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What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions the underlying facial structures to restore definition along the jawline, neck, and midface. Modern techniques such as deep plane and SMAS facelifts address the deeper layers, not just the skin, to correct sagging and volume loss without creating a pulled look. This procedure is ideal for individuals looking to reverse visible signs of aging while preserving natural facial expression. At Rousso Adams, patients considering a facelift in Birmingham receive a treatment plan tailored to their unique anatomy and goals.

How is facelift surgery performed?

The facelift procedure begins with MAC (Monitered Anesthesia Care) Twilight Sedation, where the patients are breathing on their own. Once this has taken effect, the doctor makes precise, careful incisions in the natural folds around the ears to minimize any sign of scarring. 

The underlying connective tissue, called the SMAS, is tightened and secured using sutures beneath the skin. A strip of SMAS tissue may also be trimmed away, which can be used to enhance the lips or other areas of the face. This lifts the muscles in the face and neck and achieves natural, longer-lasting results. At the same time, this technique decreases tension on the incisions, which further reduces scarring. 

Our facelift in Birmingham, AL, often includes liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue from the cheeks and neck. Additionally, the procedure addresses muscle banding by tightening and trimming any loose muscle bands through a small incision under the chin. After removing the excess skin, the incisions are closed with fine sutures.

Types of Facelifts

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift is best suited for individuals with more advanced signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles, loose skin along the jawline, and volume loss in the midface and neck. This technique involves repositioning and tightening both the skin and deeper tissues to restore structure and definition. It addresses sagging cheeks, jowls, and neck laxity in a single comprehensive procedure. Incisions are typically placed around the ears and hairline to minimize visibility. For patients seeking a dramatic yet natural-looking transformation, our facelift in Birmingham remains a time-tested and highly customizable option.

Mini facelift

A mini facelift is ideal for patients with early to moderate signs of aging, especially in the lower face. It focuses on lifting the cheeks and refining the jawline using smaller incisions placed discreetly around the ears. Often referred to as a “weekend facelift” due to its shorter recovery, this technique is less invasive than a traditional approach but still produces noticeable, natural-looking results. It does not address neck aging as fully as other options, but it’s a popular choice for those who want subtle rejuvenation without a longer downtime.

Endoscopic facelift

An endoscopic facelift is best for younger patients or those with mild facial laxity who want targeted improvements without extensive surgery. This approach uses several small incisions placed above the hairline or behind the ears. A tiny camera is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the surgeon to visualize and adjust the deeper facial tissues with precision. The endoscopic method is effective for lifting the brow, midface, or cheeks, and it offers minimal scarring and a faster recovery. It’s often chosen by patients who want early intervention before more significant aging sets in.

SculptLift™

SculptLift is a proprietary facial rejuvenation procedure developed by Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams. It combines SMAS facelift techniques with a customized tissue transfer, using your own healthy tissue to restore volume in areas such as the lips, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines. This approach treats sagging cheeks, jowls, and deep creases while enhancing structural harmony and facial fullness. The tissue transfer adds long-lasting definition, unlike soft fillers, and outcomes are designed to look naturally refreshed. Ideal for patients seeking a deeper facelift with enhanced volume and contour.

AccuLift

AccuLift is a minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure designed for patients experiencing early signs of aging below the chin and jawline. Using only two tiny puncture points under the chin, a fiber-optic laser gently melts excess fat while stimulating collagen production to tighten the skin. Local anesthesia is all that is required and typical recovery is just one to two days, with minor swelling or bruising. AccuLift delivers noticeable contour improvement without major surgery, making it ideal for patients who want smoother, firmer definition with minimal downtime.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is designed for patients with moderate to advanced facial aging who want the most natural, long-lasting results. Unlike traditional techniques that lift only skin and superficial tissue, this method repositions the deeper musculature and fat pads beneath the SMAS layer. This allows for more comprehensive correction of sagging in the midface, lower cheeks, and jawline while preserving natural facial movement. Incisions are made along the hairline and around the ears, hidden within natural folds. The deep plane approach offers a refreshed, youthful contour without the tight or “pulled” appearance of older facelift methods.

SculptLift™ Overview

Facelift Patient

Deep Plane Facelift Overview

Facelift Patient

FACELIFT & NECKLIFT

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR PATIENTS INCREDIBLE TRANSFORMATION JUST 6 WEEKS POST-OP

Patient Reviews

Dr. Adams With Patient In A Consultation Regarding Her Facelift

What are the benefits of a facelift?

