Facelift

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is an advanced surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of aging by tightening underlying muscles and connective tissue and removing excess skin to reposition the lower face and neck for a more youthful appearance. An all-encompassing approach combines a deep plane facelift with a neck lift for more comprehensive lifting and definition along the jawline.

Dr. Paul Stanislaw, Jr. of the Stanislaw Facial Plastic Surgery Center is a double board-certified surgeon with a keen artistic eye and well-honed surgical technique. Dr. Stanislaw specializes in transformative facial rejuvenation, approaching each case with an attention to precision and personalized care. To explore facelift opportunities with Dr. Stanislaw, submit our online contact form or call our Avon, Connecticut office at (860) 409-1515.

Before and After Photos

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About Facelifts

Over time, the skin and underlying tissues on the face and neck shift downward, and a loss of natural volume causes wrinkles, deep creases, and hollow areas to form around the mouth, cheeks and undereyes. A facelift aims to aesthetically reverse the signs of aging by surgically repositioning facial features to restore lift and youthful contours. ⁽¹⁾

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift offers a more comprehensive rejuvenation than other types of facelifts by addressing the underlying causes of facial aging. This results in a smoother, better-toned, more youthful appearance. While past facelift techniques focused on the surface-level appearance of the lower two-thirds of the face, the deep plane facelift also addresses sections of the midface beneath the SMAS, releasing anchoring ligaments and fascia to create a lasting lift to the midface, jawline, and neck area. The vertical release and repositioning beneath the skin surface avoids creating visible tension on the skin, which can sometimes create an overly tight appearance. ⁽²⁾ The deep plane technique enables Dr. Stanislaw to visibly smooth wrinkles and jowls, remove excess skin, and elevate features while preserving the patient’s unique facial character.

Benefits

A key benefit of a deep plane facelift is that it does not rely on skin tightening, rather, it tightens deeper tissues and removes excess skin, which ensures that the results are softer and more natural-looking. During the procedure, Dr. Stanislaw repositions facial fat pads, which naturally restores the appearance of volume and facial fullness in desired areas. This technique also treats sagging jowls and loose skin in the lower face and neck, creating a firmer profile and more defined jawline. Because the technique targets the underlying facial structure, the results will last for years.

Candidates

Potential facelift candidates are individuals who are unhappy with moderate to severe facial aging, particularly in the midface, jawline, and neck. Those struggling with jowls, rounded features or poor definition, and significant creases can benefit greatly. These individuals should have a full understanding of what a facelift entails and hold realistic expectations of what it can accomplish. They should also be in overall good health.

Personal Consultation

At your personal consultation, Dr. Stanislaw evaluates your facial structure, skin elasticity, and signs of aging in order to determine his approach to your treatment. By prioritizing patient education, Dr. Stanislaw addresses any questions and concerns you may have and lays out your customized treatment plan in detail, including preparation, procedure, and recovery. You will discuss your aesthetic goals, and Dr. Stanislaw will provide you with all the information you need to feel informed and confident about your facial rejuvenation. To schedule your personal consultation, submit our online form or call the Stanislaw Facial Plastic Surgery Center at (860) 409-1515.

Preparation

All facelift patients should suspend use of any blood-thinning medications or supplements, cease smoking (if applicable), and abstain from alcohol in the weeks leading up to the procedure. Dr. Stanislaw recommends filling all necessary post-procedure prescriptions, arranging transportation to and from your facelift appointment, preparing a comfortable recovery space, and scheduling time off from work or other commitments while you heal. Dr. Stanislaw will provide further detailed instructions at your consultation to help you prepare for a smooth and efficient recovery.

Procedure

Dr. Stanislaw performs your facelift as an outpatient surgery at the Stanislaw Facial Plastic Surgery Center. First, you receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Then, Dr. Stanislaw makes meticulous incisions around the sideburns, around the ear, and inside the tragus or behind the ears, to gain access to the deeper facial structures. He will carefully lift the skin and SMAS layer from the underlying tissue, positioning it away from the tough lower level called the parotid-masseteric fascia. Here, he will release vital ligaments around the large jaw muscle.

Next, Dr. Stanislaw creates a deeper dissection along the cheek and nasolabial folds to release tension and wrinkles around the midface. He pulls through, rather than around, precise anchor points at the cheeks to enable deep and lasting elevation of the platysma, fascia, fat, and skin. Dr. Stanislaw says that this technique adds significant lifting power to the procedure. Because sutures can pull tissue in one direct vector, rather than going around these anchor points, they create a more significant lift while looking more natural.

