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Facelift

Philadelphia, PA

Introduction to Facelift Surgery

Considered a gold-standard facial rejuvenation solution worldwide, a facelift dramatically improves signs of aging in the lower third of the face, correcting jowls, loss of definition in the jawline, and sagging cheeks. This surgical procedure can be performed alone or in combination with a neck lift to strategically rewind the hands of time. 

At his practice in Bala Cynwyd, PA, Dr. Timothy Greco is a double-board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who focuses on advanced techniques that release the deeper ligaments, allowing him to reposition the facial structures in a highly natural and seamless way. This technique is known as the deep plane facelift. He believes that every patient deserves to present their best face to the world confidently and tailors his approach to your unique goals and wishes.

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What is a Facelift?

With age, changes occur in the soft tissues and bones of the face. The facial skin thins, your cells divide at a slower rate, and the proteins that support skin elasticity begin to break down. As the skin loses elasticity, it succumbs more regularly to the effects of gravity, causing the facial contours to sag. Wrinkles are caused by the tissue beneath the skin changing with age. These shifts include loss of facial fat volume as well. Some fat may begin to descend and collect in the jowls and under the chin, and the facial muscles may become lax. All of these occurrences contribute to an aged, tired look. The triangle of youth becomes the pyramid of aging. Other factors that can negatively impact facial appearance include gravity, sun damage, smoking, heredity, and stress. 

The skin is lifted off the underlying fat and muscle layers during a facelift. Facial tissues and muscles are then tightened after the deep ligaments of the face are released. Additionally, excess fat in the face and neck is sculpted and repositioned to recreate more youthful contours after releasing key ligaments of the face. This treatment approach is known as a deep-plane facelift, one of the most precise and far-reaching solutions for restoring your vitality and innate beauty. Once the changes are complete, the skin is then re-draped. Any excess skin is removed, and the wound is closed. It is important to remember that while facelifts are a great tool to slow the visible passage of time on the face, the procedure cannot stop the aging process altogether.

Facelift Procedures

Mini-Facelift

A mini-facelift surgery offers a more subtle solution for patients seeking a younger look without an extensive recovery. This procedure targets the lower face, focusing on lifting and tightening sagging skin around the jawline, cheeks, and neck. Dr. Greco can achieve a natural, refreshed look with minimal scarring by utilizing smaller incisions. The mini-facelift is often preferred by patients who have yet to be ready for a full facelift but desire noticeable improvements in facial contour and skin tone. Dr. Greco’s approach ensures that results look subtle and balanced, helping patients regain their confidence while maintaining a fresh, youthful appearance.

The mini facelift procedure is designed for individuals with mild to moderate signs of aging, such as loose skin or deep creases, and typically takes less time to perform than a full facelift, making it an appealing option for busy patients. Recovery time is also shorter, with most patients able to return to their normal activities within a week or two. Dr. Greco combines his years of expertise with advanced techniques to ensure the results appear harmonious and endure over time. His meticulous approach allows for enhanced definition along the jawline and around the neck, providing a rejuvenated yet naturally aged look that doesn’t compromise on elegance or subtlety. Our patient coordinator will be able to discuss your mini-facelift cost after your consultation.

Deep Plane Facelift

Dr. Greco’s deep plane facelift is a transformative procedure that targets the face’s underlying structures to provide long-lasting, natural-looking results. Unlike traditional facelifts, which primarily focus on tightening the skin, the deep plane technique lifts and repositions the deeper layers of tissue, including the muscles and fat pads, to restore a more youthful contour. By addressing these foundational layers, Dr. Greco is able to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation, reducing the appearance of sagging and deep wrinkles around the midface, jawline, and neck. This method allows for smoother, more lifted skin with natural and balanced results, avoiding the tight, “overdone” appearance that can sometimes accompany more superficial facelifts.

The deep plane facelift surgery is ideal for patients who are experiencing more advanced signs of aging and have moderate to severe sagging in the lower face. While it requires a more intricate surgical approach and longer recovery time compared to less invasive procedures, the benefits are well worth it for many individuals. Dr. Greco’s precision and expertise ensure that the incisions are well-hidden and that the rejuvenation looks subtle, never exaggerated. Recovery can take several weeks, but the results are lasting, with many patients enjoying a revitalized, youthful look for many years. Dr. Greco’s deep plane facelift dramatically improves facial aesthetics, delivering a refreshed appearance that still looks like a natural version of oneself.