  • Can address multiple signs of aging simultaneously
  • Helps tighten and firm sagging skin
  • Removes excess fat and tissue
  • Helps create a more youthful appearance
  • Provides improved definition in the jawline
  • Inconspicuous scarring
  • Natural-looking outcome

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Meet the Expert Surgeons Behind Natural Facelift 

Dr. Daniel Rousso and Dr. Austin Adams, our facial plastic surgeons at the Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic, routinely perform facelifts in Birmingham to diminish signs of aging. With over 35 years of combined experience focusing exclusively on cosmetic facial surgery, they are highly recognized for their skill and artistic ability to achieve the most natural results for their patients.

What is Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery's approach to the facelift?

Our doctors incorporate the latest techniques in facelift surgery to accommodate each patient’s unique needs. Not all facelift techniques are alike. Since most of our patients do not want a stretched or a “plastic” look, our doctors employ a technique that produces long-lasting results and avoids the appearance of an “operated look.” The result of the procedure is a natural, rested appearance. This procedure has been refined over the past 35 years and involves several techniques.

What Does Facelift Surgery Treat?

SAGGING CHEEKS AND JOWLS

Sagging cheeks and jowls can manifest over time due to the depletion of collagen and elastin in the skin. Shifting fat deposits can also produce sagging jowls, which describes the sagging skin that hangs below the chin or jawline. For those struggling with laxity in their lower face, a facelift can remove the excess skin and redefine the jawline. This procedure improves facial definition and contour by rejuvenating the appearance of the lower face.

NECK LAXITY AND MUSCLE BANDING

Age-related tissue laxity can create pockets of loose, hanging neck skin. Weakened muscles can also lead to muscle banding on the front of the neck, sometimes called a “turkey wattle,” which occurs when vertical strips of muscles on the right and front sides of your neck become prominent.  Through a small incision under the chin, our plastic surgeons can trim and tighten the excess skin and loosen muscle bands. Doing so helps rejuvenate the neck’s appearance and creates a smoother, more defined neckline.

EXCESS FAT IN THE LOWER FACE AND NECK

As the tissues become increasingly lax, natural fat deposits can shift to a variety of unwanted areas. The body can also accumulate more fat in the jowls, neck and other undesirable regions. Typically included in facelift surgery, liposuction can remove these excess fat deposits in the lower face and neck, reducing a double chin and improving definition in the neck and jaw. Liposuction is a type of fat removal treatment regularly used in plastic surgery.

FOREHEAD AND BROW LAXITY

Gravity and aging can lead to brow sagging, forehead wrinkles and frown lines that gradually generate a look of perpetual exhaustion. With a facelift, forehead and brow laxity can be raised to produce a more rested appearance. Using a specialized instrument that allows them to view the underlying brow structure, Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams can tighten the forehead to reduce horizontal lines and crow’s feet wrinkles. He can also sculpt the muscles between the eyebrows to minimize vertical frown lines.

How can I prepare for surgery?

The consultation process will include:

  • Facial evaluation – Your plastic surgeon will take photos of your face from different angles and will examine your bone structure, facial contours, fat distribution and skin quality.
  • Medical review – You will answer questions regarding current and previous health conditions, prior surgeries, history of alcoholism, smoking, and allergic reactions. You may need to undergo a thorough physical exam.
  • Medication disclosure – Your doctor will request the names and dosages of all current medications, including drugs, herbs, supplements and vitamins.
  • Expectations – You and your doctor will discuss your anticipated results for your facelift. You will understand which aspects of your face the procedure can address, and whether additional cosmetic treatments are needed to reach your goals.

Before your surgery you should:

  • Arrange for assistance after your procedure – You will need someone to drive you home and assist with chores and childcare for the first several days after surgery.
  • Avoid eating or drinking – You will need to stop eating and drinking by midnight of the day before your surgery. Water is allowed, as are medications vetted by your surgeon.
  • Cleanse your face and hair – You will need to use a germicidal soap the morning of your procedure to ensure no debris, makeup, oil or dirt is present in the treatment area.
  • Follow your doctor’s directions for taking medications – You’ll receive instructions from your doctor regarding which medications are permissible and which should be avoided prior to surgery. Blood-thinning medications or supplements should be avoided several weeks prior to your facelift, for instance.

