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Facelift / Neck Lift

The aging process can cause your youthful appearance to disappear due to changes in skin’s elasticity from stress, gravity, sun exposure, and genetics. Facelift, also called rhytidectomy, and neck lift surgery encompass a variety of techniques that can help lift and tighten facial skin while restoring volume, contour, and shape to the face and neck. Our Las Vegas Facelift Specialists, Dr. W. Tracy Hankins and Dr. Samuel M. Sohn are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons with extensive training and experience in facelift surgery. Facelift surgery at our Henderson or Las Vegas facilities is personalized to meet your goals and can enhance and refine your cheeks, jowls and neck. In addition to facelift and neck lift, we offer a range of complimentary facial rejuvenation techniques, including brow lift, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, and non-surgical cosmetic treatments. Our goal is to restore a youthful look by removing excess skin and fat to create a refreshed appearance with natural-looking results.


For more information about facelift, or to schedule a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons, please contact us today.

Choosing Your Facelift Surgeon

Each year, more than 120,000 facelift surgeries are performed in the U.S. So, how do you choose your surgeon? When choosing a facelift surgeon, first check that he or she is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has experience in facial plastic surgery procedures. This is the highest level of achievement and certification that the specialty allows, and it indicates extensive training and skill. Dr. Sohn and Dr. Hankins are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. It’s also a good idea to look at facelift before-and-after photos to see that you are satisfied with the appearance of patients who have had the procedure. Different techniques can provide different results, and that can be dependent on the skill and aesthetic eye of the surgeon. Beware the gimmicks and the mass-marketing campaigns. Promises of no downtime and long-lasting results are usually inaccurate and are often mutually exclusive. At Hankins & Sohn, we prefer a natural appearance, not an “operated on” look. Plastic surgery should be individually tailored to your needs, not the needs of “almost everyone.” Dr. Sohn and Dr. Hankins have performed thousands of facial aesthetic procedures, and they have the keen aesthetic eye and talent to help you achieve your goals.

Facelift Cost

One of the most common questions we hear from patients is about the cost of facelift surgery. This procedure can range in price depending on many factors, including the technique used and the complexity of the case. Many patients also elect to combine multiple modalities – fat grafting or non-surgical rejuvenation methods, for instance – which will also affect the final expense. It’s important to remember that the total price will include the surgeon’s fee, hospital facility fee, anesthesia fee, and other related expenses. Our medical team will go over the details of your treatment plan and the associated fees so you can be prepared for the full cost. Many practices only provide the surgeon’s fee, so you should always confirm what an estimate includes when comparing. As a service to our patients, we work with reputable medical lending agencies that can help you bring the cost of the procedure into your budget.

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Mini Facelift Vs. Full Facelift

If your primary concerns involve  loose skin on the lower face, such as the mouth, jawline, and chin, a mini facelift might be better suited to address your specific needs and objectives. This procedure is ideal for patients who don’t exhibit significant signs of aging in their neck or midface. During this procedure, small incisions are made in front of the ear and wrap under the earlobe.  It typically involves a shorter incision and often results in a faster recovery compared to a traditional facelift. Our plastic surgeons will explore this option with you during your initial consultation to determine if this facelift technique can best achieve your desired outcome.

Facelift Procedure

Traditional facelift and neck lift surgery are typically outpatient procedures performed under general anesthesia while a mini facelift may be performed under local anesthesia and sedation. These cosmetic procedures essentially do the same thing but in slightly different areas. In many cases, optimizing the outcome can require addressing both regions simultaneously. The two procedures are designed to trim excess skin, remove excess fat, and lift the facial tissues and neck skin to a higher, more youthful position. There are a multitude of approaches that can be used, and the right technique for your needs and goals will be discussed during the initial consultation.  

Depending on your unique treatment plan, the incisions and sutures are typically hidden in the hairline and in the natural creases around the ear. Muscle tightening procedures performed in the underlying tissue allow our surgeons to address loose musculature that can contribute to droop. This is an essential step to achieving the longest-lasting result possible.* Sometimes additional procedures will be concurrently performed to optimize facelift results and help provide more comprehensive rejuvenation, so your facial features appear harmonious and age well together. If you have other areas of concern, you should feel comfortable discussing them with Drs. Hankins and Sohn.

*Individual results may vary.

Facelift and Neck Lift Recovery

Aesthetic facelift surgery takes about two to four hours, and you should be able to go home several hours after your procedure. You will experience some tenderness, bruising, and swelling, which is normal. Dressings will be placed around the treated area, and Drs. Hankins and Sohn will discuss with you how to care for these bandages. Medication will be prescribed to control your pain, and we always strive to make your experience as comfortable as possible. You should plan to relax and recover at home for two weeks, before returning to your normal activities. If bruising remains, you are welcome to use makeup to cover these effects. It’s important to note that everyone’s healing rate is unique, and you should listen to your body if you need more time to recover. We do recommend a regimen of herbal supplements that will be provided prior to surgery to help rapidly improve your recovery. Some swelling may continue for a few months, and final results can take up to a year. However, you should see significant improvement within the first month.*

*Recovery time and individual results may vary.

Planning Your Facelift Procedure*

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Average Procedure Time:
2 – 3 hours

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Average Recovery Time: 
2 – 3 weeks

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Post-Op Consultation:
8 weeks

*Your treatment plan at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates will be customized to meet your needs and your individual experience will vary depending on a number of factors. All information provided on this page is an estimate of typical time and cost and does not represent an offer or guarantee of pricing or availability. Please schedule a consultation appointment to discuss which options may apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Facelift Surgery

Do you have additional questions about facelift surgery? Our experienced plastic surgeons have answered some of the most common inquiries about this procedure. We hope this information can help you to make the best decision for your cosmetic goals. For more assistance, please reach out to our friendly and knowledgeable medical team.

