Aging is natural—but sometimes the mirror doesn’t reflect how vibrant and youthful you still feel inside. As the skin loses elasticity and facial tissues descend, deep wrinkles, sagging jowls, and loose skin can appear. Fortunately, facelift surgery offers a powerful solution to turn back the clock—beautifully and naturally.
At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we specialize in advanced facelift techniques that enhance your natural features, not distort them. If you’re curious about how facelifts work, the different methods available, and what kind of results to expect, this guide is for you.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the lower two-thirds of the face by:
- Lifting sagging skin
- Tightening underlying facial muscles
- Removing excess fat
- Smoothing deep folds around the mouth and jawline
It’s about restoring youthful contours, not creating a “wind-blown” or unnatural look.
The Facelift Procedure: What it Can and Can’t Do
What it can do:
- Improve midface sagging
- Smooth deep creases around the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Eliminate jowls and sharpen the jawline
- Tighten loose skin and underlying structures
- Rejuvenate the neck (when combined with a neck lift)
What it can’t do:
- Stop the aging process
- Remove fine lines or sun damage (those are treated with skin resurfacing)
- Change your facial identity
Facelift surgery restores what time has taken away—without changing who you are.
Types of Facelift Procedures
At VIVE Plastic Surgery, we offer multiple facelift techniques, tailored to your age, skin condition, and goals:
1. Traditional (Full) Facelift
- Targets deep sagging
- Involves incisions around the ears and into the hairline
- Lifts skin and muscle layers (SMAS)
- Ideal for those with moderate to severe aging
2. Mini Facelift
- Less invasive with shorter incisions
- Focuses on mild sagging around the jaw and cheeks
- Less downtime, more subtle result
3. SMAS Facelift
- Lifts the deeper Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) for longer-lasting and natural-looking results
- Popular for its durability and contour improvement
4. Deep Plane Facelift
- Targets deep tissues and ligaments
- Provides dramatic improvement in sagging without a pulled appearance
- Ideal for advanced aging
Your surgeon will recommend the best method based on a thorough facial evaluation.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
You may be a great candidate if you:
- Are in good overall health
- Don’t smoke or are willing to quit before surgery
- Have loose or sagging skin around your midface, jaw, or neck
- Want to improve facial contours but still look like yourself
- Have realistic expectations
A consultation at VIVE will assess your needs and ensure you’re choosing the right approach.
Facelift vs. Other Rejuvenation Treatments
Wondering if a facelift is your best option? Here’s how it compares:
| Treatment | Type | Invasiveness | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Facelift | Surgical | High | 10–15 years | Sagging skin, jowls |
| Botox | Injectable | Low | 3–4 months | Expression lines |
| Fillers | Injectable | Low | 6–18 months | Volume loss |
| Thread Lift | Minimally invasive | Medium | 1–2 years | Mild sagging |
| Laser/Peels | Non-surgical | Low | Varies | Surface wrinkles, tone |
A facelift offers the most dramatic and long-lasting results when it comes to lifting and tightening.
What to Expect Before Surgery
Your pre-op process includes:
- A consultation to evaluate facial anatomy, goals, and medical history
- Blood tests or medical clearance
- Instructions to stop smoking, medications, or supplements
- Guidance on what to bring and wear on surgery day
We’ll also provide detailed information about risks, scar placement, anesthesia, and what to expect.
The Facelift Procedure: Step-by-Step
Facelift surgery takes about 2 to 4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation. Here’s how it typically works:
- Incisions are made (along the hairline, behind the ears, and sometimes under the chin)
- Skin is gently lifted and muscles (SMAS) are tightened
- Fat is repositioned or removed to restore volume
- Excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed
- A dressing and compression garment are applied
If combining with a neck lift or eyelid surgery, the procedure may be longer.
What to Expect After a Facelift
Recovery varies by individual, but here’s a general timeline:
- Days 1–3: Swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort. You’ll wear bandages and rest.
- Week 1: Stitches may be removed. Bruising begins to fade.
