Dr. Schuster is a facelift specialist - end of story. He has devoted all of his professional life in studying the aging process and understanding how to correct it with facelift surgery. As the years pass, we become vulnerable to the visible effects of aging. These effects are most apparent around the face, in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, saggy and loose skin, and displaced fat. If you're wishing for the youthful facial appearance you enjoyed 10 or 15 years ago, discover the fountain of youth with a facelift.
There are many facelift techniques and most produce excellent results when used in the right patient and performed with excellence. To learn more about facelifts, contact our office today online or at 410-902-9800 to schedule a personal consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster. We proudly serve Baltimore, Owings Mills, and Towson, Maryland, and welcome patients from across the United States who visit us specifically for facial surgery. Virtual consultations are available for out-of-town patients.
This page discusses the following facelift topics:
- What Is a Facelift?
- Am I a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
- Types of Facelifts
- What Makes The Deep Plane Facelift A Better Option?
- Is A Deep Plane Facelift Right For Me?
- Your Facelift Surgery Consultation
- What Will Be Discussed During My Facelift Consultation?
- Mini Facelift Versus Full Facelift
- When Is the Right Time To Consider Facelift Surgery?
- Are There Age Restrictions for Facelift Surgery?
- Will Facelift Surgery Eliminate All of My Facial Wrinkles?
- Are Facelift Results Permanent?
- Why Choose Dr. Ronald Schuster for Your Facelift?
- How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
- What Financing Options Are Available For Facelift Surgery?
- How Should I Prepare For Facelift Surgery Recovery?
- Are Facelifts Different For Men Than Women?
- Will There Be Visible Scars After A Facelift?
- How Can I Maintain My Facelift Results For As Long As Possible?
- Call Now to Schedule Your Facelift Consultation
Before And After
What Is A Facelift?
A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It can help improve concerns such as:
- Sagging skin or displaced fat in the face
- Deep folds or creases around the nose and mouth
- Jowls along the jawline
- Loose bands in the neck
- Excess skin or fullness under the chin (“turkey neck”)
During surgery, the underlying tissues are repositioned, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is gently tightened. This creates smoother contours, softens wrinkles, and restores a more youthful, refreshed appearance.
Is A Facelift Painful?
You won’t feel anything during the procedure itself. You will likely experience some discomfort and tightness for the first few days following surgery. Using pain medication as recommended by Dr. Schuster will prevent any significant pain. Most people don’t need their pain medication after the first week.
Am I A Good Candidate For Facelift Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for facelift surgery if you:
- Notice signs of aging such as jowls, deep facial creases, or loose skin in the lower face or neck
- Are in overall good health without serious medical concerns
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic goals and expectations for the outcome
The best way to know if a facelift is right for you is to meet personally with Dr. Schuster in a private consultation. During your initial consult, Dr. Schuster will listen to your goals and assess your facial structure. He will determine if you are a good candidate for a facelift and explain all of your treatment options, including our non-surgical procedures.
Types of Facelifts
There are many different types of facelift procedures. They go by many different names, including:
- Skin-Only Facelift: This approach focuses on tightening and removing loose skin without adjusting the deeper tissues, such as muscle or fat. Results tend to be short-lived, as the skin can loosen again over time. It may be suitable for younger patients with only mild skin laxity, but in those with more advanced aging, it can create an unnatural or “pulled” appearance.
- Traditional Facelift: Sometimes called a full facelift, this method addresses both the skin and the deeper facial tissues. Incisions are made around the hairline and extend around the ears, allowing the surgeon to lift and reposition fat, adjust underlying tissues, and smooth the skin for more defined contours. This option is typically recommended for patients with moderate to significant facial aging.
- SMAS Facelift: The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is a layer of connective tissue beneath the skin that supports facial structure. By tightening and repositioning the SMAS, this technique improves sagging in the midface, reduces deep folds around the nose and mouth, elevates the corners of the mouth, and enhances neck definition.
- Endoscopic Facelift (Browlift): This minimally invasive option uses an endoscope (a small camera with a light) inserted beneath the skin, allowing the surgeon to see and adjust facial tissues without creating large incisions. It generally results in shorter scars and may reduce recovery time.
- Deep Plane Facelift: Dr. Schuster performs a special facelift method called a “Deep Plane”. Trained in this technique many years ago directly under the tutelage of its inventor, Dr. Sam Hamra, Dr. Schuster has since gone on to expand and refine the technique, and now includes a mid-facelift together with the Deep Plane Facelift. The addition of a direct midface plication helps restore the upper cheek fullness and youthful cheek contour.
WHAT MAKES THE DEEP PLANE FACELIFT A BETTER OPTION?
Dr. Schuster believes the Deep Plane Facelift is the best method and more complete than traditional facelift procedures. It can restore sagging cheeks to a more youthful appearance. Most importantly, the Deep Plane Facelift avoids the “over-pulled,” or “wind tunnel” appearance. It maintains the most balanced improvement, which includes the correction of midface sagging cheeks.
