Facelift Overview

What a Facelift Treats

A facelift can address a variety of concerns caused by aging, genetics, and environmental factors. It effectively targets the following signs of facial aging:

  • Jowls: Tightens sagging skin around the jawline, eliminating drooping jowls.
  • Excess Neck Fat: Reduces a double chin and tightens the skin for a more defined neckline.
  • Loose Neck Skin: Improves the appearance of "turkey neck" by removing excess skin and tightening the area.
  • Skin Laxity: Restores firmness to sagging skin, lifting and tightening the face for a youthful contour.
  • Loss of Facial Volume: Replenishes lost volume in key areas, such as the cheeks and under the eyes.
  • Fallen Facial Tissue: Repositions droopy tissues to restore a natural, lifted look.

Facelift surgery can reverse the effects of gravity, sun damage, stress, and heredity, leaving you with smoother, tighter skin and a more youthful, vibrant appearance.

Facelift Before & After

View More Facelift Results

Dr. Criswell is extremely competent in performing facial plastic surgery. He gives personal attention to his patients and is kind and caring as a physician. I highly recommend Dr. Criswell if you are considering a facelift. You won’t be disappointed with his skills and the results.

CJ

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Facelift surgery is particularly effective for individuals looking to restore a youthful appearance and improve jawline definition. It addresses signs of aging, such as sagging jowls, loose skin, and deep wrinkles. Many patients complement their facelift in combination with other procedures, like a neck lift or brow lift, for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

The ideal candidate for this procedure should have:

Good overall health

Candidates should be generally healthy and capable of undergoing general anesthesia. We collaborate with patients and their physicians to ensure safety and optimal results.

Some degree of skin elasticity

A candidate for a facelift in Charlotte should have skin that retains some flexibility, as the procedure tightens the skin to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The skin should be able to conform to the new, more youthful contours.

Excess skin on the face or neck

A facelift is particularly beneficial for patients with excess facial or neck skin, which often results in drooping jowls or a double chin. The procedure removes sagging skin, tightens underlying muscles, and smooths wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful, vibrant appearance.

Age Considerations for a Facelift

Facelift procedures are commonly performed on patients in their 40s to 60s who are experiencing moderate to advanced signs of aging. However, facelifts can also be an excellent option for those over 60 seeking comprehensive rejuvenation, especially when combined with neck rejuvenation to address sagging skin and muscle laxity in the neck and jawline area.

Understanding Facial Aging

Facial aging is about more than wrinkles. As we get older, the skin loses elasticity, facial volume decreases, and the tissues that once supported the cheeks and jawline begin to shift downward.

These changes can create several common concerns, including:

  • Sagging skin along the jawline and lower face
  • Jowls that blur the natural jawline
  • Loss of volume in the cheeks
  • Deepening folds around the nose and mouth
  • Loose skin and banding in the neck

Because facial aging affects multiple layers of the face, treating the skin alone is often not enough. While skincare and non-surgical treatments can improve skin quality, they cannot reposition descended facial tissues or remove excess skin.

A facelift addresses the deeper structural changes associated with aging, restoring definition to the jawline, improving neck contours, and creating a naturally refreshed appearance.

Facelift Videos

Criswell Case Study: Neck Lift & Lower Facelift Part 1

Traditional vs Mini Facelift

Traditional vs. Mini Facelift

woman with slick back hair

Benefits of a Facelift in Charlotte

A facelift can restore a youthful, refreshed appearance by addressing common signs of aging, including:

  • Defined Jawline: Lift and tighten the skin to eliminate jowls and excess fat under the chin.
  • Smoother Neck Contours: Correct loose skin and "turkey neck" for a more sculpted neck and jawline.
  • Youthful Facial Volume: Restore lost facial fat volume for a fuller, more youthful appearance.
  • Tighter, Firmer Skin: Tighten sagging skin and underlying tissue, giving your face a smoother, lifted look.
  • Balanced Facial Features: Reposition droopy tissue for a more harmonious, youthful contour that enhances natural beauty.

