Introduction
At Lugo Plastic Surgery in the greater Athens area, deep-plane facelift surgery is one of our most popular procedures.
As the years go by, your face is subjected not only to your genetics but also to the harsh environment around you. The skin will eventually lose its elasticity, and when this occurs, you will notice that lines, wrinkles, and jowls appear, marking the physical signs of aging. The goal of a facelift is to enhance your appearance and give you a more youthful look. You should look like your younger self with exceptionally natural results. It involves repositioning skin, muscles, and soft tissues to a more youthful position. You’ll know that you had an excellent result if those around you notice that you look better, but they don’t necessarily know why.
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the visible signs of aging on the face and neck. It is not a skin-tightening procedure but more about restructuring the foundation of the lower face and neck—the skin lies passively over the reworked muscle layers. While there are several methods for performing a facelift, Dr. Lugo prefers a Deep Plane Facelift.
The deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique designed to rejuvenate the face by targeting the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer—a crucial structural layer beneath the skin that contains muscles and connective tissues. This approach is particularly effective in lifting and restoring youthful contours to the midface and jawline. Though more complex than surface-level procedures, it delivers long-lasting, natural-looking results that offer comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
A deep plane facelift gently releases and repositions the deeper facial tissues, restoring them to their natural, youthful position—without placing tension on the skin or underlying muscles. A deep plane facelift is often performed in conjunction with a deep neck lift to comprehensively address sagging, fullness, banding, and excess skin in the neck for a more youthful, sculpted appearance. What truly sets the deep plane facelift apart is the release of the facial retaining ligaments—structures that anchor the face in its aged position. By freeing these ligaments, Dr. Lugo can reposition the facial tissues more effectively, without placing tension on the skin. This step is key to achieving a more natural, substantial, and longer-lasting lift.
After repositioning the deeper tissues, the skin is gently redraped over the reshaped facial structure, and any excess skin is carefully removed. The incisions are then meticulously closed with sutures.
One of this technique’s most compelling advantages is its naturally refreshed appearance, avoiding the overly tight or artificial look that can result from more superficial methods.
Most plastic surgeons perform this surgery with general anesthesia or twilight anesthesia. Dr. Lugo can perform a facelift under local anesthesia, which is, in fact, her preferred method. Almost all facelifts performed today are safe, more so when performed by a qualified surgeon. An awake facelift is even safer. It removes the need for a general anesthetic and reduces post-operative risks. Many of our patients with either a fear of anesthesia or high risk due to other health problems elect to undergo an awake facelift when they would have avoided a procedure otherwise. Since they are not sedated or placed asleep, they can breathe on their own (no need for a breathing tube or anesthesia machine). Additionally, remaining awake during a facelift enables the body to remain physiologically stable, thereby maintaining normal blood pressure throughout the procedure. This decreases the risk of acute blood accumulation under the skin (hematoma formation) during and immediately after the procedure. While it seems odd to be on the operating table, fully awake as the surgeon is making incisions in front of you, it is one of the safest alternatives to general anesthesia. This type of procedure is nothing new. The science behind it has existed for many years. Some patients fall asleep through the entire procedure, while others choose to get to know Dr. Lugo better.
Facelifts offer a chance to turn back the clock on our appearance. By lifting and redepositing the skin, Dr. Lugo can smooth out wrinkles and remove excess skin and fat that have become loose and saggy. This also creates a sharper jawline and better defines facial features, such as the cheeks, cheekbones, and under-eye area. When paired with procedures such as a neck lift or brow lift, you can further achieve a youthful transformation, and the results can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Facelifts do what skin care and other treatments simply can’t achieve: eliminating unavoidable concerns with age—deep wrinkles, loose skin, excess fat, and fine lines.
The ideal candidate for a facelift is someone who is in good general health, has realistic expectations, and has visible signs of aging on the face and neck, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume.
The best candidates for this procedure are healthy, non-smokers, usually in their 40s to 60s, who have developed signs of aging in their faces. Facelifts can also be done successfully on patients in their 70s and 80s. However, the loss of skin elasticity can limit the outcomes of surgery.
If you’re unsure whether you’re a suitable candidate for a facelift, a consultation with Dr. Lugo in the greater Athens area is the best way to determine if it’s right for you and learn more about the procedure.
If you’ve been considering a facelift but aren’t sure what your options are or where to start, it’s best to speak with a highly experienced plastic surgeon in your area. Dr. Lugo works with patients in the greater Athens area to explore the best procedures and treatments tailored to their specific concerns. Her consultations involve a thorough assessment of your facial anatomy, a review of your goals and concerns, a look over potential reference photos or imaging, and an overview of your medical history. These factors will determine if a facelift is the best option for you. If you are a suitable candidate and wish to pursue the procedure, she’ll review the entire process with you, provide an opportunity to ask questions, and then schedule your procedure and pre-operative appointment.
Dr. Lugo performs facelift procedures in her private, AAAASF-accredited (Quad A) in-office operating suite. Surgeries take place at our Athens surgical facility, where our dedicated team will help you prepare for your procedure.
Before surgery, you’ll have already received detailed pre-operative instructions during your consultation or pre-op appointment. On the day of surgery, we’ll review these guidelines again to ensure everything is in order. We’ll also go over the procedure one more time and answer any final questions you may have.
Depending on your surgical plan, you’ll receive either local or general anesthesia. After the procedure, you’ll be monitored closely as the anesthesia wears off. Once you’re fully alert and medically cleared, you’ll be discharged into the care of a trusted loved one.
The duration of a facelift surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure, but it typically takes between four and six hours. A facelift can be performed while the patient is awake under local anesthesia.
Recovery from a facelift typically takes several weeks. Expect to experience bruising and swelling for the first few weeks. You will see Dr. Lugo multiple times after surgery. She will remove your sutures 5-7 days after the surgery. In total, recovery will take approximately 4-6 weeks, with the final result becoming apparent in about 6 months.
You are advised to rest, keep your head elevated for the first several days after surgery, walk daily, avoid intense workouts for the first few weeks, and take 1–2 weeks off work. A full breakdown of what to expect during recovery will be provided during your consultation and after the procedure.
The cost of a Facelift in Athens can vary because a facelift often involves a combination of multiple procedures to address the signs of aging on the eyes, face, and neck. Because a facelift procedure is highly customizable, the price can range from $14,000 to $30,000, depending on the procedures and/or type of anesthesia Dr. Lugo recommends. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lugo to determine the exact cost of your surgery. After she completes a thorough assessment with you, she’ll be able to break down the exact cost and offer financing solutions to make the procedure more accessible.
Dr. Liana M. Lugo, founder and medical director of Lugo Plastic Surgery, is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has helped countless patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Dr. Lugo brings a woman’s perspective and qualities to help her patients achieve excellent outcomes.
Dr. Lugo offers consultations both virtually and in person from her Athens office. You can schedule an appointment online or call her office at (706) 707-5854. The fees associated with your consultation will be applied to your surgery.