IS A DEEP PLANE FACELIFT RIGHT FOR ME?
While Dr. Schuster specializes in using the Deep Plane Facelift technique, not everyone needs it. For these patients, he is able to perform more traditional facelift procedures. During your consultation with Dr. Schuster, he can advise you of the type of facelift that would be most appropriate for helping you achieve a natural appearance.
"I spoke to several doctors before I settled on Dr. Schuster. When I talked to Dr. Schuster there was just innately a sense of trust and confidence. He really listened to me when I talked to him about the things I wanted done and didn’t want done, he heard me. I just felt like this was the right move."
"I spoke to several doctors before I settled on Dr. Schuster. When I talked to Dr. Schuster there was just innately a sense of trust and confidence. He really listened to me when I talked to him about the things I wanted done and didn’t want done, he heard me. I just felt like this was the right move."
Your Facelift Surgery Consultation
During your initial facelift consultation, you will sit down with Dr. Schuster to discuss what bothers you about your facial appearance and what you want to look like. You will be asked about your health history, any previous surgeries, and medications you take. He will examine your face, noting the degree of sagging, loose skin, and other concerns.
If Dr. Schuster believes a facelift can give you the aesthetic results you desire, he will propose a treatment plan. He will also explain other treatment options, such as a neck lift or blepharoplasty, if appropriate.
What Will Be Discussed During My Facelift Consultation?
Your facelift consultation will include discussion of:
- The specific features or changes to your face that you are unhappy with
- What changes you want to see, and how you want to look
- Your health history
- Any current underlying medical conditions
- Any medications you are taking
- Medical or cosmetic procedures you’ve had in the past
After learning more about you and examining the degree of skin laxity and sagging, Dr. Schuster will be able to tell you whether a facelift is right for you. He will also tell you about other procedures that may achieve your goals, such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift.
HOW CAN I PERSONALIZE MY FACELIFT?
Facelift patients may feel concerned that results will look unnatural, overly tight, or unflattering. Perhaps you’ve seen someone with an obvious facelift. Your rhytidectomy should be personalized to your face, your skin, and your goals.
Facelift surgery is an area of expertise for Dr. Schuster. He knows how to utilize all the various types of facelift techniques to produce results that make you look rejuvenated. The goal of your facelift should never be to look like someone else. It’s about creating the best version of your face so that you look more youthful and refreshed, but still look like you.
FACELIFT SURGERY RECUPERATION AND RECOVERY
Normally, the face is bruised and swollen after a facelift. The skin may also feel tight or tender. It is recommended to keep the head elevated in the days following surgery to minimize swelling. These symptoms subside within two to three weeks.
While every individual recovery experience will be unique, the following is what can be expected as the average experience:
Face and Neck
- Recommend two weeks off from school/work
- Bruising and swelling can be covered by makeup in two weeks
- Return to full activity in three to four weeks
Neck Only
- Recommend one week off from school/work
- Most bruising and swelling can be covered by makeup in 10 days
- Return to full activity in three weeks
Most facelift procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients go home the same day. In some cases, an overnight stay can be arranged for added comfort. At Northwest Hospital, patients have the option of spending their first night in a private recovery room with nursing staff nearby to assist as needed. This option can make the early recovery process more comfortable and reassuring.
You will return to our Baltimore, Maryland area office every few days after your facelift procedure to have bandages and stitches removed and to monitor your progress.
Dr. Schuster will provide detailed instructions for home care after a facelift.
Generally, patients can wash their face about four days after surgery and apply makeup about 10 days after surgery. Most patients return to work and their normal activities about two weeks after a facelift.
When Will I See Results From My Facelift?
Most patients can go out and look good socially after just two weeks. But that is only the beginning. After three to four weeks, more swelling will have dissipated, and your results will start looking really good. It’s typically safe to schedule any big events or important social gatherings at six to eight weeks, which will allow plenty of time for residual swelling to resolve. Minute changes and healing will persist for up to six months, at which point you can consider the results finalized.
Will I Be Able To Continue Working After My Facelift?
Yes, you will be able to return to work after taking some time off to recover. Downtime varies based on the type of facelift you receive. A full face and neck lift requires two full weeks off from work. A neck lift alone requires one week.
Mini Facelift Versus Full Facelift
Facelift surgery can be performed in different ways depending on how advanced the signs of aging are. The two most common approaches are a full facelift and a mini facelift.
Full Facelift
A full facelift is intended for moderate to significant aging. It improves sagging skin, restores cheek volume, and sharpens the jawline. The procedure usually involves incisions around the hairline, ears, and lower scalp.
