Facelift

RECLAIM YOUTHFUL CONTOURS WITH NATURAL-LOOKING RESULTS

FACELIFT SURGERY EXPLAINED
TYPES OF FACELIFTS
FACELIFT VS. NECK LIFT
FACELIFT FAQS

For patients seeking a long-lasting solution to facial aging, facelift surgery remains the gold standard for facial rejuvenation. Also known as a rhytidectomy, a facelift in Philadelphia or Villanova at Cross Medical Group addresses sagging skin, jowls, loss of jawline definition, loose neck skin, and descended facial tissues by repositioning the underlying structures of the face. Unlike injectables, laser treatments, and other non-surgical procedures that provide temporary improvement, a facelift delivers comprehensive, natural-looking results that can restore youthful facial contours for years to come.

Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons perform hundreds of facelift and neck lift procedures annually for patients from Philadelphia, Villanova, the Main Line, across the United States, and around the world. Their extensive experience with advanced facelift techniques allows them to create customized treatment plans for 2026 that achieve refreshed, balanced, and natural-looking facial rejuvenation while preserving each patient's unique appearance.

FACELIFT SURGERY EXPLAINED

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation procedure designed to reposition underlying facial tissues, reduce sagging skin, improve jawline definition, and restore youthful facial contours. By addressing age-related changes beneath the skin rather than simply tightening the surface, facelift surgery creates natural-looking, long-lasting improvements in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. As facial aging progresses, supportive tissues descend, facial volume shifts downward, and excess skin develops along the lower face and neck. A facelift restores these structures to a more youthful position while preserving natural facial expression and individual character. For many patients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation, a facelift remains the most effective solution for correcting moderate to advanced facial laxity.

Mother-daughter comparison showing natural progression of face during the aging process.

This mother-and-daughter comparison shows the squaring of the face during the aging process.

As we age, skin laxity, loose muscles, and stubborn fat not only alter the contours of the face but can also affect the neck and diminish a once well-defined jawline. While lasers, injectables, and other non-surgical treatments may offer temporary improvement, a facelift remains the gold standard for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. With advanced techniques now safer and more effective than ever, a facelift with Dr. Kevin Cross or Dr. Jackie Lyons addresses multiple signs of aging on both the face and neck. By repositioning tissues, tightening underlying structures, and removing excess skin and fat, facelift surgery restores youthful contours, enhances the jawline, and delivers lasting, transformative results that cannot be achieved with non-surgical treatments alone.

A facelift is designed to address many of the visible signs of facial aging that develop as skin elasticity decreases and deeper facial structures lose support. While every patient experiences aging differently, facelift surgery can provide comprehensive improvement in multiple areas of the face and neck.

Common concerns treated with facelift surgery include:

Sagging cheeks
Deep nasolabial folds
Jowls along the jawline
Loss of facial definition
Loose skin beneath the chin
Neck banding and neck laxity
Midface volume descent
Facial tissue laxity
A heavy or bottom-weighted facial appearance

By correcting these concerns simultaneously, a facelift creates balanced, harmonious rejuvenation rather than isolated improvement in a single area.

To summarize the possible results, a facelift helps define the jawline, create a more contoured neck, and restore lost volume in key areas of the face, as seen in these patients:

View before & after results from Cross Medical Group in Philadelphia, PA

*Results May Vary

Before & After Photo Gallery

See for yourself the patient transformations that can be achieved by Dr. Cross and his team.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Arrange a facelift consultation at Cross Medical Group in Philadelphia or Villanova to review facelift techniques, anticipated results, downtime, and cost details. Call us at (215) 561-9100 (Philadelphia) or (610) 688-9100 (Villanova), or send a message online.

