A facelift restores your youthful contours, tightening the skin and muscles while enhancing your facial balance. Whether you're looking for a subtle lift or a more advanced rejuvenation, our personalized approach ensures you look naturally refreshed, never overdone. Let us help you reclaim your youthful radiance and confidence with a tailored facelift procedure designed just for you.
Facelift Overview

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.

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

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























