Aging is inevitable, but looking tired or older than you feel doesn’t have to be. If sagging skin, deep wrinkles, or loss of facial volume is affecting your confidence, a facelift is a cosmetic procedure that can help you look as vibrant as you feel inside. Learn what a facelift involves, who it’s for, and how it can refresh your appearance with natural-looking results.
At The Brandow Clinic Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Kirk Brandow performs facelifts with a refined, artistic approach, drawing from over 30 years of experience in cosmetic surgery. Patients across Philadelphia Main Line and S. Jersey Shore trust him to deliver subtle, refreshed outcomes that never appear overdone.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, rhytidectomy, is a surgery that improves signs of aging on the face and neck. It lifts and repositions sagging tissue, smooths deep folds, and removes excess skin, helping you regain a more youthful facial contour.
While results vary based on individual anatomy and goals, a facelift typically addresses:
- Jowls along the jawline
- Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
- Sagging cheeks or midface
- Loose skin on the lower face and neck
The goal is to restore a natural-looking, more rested version of yourself, not to make you look like someone else.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Dr. Brandow customizes each facelift, with discreet incisions around the ears and hairline to minimize obvious scarring.
He carefully lifts and repositions the underlying facial muscles and tissues before trimming excess skin. In some cases, he will perform additional procedures simultaneously for more comprehensive results.
Recovery usually involves:
- Swelling and bruising for 1 week
- Downtime of approximately 7-10 days
- Gradual return to normal activities over 3-4 weeks
Most patients see noticeable improvements in contour and skin tightness once healing begins, with results that can last up to 10 years or more.
Is a Facelift Right for You?
You may be a candidate for a facelift if:
- You have moderate to severe facial sagging or skin laxity
- You are in good overall health and are a non-smoker
- You want lasting results that cannot be achieved with injectables or lasers alone
During your consultation, Dr. Brandow will examine your facial structure, review your goals, and recommend the best approach for your needs.
Types of Facelifts
Facelifts are not one-size-fits-all. Surgeons use different techniques to target specific areas of concern, levels of aging, and desired outcomes. Below are the most common types of facelifts and what each one addresses:
Full (Traditional) Facelift
An approach that lifts and tightens the lower face and neck. This technique addresses deep wrinkles, jowls, loose skin, and significant sagging by repositioning the underlying muscles and removing excess skin.
Mini Facelift
A less invasive procedure that focuses on early signs of aging appearing on the cheeks and jawline. It requires smaller incisions and a quicker recovery, and is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity.
Deep Plane Facelift
One of the most advanced techniques, the deep plane facelift lifts deeper layers of tissue (SMAS and fat pads) as a single unit. This creates a very natural, long-lasting result, especially for sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jowls.
SMAS Facelift
The SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) facelift targets the deeper facial layers without fully releasing them, as in a deep-plane approach. It offers significant improvement in facial firmness and contour while maintaining shorter recovery times.
Mid-Facelift
This focuses on the middle part of the face, especially sagging cheeks and the area under the eyes. It’s ideal for patients who want youthful cheek volume restored without addressing the neck or jawline.
Lower Facelift
Addresses the lower third of the face, including the jawline, marionette lines, and jowls. Often paired with a neck lift for the best overall contouring results.
Why Choose The Brandow Clinic for Facelift Surgery
Dr. Kirk Brandow is recognized for his precise technique and ability to deliver age-appropriate results that look natural, not over-pulled or artificial. At The Brandow Clinic, patients benefit from:
- Over 30 years of experience and nearly 20,000 procedures performed
- Fellowship training with Dr. Ivo Pitanguy in Brazil, the father of modern aesthetic surgery
- A “less is more” philosophy that preserves your unique features
- Private, state-certified surgical centers with board-certified anesthesiologists
- Concierge nursing services for personalized post-operative care
- A dedicated team, including estheticians and skincare professionals, to support your full recovery
Patients often refer to Dr. Brandow as their “Age Manager” because of his thoughtful, long-term approach to facial rejuvenation, advising when surgery is appropriate and when non-surgical options may suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do facelift results last?
Most facelift results last 10-15 years, depending on factors like genetics, skin quality, lifestyle, and sun exposure. While a facelift does not stop aging, it resets the clock significantly.
At what age do people typically get facelifts?
Patients usually undergo facelifts between their 40s and 60s, though younger and older patients may be good candidates depending on skin laxity and overall health.
Can men get facelifts?
Yes. Men commonly undergo facelifts to improve jowls, sagging skin, and neck laxity. Techniques are adjusted to preserve natural male features and account for beard growth patterns.
How should I prepare for a facelift?
Preparation may involve stopping certain medications, avoiding smoking, arranging transportation, and completing preoperative labs. Your surgeon may also recommend adjusting skincare routines to optimize healing.
Will a facelift leave scars?
Yes, but facelift scars are typically well-hidden along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. They should fade significantly over time and are often barely noticeable.
When will I see my final results?
Initial changes are evident within a few weeks, with swelling resolving over several months. Final results are typically visible at around three to six months.
Will my results look natural or tight?
When performed by an experienced surgeon, results look natural, refreshed, and lifted, not pulled or tight. Modern techniques focus on repositioning deeper tissues rather than simply tightening the skin.
Can a facelift be combined with eyelid surgery?
Absolutely. Facelifts are often combined with blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to rejuvenate both the face and eye area for a more complete, harmonious result.
What non-surgical treatments complement a facelift?
Popular complementary treatments include injectables, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. These help maintain results and enhance skin texture and tone.
Reclaim a Refreshed, Confident Look with a Facelift in Philadelphia Main Line, PA or S. Jersey Shore, NJ
A facelift at The Brandow Clinic can help you age gracefully and on your terms. With Dr. Brandow’s experience and artistic eye, you can expect natural results that reflect who you are, not how many birthdays you’ve had.
To learn more or schedule your consultation, call our Bala Cynwyd office at (610) 617-7949 or our Somers Point office at (609) 653-2220.