At Younger Facial Surgery Centre in Vancouver, Dr. Ritchie Younger has been helping patients turn back the clock and regain their confidence for over 30 years. With his expertise in facelift surgery, he can create a more youthful, vibrant appearance that still looks natural and harmonious with your unique features.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a transformative procedure that can address multiple signs of aging in the face and neck by tightening underlying muscles, removing excess skin and repositioning tissues. A facelift can create a more defined jawline, smooth away deep wrinkles and restore a more youthful contour to the face.
Whether in your 40s, 50s, or 60s, a facelift can help you look as young and energetic as you feel. Dr. Younger’s facelift procedures are designed to diminish signs of aging, turning the clock back ten years. He tailors each procedure to patients’ needs and goals, ensuring beautiful and long-lasting results.
Types of Facelifts
Dr. Younger offers several facelift techniques to address different levels of aging and patient preferences. After a thorough assessment and a discussion, Dr. Younger will be able to advise you on which technical type of Facelift may be to your advantage to undergo.
Classical (Full) Facelift
The classical or full facelift is the most comprehensive approach, addressing moderate to severe aging in the lower face, jowls and neck. This technique involves making incisions along the hairline, around the ear and sometimes under the chin to access the underlying muscles and tissues. Through these incisions, Dr. Younger will tighten and reposition the deeper facial structures, remove excess skin and smooth away wrinkles and folds.
A full facelift is ideal for significant sagging, deep wrinkles and loss of definition in the lower face and neck. Recovery typically takes around two weeks, with final results developing over several months.
Mini Facelift
The mini facelift is less invasive and works well for less severe signs of aging in the lower face and neck. This technique involves shorter incisions and less tissue manipulation than a full facelift, focusing primarily on tightening the skin and superficial muscles. Dr. Younger often performs mini facelifts under local anesthesia with oral sedation, which can result in a quicker, more comfortable recovery.
A mini facelift is best suited for those with fewer signs of advanced aging, who want a subtle refreshment of appearance, and who need a swifter recovery period.
Skin Only Facelift
This is the most basic and least invasive type of facelift. It involves tightening only the skin without addressing the underlying muscles or tissues. While it has a quicker recovery time, results are typically less dramatic and shorter-lasting than other techniques.
S Lift
Named for the S-shaped incision made in front of the ear, this minimally invasive technique is designed to lift and tighten the lower face and neck. It’s suitable for mild to moderate sagging patients and typically has a shorter recovery time than a full facelift.
Short Scar Facelift
Also known as a “mini lift,” this technique uses shorter incisions than a traditional facelift, typically limited to the front of the ear. It’s best for patients with minimal sagging who want subtle improvements in the lower face and jawline.
Jowl Lift
This procedure specifically targets sagging jowls along the jawline. It can be performed on its own or as part of a more comprehensive facelift, helping to restore a more defined jawline and youthful lower face contour.
Neck Lift
While often performed in conjunction with a facelift, a neck lift can also be a standalone procedure. It addresses loose skin, excess fat, and muscle banding in the neck area, creating a more youthful and defined neck and jawline.
Mid Facelift
This technique focuses on the middle portion of the face, including the cheeks and under-eye area. It’s particularly effective for addressing hollowing beneath the eyes and sagging of the cheeks.
SMAS Facelift
SMAS stands for the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System, a layer of tissue beneath the skin. This technique lifts and tightens both the skin and the SMAS layer, providing more substantial and longer-lasting results than a skin-only lift.
Deep Plane Facelift
Considered one of the most comprehensive facelift techniques, the deep plane facelift involves lifting and repositioning both the skin and deeper facial tissues as a single unit. This approach can provide dramatic, long-lasting results and is particularly effective for addressing significant sagging in the midface and jowl areas.
Combining Facelifts with Other Procedures
While a facelift can achieve remarkable lower face and neck rejuvenation, many patients combine their procedure with other surgical or nonsurgical treatments for a more comprehensive transformation.
Neck Lift
The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging, with loose skin, bands and fat deposits contributing to a “turkey wattle” appearance. A neck lift addresses these concerns by tightening the underlying muscles, removing excess skin and contouring the jawline.
Dr. Younger often performs neck lifts with facelifts to ensure a seamless, natural-looking result. By addressing the neck and lower face together, patients can achieve a more harmonious, youthful appearance that looks consistent from every angle. For optimum results, most of our facelift clients have a neck lift simultaneously.
Brow Lift
A heavy, sagging brow can create a tired, angry or sad expression that doesn’t match your feelings. A brow lift can help raise the forehead area to a more youthful position, smooth away furrows and wrinkles and create a more refreshed, alert appearance.