When necessary, he makes a small incision under the chin which enables him to remove excess skin or jowls and create a more defined jawline. Sutures provide a smooth closure, allowing for lifted tissues to heal together in their elevated position. Suturing is a key factor in creating a lifted appearance. These sutures do not create the lifted results themselves; rather, they hold raised tissues in place, allowing them to heal in a new position.

After making the desired corrections, Dr. Stanislaw places temporary drains, applies antibiotic ointment, and wraps the face in a compressive facelift dressing to protect incisions and promote healing. The drains and bandages help to reduce swelling and bruising for a more efficient recovery.

Recovery

When you return home the day of your surgery, you will need to rest. During this time, you must elevate your head, and you cannot drive, bend over, or lift anything for 7-10 days. You will return for immediate follow-ups the three days after your surgery. On day one, Dr. Stanislaw and his team will clean your incisions and apply fresh bandages. On day two, you will get fresh bandages again, and we may remove your drains, depending on healing progress. By day three, with proper clearance, you will be able to change your own bandages and shower. At your appointment, Dr. Stanislaw or his surgical staff will clean any scabs with hydrogen peroxide and apply petroleum jelly.

You must avoid strenuous activity in the early stages of your recovery and follow any instructions that Dr. Stanislaw provides. You will need to rest continuously for seven to ten days and have a friend or family member assist with daily tasks during this time. You will also need to cease any athletics or exercise for at least a month. Swelling will persist around incisions for several weeks. Swelling reaches its peak around the second to third days, and it will gradually decrease after this point. You must learn to be comfortable feeling tight during your recovery; aside from standard yawning, sneezing, or laughing, any excessive facial stretching for four to six weeks after the procedure can strain sutures and risk altering final results. This includes turning the head, stretching facial muscles, bending over, taking large bites of food, and more. Attend all follow-up appointments beyond the first week of recovery so that Dr. Stanislaw can monitor your healing progress.

Results

Dr. Stanislaw delivers elegant facial rejuvenation that preserves each patient’s unique beauty and character. By repositioning deeper facial structures beneath the skin, the deep plane facelift erases jowls and deep facial creases, sharpens jaw definition, and reduces jowls for natural-looking results that can last for years. Patients can prolong their revitalization with adequate hydration, healthy skincare, and sun protection.

“I approach each deep plane facelift as if it were my own face…Patients always want to look natural. The deep plane facelift can deliver this, but it can be abused, too; it’s about finding balance. Pulling just enough to look like how you used to look; not a different person, not ‘overly-tightened’ or ‘operated on,’ but looking like you.”

Corresponding Procedures

Dr. Stanislaw includes a neck lift with every facelift he performs, as it is the most effective way to address jowling and accentuate the jawline. Many patients wish to include additional procedures in their treatment plan to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation and take advantage of concurrent recovery time.

Facial Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm help enhance the results of a facelift by restoring volume to hollowed areas and correcting moderate to severe fine lines. Hyaluronic acid naturally helps the skin retain moisture, and Dr. Stanislaw can skillfully mold the material to create smooth, youthful contours.

Brow Lift

A brow lift helps to rebalance the eyebrows after drooping occurs, creating a more youthful, energetic appearance, providing complementary balance to a facelift.

Eyelid Lift

Both upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures address sagging or excess skin around the eyelids to achieve a brightened, rejuvenated appearance. Patients may combine either or both treatments with a facelift to reignite a bright, youthful glow across the face.

Cost of a Facelift in Hartford

The cost of your facelift will depend on a few factors, including the complexity of the procedure, surgical technique, type of anesthesia, and inclusion of any other procedures or treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Stanislaw will provide a comprehensive cost estimate that coordinates with your treatment plan. To schedule your personal consultation and explore facial rejuvenation opportunities, call our office at (860) 409-1515 or submit our online contact form.

FAQ

References

1. Boyd CJ, Ceradini DJ. Current Trends in Facelift and Necklift Procedures. J Clin Med. 2025 Jun 16;14(12):4273. doi: 10.3390/jcm14124273. PMID: 40566019; PMCID: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12193931/
2. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. [Updated 2023 Apr 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/