What Is a Facelift (aka Rhytidectomy)?
A facelift (a rhytidectomy) is designed to lift and firm your lower face, cheeks, jowls, and neck. Incisions are made in front of your ears and behind them to counter the effects of aging. A facelift can tighten loose skin, promote collagen production, reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, define your jawline, and reposition facial fat.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Toronto?
At TPS in Toronto, the starting cost for a facelift is $16,999. Less invasive alternatives include mini facelifts, which start at $11,999, and thread lifts, which start at $6,999.
Why Choose TPS for Your Facelift Surgery?
TPS is Toronto’s go-to clinic for anti-aging treatments such as facelift surgery. Our esteemed, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Bell has decades of experience with lifting and firming skin on the face and neck to help his patients achieve natural-looking, rejuvenating results. Book a consultation with Dr. Bell and the TPS team at our state-of-the-art facility to determine if a facelift is right for you!
Toronto’s Trusted Facelift Surgeons
Dr. Thomas Bell is TPS’s resident cosmetic surgeon, having trained under Dr. Bruce Connell and quickly becoming the “father of the modern facelift.” His seamless technique, 25+ years of experience, and passion for boosting the confidence of Toronto residents make him one of Canada’s most trusted facelift surgeons. Learn more about Dr. Thomas Bell and his expertise here.
Our Approach to Facelift Surgery
Dr. Bell has chosen to specialize in facelifts and other aesthetic facial procedures throughout his career, creating the gold standard for modern facelifts at TPS. Our clinic pioneered the suture suspension thread lift, one of the first non-invasive alternatives to a traditional full facelift.
Facelift surgery is generally performed using local or general anesthesia, and numbing medication can be applied when you wake up to ease any discomfort. Dr. Bell uses a small camera to insert into incisions around the ears or temples. The skin is lifted from the lower face and neck, followed by liposuction or fat grafting if required. Excess skin will be removed and sutured.
Book a Facelift Consultation with Dr. Bell
Rejuvenate your natural beauty and turn back the clock by booking a facelift consultation with Dr. Thomas Bell and the TPS team today! Get ready to put your best face forward and feel more confident than ever.
Types of Facelifts
TPS offers various types of facelifts suited to your unique needs, including a deep plane facelift, a mid-facelift, a mini facelift, a brow lift, a neck lift, and a cheek lift.
Deep Plane Facelift (SMAS Facelift)
The deep plane facelift and SMAS facelift are two forms of full facelifts offered by the TPS clinic. A deep plane facelift is more detailed and can address more severe signs of aging, while a SMAS facelift is considered the “gold standard” of modern facelifts. SMAS targets tissue under the cheek known as the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System. By lifting the SMAS, age-related sagging and deep lines reduce in appearance without making your skin look “stretched.” Both options are great for a full facelift for a youthful rejuvenation.
Mid Face Lift
Traditional full facelifts do not necessarily alter the midsection of the face a lot – these facelifts are predominantly concerned with lifting sagging skin in the neck and lower face region. A mid-facelift smooths and tightens the areas around your nose, under the eyes, and fat pads in the cheeks to elevate your appearance. A mid-facelift is often performed alongside traditional facelifts to create total facial symmetry.
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is for people with minor concerns in the cheek and jowl areas. It is ideal for younger people who would like to achieve subtle, natural lifting results without major changes being made. This procedure involves one small scar and a quicker recovery time. It is often combined with fat grafting or liposuction to achieve ideal facial contouring results.
Brow Lift
A brow lift involves a small incision near the forehead, along the hairline or skin folds. The muscles are softened, and excess fat is removed to animate the eyes and reduce the appearance of droopy brows. The brow is then stitched into its new position after the skin is lifted.
Neck Lift
A neck lift is performed under local or general anesthesia and involves a small incision being made under the chin so it is barely visible – especially once healed. Excess fat and loose skin are removed from the area, and the chin and neck muscles are tightened. This procedure is typically performed on people who want to get rid of sagging jowls or a double chin.