Dr. Younger offers several brow lift techniques, including the endoscopic approach involving small incisions hidden within the hairline. Combining a brow lift with a facelift allows patients to achieve a more complete upper and lower face rejuvenation.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
Aging can cause the eyelids to sag, droop and develop puffiness or bags, contributing to a tired, older appearance. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can help restore a more youthful, refreshed look to the eyes by removing excess skin, tightening lax muscles and contouring fat deposits.
Dr. Younger frequently combines eyelid surgery with facelifts to create a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the face. By addressing the eyes, brows and lower face in one procedure, patients can achieve a more balanced, harmonious result that takes years off their appearance.
What to Expect
Your Consultation
During this in-depth meeting, Dr. Younger will assess your facial anatomy and recommend the best approach to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. He will physically examine your face and neck and evaluate your skin quality, muscle tone and degree of sagging or wrinkles. This may involve taking measurements and photographs and using digital imaging software to help you visualize potential results. Dr. Younger will also ask about your motivation for a facelift and your desired outcome.
Based on his assessment, Dr. Younger will recommend the facelift technique or combination of procedures that he feels will best address your concerns and create a natural-looking, rejuvenated appearance. He will walk you through the surgical process, including the type of anesthesia, incision placement and expected recovery timeline.
If you decide to move forward with a facelift, Dr. Younger and his team will provide detailed pre-operative instructions, including any necessary medical clearances, things to avoid and lifestyle changes to make before your procedure. His goal is to ensure that you feel fully informed, comfortable and confident in your decision to proceed with surgery. The consultation is also your opportunity to discuss the cost of your facelift and explore financing options if needed. Dr. Younger’s staff will provide you with a personalized quote.
Surgery
On the day of your facelift, you’ll arrive at Dr. Younger’s state-of-the-art surgical facility, where you’ll be greeted by his team of experienced nurses and anesthesiologists. They will help you get settled, review your medical history and consent, and answer any last-minute questions you may have.
Dr. Younger will then meet with you to review the surgical plan, make pre-operative markings and ensure that you feel comfortable and ready to proceed. Most facelifts are performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be fully asleep and pain-free during the procedure. In some cases, such as mini facelifts, Dr. Younger may use local anesthesia with oral sedation to help you relax while remaining awake.
Once adequately anesthetized, Dr. Younger will begin the procedure by making the necessary incisions. The location and length of these incisions will depend on the specific facelift technique used, but they are generally placed along the hairline, around the ear and sometimes under the chin. These cuts will then be closed with fine sutures and a soft, supportive dressing will be placed around your face and neck.
Most facelift procedures take between 2-4 hours to complete, depending on the extent of correction needed and whether any additional procedures are being performed.
Recovery and Results
After your surgery, you’ll be moved to a comfortable recovery area, where you’ll be closely monitored by Dr. Younger’s nursing staff as you revive from the anesthesia. They will ensure that you’re feeling well and that your pain is well-controlled before allowing you to return home under the care of a responsible adult.
Dr. Younger and his team will provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule several follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure you progress smoothly toward your final results. Most patients can expect to take around two weeks off from work and social activities.
Some swelling and bruising are normal, but much will subside within the first week or two. For the first few days, a soft dressing is applied under your chin and around your head to protect the incisions. We will be in close contact with you during your post-operative week.
During the first few days after surgery, you can manage any swelling, bruising and discomfort with pain medication and cold compresses. And you can minimize swelling and promote proper healing by keeping your head elevated and avoiding bending.
Dr. Younger will see you for your first post-operative appointment 1-2 days after surgery to check your incisions, change your dressings and ensure that you’re healing well. He’ll also provide instructions on how to care for your incisions and when you can gently wash your face and hair. By day 12, all surgical sutures have been removed.
Most people are ready to return to work after around the two week mark, but may show some bruising for another week. Avoid any strenuous activities, including lifting or straining for about a month. Significant results will be evident in a relatively short period but the complete healing and results will keep improving and can take up to two years.
UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation and slow the healing process. Dr. Younger recommends wearing a wide-brimmed hat and using a gentle, non-irritating sunscreen whenever you go outside. Dr. Younger may also recommend certain skincare products, treatments or lifestyle changes to promote optimal healing and maintain your results over time. While you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your facial contours and skin quality after a facelift, it’s important to remember that the final results may take several months to develop fully.
Residual swelling, tightness and numbness are common in the first few weeks and will gradually subside as your tissues heal and settle. Dr. Younger and his team will be with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth, comfortable recovery and help you achieve the beautiful, natural-looking results you desire.
Your Facelift Results
The results of a facelift can be truly transformative. They can remove years from your appearance and restore a more youthful, refreshed look.
While the specific improvements will vary depending on your concerns and the type of facelift performed, most patients can expect to see:
- A smoother, more defined jawline with reduced jowls and sagging
- Tighter, more youthful-looking skin with fewer wrinkles and folds
- Restored volume and contours in the midface and cheeks
- A more rejuvenated, rested appearance overall
Dr. Younger is known for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic eye, allowing him to create natural and harmonious results with each patient’s unique features. His goal is never to make you look like someone else but rather to help you look like the best, most refreshed version of yourself.
