Myths About Facelifts

More than 130,000 people get a facelift every year in the United States. While this procedure is one of the most effective ways to turn back the signs of aging, many myths about facelifts persist. 

At The Aesthetic Surgery Center on the Upper East Side in New York City, our renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Elliott H. Rose, wants to clear up the confusion surrounding facelifts. His expertise and aesthetic eye mean your facelift looks natural while helping you appear more youthful and fresh.

In this blog post, we debunk some of the common myths surrounding facelifts and cosmetic facial surgery. We help you get more clarity to determine if the procedure is right for you.

Myth 1: Facelifts are only for older people

Fact: While it’s true that many people opt for facelifts later in life to address signs of aging, the procedure isn’t limited to any specific age group. Many younger patients in their 40s and even 30s are increasingly seeking facelifts as a preventive measure to maintain their youthful appearance. Early intervention can often lead to more natural and long-lasting results.

Myth 2: Facelifts look unnatural

Fact: One of the biggest misconceptions is that a facelift will leave you looking "pulled" and “stretched.” Dr. Rose uses modern facelift techniques that enhance your natural features rather than drastically altering them. 

His advanced techniques lift and reposition the deeper layers of tissue, resulting in a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance that still looks like you — just a younger, more vibrant version.

Myth 3: Facelifts focus only on the face

Fact: Despite the name, facelifts don’t just address the face. They can also improve the appearance of the neck and jawline, which can sag and droop as you age. 

Dr. Rose may recommend combining procedures like a neck lift or lower facelift with a traditional facelift to create a more harmonious and balanced look. He offers customized procedures that address sagging skin and deep wrinkles in multiple areas at once.

Myth 4: Nonsurgical treatments are just as effective as a facelift

Fact: While nonsurgical treatments like Botox, fillers, and skin tightening can provide noticeable results, they are generally best for mild to moderate signs of aging. 

If you have significant sagging, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume, a surgical facelift offers more dramatic and long-lasting results. Nonsurgical options can be a great complement to a facelift but may not fully replace the benefits of surgery. 

Plus, overuse of injectables can lead to an unnatural look that makes it obvious you’ve had work done. Modern facelifts appear more natural than extreme use of fillers and neuromodulators.

Myth 5: Recovery from a facelift takes a long time

Fact: Dr. Rose uses advanced surgical techniques that significantly reduce the recovery time and discomfort associated with facelifts. Most patients can expect to return to normal activities within two to three weeks. Mild swelling and bruising are common, but they typically subside within a few weeks. Our office provides detailed postoperative instructions to help ensure a smooth recovery process.

Myth 6: Facelifts are for women only

Fact: Facelifts are not just for women; more and more men are choosing to undergo this procedure as well. Men have interest in maintaining a youthful and competitive appearance, both personally and professionally. Dr. Rose uses techniques in male facelifts that preserves masculine features to give you natural and subtle results.

Myth 7: Facelift results don’t last

Fact: The results of a facelift are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying the benefits for 10 to 15 years or more. However, it’s important to remember that a facelift can turn back the clock, but it doesn’t stop the aging process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, good skincare, and occasional touch-ups with nonsurgical treatments can help prolong the results of your facelift.

Is a facelift right for you?

When you’re in Dr. Rose’s capable hands, your facelift can be a transformative procedure that enhances your natural beauty, boosts your confidence, and helps you look as youthful as you feel. If you’re considering a facelift or want to learn more about the procedure, we invite you to schedule a consultation at The Aesthetic Surgery Center. Call or click to book your visit.