Non-Surgical Facelift

Dr. Greco’s non-surgical facelift is a popular option for those looking to rejuvenate their appearance without undergoing surgery. This minimally invasive procedure uses a combination of advanced techniques, including dermal fillers, Botox, and thread lifts, to lift, smooth, and contour the face. Dr. Greco tailors each treatment plan to the patient’s specific needs, targeting areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, and volume loss. The procedure is quick, with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities almost immediately after the treatment. Dr. Greco’s expertise ensures that the results are natural, enhancing the patient’s features while maintaining their unique facial expressions and structure.

The non-surgical facelift is ideal for individuals who want to address early signs of aging or refresh their look without the commitment of surgery. Although the results are shorter than a surgical facelift, they can still significantly improve facial appearance, lasting anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the treatments used. Dr. Greco’s precision and artistic eye ensure the treatment delivers subtle yet impactful results, leaving patients feeling rejuvenated and confident. With the option of combining multiple techniques, the non-surgical facelift offers a versatile, effective solution for those seeking a more youthful appearance with minimal risk and recovery time.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

Facelift surgery at Greco M.D. in Bala Cynwyd (Philadelphia) comes with a wide range of transformative benefits, including the following:

  • Firms lax muscles
  • Tightens drooping skin
  • Reshapes the cheeks
  • Improves definition in the jawline
  • Eradicates hanging jowls
  • Softens and fades wrinkles and lines
  • Creates a more youthful, inviting appearance
  • Enhances self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Tightens lax neck tissue

Benefits

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Facelift?

A facelift can be performed at any age. However, it tends to deliver the best results for patients in their 40s to 60s who are in good health and can maintain a normal weight. You can have a facelift well into your 80s and still have a positive experience with pleasing results. Patients in the process of slimming down should consider waiting until they have lost the appropriate amount of weight to allow for an ideal outcome. Those experiencing a significant degree of facial wrinkling and sagging might consider a facelift followed by laser skin rejuvenation for a more youthful appearance. If you suffer from health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, please discuss these issues with Dr. Greco during the consultation so that appropriate care can be taken while planning treatment. In general, the best candidates for cosmetic surgery are healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations for their results.

Candidates

What’s the First Step?

Your Facelift Journey with Dr. Timothy Greco

Before your facelift procedure is scheduled, you will have an aesthetic consultation with Dr. Greco in Bala Cynwyd/Philadelphia, PA. During this initial meeting, you will have time to discuss your concerns, and Dr. Greco will answer any questions you may have with precision and transparency. The consultation will also include a thorough physical examination. 

Dr. Greco does not favor an overly operated look and insists on natural-looking results. He encourages realistic expectations for your results by utilizing advanced digital imaging during consultation to help you visualize your outcome properly. It is also helpful to bring pictures of yourself at an age when you were pleased with your appearance to help convey your goals. 

  • Sagging soft tissue in the midface, lower face, jowls, and neck
  • The suppleness of the facial skin
  • Loose skin, fat, and muscle in the neck
  • The need for a blepharoplasty, lip lift, or brow lift procedure

 

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift Surgery

The facelift procedure is performed under MAC (a.k.a. twilight) anesthesia at Dr. Greco’s comfortable, state-of-the-art, private, state-licensed surgery center. 

Typically, Dr. Greco begins the surgery by making an incision along the hairline and around the ears to lift the skin before adjusting the underlying tissue and muscle layers. The type of incision used will depend on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s needs.

  • The facelift incision begins near the hairline at the temples and continues down around the front, coursing behind the tragus and around the earlobe. An additional incision is made under the chin.
  • A limited incision lift is less extensive. The incision begins near the hairline just above the ear and continues around the front of the ear. Unlike the traditional incision, it does not extend into the lower scalp.
  • A neck lift incision starts in front of the earlobe. It continues around the ear into the lower scalp, and a small incision is made under the chin.

After the face has been remodeled, the skin settles back into place. The wound is then closed with sutures and covered with bandages. A small tube may be placed under the skin behind one or both ears to drain any excess blood or fluids. The drains will be removed the following morning. 