(215) 561-9100 Contact

FACELIFT OVERVIEW

Procedure

Also Known As
Primary Purpose
Common Concerns Treated
Areas Addressed
Anesthesia
Recovery Timeline
Results
Complementary Procedures
Complementary Treatments

Facelift Surgery

Rhytidectomy
Facial rejuvenation and contour restoration
Jowls, loose neck skin, sagging cheeks, facial laxity
Midface, lower face, jawline, neck
Typically general anesthesia
Varies by patient and procedure
Long-lasting facial rejuvenation
Neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer
Laser resurfacing, BBL, chemical peels, microneedling

EXPERIENCE DR. KEVIN CROSS' ADVANCED APPROACH TO FACIAL REJUVENATION

As of 2026, Dr. Cross continues to refine advanced facial rejuvenation techniques developed through decades of surgical experience. His facelift approach extends beyond the skin to reposition and support the deeper structural layers of the face and neck, allowing tissues to settle naturally and produce long-lasting, youthful contours.

He carefully addresses the underlying muscular and support layers across the neck, cheeks, and forehead, ensuring each facial region is harmonized with the others. This layered approach allows for precise customization based on each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

By combining advanced surgical techniques with individualized planning, Dr. Cross achieves results that are both significant and natural-looking—restoring facial balance, refinement, and youthful definition that remains consistent over time.

This exceptional level of experience—nearly 20 times the annual average for most plastic surgeons—contributed to Dr. Cross’ recognition by Town & Country as one of the nation’s 30 best beauty gurus.

See the results of Dr. Cross' techniques in his facelift before-and-after photos. Browse the facelift before-and-after gallery online or ask to see images of his past patients—including mini-facelift before-and-after photos—during your consultation.

As Dr. Cross tells his patients, "A good facial rejuvenation should mean that, once the recovery is complete, friends and family will appreciate an improvement, but a new acquaintance should not know that a procedure has been performed."

FACELIFT VS. NECK LIFT OVERVIEW

FACELIFT

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of facial aging by tightening and repositioning the deeper structural layers of the face, including skin, muscle, and fat. It primarily targets sagging in the midface, jowls, jawline, and lower face to restore a more youthful and balanced appearance. Rather than simply pulling the skin tighter, a facelift repositions underlying tissues to improve facial support and contour. The goal is natural-looking rejuvenation that enhances facial definition while maintaining the patient’s unique features. Results are long-lasting but do not stop the natural aging process over time.

NECK LIFT

A neck lift is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the neck and under-chin area. It addresses excess skin, muscle laxity, and fat accumulation that can create a “turkey neck,” double chin, or loss of jawline definition. The procedure typically involves tightening the platysma muscle, removing or repositioning fat, and redraping skin for a smoother, more defined neck contour. A neck lift can be performed alone or combined with a facelift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. The goal is a firmer, more youthful neck profile that enhances overall facial balance and jawline definition.

TYPES OF FACELIFTS

DEEP PLANE FACELIFT DETAILS

Widely regarded as a gold standard in facelift surgery, the deep plane facelift technique allows Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons to reposition the deeper structural layers of the face, including skin, muscle, and fat, as a single unified unit. This approach is particularly effective for patients experiencing midface volume descent, deep nasolabial folds, and jowl formation that obscures jawline definition.

During a deep plane facelift, the surgeons release key retaining ligaments that tether facial tissues in a downward position. Once these ligaments are released through a deep anatomical plane, the facial tissues can be safely and naturally repositioned to a more youthful location.

By addressing these deeper support structures, the technique restores lift to the cheeks, smooths facial folds, and improves jawline contour in a more comprehensive way than more superficial approaches. In many standard facelift techniques, these ligaments remain intact, which can limit the ability to fully reposition midface and jowl tissues and may result in less natural or less complete rejuvenation.

The deep plane approach prioritizes structural repositioning rather than skin tightening alone, supporting more natural-looking, longer-lasting facial rejuvenation.

Before & after image showing the reduction in facial sagging and improved overall shape as a result of a facelift by Dr. Cross.

Notice in this picture of a 63-year-old woman who underwent a deep plane brow, face, and neck lift, that the sagging in her cheeks has been lifted. Her features are no longer flat and square but take on the more curved shape of youthfulness. Her cheeks are higher and fuller, and her jowls are corrected.

