Facial aging affects everyone, but understanding your options for addressing it can be complex. At Ridenour Plastic Surgery in St. Louis, we’ve noticed that patients often come to their consultations with similar questions about facelift surgery. Dr. Brock Ridenour, with over 25 years of experience as a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, has answered thousands of questions about this popular procedure. We’ve compiled the answers to your most frequently asked questions to help you gain clarity as you consider your facial rejuvenation options.
Facelift Fundamentals
What Exactly Is a Modern Facelift?
Today’s facelift is far more sophisticated than the skin-only approaches of decades past. A modern facelift, or rhytidectomy, addresses multiple layers of facial tissue to create natural-looking results. Rather than simply pulling the skin tight, Dr. Ridenour’s preferred technique — the extended deep plane facelift — focuses on repositioning the deeper structural tissues and muscles of the face while removing excess skin. This approach restores volume to the cheeks, defines the jawline and smooths the neck for results that look natural rather than “worked on” or “windswept.”
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
While a facelift doesn’t stop the aging process, it effectively sets the clock back. Most patients enjoy their results for eight to 12 years before considering additional procedures. Factors affecting longevity include genetics, lifestyle choices, sun exposure and skincare habits. Many patients maintain their results with nonsurgical treatments like dermal fillers or laser procedures in the years following surgery. Remember that you’ll continue to look more youthful than if you hadn’t had the procedure, even as normal aging progresses.
At What Age Should Someone Consider a Facelift?
There’s no “right age” for a facelift — it’s more about how your face has aged than your chronological age. We see patients ranging from their early 40s to their 70s, each with different concerns and goals. Younger patients often opt for less extensive techniques like a mid-facelift or mini-lift, while older patients may benefit from a traditional full facelift. The ideal timing depends on when facial aging begins to bother you significantly and when nonsurgical options no longer provide satisfactory results.
Procedure Details
What Types of Facelifts Are Available?
At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, we customize each procedure to the patient’s needs. The main types include:
- Traditional full facelift: Addresses the mid and lower face comprehensively, with incisions typically hidden along the hairline and around the ears. This provides the most dramatic improvement for patients with significant skin laxity and drooping jowls.
- Mid-facelift: Focuses on the cheeks and areas beneath the eyes, excellent for restoring volume to the mid-face region without addressing the jawline or neck.
- Lower facelift: Targets the lower third of the face, particularly effective for defining the jawline and addressing jowls and nasolabial folds.
Each approach can be customized or combined with other procedures for comprehensive results tailored to your specific features.
How Long Does the Actual Surgery Take?
The length of facelift surgery varies based on the technique used and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously. A standard facelift typically takes between three and five hours. More extensive procedures or combinations with other surgeries like eyelid lifts or brow lifts may take longer. Dr. Ridenour prioritizes precision over speed, taking the time necessary to achieve optimal results rather than rushing through this delicate procedure.
Is a Facelift Performed Under General Anesthesia?
While general anesthesia is commonly used for facelift surgery, we offer options based on your health status and the extent of your procedure. Some of our patients undergo their facelift with IV sedation anesthesia, which provides comfort during the procedure while avoiding some risks associated with general anesthesia. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your medical history and preferences to determine the most appropriate anesthetic approach for your situation.
Recovery and Downtime
What Is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery progresses in stages, with most patients following this general timeline:
- Days one and two: Initial recovery with bandages and assistance needed at home
- Days three to seven: Most intense swelling and bruising, with sutures typically removed at the end of this period
- Days seven to 14: Significant improvement in swelling, with many patients feeling comfortable making short essential trips outside the home
- Weeks three to four: “Social recovery” period when most people feel comfortable returning to public and work activities
- Weeks six and after: Final subtle swelling continues to resolve, with results continuing to refine for up to a year
While this timeline represents the typical experience, each person’s recovery is unique. We provide detailed care instructions and close follow-up to support your healing process.
When Can I Return to Work and Social Activities?
Most patients return to light office work within 10 to 14 days, though this varies based on individual healing and comfort level with others seeing you during the recovery phase. For social events where you want to look your best, we recommend allowing at least four weeks of recovery. More strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for approximately six weeks to prevent complications and protect your results.
Will There Be Visible Scarring?
Dr. Ridenour takes great care to place incisions where they’ll be well-concealed — typically within the hairline, natural creases around the ear and sometimes under the chin. For most patients, scars fade significantly within six to 12 months and are barely noticeable even with short hairstyles or when hair is pulled back. We provide detailed scar care instructions and treatments to optimize healing and minimize visibility.
Results and Expectations
Will I Still Look Like Myself After a Facelift?
Absolutely — the goal of a modern facelift is to restore a more rested, refreshed version of yourself, not to create an unrecognizable appearance. Dr. Ridenour’s approach focuses on natural-looking results that honor your unique facial structure. Friends and family typically notice that you look better but often can’t pinpoint exactly what has changed. The most successful outcomes leave people wondering if you’ve lost weight, changed your hairstyle or simply been on a relaxing vacation.
Can a Facelift Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Many patients choose to combine their facelifts with complementary procedures for more comprehensive results. Common combinations include:
- Neck lift: Creates harmony between the face and neck for a balanced profile
- Eyelid lift surgery: Addresses bags under the eyes or drooping upper lids
- Facial implants (chin or cheek): Restore volume and contour to the cheeks or chin using implants
- Laser skin resurfacing: Improves skin texture and fine lines
These combinations can be cost-effective and efficient, requiring only one recovery period instead of multiple separate surgeries.
How Do I Know if I’m a Good Candidate?
Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are in good overall health, don’t smoke and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. During your consultation, Dr. Ridenour will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, bone structure and health history to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. We look at factors like skin elasticity, facial volume loss and the degree of laxity present. We also consider your lifestyle and recovery availability to ensure the timing is right for you.
Taking Your Next Step
Choosing to undergo facelift surgery is a personal decision that starts with gathering accurate information. At Ridenour Plastic Surgery, we believe in empowering patients through education and individualized care. Dr. Ridenour’s extensive experience and artistic eye for facial balance have earned him a reputation as one of St. Louis’ premier facial plastic surgeons.
If you’re considering a facelift or have additional questions not addressed here, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our St. Louis office. Call us at 314-878-8600 to begin your conversation with Dr. Ridenour and discover how facial plastic surgery might help you look as good as you feel.