A facelift can address the effects of gravity, stress, sun damage, and heredity, leaving you with natural-looking results that enhance your confidence and vitality.

From the first consultation to the actual surgery (lower face lift with fat transfer) and follow up care this entire experience was a breeze. Dr Kara and her entire staff are clearly at the top of their game. All were kind, knowledgeable, reassuring and professional. The office is beautiful and calming, the surgery suite state of the art. They value their patients and it shows. I received exceptional care and I'm delighted with the results. I would highly recommend Dr. Kara. You will be in competent hands and will look and feel great.

real self patient

What procedures are commonly combined with a facelift?

Many patients choose to combine a facelift with complementary facial rejuvenation procedures to create a more balanced, comprehensive result. Common combinations include a neck lift to improve neck contours, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) to address excess skin and puffiness around the eyes, and a brow lift to elevate a heavy or sagging brow. Facial fat transfer is also frequently performed to restore age-related volume loss in the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area. Combining procedures can often enhance overall facial harmony while allowing patients to complete their recovery in a single healing period.

Banner media

Enhance Your Facelift with Fat Transfer for Natural, Youthful Results

At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we often combine facial fat transfer with facelift surgery to achieve more comprehensive, natural-looking facial rejuvenation. While a facelift restores youthful contours by lifting sagging tissues, fat transfer addresses age-related volume loss in the cheeks, temples, under-eye area, and around the mouth.

Using a patient's own purified fat, carefully harvested from another area of the body, fat transfer restores youthful fullness while maintaining a soft, natural appearance. This combination approach allows Dr. Bryan Criswell and Dr. Kara Criswell to address both facial sagging and volume depletion, two of the most significant contributors to facial aging.

By combining a facelift with fat transfer, many patients achieve smoother contours, improved facial balance, and a more refreshed appearance without looking overdone. During your consultation, our surgeons will determine whether adding facial fat transfer to your facelift can help you achieve your aesthetic goals and maximize your long-term results.

Banner media

Types of Facelifts

Technology has advanced in recent years in the area of cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Our board-certified plastic surgeons at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa have a number of treatment options and types of facelifts available to help our patients achieve a more youthful appearance. Popular facelift types include:

Traditional Facelift

This procedure provides optimal correction and is often recommended for patients with moderate to significant aging. It involves incisions placed around the ears and into the hairline, and a small incision under the chin. The muscles of the face and neck are tightened, and bands of muscle in the front of the neck are sutured together and divided to define the neckline and create smoother contours. Excess fat is removed from the neck and jowls, and excess skin is removed both in front and behind the ears. Our traditional facelift delivers optimal, natural-looking results that rejuvenate your appearance for years.

Mini-Facelift

The mini facelift is a less invasive procedure that uses smaller incisions than the traditional facelift. These small incisions, placed under the cover of the hairline, allow the surgeon to remove excess tissue, tighten the skin, and improve the appearance of the neck and jowls. It is a great treatment option for women and men who want to address the early signs of aging.

Mid facelift

This is an effective technique for rejuvenating the midface and cheek area. The surgeon makes small incisions in the hairline above the ears and in the mouth. This allows the surgeon to tighten the skin in the area and reposition pads of fat in the cheeks into the youthful position over the cheekbones.

Background media

Deep Plane Facelift: An Advanced Approach to Facial Rejuvenation

For patients seeking more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, a Deep Plane Facelift in Charlotte, NC, may be an option. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that primarily address the skin, a deep plane facelift repositions the deeper facial tissues responsible for sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. By restoring these underlying structures to a more youthful position, this advanced approach can produce exceptionally natural-looking, long-lasting results.

At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, Dr. Bryan Criswell and Dr. Kara Criswell customize every facelift procedure to each patient's anatomy, concerns, and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, they will determine whether a traditional facelift, mini facelift, or deep-plane facelift is the most appropriate option to achieve your desired outcome.

