Skip to main content

Tighten Sagging Facial
Skin & Muscles

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face and neck by addressing visible signs of aging. It involves tightening the underlying facial muscles and removing excess skin to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. This procedure is commonly sought by individuals bothered by sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls that develop over time due to factors such as aging, sun exposure, and genetics.

During a facelift, incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring, typically around the ears and along the hairline. Through these incisions, your surgeon accesses the underlying tissues, repositions fat deposits, and tightens muscles as needed. Excess skin is then trimmed away, and the remaining skin is carefully draped to achieve a natural-looking result. While a facelift can take a decade or more off your face, it’s essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Magill to determine the best approach for your specific needs.

Older, pretty woman interested in a facelift in Anchorage.

Facelift Treats:

  • Sagging skin in the midface and jawline
  • Deep wrinkles and creases, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines
  • Loss of facial volume and definition
  • Jowls or excess fatty deposits along the jawline
  • Loose skin and muscle tone in the neck area
  • Visible signs of aging due to factors like sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle habits

Schedule a personalized consulation for a facelift in Anchorage with our experienced facial plastic surgeon.

The Types of Facelifts

Primary Facelift

A primary facelift is the initial procedure aimed at addressing visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It’s typically sought by individuals experiencing moderate to severe sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume. During a primary facelift, your plastic surgeon tightens underlying muscles, removes excess skin, and repositions fat deposits to achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance. This approach targets multiple areas of concern, providing significant rejuvenation and enhancing your overall facial contours.

Revision Facelift

A revision facelift, also known as a secondary facelift, is a surgical procedure performed to correct or improve the results of a previous facelift. It addresses issues such as recurrent sagging skin, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the initial outcome. Revision facelifts require a tailored approach, as they often involve scar tissue and altered anatomy from prior surgeries. Your plastic surgeon will carefully assess your concerns and develop a treatment plan to achieve optimal results, restoring a natural and rejuvenated appearance.

Lower Facelift

A lower facelift in Anchorage targets the lower third of the face, including the jawline, jowls, and neck. This procedure is designed to address sagging skin, deep creases, and loss of definition in these areas, providing a more youthful appearance with a more defined and chiseled jawline. By tightening underlying muscles, removing excess skin, and repositioning fat deposits, a lower facelift can effectively restore a smoother and firmer contour to the lower face and neck.

Full/SMAS Facelift

A full or SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift is a comprehensive procedure that targets both the superficial and deeper layers of facial tissues. By lifting and tightening the SMAS layer, which encompasses the muscles and connective tissue beneath the skin, this technique produces more long-lasting and natural-looking results. It addresses sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume across the entire face and neck. A full/SMAS facelift is often recommended for those seeking a dramatic improvement in appearance.

Advantages of Facelift:

  • Dramatically reduces visible signs of aging in the face and neck
  • Creates long-lasting results compared to non-surgical alternatives
  • Addresses multiple concerns, including sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume
  • Customizable to individual needs, allowing for personalized rejuvenation
  • Boosts self-confidence and enhances overall appearance
  • Can be combined with complementary procedures, such as eyelid surgery or fat grafting
  • Improves facial symmetry and restores youthful contours
  • Typically results in minimal scarring, which fades over time
  • Provides a natural-looking outcome when performed by skilled plastic surgeons
A woman with nice skin after a facelift in Anchorage.

Facelift FAQs

What is the ideal age for a facelift?

There isn’t a specific age that’s considered ideal for a facelift in Anchorage, as the timing varies for each individual. Generally, candidates for facelift surgery are in their 40s to 60s, but age alone is not the determining factor. It’s more about the presence of visible signs of aging that can’t be effectively addressed with non-surgical treatments. Dr. Magill will assess your overall health, skin condition, and aesthetic goals to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for a facelift.

How long do the results of a facelift last?

The longevity of facelift results can vary depending on factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, and the natural aging process. While a facelift cannot stop the aging process entirely, it can effectively turn back the clock and provide long-lasting rejuvenation. On average, the results of a facelift can last ten years or more. To maintain optimal results, it’s essential to follow a healthy lifestyle, protect your skin from sun damage, and consider touch-up procedures as needed.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, a facelift in Anchorage can often be combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. Commonly combined procedures include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to address drooping eyelids or a brow lift to lift sagging brows. Additionally, injectable fillers may be used to restore volume in targeted areas. Dr. Magill will assess your specific concerns and goals to determine the most appropriate combination of procedures.

How long does a facelift surgery take?

The duration of a facelift surgery can vary depending on the specific techniques used and the extent of correction required. On average, a facelift typically takes 2 to 5 hours to complete. However, this timeframe may be longer if additional procedures, such as eyelid surgery, are performed concurrently. Please discuss the expected duration of your surgery with Dr. Magill during your consultation.

What is the recovery process like after a facelift?

The recovery process following a facelift varies for each individual, but generally, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days after surgery. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions to help manage these symptoms and promote healing. Most patients can return to work and resume light activities within 1 to 2 weeks after their facelift in Anchorage, although strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for several weeks.

Will I have visible scars after a facelift?

While facelift surgery does involve incisions, Dr. Magill will make every effort to minimize visible scarring. The incisions are typically placed discreetly along the hairline and around the ears to camouflage them within the contours of your face. With proper care and scar management techniques, such as keeping the incisions clean and avoiding sun exposure, scars typically fade over time and become less noticeable.

Logo for Alaska Facial Plastic Surgery & ENT

Schedule Your Consultation

Alaska Facial Plastic Surgery and ENT is home to Dr. Christina Magill, a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who leads an elite team of experts dedicated to providing exceptional care. We care about the unique needs of each patient and strive to exceed expectations with personalized treatment plans and outstanding results. If you’re considering a facelift in Anchorage to rejuvenate your appearance, schedule a consultation with Dr. Magill today.

Begin Your Journey Today

Schedule a
Consultation

Contact Us GALLERY CALL