Cheek Lift
Aging is often first seen in the face, so a cheek lift can reverse the effects of gravity by restoring fullness to the cheek area while firming the skin. This anti-aging treatment is minimally invasive and relatively quick, refreshing and rejuvenating your appearance.
Facelift Benefits
Facelifts are highly sought-after for a reason, and some of the benefits include:
- Firms the Skin. A facelift removes excess, loose skin from the lower face and neck region and firms the midface to create a youthful appearance.
- Reduces Fine Lines. When your skin is tightened, wrinkles and fine lines decrease in appearance greatly. Facelift surgery can reduce the look of smile lines, creases under the eyes, and neck lines.
- Adds Youthful Volume. Not only does a facelift reposition fat to create facial symmetry, but our surgical techniques help add volume to areas of the face with a loss of elasticity and plump skin associated with youth.
- Defines Your Contours. A facelift brings out your beautiful cheekbones and defines your jawline, as sagging and excess skin is reduced.
Facelift Risks
While facelift procedures are very safe, there are a few risks that you should be aware of, including:
- Infection. Infection is possible with any surgical procedure, but antibiotics will be provided to you by Dr. Bell. If you sense a fever or any other unusual symptoms, contact us.
- Scarring. The TPS team does a fantastic job of concealing scars and ensuring they heal to the point of being barely visible. They create small incisions for your facelift along the hairline, behind the ears, or in skin folds.
- Bruising. You will experience bruising, which is very common, for the first couple of weeks. The bruising and swelling effects will decrease within 14-20 days.
- Nerve damage. Nerve injury is extremely rare, but paralysis of select muscles can occur. This can quickly be improved surgically.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
Dr. Bell is here to help guide you through your facelift options and discuss your goals, medical history, and the severity of your concerns.
You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you:
- Experience sagging in the cheeks, neck, jawline, or brows.
- Have a loss of facial fat or volume.
- Can pull back your facial skin easily.
- Want to have a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
- Are in good health and free of any major medical conditions.
- Have realistic expectations of your results.
What to Expect for Your Facelift
Before your facelift, prepare to have someone drive you home, as your facelift will be performed under local anesthetic. A small camera will be inserted into an even smaller incision in the face to endoscopically perform your lift. Incisions are made around the ears, behind the ears, or in the temple area.
Excess skin in the lower face and neck area will be lifted, followed by liposuction and/or fat grafting if required. Excess skin will be removed and sutured. Dr. Bell will then provide you with a postoperative skincare regimen and detailed aftercare instructions that will optimize your results and continue improving your skin’s colour, texture, and tone.
How to Prepare for Your Facelift
Dr. Bell wants you to feel as comfortable as possible going into your facelift procedure. He will give detailed instructions for your preparation and aftercare, along with anesthesia and numbing cream to help with discomfort.
Before your facelift, here are some of the steps Dr. Bell may recommend:
- Quit smoking before and after your facelift for at least 2 weeks.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements that can thin the blood.
- Adjust any medications you are on to fit your aftercare plan.
- Avoid applying skincare products and makeup with harsh chemicals for a few weeks following your procedure.
During Your Facelift Procedure
TPS aims to prepare patients for their facelift and make them as comfortable as possible. During your facelift, soft tissues will be lifted, excess skin will be removed, and fat deposits will be repositioned to create a symmetrical facial contour.
Incisions will be made at the hairline, around the ears, or at the lower end of the scalp. The amount of time your facelift procedure takes is dependent on the technique you choose during your consultation and whether or not you are combining this treatment with other procedures. For reference, a traditional facelift usually takes around 4 hours.
Facelift Aftercare Instructions
Following your procedure, Dr. Thomas Bell and the TPS team will recommend a comprehensive postoperative skincare regimen designed to improve your skin’s appearance further, optimizing your facelift results. After your facelift, you will experience some bruising and swelling that can be helped with over-the-counter pain medication and sleeping with your head elevated to promote proper blood flow. Detailed aftercare instructions will be provided so you heal quickly and fully.