Learn more about our Deep Plane Facelift in Charlotte, NC, and discover which facial rejuvenation approach is right for you.

Banner media

Schedule A Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

I had a breast reduction done by Dr. Bryan Criswell at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. My recovery has gone very smoothly, and my results already look amazing.

Dr. Kara Criswell was both professional and caring. I went to her for a BBL and could not be happier with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Criswell and will most definitely be going back to her for future procedures!

My experience with Dr. Kara and her staff has been amazing. They all are so caring and helpful. After my breast reduction, she continued to call and check on me.  I am extremely satisfied with everything.

I love Dr. Criswell and his staff. 3-4 years after he did my neck lift and tummy tuck, I am still doing great. What a boost to my self-esteem! He is very honest and direct, and he ensured that everything went well.

Dr Criswell and the team were extremely kind and professional and went above and beyond for me during my liposuction. I am now 3 months post-op and get so many compliments about my midsection. I am very happy with the results. I highly recommend him!

Dr. Bryan Criswell performed my Lower Abdominal Lipo and Butt Augmentation and he gave me exactly what I wanted and more. His staff is absolutely amazing and the quality of the work is priceless. I absolutely love my results and I get a lot of compliments!

I had reconstructive surgery following my bi-lateral mastectomy after my breast cancer diagnosis. Dr Criswell has been my surgeon and ally and my cheerleader ever since! I am beyond pleased with the services of Criswell and Criswell.

Dr Criswell was phenomenal. I got a tummy tuck and am now almost four months post op and am so thrilled with my results.  I wore a bikini for the first time in 20+ years!! I would absolutely recommend them to anyone!

Dr. Kara Criswell is fantastic! She listens to your concerns and honestly tells you your surgical options and the possible outcomes. I just had a breast reduction that she performed and I am thrilled with the results!

This was absolutely the best experience I could have ever imagined for my Breast Augmentation with Dr. Criswell. The doctors and staff are wonderful and I am very pleased with the results.

I have been going to Criswell & Criswell for different services since 2022. The staff is so kind, so happy and easy to talk to and makes every experience great. I’ve also been happy with every service I’ve ever received!

My experience with Criswell & Criswell has been nothing short of amazing. From the first call (zoom) last year I knew that I had made the right decision. Dr Criswell and his staff are awesome.

I have only had a virtual appointment so far. Dr. Criswell was professional, knowledgeable and had a great bedside manner. I enjoyed meeting him!!

Dr. Kara Criswell is absolutely amazing and I highly recommend her to anyone who will listen! I really wanted a female surgeon and she has exceeded all of my expectations.

All was excellent! Dr Kara Criswell and her staff wonderfully collaborated to carry my medical intervention!

From the reception staff to the doctor, everyone was very kind and made me feel comfortable.

Dr. Criswell and his staff are top notch! Very kind and professional.

I had a virtual appointment with Dr Bryan Criswell yesterday. He is fabulous!!

Dr Criswell is always Amazing. They have beautiful offices and operating rooms. The staff is always exceptionally helpful and kind.

Incredible Experience & Beautiful, Natural Results Dr. Bryan Criswell and his entire team at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery were absolutely amazing from start to finish.

From consult to recovery, the care was incredible.

They made me feel cared for, not just treated.

They treated me like family from start to finish.

My results are amazing and I am so happy.

They made me feel comfortable and confident.

Incredible experience and beautiful,
natural results.

Everything turned out perfect and looks so natural.

The surgery itself went smoothly, and the aftercare was amazing.

Custom-Tailored Facelift Procedure

Other cosmetic procedures can be performed in conjunction with a facelift to enhance the outcome of the surgery, including:

Our skilled plastic surgeons at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa are recognized for their dedication to their patients, for having an artistic eye for beauty, and for the high quality of their work. When you meet with one of our surgeons in a consultation, we can tailor a facelift procedure to suit your individual needs.

