to surgery—whether about the procedure itself, the recovery process, or pain management. Many patients also worry about how long they’ll need to take off work or stay out of the public eye. However, once the day of surgery arrives, most patients find that their anxiety quickly fades. Many report that the entire experience is far more comfortable and manageable than they had anticipated. Most patients are delighted with their results, typically return to their normal routines within two weeks, and feel confident socializing again by around four weeks—though recovery time can vary from person to person.
How long do facelift results typically last, and what factors affect their longevity?
While a facelift procedure can effectively reset the clock, the natural aging process continues thereafter. The longevity and quality of the results are influenced by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle habits and environmental exposure. Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle—eating well, exercising regularly, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and refraining from smoking—tend to preserve their results longer and continue to age gracefully.
How can patients prepare emotionally and physically for a facelift?
Preparing both emotionally and physically is essential for a successful facelift experience. A strong support system of calm, reassuring individuals can be invaluable throughout the recovery process, helping patients feel comfortable and supported. Equally important is adherence to pre- and postoperative instructions, which provide guidance on activities, medications, and lifestyle considerations to optimize healing and ensure the best possible outcome.
Nov 11th 2025