The length of the procedure depends on its complexity. The procedure will take longer if additional cosmetic procedures are included in the same surgery. In general, a facelift can take at least four hours.

Facelift

Expectations

Patient Reviews

  • I had a midplane face lift as well as a lip lift and a brow lift with Dr. Greco in October. I have known Dr. Greco for many years, having had botox and fillers with him in the past. His level of expertise and artistic sensibility gave me a beautiful outcome. Even though I trust him implicitly, I was still nervous about such a major procedure. But I am so thrilled that I listened to his advice. Not only was the actual surgery relatively uncomplicated, but the aftercare was also unbelievable. He called to check on me daily and his staff were compassionate and very caring. My daughter is getting married in November and I’m delighted that I had the work done. My friends and family are amazed at the natural results. Several of them have already seen him for consults. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My mother, who is my harshest critic, thinks the outcome is just beautiful. He definitely achieved everything we discussed and transformed my face back to the shape it was when I was much younger. His pricing is very fair as well. He’s been doing this work for a long time and keeps refining his technique. I highly recommend Dr. Greco to anyone who is considering improving the appearance of their face. He loves what he does and it shows.

    – Beth Cutler

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Facelift Recovery

Pain and discomfort are usually minimal after a facelift. You will be prescribed oral medication for any postoperative discomfort. You can expect to see swelling or bruising on the face for about two weeks, and there may be some tightness in the neck and jaw region until these symptoms fade. Some patients may feel depressed at first when they see the acute swelling that obscures their results. Rest assured, this is a normal reaction, and our team at Greco M.D. in Bala Cynwyd (Philadelphia), PA, is here to discuss any concerns you may have in the days and weeks following your surgery. Any residual bruising and swelling can be concealed with makeup that our aesthetician will customize for your individual needs. 

You will be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise for around two weeks, giving your incisions ample time to heal. However, taking gentle walks after your facelift is encouraged, as this can help boost circulation, prevent complications, and enhance your overall mood and well-being. You should also aim to get plenty of rest and have nutritious meals after surgery. This is the perfect time to pamper yourself and catch up on rest.

Most patients can resume normal activities within around two weeks. To ease your recovery, you should:

  • Avoid smoking for at least four weeks before and after surgery.
  • Use ice compresses for the first three days after surgery.
  • Rest with your head elevated.
  • Follow the postoperative instructions from the doctor carefully.
  • Avoid direct sunlight to protect the postoperative scars and your skin.
  • Always apply SPF to your incisions prior to sun exposure once they’ve healed. 

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Philadelphia, PA?

The cost of a facelift in the Main Line, including Villanova, Bryan Mar, and Wayne, PA, can vary significantly, ranging from $30,000 – $36,000 for men and $27,000 – $32,000 for women. Pricing is affected by the specific facelift techniques utilized, the extent of the work performed, and the addition of any other cosmetic procedures, such as a lip lift, blepharoplasty, or brow lift. Dr. Greco will provide you with a detailed quote after completing your facial assessment and medical review during your consultation in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

Cost

Why Choose Dr. Greco?

Dr. Timothy M. Greco, MD, FACS, is one of Philadelphia’s most revered facial cosmetic plastic surgeons, providing advanced aesthetic solutions for the face, head, and neck. He is double-board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS) and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), ensuring your utmost safety with elegance and harmony of your final results. His private state-certified surgical center is located at 2 Bala Plaza (adjacent to Saks Fifth Avenue) in Bala Cynwyd, PA, for your convenience. 

Dr. Greco is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Facial Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and currently holds medical licenses for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Minnesota.

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Dr. Timothy Greco is one of Philadelphia’s leading facial plastic surgeons, skilled at all types of cosmetic procedures that help counter the effects of aging. Dr. Greco focuses solely on aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, head, and neck at his in-office, state-certified aesthetic surgical center. If you’re in the greater Philadelphia or Main Line area, including Villanova, Bryn Mawr, and Wayne, PA,  and are looking for a younger, fresher appearance customized to your facial structure, Dr. Greco can help! Get in touch today to schedule a consultation. Call (610) 427-2690 or check the doctor’s schedule online.

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