Surgical procedure
Facelift
Also known as: Rhytidectomy
Medically reviewed by Afters Medical Review Board, Board-Certified Specialists
A facelift (rhytidectomy) lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues to create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Modern techniques focus on repositioning deeper tissue layers rather than just pulling skin, producing natural-looking results that can last 10–15 years.
About Facelift
What is facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues to create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Modern techniques focus on repositioning deeper tissue layers rather than just pulling skin, producing natural-looking results that can last 10–15 years. Options range from a mini facelift addressing mild laxity to a deep plane facelift for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Who is it for?
- Adults noticing sagging in the mid-face, jowls, or neck
- Those who want longer-lasting results than injectables provide
- Patients in good health, typically aged 40–70
- People seeking natural-looking facial rejuvenation
What to expect
A full facelift takes 3–5 hours under general anesthesia. Incisions are hidden along the hairline and around the ears. Bruising and swelling peak around day 3 and steadily improve over 2–3 weeks. Most patients feel presentable in public at 2–3 weeks, though subtle swelling can take months to fully resolve.
Results last 10–15 yearsAddresses multiple aging signs at onceNatural-looking rejuvenationHidden scarringCan be combined with eyelid or brow surgery
Facelift by the numbers
262,000+ facelift procedures performed in 2022
Facelift procedures have increased 8% year-over-year, driven by deep plane technique popularity
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2022 Statistics
Results last 10-15 years on average
Deep plane facelifts tend to last longer than traditional SMAS techniques because they reposition deeper tissue layers
Source: Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Facelift Longevity Study
97% patient satisfaction rate
Facelifts have one of the highest satisfaction rates among cosmetic procedures when performed by board-certified surgeons
Source: ASPS National Clearinghouse of Plastic Surgery Statistics
Facelift before & after
Real results from real patients
Before & after photos for facelift are coming soon.
Facelift cost
National averages and city-by-city pricing
National average
$15,000 – $35,000
Surgeon fee, facility, anesthesia
Facelift Prices by City
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Recovery timeline
Typical recovery: 2-3 weeks
1
Bandages removed
2–3 days
2
Back to work
2–3 weeks
3
Bruising fades
2–4 weeks
4
Final results
3–6 months
Initial healing 2-3 weeks. Bruising may last 2-4 weeks. Final results in 3-6 months.
Top facelift specialists
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Facelift by city
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Facelift in every city
Browse facelift specialists and pricing in 51 cities across 3 states.
Utah
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Frequently asked questions
What is facelift?
Facelift (also known as Rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic procedure. Use Afters to compare real results, costs, and find specialists near you.
How much does facelift cost?
National averages typically range from $15,000 to $35,000, but pricing varies by surgeon and location.
How long is recovery for facelift?
Typical recovery is 2-3 weeks. See a day-by-day timeline and what to expect.
How do I find a facelift specialist near me?
Start on the Facelift Near Me page to explore top cities and learn what to look for—then request consultations from specialists in your area.