As we age, changes in skin elasticity, facial volume, and tissue support can lead to sagging skin, deep facial folds, and loss of definition along the jawline. A facelift is a highly effective surgical procedure designed to address these concerns and restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance while maintaining your natural facial expressions.
At McCue Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jonathan McCue provides personalized facelift procedures for patients throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the Twin Cities area. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. McCue develops customized treatment plans designed to achieve natural-looking results that complement each patient’s unique facial features.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that lifts and repositions underlying facial tissues while removing excess skin. This procedure helps improve visible signs of aging in the lower face and jawline, including:
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Sagging cheeks
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Deep folds around the nose and mouth
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Jowls along the jawline
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Loose skin in the lower face
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Loss of facial definition
Many patients choose to combine a facelift with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or injectable treatments, to achieve more comprehensive results.
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
A facelift can provide long-lasting improvements that help patients look refreshed rather than overdone. Benefits may include:
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A smoother facial contour
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Improved jawline definition
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Reduction of deep wrinkles and folds
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Firmer facial tissues
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A naturally rejuvenated appearance
Dr. McCue carefully tailors every procedure to preserve facial harmony and avoid an artificial appearance.
Personalized Treatment Planning
During your consultation, Dr. McCue will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your concerns, and review your aesthetic goals. He will explain your treatment options and create a personalized surgical plan designed to achieve the results you desire.
Why Choose McCue Plastic Surgery?
Patients throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul trust Dr. Jonathan McCue for his commitment to personalized care, attention to detail, and natural-looking results. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-centered approach that prioritizes safety, comfort, and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Some patients in their 30s or early 40s may benefit from a facelift if they have noticeable skin laxity, early jowling, or hereditary facial aging. Candidacy depends more on facial anatomy, overall health, and treatment goals than on age alone.
A facelift typically takes two to four hours. Surgery may take longer when combined with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, or another procedure.
Yes. You should have a responsible adult drive you home because anesthesia and pain medication can temporarily affect your alertness, judgment, and coordination.
Most facelifts are performed as outpatient procedures, so patients can go home after a period of monitoring. In some cases, an overnight stay may be recommended.
Facelift incisions are usually placed near the temples, around the natural curves of the ears, and into the lower hairline. A small incision beneath the chin may also be used when the neck is treated.
All surgery leaves scars, but facelift incisions are strategically placed to help make them less noticeable. Scars also typically fade and flatten over time.
Your surgeon may ask you to complete medical testing, adjust certain medications, stop smoking, and avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, and some supplements. You should also prepare your home and arrange transportation and postoperative help.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least the first night. It is also helpful to prepare easy meals, fill prescriptions, set up a comfortable recovery area, and arrange help with children, pets, errands, and household tasks.
Most patients experience tightness, tenderness, pressure, or moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. Medication can usually help keep discomfort manageable during the early recovery period.
Many patients return to desk work and other non-strenuous activities within about 10-14 days. Additional time may be needed if your job is physically demanding or you still have noticeable swelling or bruising.
You will begin noticing improvements as swelling and bruising decrease. The face may take two to three months to look more settled, while scars and subtle swelling can continue improving for several months.
Facelift results can last many years, although the procedure cannot stop the natural aging process. Maintaining a stable weight, staying out of the sun, and following a healthy lifestyle may help preserve your results.
A well-performed facelift should create a refreshed, balanced appearance without making the face look overly tight or dramatically different. The outcome depends on your anatomy, the surgical approach, and your surgeon’s experience.
Many patients can gently wash their hair within a few days, but the exact timing depends on incision placement, dressings, and drains. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, hot water, and direct pressure on the incisions until your surgeon says it is safe.
Makeup may usually be worn once the incisions have closed and your surgeon confirms that healing is progressing properly, often after one to two weeks. Avoid applying makeup directly over open or irritated incisions.
Sleep on your back with your head elevated using pillows or a wedge to help reduce swelling and prevent pressure on the healing incisions.
No. A traditional facelift commonly improves sagging in the cheeks, jowls, jawline, and upper neck. However, it does not directly treat the forehead, brows, eyelids, or skin texture, so additional procedures may be recommended for those concerns.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation in Minneapolis, MN
If you are considering facelift surgery, Dr. Jonathan McCue can help you explore your options and determine whether a facelift is right for you. Contact McCue Plastic Surgery today at (952) 830-0089 to schedule your consultation.
