FACELIFT SURGERY (RHYTIDECTOMY)
Feel Refreshed and Confident in St. Louis, MO
As we age, the skin gradually loses elasticity, and the underlying facial tissues begin to lose volume. This natural process can lead to visible changes such as jowls, deep wrinkles, and loose skin along the neck. While non-surgical treatments can help slow the signs of aging, they have limitations. A surgical facelift in St. Louis, MO, or rhytidectomy, remains the gold standard for achieving comprehensive, long-lasting facial rejuvenation. No non-surgical option can fully replicate the dramatic, natural-looking results of a facelift.
At West County Plastic Surgeons, we specialize in advanced facelift procedures for St. Louis men and women seeking to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance in 2026.
To speak with one of our plastic surgeons about facelift surgery, contact our St. Louis office by phoning (314) 996-8800 or request your consultation online.
Before-and-after photos of facelift results: Click here
Why Get a Facelift?
Benefits of a Rhytidectomy in St. Louis, MO
Patients often ask West County Plastic Surgeons—Dr. Terry Myckatyn, Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum, and Dr. Trina Ebersole—why someone might choose a facelift and what results they can expect.
Also called a rhytidectomy, a facelift addresses the visible signs of aging in the lower face. It can:
- Smooth deep creases between the cheeks and upper lip (nasolabial folds)
- Define the jawline and reduce drooping skin or jowls
- Tighten sagging or wrinkled neck skin
Facelift surgery is often combined with other techniques for optimal results:
- Submental liposuction to remove excess fat under the chin
- Fat transfer (fat grafting) to restore volume in the midface for a natural, youthful appearance
Despite the many non-surgical options available, a facelift remains the gold standard for facial rejuvenation. It delivers the most dramatic, long-lasting improvement in a single procedure, restoring a refreshed and youthful look.
Why Many Patients Choose a Facelift in 2026
Today’s facelift techniques are designed to elevate and support the deeper facial structures for a refreshed, not “overdone,” look. Many patients choose a facelift when fillers or energy-based treatments are no longer delivering the contour or longevity they want. During your consultation, our team will review your goals, facial anatomy, and skin quality to help tailor a plan that can include fat transfer, neck contouring, and skin resurfacing for comprehensive rejuvenation.
How Do You Know If You Need a Facelift?
If you’re wondering whether a facelift is right for you, consider these signs:
- Sagging skin on the face or neck that makes you feel self-conscious
- An appearance that seems older than how you feel internally
- Aging features that impact your confidence, career, relationships, or social life
A facelift is a highly personalized procedure and should be done for your own goals, not to meet someone else’s expectations. It can restore youthful contours to the cheeks, tighten the jawline, and improve sagging in the neck area.
Ideal candidates for a rhytidectomy are:
- Healthy individuals without medical conditions that could impair healing
- Non-smokers
- People with realistic expectations and a positive outlook
- Those with some skin elasticity remaining and a strong, well-defined bone structure
Facelift surgery works best for patients who want to address sagging while preserving a natural, youthful appearance.
Facelift Options at St. Louis’ West County Plastic Surgeons
At our St. Louis practice, West County Plastic Surgeons offers four primary facelift types:
- Standard Facelift
- Short-Scar Facelift
- Neck Lift
- Mini-Facelift
These procedures differ in:
- The number of facial layers lifted
- The length of the incision
- Specific surgical techniques used
In general, longer incisions and more extensive tissue manipulation provide more dramatic results—but they may also require a longer recovery period.
Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum, Dr. Terry Myckatyn, or Dr. Trina Ebersole will help determine which facelift type is best suited to your individual needs.
Facelift-Full
Facelift-Lower
Facelift-Mid
Standard Facelift
In this procedure, one long incision is created along the hairline above the ear, through the natural crease in front of the ear, behind the ear, and into the upper neck hair. The skin is then lifted toward the central face and re-draped in a more youthful position.
In addition, the supportive connective tissue of the face, or superficial myoaponeurotic system (SMAS), is either pulled, partially removed and tightened, or elevated and pulled in an upward direction before being secured in a more youthful position. Most facelifts include some combination of these techniques; the degree to which the skin and SMAS are manipulated usually differentiates the various techniques. In addition, some facelifts will transition between the skin, SMAS, and even facial muscle planes to achieve the desired goals of facial rejuvenation. The best candidates for a standard facelift are 45 or older and are seeking a more dramatic rejuvenation of the face, a significant reduction or tightening of redundant neck skin, or both.
Short-Scar Facelift
A relatively short scar differentiates the short-scar facelift from the traditional facelift. In a short-scar procedure, the scar usually starts in the hair just above the ear and then extends in the natural crease in front of the ear. It stops at the base of the ear rather than extending behind the ear.
As in a standard procedure, the skin and SMAS layers are elevated and manipulated. To address fat pads under the jaw, a patient may undergo neck liposuction along with a short-scar facelift. The best candidates for this procedure are people seeking to refine features of the central and lower thirds of the face around the cheeks and jawline, but who do not have large amounts of loose neck skin.
Neck Lift
This procedure involves creating an incision that travels behind the ear and sometimes curves in front of the ear. The goal of this surgery is to improve the neck skin through a combination of skin-tightening, stitch, muscle-pulling, and fat-removing techniques. The best candidates for a neck lift are people who are satisfied with their facial appearance, but wish to improve only loose or excess skin on their neck.
Mini-Facelift
This in-office procedure is performed with the patient under local anesthesia. It involves creating a short incision in front of the ear. The skin is then lifted and re-draped to a more youthful position, and the SMAS layer is repositioned to provide a longer-lasting result.
A mini-facelift is best for people who seek an office-based facial rejuvenation that will provide moderate improvements to the central and lower thirds of the face. Combined with fractionated laser resurfacing or other office-based procedures like upper-lid blepharoplasty and neck liposuction, the mini-facelift can serve as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation package that can be performed in a comfortable office setting.
Click here to view an informative video on facelifts.
To find out more about a facelift, contact our St. Louis West County Plastic Surgeons office by calling (314) 996-8800, submitting a contact form, or emailing us today to request a consultation.
Why Choose West County Plastic Surgeons of Washington University for a Facelift
Thousands of patients have trusted board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Terry Myckatyn, Dr. Marissa Tenenbaum, and Dr. Trina Ebersole for their facelift procedures. At West County Plastic Surgeons, we prioritize your experience and results:
- Patient-Centered Care: We are approachable, compassionate, and attentive listeners, ensuring your concerns and goals are heard.
- Clear Communication: Open dialogue helps us meet your individual expectations and deliver the outcomes you desire.
- Advanced Expertise: As part of the Washington University School of Medicine, our surgeons stay current with the latest techniques and technologies in plastic surgery, providing safe and beautiful results.
From your initial consultation to your final results, our goal is to make your facelift experience personalized, comfortable, and highly satisfying.
How Do You Prepare for a Facelift in St. Louis?
Before a facelift, you’ll meet with our team to review your medical history and discuss any past or current health conditions. Proper preparation helps ensure a safe procedure and optimal results.
Preparation for facial rejuvenation surgery may include:
- Medical Evaluation & Lab Testing: Some patients may need blood work or other preoperative assessments.
- Medication Review: You may need to adjust certain medications or supplements, especially those that increase bleeding (e.g., aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Skin Care: Applying specific products may be recommended to optimize your skin before surgery.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding smoking and following other pre-surgery guidelines can improve healing and outcomes.
Following these steps helps ensure your facelift procedure is safe and effective, setting the stage for a smooth recovery and natural-looking results.
What Happens During Facelift Surgery?
Anesthesia: Standard and short-scar facelifts are usually performed with the patient under general anesthesia, while mini-facelifts are typically performed in the office with the patient under local anesthesia.
Length of procedure: 1 to 5 hours, depending on technique chosen
Estimated recovery time: Patients can return to work after 5 to 14 days, depending on the technique chosen, but should avoid vigorous activities for 2 to 3 weeks. Visible bruising or swelling should resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. To learn how to prepare for a facelift and what to expect afterwards, click here to download our patient instructions.
Side effects: Common side effects include bruising, swelling, a well-hidden scar, and some cheek numbness. Muscles that raise your eyebrows or lift the bottom corners of your lips may be weak for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. Click here to download a detailed consent form from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that lists the risks and benefits of this procedure.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
A common question patients ask is, “How many years does a facelift last?” While a facelift can restore a youthful appearance to the face and neck, it cannot stop the natural aging process. Over time, skin may gradually lose elasticity and sag again.
On average, facelift results can last 10 years or more, depending on individual factors and lifestyle. The procedure is designed to provide natural-looking results that age gracefully with you.
Tips to maintain your facelift results:
- Avoid smoking, which can accelerate skin aging
- Apply sunscreen daily to protect against sun damage
- Consider non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments for ongoing maintenance
- Maintain a stable weight to preserve facial contours
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your facelift results remain smooth, youthful, and natural for years to come.
Facelift FAQs
Yes. Modern techniques are designed to reposition tissues in a natural vector, enhancing definition without changing your unique features. Our goal is a rested, refreshed version of you.
Incisions typically trace the natural contours around the ear and into the hairline to help keep scars discreet. Your surgeon will review the exact plan for your anatomy.
Most patients describe tightness and soreness rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is usually well controlled with prescribed or over-the-counter medication as directed.
Gentle walking begins right away. Many patients resume light cardio in 2 to 3 weeks and heavier activity after 4 to 6 weeks, pending surgeon clearance. Delay long-distance travel until your first follow-up visit unless advised otherwise.
Some techniques use small drains or a supportive wrap temporarily to reduce fluid accumulation and swelling. Your surgeon will explain whether these are part of your plan.
Absolutely. Incision placement and beard growth patterns are considered to keep results natural. Many men choose a facelift to restore a strong jawline and neck definition.
Once incisions are closed and your surgeon approves—often after the first week—you can use gentle, non-comedogenic makeup to camouflage temporary bruising.
Complementary Procedures to Enhance a Facelift
A facelift is the most effective surgical technique for rejuvenating the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. However, it has some limitations that can be addressed with additional procedures to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Surgical Enhancements Often Combined with a Facelift:
- Fractionated Laser Resurfacing: Improves fine wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and deeper lines around the mouth and eyes, with minimal downtime.
- Upper-Lid Blepharoplasty (Upper-Eyelid Lift): Tightens excess skin on the upper eyelid to create a crisp, youthful contour.
- Lower-Lid Blepharoplasty (Lower-Eyelid Lift): Addresses puffiness, excess skin, and under-eye folds that a facelift alone may only partially improve.
- Brow Lift (Forehead Lift): Rejuvenates the upper face by smoothing forehead lines and repositioning the eyebrows with discreet incisions.
- Fat Grafting (Fat Transfer): Restores lost volume in the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jowl area, enhancing the natural results of a facelift.
- Dermabrasion: Removes the superficial skin layer for a smoother texture and reduced wrinkles.
Non-Surgical Options to Complement a Facelift:
- Dermal Fillers: Add volume, smooth wrinkles, and improve facial definition. Biostimulatory fillers can encourage natural collagen growth for long-term rejuvenation.
- BOTOX® and Neuromodulators: Temporarily reduce dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions.
Combining a facelift with these surgical or non-surgical procedures can help you achieve a more balanced, youthful, and natural result. Contact us at West County Plastic Surgeons to learn which approach—or combination of treatments—is best for your aesthetic goals.
Want to learn more about the benefits of a facelift in St. Louis, MO, at West County Plastic Surgeons? Call (314) 996-8800 or send a message to book a consultation.