Facelift Recovery Timeline
After a facelift, it typically requires one month to heal, so here is an idea of the timeline you will be following for optimal facelift results and a speedy recovery.
- Days 1-2: You may feel unsteady or sleepy, so you should arrange to have someone drive you home after your surgery. You can also sleep at our clinic if needed. The first two days will require the most pain medication.
- Days 3-4: Resting with your head elevated is recommended to promote blood flow, as bruising and swelling may peak during this time.
- After 1 Week: You will feel more comfortable doing light housework and moving as your swelling continues to go down.
- After 2 Weeks: Swelling, bruising, tingling, and tightness will continue but should begin to subside. You can return to work and go for walks after the second week.
- After 1 Month: You can return to your normal life with your rejuvenated look. Minor swelling, bruising, tightness, and numbness may stick around for up to one year, but there will be no visible side effects anymore.
Typical Results for a Facelift
Your facelift results take one month to reveal themselves, and you will see your final, optimal results after one year. Your rejuvenated, youthful look will last 7-10 years if you follow Dr. Bell’s aftercare instructions and our postoperative skincare regimen.
Procedures to Pair with a Facelift
If you want to reduce signs of aging and experience complete facial rejuvenation, you can pair your facelift with a neck lift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty to animate your face and reduce sagging and fine lines.
Non-Surgical Facelift Options
There are many non-surgical facelift options available to you at the TPS clinic if you have minor concerns or don’t want to go under the knife. Dermal fillers like Botox are a great option to add volume to areas of the face experiencing a loss of collagen, offering you a “liquid lift” choice.
More popular non-surgical facelift options for skin tightening include Microneedling, thread lifts, or a vampire facelift. To learn more, book a consultation with the TPS team today to understand your facial rejuvenation options.
Facelift Testimonials
“Testimonial 1: I’m in love with my new face. I shouldn’t say new because I look exactly like myself just years younger.” – Ashley S.
“Testimonial 2: I saw the TPS team for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles and overall feeling of dull skin. Everyone was amazing with their recommendations of treatments and had such a gentle touch. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to freshen their look and rejuvenate their appearance. I also felt comfortable and relaxed. I love the way my skin looks refreshed and glowy now. 10/10, I recommend TPS.” – Anonymous (went by B.Y. on Google Reviews)
“Testimonial 3: I wouldn’t trust anyone else with my face.” – S. Jlkc
Facelift FAQs
What Is the Best Age for a Facelift?
People age differently, so getting a facelift when you’re ready is best. If you are struggling with self-esteem due to wrinkles underneath the eyes, deep lines around the nose and mouth, loss of definition and volume, and excess fat deposits in the face and neck. The majority of people who seek out a facelift are between the ages of 40 and 60.
How Long Does a Facelift Take?
The length of your facelift procedure depends on the treatment and technique you choose, but a traditional facelift usually takes around 4 hours.
How Long Does a Facelift Last?
Your facelift results will generally last 7-10 years, especially if you follow Dr. Bell’s aftercare instructions and utilize the postoperative skincare regimen provided to you.
How Painful is Facelift Surgery?
You will experience minimal discomfort, especially during the first week, that can be controlled with prescribed oral pain medication. You will not feel any pain during the procedure as anesthesia will be administered and numbing cream applied if necessary.
Is Facelift Surgery Safe?
Yes, facelift surgery is safe, especially with the introduction of modern techniques, technologies, and non-surgical options. During your consultation, Dr. Bell will discuss all possible risks so you know what to expect.
What Is the Best Type of Facelift?
The best type of facelift is whichever facelift suits your individual needs, aesthetic goals, and concerns. Book a consultation with the TPS team today to learn about your facelift options and which is best for you.
Can a Facelift be Used to Treat Acne Scars?
A facelift is not typically recommended for treating acne scars, as it is designed to address sagging skin and wrinkles rather than the texture of the skin’s surface. Treatments such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and microneedling are more effective for improving the appearance of acne scars.
1 (647) 723-3739