What are the risks?

  • Hematoma 
  • Nerve injury
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Hair loss at the incision site

    Factors that increase your risks include:

    • Using blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs, ginseng, fish oil or ginkgo biloba before surgery
    • Medical conditions such as hypertension or poorly controlled diabetes
    • Smoking 
    • Weight fluctuations

    How will my pain be managed?

    Twilight IV sedation is typically used during most surgeries at Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery. This type of anesthesia, similar to that employed during a colonoscopy, provides for a safe and rapid recovery. While anesthesia minimizes discomfort during surgery, any discomfort during recovery can be controlled with pain relievers. Most patients experience very little pain after facelift surgery.

    What results can I expect?

    The goal of the facelift procedure is to achieve a natural, rested, and more youthful appearance. These results are very natural looking. Scars are usually not noticeable and diminish over time. Patients can look up to 10 years younger after facelift surgery. The technique of strategically tightening the SMAS layer enhances the quality and duration of the results.

    What is recovery like?

    At Rousso Adams, our facelift in Birmingham, the technique is not overly aggressive, which helps to minimize bruising, discomfort, downtime, and the risk of nerve injury. This allows the patient to return to normal activities as quickly as possible. Swelling and bruising can be minimized with the help of cold compresses applied during the first 24 hours. There may be a sensation of tightness for a short period. Temporary numbness around the ears, chin, and forehead usually resolves within a few weeks. Recovery takes approximately two weeks, with most patients returning to work. The recovery after a mini facelift is shorter, typically lasting from seven to 10 days.

    How much does a facelift cost?

    Pricing for a facelift will vary significantly from client to client and is based on the extent of the work performed and on whether any additional treatments are undergone at the same time, such as a brow lift, blepharoplasty or neck lift surgery. Our Birmingham, AL facelift surgery starts at $18,000 and the price can range depending on complexity and other factors. A tuck up facelift starts at $11,000. It will include the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and postoperative garment fees, among others. We will provide you with a full and accurate quote for services at the time of your confidential consultation.

    Why choose Rousso Adams Facial Plastic Surgery?/contact/

    As a world-renowned plastic surgeon specializing in the face and neck, Dr. Rousso has more than 30 years of experience and has gained worldwide recognition for his contributions to plastic surgery and hair restoration. Dr. Adams is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.

    Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams will never give you a result that looks artificial; your results will always look subtle, natural, and inherent. Our facility uses state-of-the-art medical equipment, and many of our staff have been with Dr. Rousso for over 20 years. We offer a patient experience above and beyond what you will find elsewhere, including concierge services on par with the best five-star hotels. Our friendly staff can help you arrange travel and hotel accommodations, lab appointments, sitters, aftercare, and many other services from start to finish. If you wish to learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation for one of the best facelifts in Birmingham, Montgomery, and beyond.

    FAQ

    What procedures can I combine with my facelift?

    Dr. Rousso and Dr. Adams often combine brow lift techniques with facelift surgery to enhance the entire face. They can also perform blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or skin rejuvenation treatments to deliver an even greater youthful appearance. If there is a specific procedure you’d like to request, feel free to discuss it with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the best treatments and procedures to help you achieve your ideal aesthetic goals.

    What factors accelerate facial aging?

    Genetics play a major role as to how and when the face ages. In addition to the natural aging process, there are a variety of environmental factors that can contribute to how quickly facial aging occurs. Some of these include sun exposure, personal habits, cigarette smoking, large fluctuations in weight and gravitational pull. Any combination of these factors can lead to accelerated facial aging. However, facelift surgery can correct many of these effects and rejuvenate your appearance.

    What are the risks of facelift surgery?

    As with any surgery, risks exist with facelift surgery. Some examples are nerve damage, infection, poor healing, scarring, fluid accumulation and reactions to anesthesia. However, the risks are few in facelift surgery, and thousands of procedures are performed every year. Your cosmetic surgeon can provide more information during your consultation.

    How long do the results of a facelift last?

    The results of facelift surgery last far longer than non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. Your results are likely to last for many years. Younger patients who undergo facelift surgery (before the age of 50) can expect even longer-lasting results. Future aging will continue as normal. To keep your skin healthy and youthful, it is important to minimize sun exposure, wear sunscreen, avoid smoking, and live a healthy lifestyle. Non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers, skin rejuvenation treatments and neuromodulators can help maintain youthful results over time.

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