Facelift Surgery

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses the visible signs of ageing in the face and neck by lifting and repositioning the underlying facial tissues and removing excess skin. Unlike non-surgical treatments that work primarily on the skin’s surface, a facelift produces change at a deeper structural level, which is what allows results to look natural rather than tight or pulled.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes three to four hours, depending on the extent of correction required. It can address laxity in the mid-face, jowls, and neck, and is frequently combined with complementary procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or a brow lift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr. Brown will discuss which approach is most appropriate for your anatomy and goals during your consultation.

What Can a Facelift Address?

Facelift surgery is best suited to patients who have developed moderate to significant signs of facial ageing that cannot be adequately addressed through non-surgical means. The procedure can improve:

• Jowling: The loss of definition along the jawline caused by descending facial tissues and skin laxity.
• Neck laxity: Loose skin and banding along the neck that becomes more pronounced with age.
• Deep nasolabial folds: The lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth, which deepen as mid-face volume descends.
• Mid-face descent: Flattening and drooping of the cheeks that gives the face a tired or hollowed appearance.
• Loss of facial contour: A general softening of the sharp angles and defined structure that characterize a more youthful face.

The results of a well-performed facelift are long-lasting. While the natural ageing process continues after surgery, most patients enjoy their results for many years. The goal is never to make you look like a different person, but to restore the version of your face that reflects how you feel.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

The ideal facelift candidate is someone in good general health who is experiencing noticeable facial and neck ageing that has not responded adequately to non-surgical treatments. Most patients are in their 40s to 70s, though candidacy is determined by anatomy and health rather than age alone. Skin that still retains reasonable elasticity tends to produce better outcomes, as does a stable weight prior to surgery.

Realistic expectations matter as much as physical candidacy. A facelift restores a more youthful version of your appearance; it does not stop the ageing process or produce an artificially tight look when performed correctly. Patients who understand this distinction and approach surgery with clear, personal goals tend to be the most satisfied with their outcomes.

You may not be a suitable candidate if any of the following apply:

• You have uncontrolled high blood pressure or significant cardiovascular disease
• You are a current smoker, or have not stopped smoking sufficiently in advance of surgery
• You are taking blood thinners or medications that may affect healing
• Your weight has been recently unstable or is expected to change significantly

Dr. Brown will review your full medical history during your consultation to confirm whether a facelift is appropriate, and will discuss any steps needed to optimize your candidacy before proceeding.

The Facelift Experience at Abbotsford Plastic Surgery

Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Brown will assess your facial anatomy, discuss the changes you are most concerned about, and explain the surgical options that are appropriate for you, including whether a full facelift, a mid-face and neck lift, or a combination approach makes the most sense. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about incisions, scarring, recovery, and anything else on your mind before making any decisions.

Following your consultation, you will receive a written quote valid for six months. This covers Dr. Brown’s surgical fee, the clinic fee, and all post-operative follow-up appointments. The only additional costs outside the quoted amount are prescription pain medication and any pre-operative lab work required for patients without a BC Care Card. You will also receive a detailed information booklet covering the procedure, clinic information, and financing options.

The Surgery

Facelift surgery is performed under general anaesthesia at a private surgical facility in New West, BC, located minutes from Highway 1 and approximately one hour from Vancouver. The procedure typically takes three to four hours, though the exact duration depends on the scope of work discussed during your consultation. Plan to spend most of the day at the surgical facility.

Incisions are carefully placed to remain as discreet as possible, typically within the hairline and around the ear. Dr. Brown works at the level of the deeper facial tissues rather than simply tightening the skin, which is what produces a natural, rested result rather than the stretched appearance associated with older techniques.

Recovery and Timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace, and Dr. Brown tailors post-operative care accordingly. Bruising and swelling are normal in the first one to two weeks and are typically most pronounced in the first few days. Sutures are removed approximately seven to ten days after surgery. Most patients feel comfortable returning to normal daily activities within two weeks, though strenuous activity should be avoided until Dr. Brown has confirmed it is safe to resume.

Visible swelling continues to resolve gradually over several weeks, with the final result becoming fully apparent at around the three-month mark. Scars fade significantly over the course of six to twelve months and, in most cases, become barely noticeable once fully matured.

Aftercare Instructions

Dr. Brown’s team provides detailed aftercare guidance before you leave the surgical facility. Key post-operative instructions include:

• Rest with your head elevated for the first several days to minimize swelling
• Avoid bending, lifting, or any activity that raises blood pressure in the immediate post-operative period
• Keep incision sites clean and dry as directed; do not apply any products to the area without Dr. Brown’s approval
• Avoid sun exposure to healing incisions for a minimum of six months, as UV exposure can darken scars
• Do not smoke during recovery, as smoking significantly impairs tissue healing and increases the risk of complications
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so Dr. Brown can monitor your healing and address any questions as they arise

Why Choose Dr. Aaron Brown for Your Facelift?

A facelift is a complex surgical procedure, and the outcome is directly tied to the skill and anatomical knowledge of the surgeon performing it. Dr. Aaron Brown’s approach to facelift surgery is grounded in restoring what ageing has changed. Patients consistently describe their outcomes as natural-looking and proportionate to their overall appearance. Dr. Brown serves patients from across the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, and whether you are coming from Chilliwack, Surrey, or Vancouver, the standard of care at our clinic remains the same.

Facelift Surgery Frequently Asked Questions