To see examples of the stunning transformations Dr. Younger has achieved for his facelift patients, we invite you to browse our online before-and-after gallery. These photos showcase the dramatic yet natural improvements possible with a skillfully performed facelift.
While a facelift produces significant and long-lasting results, the aging process will inevitably continue after surgery. The actual longevity of your personal results will depend on your age, skin quality, lifestyle habits and genetics.
On average, most patients can expect their facelift results to last around 7-10 years before some touch-ups or additional procedures may be desired to maintain a youthful appearance. Dr. Younger will discuss the expected duration of your results during your consultation and provide guidance on maximizing their longevity through proper skincare, sun protection and healthy living.
For patients with a previous facelift and are starting to notice some recurrent sagging or laxity, Dr. Younger may recommend a stretch-back facelift to refresh and extend their results. This less invasive procedure can help restore a more lifted, youthful contour without needing a full facelift.
Regardless of the specific approach, choosing a highly skilled, experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Younger is the key to achieving optimal facelift results. Dr. Younger has helped countless men and women regain their confidence and enjoy a more youthful, vibrant appearance with his advanced training, artistic vision and commitment to patient satisfaction.
Facelift Surgery Pricing with Dr. Ritchie Younger
At Younger Facial Surgery Centre, a facelift costs between CAD$15,000 and CAD$20,000.
Your fee includes:
- Pre-operative and post-operative consultations.
- Dr. Younger’s knowledge, skill and experience and the time and effort required to conduct the procedure.
- All costs associated with anesthesia.
- Operating room facilities, including the use of the room, any equipment and necessary supplies.
- Aftercare items such as medications and compression garments.
- Follow-up visits with Dr. Younger to monitor the healing process and ensure the best results. Your initial price includes follow-up visits up to one year following your surgery.
A down payment of 60% is required when booking surgery with Dr. Younger. The final 40% is required at least four weeks before your surgery date. If your surgery is booked within four weeks of the procedure date, you’re expected to pay in full upon booking.
Financing
If you decide to proceed with a facelift after your initial consultation, our office staff will provide you with detailed information on the final expected fees and available financing options. Please be aware that you are responsible for making all financing decisions.
*Disclaimer: We trust that our clients will make informed decisions regarding their financing choices. We can provide information on available options but do not endorse or recommend any specific company. Our office operates independently from all financial companies, and our staff does not receive any commissions. Recently, many clients have chosen to arrange their financing through the local company Beautifi, which is one option to consider.
Good Candidates for Facelift Surgery
Facelift procedures are widely regarded as the gold standard for anti-aging, offering natural-looking and enduring results that nonsurgical methods can’t match. While a facelift can significantly rejuvenate your appearance, it won’t make you look 18 again or completely halt the aging process.
What a facelift can achieve is the removal of loose skin, sagging, and deep-set wrinkles that contribute to an older appearance. Since these issues tend to develop later in life, ideal candidates are usually in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. During your consultation, Dr. Younger will help determine the best treatment for you.
Take 10 Years Off Your Face!
If you’re ready to learn more about how a facelift can help you turn back the clock and achieve your aesthetic goals, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ritchie Younger. As Vancouver’s leading facial plastic surgery expert, Dr. Younger has been helping thousands of happy patients look their best. Book a consultation today to see what he can do for you!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the ideal age for a facelift?
There’s no “perfect” age for a facelift, as everyone ages differently. However, most patients typically consider a facelift in their late 40s to early 60s. At this stage, signs of aging are usually pronounced enough to warrant surgical intervention, but the skin retains enough elasticity to achieve optimal results. Dr. Younger has successfully performed facelifts on patients in their 70s and even 80s. The key is overall health and realistic expectations rather than a specific age.
How long does a facelift last?
While a facelift can’t stop aging, it can certainly turn back the clock. On average, facelift results last about 7-10 years. However, this can vary depending on genetics, lifestyle habits, and skincare routines. Some patients may enjoy their results for 15 years or more, while others might seek a “touch-up” procedure sooner. Remember, even as you continue to age, you’ll likely always look younger than you would have without the facelift.
Will a facelift make me look “overdone” or unnatural?
This is a common concern, but when performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Younger, a facelift should never make you look “overdone.” The goal is to create a refreshed, more youthful version of yourself – not to alter your appearance drastically. Dr. Younger’s technique focuses on repositioning underlying tissues and removing excess skin rather than pulling the skin tight. This approach results in a natural-looking outcome that enhances your features without changing your fundamental appearance.
