The best technique for you will vary based on your concerns, goals, level of skin laxity, what areas are being addressed, and other factors. To produce your best results, Dr. Shumway will explain the different techniques in your consultation. He can then help you choose which technique is best.

Although there are several great noninvasive skin tightening treatments, these can only give you small improvements. For moderate to severe skin sagging, facelift surgery is the best choice to improve your appearance. In your consultation, Dr. Shumway will discuss your choices, including nonsurgical procedures, to help you choose which is best for your goals.

Wrinkle fillers and relaxers, like BOTOX and Juvéderm, have become more popular to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Also known as a liquid facelift, nonsurgical wrinkle treatments usually help with early signs of aging; however, the results won’t last more than 1 – 2 years. A facelift will produce more significant improvements than injectables with long-lasting results. Ask Dr. Shumway about nonsurgical wrinkle treatments in your consultation. There will come a point in time in the life of your skin that cosmetic injectables will not give you the results that a surgical facelift will provide.

Some patients worry that a facelift will make their skin look shiny, overly tight, or like they are in a wind tunnel. Dr. Shumway focuses on giving you results that look natural so you appear refreshed, not fake. He listens to your concerns and goals before creating your custom treatment plan to produce your best results.

A facelift (or rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that tightens the skin and underlying tissues of the face to reduce the visible signs of aging. It primarily targets sagging skin, deep creases around the nose and mouth, and loose skin along the jawline. During a traditional facelift, the surgeon makes incisions along the hairline or around the ears, removes excess skin, and tightens the underlying tissues to give the face a more youthful and sculpted appearance.

A deep plane facelift is a more advanced form of facelift surgery. Unlike a traditional facelift, which primarily lifts the skin, a deep plane facelift addresses deeper layers of tissue, including the muscles and connective tissues beneath the skin. The surgeon releases the deeper tissues of the face, such as the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), and repositions them to create a more natural and long-lasting result. The deep plane technique provides a more comprehensive lift that addresses sagging skin, muscle laxity, and fat redistribution.

Yes. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can be a valuable part of maintaining and enhancing your facelift results. As we age, hormonal changes can impact skin quality, elasticity, energy levels, and overall healing. Dr. Shumway often recommends BHRT to help patients feel revitalized from the inside out, supporting better skin health, faster recovery, and more vibrant, longer-lasting results. At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, we believe looking younger is only part of the goal—you deserve to feel youthful, energetic, and confident too. BHRT helps bridge the gap between outer transformation and inner vitality.

The choice between a traditional facelift and a deep plane facelift depends on several factors, including:
• Age: A traditional facelift is ideal for people in their 40s to 60s who are experiencing mild to moderate signs of aging, while a deep plane facelift is often recommended for individuals over 50 with more significant sagging and deeper tissue laxity.
• Severity of aging signs: A deep plane facelift is better suited for patients with more severe sagging or jowls. It’s especially effective for addressing issues in the mid-face, jawline, and neck areas.
• Facial anatomy: The deep plane facelift is often recommended for individuals with more pronounced facial aging or a desire for long-lasting, natural results.
Dr. Shumway will help you determine the best approach during your consultation based on your unique goals and needs.

The facelift procedure typically follows these steps:
• Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable.
• Incisions: The surgeon makes incisions around the hairline, ears, and sometimes under the chin, depending on the areas being addressed. These incisions are designed to be discreet and hidden in natural folds of the skin.
• Tightening: The surgeon tightens the underlying muscles and tissues, removes excess skin, and repositions the skin for a smoother, firmer appearance.
• Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures, and the skin is gently draped over the newly contoured tissues.
• Post-operative care: You’ll be monitored as you wake from anesthesia and will be provided with post-surgery care instructions, including managing swelling and bruising.
A deep plane facelift follows similar steps, but the Dr. Shumway works deeper into the facial tissues, releasing and repositioning the deeper layers of muscle and fat for a more dramatic, long-lasting effect.

Recovery from a facelift varies, but generally, you can expect:
• Swelling and bruising: These are common after surgery, typically peaking in the first few days. Most swelling subsides within 1 to 2 weeks.
• Pain: Mild discomfort or tightness may occur, but it can be managed with prescribed pain medications.
• Time off work: Most people return to work after 10 to 14 days, though strenuous physical activity should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks.
• Follow-up appointments: You will need to follow up with your surgeon to ensure proper healing and remove stitches (if necessary).
For a deep plane facelift, the recovery is slightly longer due to the more invasive nature of the procedure. Swelling may last longer, and you might experience more discomfort in the initial days.

The results of a traditional facelift typically last between 5 to 10 years, depending on factors like aging, lifestyle, and skin quality. Over time, the natural aging process will continue, but a facelift provides a significant, long-lasting rejuvenation.
A deep plane facelift generally provides longer-lasting results, often extending 10 years or more. This is due to the more comprehensive lift of deeper tissues and muscle structures, offering a more natural and enduring effect.

Yes, there will be some scarring after facelift surgery, but the incisions are carefully placed along the hairline, around the ears, and under the chin to minimize visibility. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable. With proper care and attention to post-operative instructions, most patients find their scars to be well-hidden and inconspicuous.
In the case of a deep plane facelift, the incisions are also strategically placed in less visible areas, and the scarring is generally well-camouflaged as well.

Like any surgery, facelift surgery carries some risks. These include:
• Infection: Though rare, infections can occur. Following post-surgery care instructions will help reduce this risk.
• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding is uncommon but possible.
• Nerve damage: In rare cases, there can be temporary or permanent nerve damage, leading to facial numbness or asymmetry.
• Scarring: While scars are typically well-hidden, they can sometimes be more visible or raised.
• Uneven results: Though uncommon, asymmetry may occur, requiring revision surgery.
A deep plane facelift carries similar risks, but due to its complexity, there may be a slightly higher risk of complications, especially if performed by an inexperienced surgeon. It’s crucial to choose an experienced surgeon with experience in both traditional and deep plane facelifts.

The cost of a facelift can vary widely depending on the type of facelift, the surgeon’s experience, the geographic location, and other factors. On average, a traditional facelift costs between $7,000 and $15,000. A deep plane facelift, being a more complex and advanced procedure, typically ranges from $12,000 to $25,000.
Since facelifts are cosmetic procedures, they are generally not covered by insurance. Many surgeons offer financing options to make the procedure more accessible.

Yes, many patients choose to combine a facelift with other cosmetic procedures to enhance the overall result. Some common combinations include:
• Neck lift: Often done at the same time as a facelift to address sagging skin and muscle laxity in the neck area.
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): Can be performed alongside a facelift to address sagging eyelids or under-eye bags.
• Brow lift: For individuals with forehead sagging, combining a brow lift with a facelift can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
• Fat grafting or dermal fillers: These can restore lost facial volume, especially in areas like the cheeks or under the eyes.
Dr. Shumway will help you determine the best approach to meet your aesthetic goals.

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are individuals who:
• Are generally healthy and do not have medical conditions that could interfere with healing.
• Have significant signs of aging in the face, such as sagging skin, jowls, or deep creases.
• Have realistic expectations about the results.
• Do not smoke or are willing to quit smoking well before surgery, as smoking can impair healing.
A deep plane facelift is ideal for individuals with more severe facial aging or those who want longer-lasting, more natural results.