Features of a Full Facelift:
- Treats deeper tissues as well as the skin
- Provides dramatic, long-lasting results
- Addresses multiple areas of the face at once
- Involves longer incisions and recovery time
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is a less invasive option, typically for people with early signs of aging. It uses smaller incisions to tighten mild sagging, but does not treat the neck.
Features of a Mini Facelift:
- Uses shorter incisions with less downtime
- Improves mild skin laxity before it progresses
- Produces subtler, shorter-lasting results
- Not ideal for patients with more advanced aging
When Is The Right Time To Consider Facelift Surgery?
There is no universal time frame to have facelift surgery, because everyone ages differently. Generally, if you have signs of aging that are too severe to be corrected with non-surgical treatments like Botox or fillers, a facelift may be appropriate.
Are There Age Restrictions For Facelift Surgery?
There are no age restrictions for facelift surgery. As long as the patient is in stable health and meets the other criteria for surgery, age is not a factor.
Will Facelift Surgery Eliminate All Of My Facial Wrinkles?
Facelift surgery can soften wrinkles in the middle and lower portions of the face and the neck, but it does not address wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. Eyelid surgery or a brow lift may be appropriate in these cases.
Are Facelift Results Permanent?
Facelift targets the signs of aging at the time of surgery, but it does not prevent future aging.
How Long Will My Facelift Last?
A facelift addresses the current skin sagging and certain signs of aging on your face for the long term, but it cannot stop the natural aging process and the continued effect of gravity. Over the years, your skin will continue to age, but the baseline will be a much more youthful facial appearance for many years to come.
Why Choose Dr. Ronald Schuster For Your Facelift?
Dr. Ronald Schuster is a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who has been providing natural-looking facelift results to men and women in the greater Baltimore area for many years. Dr. Schuster has a particular interest in facial surgery and stresses the need for a balanced appearance.
A highly knowledgeable and skilled surgeon, Dr. Schuster is able to utilize a variety of surgical techniques, including the Deep Plane Facelift technique, fat grafting, as well as various changes to the SMAS, to help his patients enjoy superior facelift results. He is devoted to delivering personalized care that considers each patient’s unique anatomy, lifestyle, and preferences. Although Dr. Schuster welcomes innovation and new techniques, he does not subscribe to glitzy fads or marketing gimmicks. He will be very honest with his assessment and ability to achieve the results you are looking for.
In addition to his private plastic surgery practice, Dr. Schuster is the immediate Past Chief of Plastic Surgery at Northwest Hospital Center and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
How Much Does A Facelift Cost?
The average cost of a facelift can range between $16,000 and $25,500; the exact cost of a facelift will depend on several factors, including:
- The specific scope of treatment
- Whether a facelift is combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures
- The expertise of the surgeon
- The type of anesthesia
- The surgical facility
If you decide to move forward with facelift surgery, Dr. Schuster’s staff can give you a customized quote for your planned treatment.
WHAT FINANCING OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR FACELIFT SURGERY?
While a facelift is considered an elective procedure and not covered by insurance, financing options are available to make treatment more affordable. Dr. Schuster’s office works with CareCredit® and also accepts various payment plans, credit cards, and personal loans. His staff will review available options with you during your consultation to help you choose a payment plan that fits your budget.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR FACELIFT SURGERY RECOVERY?
Preparing for recovery is an important part of the facelift process. Patients are advised to arrange for help at home during the first few days, plan time off work, and set up a comfortable recovery space with extra pillows to keep the head elevated. It is also helpful to prepare meals in advance, avoid smoking, and follow all pre-surgery instructions from Dr. Schuster to support proper healing.
ARE FACELIFTS DIFFERENT FOR MEN THAN WOMEN?
Yes. While the surgical techniques are similar, facelifts for men are often performed with special attention to preserving masculine features, such as a stronger jawline or less visible scarring around shorter haircuts. Dr. Schuster carefully adjusts his approach to create results that look natural for both male and female patients.
WILL THERE BE VISIBLE SCARS AFTER A FACELIFT?
Facelift incisions are typically placed along the hairline and around the natural creases of the ears, which helps keep scars as discreet as possible. While all surgery leaves some scarring, these marks usually fade over time and become less noticeable. Dr. Schuster also provides detailed aftercare instructions to support proper healing and minimize scar visibility.
HOW CAN I MAINTAIN MY FACELIFT RESULTS FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE?
While a facelift cannot stop the natural aging process, you can extend your results with good skincare and healthy habits. Protecting your skin from the sun, staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking all play an important role. Many patients also choose to complement their facelift with non-surgical treatments such as injectables or skin resurfacing to keep their results looking refreshed.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR FACELIFT CONSULTATION
If you are considering a facelift in Baltimore, Owings Mills, or Towson, Maryland, call 410-902-9800 to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster.
You can also click here to send us an Email Contact Form, and our staff can help you set up your appointment! If you are an out-of-town patient, virtual consultations are available. Our practice looks forward to serving you!