Banner media

Facelift Recovery and Care

Following your facelift, our surgeons will carefully apply bandages to the incision areas and provide detailed aftercare instructions. During recovery, avoid excessive movement and keep your head elevated to reduce swelling. These steps are critical to ensuring you heal smoothly and achieve the best possible results. Our team will be there every step of the way, helping you feel supported throughout your recovery.

Managing Swelling and Bruising

The surgeon will walk through all postoperative care instructions to help you heal properly and avoid future complications. Swelling and bruising usually peak within the first few days but gradually diminish over the following week or two. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can help speed up this process.

Returning to Daily Activities

Most patients can resume light daily activities within a few days and return to work in about 10 to 14 days, depending on the type of facelift performed. The experienced staff at Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa in Charlotte, NC, will take great care to ensure natural, long-lasting results.

Experienced Surgical Care in Charlotte

Dr. Bryan Criswell and Dr. Kara Criswell are both highly experienced plastic surgeons who are well-respected in the Charlotte area for their attention to detail and for producing high-quality, natural-looking results. Schedule a consultation today for arguably the best facelift Charlotte, NC has to offer.

What Are the Risks of Facelift Surgery?

While complications are rare, facelift surgery carries some risks. These include:

  • Pain: Mild soreness, managed with medication.
  • Swelling & Bruising: Common, but should subside in a few weeks.
  • Hematoma: Rare blood collection that may require attention.
  • Infection: Small risk, minimized with proper aftercare.
  • Nerve Damage: Temporary numbness or tingling, usually resolves.
  • Scarring: Incisions are placed to minimize visible scarring, but some may still occur.
  • Asymmetry: Slight unevenness, correctable with adjustments.

Our experienced team will guide you through your recovery to ensure the best possible outcome.

Doctor media

Why Choose Criswell & Criswell for a Facelift in Charlotte, NC?

At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery & Medspa, every facelift in Charlotte is customized to the patient’s anatomy, aging patterns, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Bryan Criswell and Dr. Kara Criswell focus on natural-looking facelift results that restore youthful contours without creating an overly tight or “done” appearance.

Their approach goes beyond skin tightening to address jawline definition, neck laxity, facial volume loss, and overall facial balance. When appropriate, facelift surgery may be combined with neck rejuvenation or facial fat transfer for a more refreshed, harmonious result.

Patients throughout Charlotte trust Criswell & Criswell for personalized care, attentive support, and results designed to look naturally rejuvenated and authentically you.

Frequently Asked Questions Facelift

Does a facelift leave scars?

Any surgical procedure can leave incision lines, and a facelift is no exception. At Criswell & Criswell Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, NC, we strategically place incisions to help conceal surgical scarring. In facelift surgery, incisions are placed in the natural lines and curves of the scalp and face, or following the natural beard line in men, to be camouflaged by the sideburns, to carefully disguise surgical incision lines.

Will a facelift correct sagging in the neck area?

Yes, facelift surgery can significantly improve the neck area, especially when combined with a neck lift. If you're experiencing 'turkey neck' or double chin due to loose skin and muscle laxity, a facelift can tighten and smooth the skin for a more defined jawline and neck contour, giving you a more youthful and balanced appearance.

Should I wait to have a facelift if I plan to shed some pounds?

Losing a few pounds after facelift surgery will not make a noticeable difference in your results. On the other hand, if you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, you should wait to have a facelift in Charlotte, NC, until after you have reached your weight-loss goal.

Significant weight loss can cause loss of facial volume and loose facial skin. A facelift procedure performed after you shed the excess pounds can help correct these aesthetic flaws.

Can a facelift help with facial asymmetry?

Yes, a facelift can improve facial symmetry by addressing uneven tissue distribution or muscle sagging. By repositioning and tightening underlying muscles, a facelift can balance features such as the cheeks, jowls, and neck, creating a more harmonious look that enhances natural facial proportions.