  • What areas of concern can a facelift treat?

    This procedure can be customized to suit your anatomic characteristics and expressed goals, and treatment can even include a neck lift and/or cosmetic injectables to further enhance the effects. A typical facelift includes trimming excess skin, reducing excess fatty tissue, and tightening lax muscles. Tissues that have begun to sag will then be elevated to a higher, more youthful position. Care is taken to provide a natural-looking result that doesn’t appear “windblown” or treated. Thus, common signs of aging like deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and jowls can be corrected with a beautiful and long-lasting outcome.

  • Are there any limitations to what a facelift can achieve?

    While facelift surgery can provide dramatic yet natural-looking facial rejuvenation, there are some concerns that are best treated with another approach. Facelift surgery alone will not add volume to the under-eye area or the cheeks, nor will this method smooth away fine lines or change the texture of your skin. However, cosmetic injectables can be used to soften wrinkles, fill creases, and restore facial volume, and resurfacing techniques such as Fraxel laser treatments can help smooth wrinkles and texture. Additionally, facial fat grafting, which uses your own fatty tissue, can be applied with many of the same benefits. One or both of these methods often can be added to your treatment plan. Our surgeons will discuss your desired outcome and provide options designed to give you the results you’re looking for.

  • Where are the incisions located?

    Depending on the particulars of your treatment plan, the techniques used to achieve the discussed results may vary. In many cases, an incision will be made along the hairline below the temple and within the natural ear creases. This allows our surgeons to conceal the marks as much as possible. Other incisions may be required, including under the chin, if you are also having a neck lift or another aesthetic procedure. Dr. Hankins or Dr. Sohn will review the specific locations of the incisions with you during your initial consultation. The most important thing to remember is that our physicians make every effort to keep the scars as inconspicuous as possible, and laser skin resurfacing may be helpful in further reducing their appearance.

  • Is facelift surgery painful?

    Some discomfort should be expected, but we prioritize your experience at every stage of treatment. Swelling, tenderness, numbness, and bruising are common effects that should fade with time. We will provide medication to manage your pain, and most patients report that the minor unpleasantness passes quickly and is well worth the outcome. We can also recommend additional tips to enhance your recovery, including elevating the head when lying down and utilizing arnica montana, a supplement known to help reduce inflammation.

  • When can I expect to return to my normal routine?

    Patients typically resume their regular activities within one to two weeks following their procedure, although this timeline may vary based on factors such as the specific treatment plan and individual healing pace. If facial fat transfer is included, swelling will likely persist slightly longer compared to facelift surgery alone. It’s advisable to refrain from strenuous activities and exercises like jogging, biking, and certain sports for at least a month post-surgery. Our skilled team can provide more details if you have questions about activity. After a couple of months, some signs of treatment may still be visible, but you should have an excellent idea of what the final results will look like.

  • When will I see results?

    Patients can typically expect to see the results of a face and neck lift procedures within several weeks to a few months after the surgery. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that individual healing times may vary, and some residual swelling or subtle changes may persist for up to one year before the full effects of the surgery are apparent. Additionally, with proper skincare maintenance, the improvement should endure for numerous years.

  • Are there any alternatives to facelift surgery?

    If you prefer a minimally invasive approach or are not yet ready for a facelift, there are a multitude of options to help you achieve a more youthful-looking appearance. BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can be used to address fine lines and volume loss, as well as provide greater refinement of certain features. Skin tightening and body contouring technology can also allow you to effectively address mild skin laxity and excess fatty tissue. To learn more about your options, please explore our non-surgical treatments page for additional ideas about the latest cosmetic options.

  • Is a facelift without surgery possible?

    A non-surgical facelift using cosmetic injectables and/or skin tightening treatments can address mild to moderate concerns; however, this approach cannot treat significant skin laxity, deeper wrinkles, and loosening tissues. For the most comprehensive results, a facelift can provide noticeable yet natural-looking rejuvenation. In many cases, patients may wish to combine non-surgical and surgical techniques to achieve their desired outcome. We will discuss all your options during your initial consultation to help you determine the best approach for you.

  • What is a liquid facelift?

    A liquid facelift, or non-surgical facelift, is a procedure that uses dermal fillers and cosmetic injectables to soften wrinkles and restore volume to the face. The most common injectables used include BOTOX® Cosmetic, the JUVÉDERM® family of products, Restylane®, Radiesse®, and others. These are administered into the skin to provide rapid but temporary improvement in the treated area. Facelift surgery offers long-term results for individuals who prefer lasting rejuvenation.

  • How do I know if a facelift is right for me?

    The best way to figure out if facelift surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our experienced facelift surgeons, who will help determine if you are a candidate. If you would like to look younger, less tired, and rejuvenated with long-term results, then facelift surgery may be right for you. The good news is that studies show over 98% of facelift surgery patients felt that their results exceeded their expectations.2

  • Is facelift surgery safe?

    Any type of surgical procedure carries some risk of side effects or complications. Potential risks of facelift surgery include bleeding, infection, scarring, and injuries to nerves or skin.3 At Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates, we take safety seriously and we will utilize our expertise and high level of care to optimize your outcome.

Schedule a Consultation For Facelift / Neck Lift 

To find out if you are a good candidate for a facelift or other facial cosmetic surgery, or to obtain additional information, contact our offices or call (702) 935-5739 to schedule an appointment.

1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2018.pdf. Accessed September 10, 2021.

2 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The measure of face-lift patient satisfaction: the Owsley Facelift Satisfaction Survey with a long-term follow-up study. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20224460/. Accessed September 20, 2021.

3 Mayo Clinic. Face-lift. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059. Accessed September 10, 2020.

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This content has either been authored or reviewed and approved by the doctors at Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates.