The Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons

Facelift
in Florida

Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, helps restore a youthful appearance by addressing signs of aging in the face and neck. The most common effects of facial aging are loss of skin elasticity or tightness and thinning of the skin, drooping of the skin, loss of volume, and loosening of the deeper tissues of the face (often referred to as the SMAS). The SMAS and muscles of the face fall and sit lower in the face or neck. These changes affect both the face and neck. FSPS member surgeons across Florida are experts at providing natural, lasting results tailored to your individual needs.

facelift model

Bruce Mast, MD and Andrew H. Rosenthal, MD

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens and lifts the skin and deeper tissues of the face and neck (often referred to as the SMAS), reducing sagging, wrinkles, and jowls. It rejuvenates the face by repositioning facial muscles and deeper facial tissue and removing excess skin, providing a refreshed and younger appearance. There are different types of facelifts. You may hear about SMAS lifts, skin lifts, or deep plane facelifts. There are also “named” facelifts and minifacelifts.  Each has its benefits and The most important parts of  deciding on a facelift are determining your individual needs and customizing your surgery to those needs, expectations and anatomy. Facelifts are also often combined with other procedures such as lasers, peels, or fat transfer (fat grafting). These improve skin quality and add volume back to the face. Most facelifts also typically address the neck to restore its youthful appearance.

Benefits of a Facelift

  • Reduces sagging skin and wrinkles
  • Restores facial definition and contours
  • Improves jawline and neckline appearance
  • Long-lasting, natural-looking results
  • Boosts self-confidence and emotional wellbeing

Who Is an Ideal Candidate?

You may be an ideal candidate for facelift surgery if you:

• Are generally healthy and don’t smoke or use nicotine products
• Experience noticeable sagging in the midface, jawline, or neck
• Have realistic expectations about the outcomes
• Want long-lasting facial rejuvenation

The Procedure Process

Initial Consultation

Your board certified FSPS surgeon will examine your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and detail the facelift procedure, including possible complementary treatments like eyelid surgery, brow lifts, laser, or fat transfer.

Day of Surgery

Facelift surgery can be performed under local anesthesia, general or twilight anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Your surgeon will carefully reposition underlying facial tissues and remove excess skin to achieve a smoother, youthful look.

Immediate Aftercare

Post-surgery, you’ll have dressings to support the face and minimize swelling. Discomfort is typically mild and managed with medication.

Follow-Up Visits

Regular follow-ups with your surgeon will ensure proper healing and optimal results, usually over several weeks to months.

Recovery and Aftercare

Initial recovery usually takes 1–2 weeks, during which swelling and bruising subside significantly. Most patients resume normal activities within 2–3 weeks. Following your surgeon’s guidelines ensures the best outcomes.

Results: What to Expect

Facelift results become evident as swelling decreases. You should look better than before your surgery within a short period of time, and results continue to improve over a few months, delivering a younger, refreshed appearance. The outcomes are designed to be long-lasting and natural.

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Risks and Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, facelifts carry some risks, such as bruising, swelling, infection, nerve injury, or the need for revision surgery. Choosing an FSPS member surgeon ensures experienced and safe care.

Why Choose an FSPS Member Plastic Surgeon?

Selecting an FSPS member surgeon ensures:

  • Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Specialized expertise in facial rejuvenation
  • High safety standards and patient-centered care
  • Convenient locations throughout Florida

Frequently Asked Questions

Costs vary based on the complexity of the procedure and surgeon location. Your surgeon will provide a detailed quote at your consultation.

Facelifts are typically considered cosmetic and are generally not covered by insurance.

Results typically last many years. While natural aging continues, patients usually enjoy long-lasting rejuvenation.

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Serving Florida Communities Statewide

FSPS member surgeons proudly serve patients from across Florida, including Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Sarasota, Naples, Gainesville, and Tallahassee.

Start Your Journey Today

Schedule a consultation with a board-certified FSPS member surgeon today to discover how facelift surgery can enhance your confidence and appearance.

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