America is currently experiencing a facelift boom. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2023, facelifts ranked as the second – most popular facial surgery in the country, trailing only behind blepharoplasty. This surge in popularity could be attributed to several factors. Some believe it’s a response to “filler fatigue,” while others point to the development of advanced surgical techniques. Additionally, the long – standing stigma associated with facelifts appears to have finally faded away.
Dr. Renata Khelemsky, a facial plastic surgeon in Brooklyn, New York, explains, “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.” Social media also plays a role, as the abundance of before – and – after photos has shown the public that a well – done facelift doesn’t result in an unnatural appearance. However, despite their popularity, facelifts are still surrounded by numerous misconceptions. Here, experts debunk five of the most common myths.
Facelifts Require a Lot of Downtime
Contrary to popular belief, facelifts don’t necessarily come with an extended recovery period. Dr. Carl Truesdale, a double board – certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California, notes that patients often overestimate the time needed for recovery. “Patients think they need to block out two months during which they can’t even be around people, and that’s not the case,” he says. While everyone heals at a different pace, most people look presentable enough to see family and friends after about two weeks. Dr. Kimberly Lee, a Beverly Hills – based facial plastic surgeon, agrees and adds that new adjunctive therapies, such as homeopathic supplements and hyperbaric chambers, can further speed up the recovery process. Dr. Khelemsky also clarifies that post – surgery pain is often overstated; most patients experience a feeling of tightness rather than severe pain, and this discomfort can be easily managed.
A Facelift Is Performed on Your Entire Face
The name “facelift” can be misleading. As Dr. Lee explains, “People often think that a facelift addresses the entire face, but it doesn’t address the eyes or forehead.” In fact, a true facelift typically focuses only on the lower third of the face. Dr. Truesdale elaborates, “Some surgical techniques will also incorporate the cheeks and the neck, like the deep plane facelifts I perform, which cover the area from cheekbone to clavicle.” This is why many patients combine a facelift with an endoscopic forehead lift and/or blepharoplasty for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
A Facelift Is a One – and – Done Solution
No surgical procedure can halt the aging process, and facelifts are no exception. Dr. Khelemsky emphasizes, “The effects of aging and gravity continue.” For patients in their 60s or 70s, a single facelift may be sufficient, but younger patients should expect the results to gradually fade over 7 to 10 years. Dr. Lee advises patients, “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.” It’s also important to note that while facelifts are excellent for addressing sagging skin, they don’t treat skin texture or tone; other treatments like Botox or lasers are needed for those concerns.
Facelifts Are Just for Older, White Women
The perception that facelifts are only for older, white women is quickly becoming outdated. Dr. Lee has noticed a trend among younger people in their 30s and 40s using facelifts to prevent aging and enhance facial contouring. “It’s about not only chronological age but also genetics,” she says. Younger patients with certain signs of aging, such as the need for excessive filler or loss of a defined jawline, may benefit from a facelift. There are even advantages to having a facelift at a younger age, including less – obvious results, faster healing due to higher collagen and elastin levels, and a lower risk of complications compared to older patients. Dr. Truesdale also points out that more patients of color are now seeking facelifts, as the understanding that aging affects everyone, regardless of skin color, becomes more widespread.
Deep Plane Facelifts Are Superior to Others
The idea that one facelift technique is superior for everyone is a fallacy. Dr. Khelemsky stresses, “The choice of technique—whether a mini facelift, SMAS lift, deep plane facelift, or any other—depends on each person’s unique situation.” It’s not the technique itself that guarantees success, but rather the skill of the surgeon. Many patients come in with a specific technique in mind without considering if it’s the right fit for them. The key is to choose a surgeon who is proficient in various techniques and can clearly explain the best option based on individual needs.
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