Featured Experts
Dr. Renata Khelemsky, a facial plastic surgeon in Brooklyn, New York
Dr. Carl Truesdale, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California
Dr. Kimberly Lee, a facial plastic surgeon board-certified in otolaryngology in Beverly Hills, California
American is in its facelift era. According to the ASPS, it was the second most popular facial surgery in 2023 (coming in second only to blepharoplasty). Maybe it’s a result of ongoing filler fatigue, or because there are better surgical techniques than ever before. Or perhaps it’s simply due to the fact that the stigma surrounding facelifts has finally dissipated.
“After a decade plus of fillers, injectables, and other noninvasive options promising to turn back the clock, more patients are turning to modernized and highly tailored surgical options, understanding that these can be the most effective path to their desired look,” says Dr. Renata Khelemsky, a facial plastic surgeon in Brooklyn, New York. Most people now understand that a good facelift doesn’t result in an unnatural, windswept result; credit social media and the onslaught of before and after photos that prove otherwise.
That being said, despite the facelift’s widespread popularity, there are still many misconceptions out there. Ahead, doctors debunk five of the most common facelift myths.
1. Facelifts require a lot of downtime
Yes, a facelift is a major surgery, but it doesn’t come with the lengthy recovery that many people assume. Patients think they need to block out two months during which they can’t even be around people, and that’s not the case, notes Dr. Carl Truesdale, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. There’s downtime, of course, and everyone heals at different rates, but after about two weeks, most people look good enough that they can see their family and friends, he says.
Dr. Kimberly Lee, a facial plastic surgeon board-certified in otolaryngology in Beverly Hills, California, agrees, adding that advances in adjunctive therapies that previously weren’t available—homeopathic supplements, hyperbaric chambers—further help accelerate the recovery process. And contrary to popular belief, there’s also not a lot of pain involved post-surgery. Most people experience a feeling of tightness rather than significant pain, notes Dr. Khelemsky, who adds that the discomfort is typically very easily managed.
2. A facelift is performed on your entire face
Granted, the name is a bit of a misnomer. “People often think that a facelift addresses the entire face, but it doesn’t address the eyes or forehead,” says Dr. Lee. (It’s why many patients tend to add on an endoscopic forehead lift and/or blepharoplasty in order to undergo full facial rejuvenation, she adds.) “A true facelift addresses only the lower third of the face,” Dr. Truesdale explains. Some surgical techniques will also incorporate the cheeks and the neck, he adds, noting that the deep plane facelifts he performs, for example, cover the area from cheekbone to clavicle. Regardless, don’t expect the upper third of your face to be touched.
3. A facelift is a one-and-done solution
“No procedure can freeze time or stop the aging process, and facelifts are no exception,” says Dr. Khelemsky. “The effects of aging and gravity continue. Patients considering facelifts in their 60s or 70s might be satisfied with a one-time fix, but those who choose to have one when they’re younger should expect that results will gradually diminish over the course of 7 to 10 years,” she points out.
Ultimately, whether you decide to have a second surgery is a matter of personal preference. “I usually tell people that a facelift will take 10 years off your look. Those who want to rejuvenate themselves again in 10 years come back. But there are also some who are satisfied after one facelift and decide they want to age gracefully,” notes Dr. Lee. Also noteworthy: While a facelift is the gold standard for addressing sagging, excess skin, it won’t treat texture or tone. Things such as sun damage and fine lines and wrinkles require different solutions, such as Botox or lasers.
4. Facelifts are just for older, white women
The adage “Age is just a number” most certainly applies when talking about facelifts. While they used to be thought of as something you do in your 50s or 60s, we’re seeing a shift toward younger people in their 30s and 40s using facelifts as a way to prevent signs of aging and improve facial contouring, Dr. Lee explains. It’s about not only chronological age but also genetics. Facelifts come into the conversation when patients need a lot of or constant filler, are seeing a downturn at the corners of their mouths, or have lost the tight jawline they used to have, she says.
There are also actually quite a few advantages to undergoing a facelift at a younger age. “The results usually aren’t as drastic, so it’s even less likely that you will look like you’ve had work done,” says Dr. Lee, who adds that higher amounts of collagen and elastin in the skin (as compared to say, someone in their 60s) mean you heal faster and tend to have a more favorable result. Plus your general health can decline as you age, increasing the risk of complications during elective procedures, cautions Dr. Khelemsky. “Waiting for a specific age can lead to unnecessary delays, wasting time and resources on less effective treatments, and potentially requiring more extensive surgery later on. A facelift addresses what you see in the mirror rather than your age,” she says.
As far as the race piece goes, Dr. Truesdale notes that while the “Black don’t crack” mentality towards aging is still prevalent, more and more patients of color are now drawn to facelifts. There’s an increased understanding that the aging process is universal and that there comes a point for everyone—regardless of skin color—when they can benefit from a facelift, he explains.
5. Deep plane facelifts are superior to others
In certain cases, a mini facelift will yield only mini results and more is definitely more. However, the idea that there’s one surgical technique that’s superior to others for everyone and is a one-size-fits-all solution is a complete misconception, points out Dr. Khelemsky. “The choice of technique—whether a mini facelift, SMAS lift, deep plane facelift, or any other—depends on each person’s unique situation,” she says. “It’s also important to understand that it’s not the technique itself that will guarantee results but rather the surgeon’s skill and execution that make the difference.” She adds that many patients come in dead-set on requesting a particular surgical technique, without understanding whether they’re a suitable candidate. Your best bet: Make sure your surgeon is well versed in a variety of techniques and can clearly explain to you which option is best for you… and why.
