10 Things to Know Before Getting a Facelift

By Masoud Saman, MD, FACS

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, I have performed hundreds of facelift surgeries using a range of techniques, from SMAS to deep plane approaches. Facelift surgery is one of my favorite procedures because it allows me to combine technical expertise with artistic vision. Over the years, I have developed refinements that improve outcomes in facial rejuvenation surgery, but the true difference comes from the artistry and precision of the surgeon, not simply the technique.

Here are ten essential things to know if you are considering a facelift.

1. Facelift Surgery Is Not One Size Fits All

A facelift is not a single procedure but a spectrum of approaches. Some patients may benefit from less invasive techniques, while others require a more comprehensive lift. The right approach depends on your unique anatomy and goals.

2. Techniques Are Tools, Not the Goal

SMAS, deep plane, mini lift, extended lift. These are simply techniques. What matters most is how your surgeon applies them with skill and artistry to achieve natural and harmonious results.

3. The Neck Often Completes the Picture

Facial aging rarely happens in isolation. Addressing the neck along with the face restores balance and avoids a mismatch between a youthful midface and an aging neckline.

4. Natural Results Should Always Be the Priority

A facelift should never make you look different. Done well, it makes you look like yourself, only fresher and more vibrant. The goal is rejuvenation, not alteration.

5. Recovery Is Often Smoother Than Expected

With modern refinements, most patients are surprised at how manageable recovery is. Bruising and swelling are usually less than expected, and many patients are comfortable returning to social activities within a few weeks.

6. Age Is Only Part of the Equation

Candidacy is not determined by age alone. Skin elasticity, bone support, overall health, and personal goals are more important factors than the number of birthdays you have had.

7. Combining Procedures Can Create Balance

For full-face harmony, a facelift can be combined with other procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lifts, lip lifts, fat transfer, or skin resurfacing. These refinements enhance and complete the overall result.

8. Results Are Long Lasting but Not Permanent

Most patients enjoy their results for a decade or more. Genetics, lifestyle, and skincare all influence how gracefully you continue to age after surgery.

9. Choosing the Right Surgeon Is the Most Important Step

Training, experience, and board certification matter, but so does artistic style. The surgeon’s eye and precision are what transform technical skill into a beautiful and natural outcome.

10. It Is an Investment in Confidence and Quality of Life

A facelift is about more than looking younger. It is about aligning how you feel inside with how you present yourself to the world. Patients often describe the experience as transformative, giving them renewed confidence and energy.