How much downtime should I expect after a facelift?

Recovery and healing time after a facelift can last anywhere from several days to several weeks, depending on the type and extent of facelift surgery. After a traditional facelift or a midface lift, most patients can return to work in approximately 10 to 14 days, while patients who undergo a mini-facelift may only have two or three days of downtime.

In the initial phase of recovery, get plenty of rest and avoid physical activity, with the exceptions of mild stretching and gentle walking. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks after surgery. Avoid wearing earrings, blow drying your hair, alcohol, and saunas as instructed by your surgeon.

Post-surgical swelling will subside within 10 days to two weeks. If you have a special occasion coming up, schedule your facelift surgery at least a month in advance.

Will there be pain with a facelift?

Many patients are surprised at how little pain they experience with facelift surgery. As the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, you will sleep right through it. When you wake up from the anesthesia, you may feel slight soreness in the treatment area, at which time you may begin taking medications provided to manage your discomfort.

To reduce pain and discomfort during your recovery:

  • Have someone there to help you during the first two days after surgery
  • Elevate your head at all times, including while you are sleeping, to help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort.
  • Use cold compresses to reduce swelling and provide relief from post-surgical discomfort.
  • Fill your pain medication prescription before your surgical appointment. You won’t want to need to stop at a pharmacy when returning home after facelift surgery.

How long is a facelift procedure?

The time it takes to perform facelift surgery will depend on the type of facelift and the extent of the procedure. We individually tailor facelift surgery to each patient’s needs. While a mini-facelift or midface lift may be performed in two hours or less, a traditional facelift can take three or four hours, or longer when combined with other procedures.

What is the difference between a traditional facelift and a mini facelift?

A traditional facelift is ideal for individuals with more advanced signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles and significant sagging in the face and neck. This procedure addresses both the skin and underlying muscles for a comprehensive lift. In contrast, a mini facelift is a less invasive option with smaller incisions, designed for patients who have early signs of aging, like mild jowls or sagging skin in the lower face. A mini facelift offers subtle, natural results and requires a shorter recovery time compared to a full facelift.

How long do facelift results last?

Facelift results can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, depending on the individual and their lifestyle choices. While the aging process continues, the facelift sets a new baseline for your appearance, so you’ll continue to look younger than if you hadn’t had the procedure. To maintain long-lasting results, patients are advised to protect their skin from sun damage, follow a healthy diet, and avoid smoking.

Can a facelift improve the appearance of my jawline?

Yes, a facelift can significantly enhance the appearance of your jawline. The procedure tightens sagging skin and repositions the underlying muscles, which can help define the jaw and neck area, resulting in a more youthful, sculpted appearance. If you’re concerned about a double chin or weak jawline, a facelift can provide long-lasting improvement and restore definition to these key facial features.

Will a facelift correct sagging in the neck area?

Yes, facelift surgery can significantly improve the neck area, especially when combined with a neck lift. If you're experiencing 'turkey neck' or double chin due to loose skin and muscle laxity, a facelift can tighten and smooth the skin for a more defined jawline and neck contour, giving you a more youthful and balanced appearance.

woman with wavy brunette hair smiling
Twenties

Twenties

In your twenties, a mini or maintenance facelift can enhance definition and prevent early signs of aging for long-term youthfulness.

woman smiling with her hand in her hair
Thirties

Thirties

Facelifts in your thirties focus on early tightening and subtle contouring to maintain firm, youthful skin.

woman looking to the left with her fingers under her chin
Forties

Forties

A facelift in your forties targets deeper lines and mild sagging, restoring youthful contours while preserving your natural beauty.

woman with short white hair smiling in black turtleneck
Fifties

Fifties

In your fifties, a facelift offers comprehensive rejuvenation by addressing advanced aging and volume loss for refreshed, natural results.

Get Started with Us Today

Begin your transformation with confidence, care, and expertise.

Contact Us
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 704-424-5050.
Contact Us