How painful is facelift recovery?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised that facelift recovery is not as painful as expected. You’ll likely experience discomfort, tightness and pressure, especially in the first few days after surgery. However, this is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication. Many patients switch to over-the-counter pain relievers within a week. Numbness and tightness can persist for several weeks, but these sensations are usually more strange than painful.
When can I return to work after a facelift?
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities about two weeks after a facelift. You may still have some residual bruising that can be covered with makeup or some slight swelling may remain that can be controlled. However, if your job involves strenuous activities, you should wait at least 3-4 weeks before returning.
Will there be visible scars from my facelift?
While any surgical procedure will result in some scarring, facelift incisions are carefully placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Dr. Younger typically makes incisions along the hairline and around the ears, where they’re easily hidden. With proper care, these scars usually fade significantly over time and are rarely noticeable to others. Dr. Younger will provide detailed instructions on scar care to ensure optimal healing.
How long does the actual facelift surgery take?
The duration of facelift surgery can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and whether it’s combined with other surgeries. A standard facelift typically takes about 3-4 hours. If you have additional procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery, the total surgical time may extend to 5-6 hours or more. Dr. Younger will estimate more precisely based on your personalized surgical plan.
Will a facelift remove all my facial lines and wrinkles?
While a facelift can significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles, particularly in the lower face and neck, it may not eliminate all wrinkles. Deep-set wrinkles, especially around the mouth and eyes, may benefit from additional treatments such as dermal fillers for optimal results. A facelift addresses sagging skin, jowls and deep folds most effectively. For finer lines and wrinkles, Dr. Younger may recommend complementary nonsurgical treatments.
How soon after my facelift can I exercise?
Giving your body time to heal after a facelift is crucial. Most patients can resume light walking within a few days of surgery, but more strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least three weeks. This includes activities that increase blood pressure or strain the facial muscles. Dr. Younger will provide a detailed timeline for returning to various activities based on your recovery progress.
Can I wear makeup after my facelift?
Before applying makeup to the incision areas, you must wait about two weeks after your facelift. Once Dr. Younger gives you the go-ahead, you can use makeup to cover any residual bruising or redness. It’s important to be gentle when applying and removing makeup during the early stages of recovery. Dr. Younger may recommend specific types of makeup that are less likely to irritate your healing skin.
Will smoking affect my facelift results?
Yes, smoking can significantly impact both the safety of your surgery and the quality of your results. Smoking restricts blood flow, which can slow healing and increase the risk of complications. It also accelerates the aging process, potentially shortening the longevity of your results. Dr. Younger strongly advises patients to quit smoking at least 4-6 weeks before surgery and to refrain from smoking during the recovery period. Ideally, this would be an opportunity to quit smoking permanently for your overall health and to maintain your facelift results.
Can a facelift help with my double chin?
Yes, a facelift can effectively address a double chin, especially when combined with a neck lift. These procedures can remove excess fat, tighten loose skin, and redefine the jawline, significantly improving the appearance of a double chin. In some cases, liposuction might also be used to contour the area further. During your consultation, Dr. Younger will assess your facial structure and recommend the best approach for your concerns.
Will a facelift change the shape of my eyes or nose?
A standard facelift primarily affects the lower two-thirds of the face and doesn’t directly alter the shape of the eyes or nose. However, by lifting and tightening the facial tissues, a facelift can sometimes create subtle changes in how these features appear in relation to the rest of the face. If you have specific concerns about your eyes or nose, Dr. Younger may recommend additional procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to address these areas.
How long will the swelling last after my facelift?
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process after a facelift. The most noticeable swelling typically peaks within the first 48-72 hours after surgery and then begins to subside. About 75% of the swelling will have resolved by two weeks post-surgery. However, some residual swelling can persist for several months, particularly in the lower face and neck. This remaining swelling is usually subtle and not noticeable to others. Still, you may continue to see improvements in your appearance for up to a year as the last swelling resolves.
Can I have a facelift if I’ve had dermal fillers or Botox?
Yes, you can have a facelift even if you’ve previously had dermal fillers or Botox. However, timing is essential. If you’ve recently had fillers, Dr. Younger may recommend waiting several months before your facelift to ensure the fillers have fully settled. For Botox, it’s generally best to wait until the effects have worn off before surgery. During your consultation, inform Dr. Younger about any cosmetic treatments you’ve had, as this will help him plan your facelift for optimal results.
Will a facelift affect my ability to make facial expressions?
When performed correctly by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Younger, a facelift should not affect your ability to make natural facial expressions. The goal is to reposition and tighten the underlying facial structures while preserving the natural movement of your facial muscles. Immediately after surgery, you may feel tightness that can temporarily limit your expressions, but this will improve as you heal. Following Dr. Younger’s recovery instructions and allowing proper healing time, you should regain a full range of facial expressions and have a more youthful appearance.