HIGH SMAS FACELIFT DETAILS

The High SMAS facelift is a variation of deep-plane facial rejuvenation that focuses on elevating and repositioning the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the fibrous tissue layer that supports facial muscles and structure. Compared to a traditional deep plane facelift, the High SMAS technique uses a higher dissection and entry point, which can provide enhanced lifting in the midface and cheek region.

This approach is often well-suited for younger facelift patients or individuals with thicker, more robust SMAS anatomy. It can be particularly effective for improving early to moderate signs of facial aging while maintaining natural facial expression and contour.

A key component of facelift surgery is selecting the most appropriate technique based on individual anatomy and aging patterns. Determining whether a patient is better suited for a High SMAS or deep plane facelift requires careful evaluation of tissue characteristics, degree of descent, and overall facial balance.

With extensive experience treating a diverse range of patients, Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons tailor each surgical plan to the unique variations in facial structure, ensuring the chosen technique aligns with the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.

OTHER SMAS FACELIFT DETAILS

Suturing the SMAS without first lifting the layer of supportive tissue is the most common approach used by plastic surgeons who are getting comfortable with facelift surgery. While this technique is very limited in its ability to improve shape in the mid-portion of the cheeks and face, Dr. Cross and Dr. Lyons will sometimes use it—especially when patients require more attention in their neck and only limited correction around the jowl and jawline.

FACELIFT INCISION PLACEMENT

Proper incision placement makes the end result of a facelift nearly impossible to find.

Incision placement is a critical factor in facelift surgery outcomes and directly impacts scar visibility and overall aesthetic results. While keeping incisions as short as possible is important, adequate length is still required to allow proper access to the deeper facial structures for effective lifting and repositioning.

More importantly, incision design should prioritize concealment. The goal is for scars to be discreet and virtually unnoticeable once healing is complete. Proper placement avoids distortion of key anatomical landmarks such as the sideburns and ensures that incisions do not remain visible in front of the ear after recovery.

Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons note that overly shortened or improperly placed incisions can sometimes lead to visible puckering or bunching around the ear and neck, even when the incision length is minimized. This highlights that incision quality and positioning are more important than length alone.

When placed correctly, incisions follow natural facial contours and hair-bearing areas, making them extremely difficult to detect once healed—even when the hair is pulled back. This precision in incision design is essential for achieving natural-looking facelift results.

FACELIFT FAQS

There is no specific ideal age for a facelift. Facelift candidacy is based on facial aging patterns, skin laxity, and overall health—not age alone.

Most facelift patients are in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, when visible signs of aging such as jowling, sagging skin, and volume loss become more pronounced. However, patients outside this range may still be good candidates depending on anatomy and goals.

Facelifts performed in the 40s through early 60s often provide longer-lasting results, typically maintaining a refreshed and natural appearance for 15 to 20 years. Patients in their 70s and 80s can also achieve meaningful facial rejuvenation, though reduced skin elasticity and tissue changes may affect the longevity of results.

The best timing for a facelift is determined individually based on facial structure, degree of aging, and desired outcome.

Advanced facelift techniques performed by Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons are effective for both men and women, but male facelift patients require additional anatomical considerations due to facial hair patterns, particularly along the beard and sideburn region.

Men have a natural hairless zone between the ear and beard line. During facelift and neck lifting procedures, skin repositioning can shift hair-bearing tissue into areas that were previously hairless, which may create an unnatural beard or sideburn transition if not properly managed.

To prevent this, Dr. Cross and Dr. Lyons carefully manage hair-bearing skin during surgery, including selective removal of hair follicles when needed. This helps preserve a natural beard line and ensures a seamless transition around the ear and jawline—an important detail for natural-looking male facelift results.

Male patients may also experience temporary post-operative numbness in the facial skin, which can affect shaving sensation during early healing. As sensation gradually returns over time, patients are advised to shave carefully to avoid minor nicks or cuts until full sensory recovery occurs.

