Teleos Plastic Surgery Radiance Spa Medical Group
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Max R. Lehfeldt, M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Facelift

Facelift surgery is one of the most comprehensive procedures available for addressing visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck. Over time, skin laxity, jowling, and changes in facial volume can soften once-defined contours and create a tired or heavy appearance. A facelift is designed to correct these concerns by repositioning underlying tissues and refining the skin’s drape, resulting in smoother lines and a more refreshed overall look. At Teleos Plastic Surgery, the focus of our board-certified plastic surgeon in Pasadena, Dr. Max Lehfeldt, is on techniques that support the natural architecture of the face to ensure that each result looks balanced, elegant, and true to the patient’s features.

A great facelift is characterized by restoration of natural contours where skin is repositioned delicately and precisely. The key to a great facelift is in understanding the delicate surgical adjustments that will help restore lost youth. Facelifts should never result in a “pulled” or “wind-swept” appearance. The skin is designed to cover the aesthetic contours of the face — it should never be pulled tightly. Many surgeons erroneously over-tighten the skin and the result is often a distorted “surgical” appearance. Dr. Max Lehfeldt always stresses the importance of a “natural” result that can last for years.

Facelift At a Glance

  • Potential Benefits: A facelift can enhance facial contours by reducing sagging skin, softening deep folds, smoothing the jawline, and improving the appearance of the neck. Many patients feel the procedure helps them look more like themselves from years prior without appearing “overdone.”
  • Procedure: Depending on the degree of correction needed, a facelift may involve a short-incision/mini-lift or a more traditional approach that addresses deeper layers of facial structure. Techniques may also be combined with neck contouring or fat reduction for a more harmonious result.
  • Recovery: Most patients can expect two to three weeks of visible swelling and bruising. Improvements should continue to evolve over several months as the tissues settle and incisions mature.
  • Results: When the deeper facial layers are precisely lifted and the skin is gently redraped, the outcome can appear smooth, soft, and natural for many years.
  • Surgeon: Facelift procedures at our practice are performed by Dr. Max Lehfeldt, a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced facial rejuvenation. His emphasis on proportion, subtlety, and individualized technique guides the approach for each patient to achieve the most effective, natural-looking results possible.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

A facelift offers a long-lasting solution to multiple signs of facial aging in the lower third of the face. By elevating the deeper support layers of the face (rather than relying solely on surface tightening), the procedure can restore youthful volume positioning and improve facial definition where aging is most noticeable. Many patients appreciate the way a facelift refreshes their appearance without altering their basic identity. The enhancements often extend to improved confidence, particularly when sagging along the jawline or neck has been bothersome for years. A facelift can also be combined with treatments such as eyelid surgery, laser skin resurfacing, or other options to create an even more complete and harmonious rejuvenation for many patients.

Am I a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Candidates for facelift surgery generally include adults experiencing moderate to significant facial aging who want long-lasting improvement that non-surgical treatments can no longer provide. Good candidates typically have noticeable jowling, laxity in the lower face, looseness or banding in the neck, or a softening of previously sharp contours. Ideal patients are in good health, without medical conditions that impair healing, and have realistic expectations about both the changes a facelift can achieve and the recovery time involved. Individuals with early or mild aging may be able to achieve their goals through less invasive procedures, which can be discussed during the consultation.

Traditional Facelift vs. Mini Facelift

There are short-incision/mini-lift and more traditional incision facelifts. Dr. Max Lehfeldt is well versed in the latest facial rejuvenation techniques. Short-incision/mini-lifts are usually for patients who have minimal excess skin laxity, minimal jowling, and no loose skin in the neck. A short-incision/mini-lift places the incision along the front of the ear crease only. Fullness in the neck region can often be smoothed down with simultaneous liposuction at the time of the mini-lift for an enhanced overall result. These short-incision techniques often produce subtle and pleasing improvements.


Patients who have more significant cheek skin laxity, heavier jowling, and excess skin and/or bands in the neck may require a more traditional incision facelift. This approach places an incision in front and behind the ear. This additional incision allows Dr. Lehfeldt to lift and reshape the deeper tissues and restore a more youthful contour. A small incision under the chin may also be required to improve the neck contour. The additional incision under the chin also helps Dr. Lehfeldt to remove neck “bands” and restore a more defined and refined neck.


What Is Involved in the Facelift Procedure?

The specifics of the facelift depend on the type of lift being performed. In general, incisions are placed discreetly around the natural creases of the ear and, when needed, beneath the chin. Dr. Lehfeldt carefully lifts and repositions the deeper muscular and connective tissues that shape the face. Excess skin is then gently smoothed, not pulled, to protect natural expression and avoid a tight or “wind-swept” look. Additional refinement techniques—such as fat redistribution or sculpting in the neck—may be incorporated to enhance overall facial balance. The length of the procedure varies based on the extent of correction and whether additional rejuvenation procedures are performed at the same time.

What Can I Expect During Facelift Recovery?

Recovery from a facelift typically occurs gradually over several weeks, with the most noticeable swelling and bruising present during the first 10–14 days. Patients are encouraged to rest with their head elevated, avoid bending or heavy lifting, and follow all post-operative instructions to support proper healing. Mild tightness, fullness, or numbness around the cheeks, ears, and neck is common during the early stages and should improve as tissues settle.

Most individuals feel comfortable returning to light daily activities within one to two weeks. Incisions are placed strategically to minimize visibility, and they generally soften and fade with time. Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Lehfeldt to monitor healing closely, answer questions, and provide guidance on skincare. With patience and attentive care, the recovery process supports long-lasting, natural-looking facial rejuvenation.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

While no cosmetic procedure can stop the aging process, a facelift can significantly reset the appearance of the lower face and neck. Many patients enjoy their results for ten years or more. The longevity of the outcome depends on factors such as skin quality, genetics, lifestyle habits, and sun exposure. Even as aging continues, most individuals still look younger than they would have without surgery. Maintaining a good skincare routine, avoiding smoking, and protecting the skin from UV damage can help extend the life of the results.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The cost of facelift surgery can vary widely among patients based on the surgical technique used, the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees, facility costs, and whether additional enhancements (such as neck lifting or eyelid surgery) are included. Because every patient’s needs are unique, a personalized quote is provided after a consultation and examination. This individualized approach can ensure that each patient understands exactly what their treatment plan includes and what factors influence the final cost. A friendly member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and go over payment options available at our practice, which include third-party financing arrangements for qualified applicants that offer ways to pay for facelift surgery over a series of installments.

Please call 888.96.DR.MAX (888.963.7629) or fill out our online contact form to schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Max Lehfeldt. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Teleos Plastic Surgery today.