Facelift

The delicate skin of the face is especially vulnerable as you begin to age. Time, gravity, sun damage and genetics can all take a toll on your face, causing your skin to wrinkle and sag. You may start looking tired and older than you feel. A facelift can help turn back the clock by refreshing your appearance in a way that creates subtle yet noticeable, natural-looking results.*

Dr. David Dellinger holds board certifications in both plastic/reconstructive and general surgery, and has extensive experience in performing facial plastic surgery procedures over his two decades in practice. At Elysian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dellinger works with men and women in the Austin area and throughout Texas who are interested in looking naturally refreshed with the help of facelift surgery.

Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512-229-1978 to learn more about your options for facial rejuvenation.

• Dr. Dellinger has more than 20 years of experience performing plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has helped thousands of men and women in Texas to look and feel younger with facial rejuvenation.
• Dr. Dellinger also offers a variety of non-surgical cosmetic treatments that complement a facelift.
• At Elysian Plastic Surgery, we are committed to the highest level of care to make your procedure more comfortable and invest in state-of-the-art technology to offer the latest, most effective treatments.

A facelift may be right for men and women who have concerns about sagging skin in the face and neck, deep lines around the mouth and nose, jowls, a double chin, sunken cheeks or a loss of fullness in the face. The best candidates for a facelift are healthy adults who don’t smoke, have realistic expectations and want to restore a more youthful look.*

Many people combine a facelift with another facial surgery, such as a neck lift, brow lift or eyelid surgery, for more comprehensive results. Elysian Plastic Surgery also offers FaceTite, a nonsurgical facelift alternative that can refresh your appearance with little to no downtime.*

At your initial consultation, Dr. Dellinger will examine your face and neck and talk with you about your goals and how best to achieve your desired look. He may recommend a combination of procedures or treatments.

On the day of your facelift, you will receive general anesthesia or a local anesthetic combined with sedation to help you feel comfortable during the procedure, which can take several hours. Dr. Dellinger then makes incisions along the hairline or by the ear, leaving scars that should fade to be virtually undetectable. He tightens and lifts the underlying tissues and muscles to build a firmer foundation while removing extra skin and fat to treat sagging.*

You can go home the same day as your facelift but you should plan to rest and take it easy for a week after your surgery. There may be some bruising, swelling and discomfort in the first few days. Dr. Dellinger may recommend wearing a compression garment and keeping your head elevated to minimize swelling and ensure an optimum outcome. You can drive after the first week but you should avoid strenuous physical activities for 4 to 6 weeks after your facelift procedure.*

While you shouldn’t expect to look 25 again, most people appear about 10 to 15 years younger after having a facelift. Although your face will continue to age, the results of your facelift should last about 8 to 12 years.*

To schedule your facelift consultation, please call our Austin plastic surgery practice at 512-229-1978 or request a consultation online.

It’s been 100 years since the advent of rhytidectomy surgery, and since then surgeons have discovered techniques that are safer and more effective than ever before. Check out our timeline of facelift techniques to see just how far we’ve come.

What age is best for getting a facelift?

When getting a facelift, it’s best to go off of your aesthetic concerns rather than your age. The average age for getting a facelift is around the early to mid-50s. However, you may be a good candidate for a facelift earlier or later than this age range. Many people have even had success with facelifts in their 70s and up. If you are unhappy with sagging skin on your face and neck, a facelift may be a good option for you regardless of how old you are.

How much does it cost to have a facelift?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the average cost of a facelift is roughly $7,500. However, these numbers don’t reflect the full cost of the procedure which can include the cost of anesthesia, surgeon fee, facility fee and post-operative garments. Other important considerations that can affect the price include the experience of the plastic surgeon, the surgical methods used and even the location of the surgery.

Before making a decision based on cost, talk to us about our financing options.

How do I find the best plastic surgeon that specializes in facelift surgery near me?

Chances are there are multiple board-certified plastic surgeons near you offering facelift surgery. Finding the right plastic surgeon is more about determining who is the best fit for you. Ask about their experience performing facelift surgeries and review their facelift before and after photos. Looking at other patients’ results can help you determine if the results you envision for yourself are achievable with the surgeon.

Your plastic surgeon should listen to your concerns and educate you on what to expect before, during and after your facelift procedure. They should be forthcoming about their education, training and experience. It’s important to feel comfortable so that you can confidently express your needs.

Will I have noticeable scarring after my facelift?

Facelift scars are typically hidden within the hairline and natural creases of the face. Facelift incisions are placed along the natural hairline near the temple and extend just in front of the ear and behind the earlobe. As you heal, your scars should soften and fade and become less noticeable.

How can I prevent looking tight or pulled after facelift surgery?

While you may feel some tightness and numbness after your facelift procedure, you shouldn’t look overly pulled. Swelling can contribute to the feeling of tightness, though, it should fade over the next several weeks after surgery. Dr. Dellinger focuses on the placement and direction of the incision to avoid looking pulled. After your surgery, you should see a naturally lifted and rejuvenated appearance.

Can a facelift address the sagging around my eyes and forehead?

A facelift addresses loose skin and muscles in the mid to lower-face. It does not affect the upper-face where you may experience wrinkles and creases around the eyes and along the forehead. If you would like to address sagging skin and wrinkles on the upper portion of the face, you can combine your facelift with other facial procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Dellinger will consider your concerns and recommend the best treatment plan to fit your needs.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.