- Weeks 2–3: Swelling decreases significantly. You may return to work and social activities.
- Month 1–3: Skin continues to settle. Final contours become more visible.
- Months 6–12: Full healing, with scar fading and soft, natural results.
We’ll schedule follow-ups to ensure your recovery is smooth and your results are as expected.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
A well-performed facelift can last 10 to 15 years, depending on:
- Genetics
- Skin type
- Lifestyle (smoking, sun exposure, skincare)
- Surgeon’s technique
A facelift doesn’t stop aging—but it turns the clock back, beautifully and meaningfully.
Is the Surgery Painful?
Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort, managed easily with prescription medication for a few days. You may feel:
- Swelling
- Tightness
- Numbness (temporary)
We’ll keep you comfortable throughout the healing process.
Will I Look Like Myself After a Facelift?
Yes—only better. Our goal at VIVE is refinement, not transformation. You’ll look fresher, firmer, and more youthful—but never overdone or artificial.
We tailor every facelift to maintain your unique facial identity while lifting and contouring key areas.
Why Choose VIVE Plastic Surgery?
Here’s why patients trust us with their transformation:
- 🧠 Board-certified plastic surgeons with years of facelift experience
- ✨ Artistic approach for natural, age-appropriate results
- 💉 Advanced surgical techniques that minimize scarring and recovery time
- 🧘♀️ Personalized care from consultation to full recovery
- 🏥 State-of-the-art facilities for safety and comfort
At VIVE, we combine surgical skill with compassionate care to help you look—and feel—your absolute best.
Conclusion: A Youthful, Natural You
A facelift can do more than just improve your appearance—it can restore confidence, elegance, and vitality. With today’s techniques, you don’t have to look “operated”—you can simply look refreshed and rejuvenated.
If you’re ready to explore facelift surgery, book your consultation at VIVE Plastic Surgery today. We’ll guide you step-by-step toward results that celebrate your unique beauty.
FAQs
1. How long is the downtime after a facelift?
Most patients return to social activities within 2–3 weeks. Full healing takes a few months.
2. Will I have visible scars?
Incisions are placed discreetly along the hairline and behind the ears. Over time, they fade and are barely noticeable.
3. Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Many patients combine it with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer for full facial rejuvenation.
4. What’s the best age to get a facelift?
There’s no “perfect” age. Most patients are in their 40s to 60s, but candidacy depends on facial aging, not a number.
5. How long will the results last?
With proper care, facelift results can last 10 to 15 years, though aging will naturally continue.
Enhance Your Body with the Best Plastic Surgery Procedures in Tijuana
At Vive Plastic Surgery, we offer a wide range of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries in Tijuana, designed to enhance your beauty and boost your confidence.
Body Enhancement and Contouring
If you’re looking to refine your shape and add volume, our BBL in Tijuana (Brazilian Butt Lift) and Liposuction (Lipo 360) procedures will help you achieve a more sculpted and harmonious figure. We also offer Tummy Tuck in Tijuana, a surgery ideal for removing excess skin and tightening the abdomen after weight loss or pregnancy.
For mothers wanting to restore their pre-pregnancy body, the Mommy Makeover (MMO in Tijuana) combines multiple procedures, such as Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, and a tummy tuck, to bring back a youthful and firm appearance.
Facial Rejuvenation and Bone Reshaping
Our clinic specializes in advanced facial procedures, including Rhinoplasty in Tijuana to enhance nasal aesthetics and function, as well as Facelift Surgery for a more youthful appearance. We also perform Rib Sculpting and Rib Subluxation, an innovative technique to create a slimmer waistline.
Intimate and Reconstructive Procedures
We understand the importance of feeling confident in all aspects of life. That’s why we offer Vaginoplasty in Tijuana, a procedure that enhances the aesthetics and function of the intimate area.
At Vive Plastic Surgery, we combine cutting-edge technology with expert surgeons to provide natural and safe results. Contact us today for a personalized consultation!