When performed using advanced techniques that address the deeper layers of facial support, a facelift is designed to look natural, not tight or overdone. The goal is to restore youthful contours while preserving each patient’s unique facial characteristics. Properly executed facial rejuvenation should result in a refreshed, rested appearance that still looks like the patient.

Each facelift is carefully customized based on the patient’s facial structure, skin quality, degree of aging, and aesthetic goals. Surgical planning takes into account how different regions of the face age together, allowing for balanced correction rather than isolated tightening. This individualized approach helps ensure natural-looking, harmonious results tailored to each patient.

The timeline for facelift recovery varies depending on the surgical technique, the extent of the facelift surgery, and each patient’s individual healing ability. Dr. Cross and Dr. Lyons guide patients through every step of the process. While each experience is unique, patients can generally expect temporary bruising, swelling, and redness around the incision sites. These effects typically resolve on their own within two to three weeks, whether undergoing a mini, deep plane, or other type of facelift surgery.

Recovery after a facelift varies by patient, but most individuals are able to resume light daily activities within a few days of surgery. Basic self-care activities such as walking, showering, and gently washing the face and hair are typically possible around two days after the procedure, depending on the surgeon’s post-operative instructions and individual healing response.

Many patients feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous errands and low-profile activities within approximately 7 to 10 days, often with minimal visible signs that surgery has recently been performed. However, social reintegration and return to work may vary depending on the level of swelling, bruising, and personal comfort.

While initial recovery can be relatively quick, most patients choose to wait two to three weeks before resuming full social schedules or public-facing work to allow swelling and bruising to further subside. Final results continue to refine over approximately eight to ten weeks as tissues fully settle.

Proper recovery also depends on following post-operative care instructions, including adequate rest, incision care, and strict sun protection to reduce the risk of discoloration and support optimal healing outcomes.

Recognized for natural-looking results and advanced surgical expertise, Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons perform a high volume of revision facelift procedures, with revision cases representing more than 20% of Dr. Cross’ facelift practice. These procedures typically involve patients who previously had facelift surgery performed elsewhere and are seeking correction, refinement, or improved facial balance.

Revision facelift surgery is commonly requested to address concerns such as visible scarring, suboptimal incision placement, facial asymmetry, or loss of longevity from a prior facelift. Because facelift results do not stop the natural aging process, secondary procedures are sometimes needed over time to maintain or restore facial rejuvenation.

In most cases, revision facelift surgery is recommended at least one year after the initial procedure to allow for complete healing and tissue stabilization. However, select cases may be evaluated for earlier correction depending on individual anatomy and surgical history.

Modern revision facelift techniques often allow for more precise dissection and refined scar placement, which can contribute to a smoother recovery experience in some patients. When neck refinement is needed, a small incision under the chin may be used, and this typically heals well with minimal long-term visibility.

For patients experiencing age-related volume loss in the upper face, Dr. Cross and Dr. Lyons may restore balance by repositioning natural tissues and, when appropriate, incorporating fat grafting or regenerative techniques. All volume restoration is performed conservatively to maintain a natural appearance and avoid an overfilled or artificial look, with the goal of achieving a balanced, refreshed, and structurally harmonious result.

*Results May Vary

Before & After Photo Gallery

See for yourself the patient transformations that can be achieved by Dr. Cross and his team.

COMPREHENSIVE FACIAL REJUVENATION TREATMENTS

Patients considering a facelift in Philadelphia or Villanova often want to refresh not only the lower face but the entire facial appearance. A facelift can restore youthful contours, while a brow lift elevates a hooded forehead and blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) opens the eyes for a more alert, rejuvenated look. For additional definition, chin and cheek implants can enhance facial structure, complementing the results of a facelift.

While a facelift addresses sagging and restores volume, it does not improve the quality of the skin. To achieve smoother, more radiant skin alongside a facelift, Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons offer treatments such as BroadBand Light (BBL), infrared (IR), fractional laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and microneedling. By combining a facelift with these advanced skin rejuvenation options, patients enjoy both lifted contours and refreshed, youthful skin.