Facelift Surgery
Turn back the clock with one of Cincinnati's most experienced facelift surgeons. Dr. Kurtzman's advanced techniques restore natural, youthful contours while preserving your unique facial character, never that "pulled" or overdone look.
At a Glance
Procedure Time
3-5 hours
Recovery Time
2-3 weeks
Board-Certified
ABPS Surgeon
Starting Cost
$12,000+
What is a Facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a full facial rejuvenation procedure that addresses the visible signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. Unlike quick fixes or temporary treatments, a facelift works at the foundational level, repositioning descended facial tissues, tightening the underlying muscular layer (SMAS), and removing excess skin to create results that typically last about a decade. Throughout his 35+ year career, Dr. Kurtzman has developed refined techniques that restore a natural, refreshed appearance while preserving each patient's unique facial character. His fellowship training with world-renowned surgeons Drs. Baker, Gordon, and Stuzin in Miami provided the foundation for his artistic approach to facial rejuvenation.
Technique Options
Dr. Kurtzman offers multiple facelift techniques tailored to your unique needs and goals:
Mini Facelift
Ideal for early aging signs, this less invasive procedure addresses jowling and lower face laxity through smaller incisions with shorter recovery.
Best for: Patients in their 40s-50s with early sagging and minimal neck concerns
Full Facelift (SMAS Lift)
Dr. Kurtzman's gold standard approach lifts the deeper SMAS layer for full, long-lasting rejuvenation of the face and neck.
Best for: Patients with moderate to significant aging who want the most dramatic, lasting results
Deep Plane Facelift
An advanced technique that releases and repositions facial tissues at a deeper level, particularly effective for midface rejuvenation and nasolabial folds.
Best for: Patients with significant midface descent or those seeking maximum longevity
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
Can be performed alone or combined with facelift to address neck bands, loose skin, and excess fat under the chin for a defined jawline.
Best for: Patients whose primary concern is the neck and jawline rather than the face
Ideal Candidates
Facelift surgery delivers the most satisfying results for patients who meet certain criteria. During your consultation, Dr. Kurtzman will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine if you're a good candidate:
- Noticeable sagging in the midface, jowls, or neck that bothers you when you look in the mirror
- Deep nasolabial folds (lines from nose to mouth) or marionette lines (lines from mouth to chin)
- Loss of definition along the jawline or the appearance of a 'double chin'
- Loose, excess skin on the neck or visible neck bands (platysmal bands)
- Good skin elasticity, your skin should have some 'snap back' when gently pulled
- Non-smoker or willing to quit 4-6 weeks before and after surgery (smoking impairs healing)
- Generally good health without conditions that increase surgical risk
- Realistic expectations, understanding that a facelift restores a more youthful version of yourself, not a different face
The Procedure
Dr. Kurtzman approaches each facelift as an individualized procedure, selecting techniques based on your unique anatomy, the degree of aging, and your specific goals. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation in an accredited surgical facility:
1. Anesthesia & Preparation
You'll receive general anesthesia or IV sedation administered for your comfort. The surgical team prepares the face with antiseptic solution, and Dr. Kurtzman marks the planned incision lines he discussed with you during consultation.
2. Strategic Incision Placement
Incisions are placed in natural creases and along the hairline where they heal virtually invisibly. The typical incision begins in the temple hair, continues in front of the ear, curves around the earlobe, and extends behind the ear into the hairline. For neck work, a small incision may be made under the chin.
3. SMAS Layer Tightening
This is where Dr. Kurtzman's expertise makes the difference. Rather than just pulling skin, he lifts and repositions the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), the deeper muscular layer that is the true foundation of lasting results. This technique provides natural-looking improvement that ages gracefully over time.
4. Fat Repositioning & Sculpting
Descended fat pads are repositioned to restore youthful midface volume. If needed, excess fat in the neck and jowl area is carefully sculpted to restore a defined jawline and smooth neck contour.
5. Skin Redraping & Removal
The skin is gently redraped over the newly tightened foundation without tension. Excess skin is precisely trimmed, this tension-free closure is critical for natural results and minimal scarring.
6. Careful Closure
Incisions are closed in multiple layers using fine sutures. Dr. Kurtzman's careful attention to closure technique promotes optimal healing and virtually invisible scars.
Recovery & Results
Your recovery begins immediately after surgery in our recovery suite, where you'll be monitored as anesthesia wears off. Most patients go home the same day with a companion. You'll wear a supportive facial garment for the first week to minimize swelling. Days 1-3 are typically the most uncomfortable, though pain is well-controlled with prescribed medication. Bruising and swelling peak around day 3-4, then steadily improve. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public by week 2, though some residual swelling (visible mainly to you) continues to resolve over 2-3 months.
You'll see significant improvement immediately, but your final results emerge over 3-6 months as all swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new position. Some patients can look 10 to 15 years younger while still looking completely natural. Results typically last about 7-10 years, and often longer with advanced techniques such as the deep plane facelift. You'll continue aging, but from a more youthful starting point. Maintaining results long-term involves sun protection, healthy lifestyle, and occasional non-surgical maintenance treatments.
Real Patient Results
See the transformative results our patients have achieved
Facelift
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Facelift
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Facelift
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will I look 'done' or obviously surgical?
No. Dr. Kurtzman's philosophy centers on creating natural results. His SMAS-layer technique lifts the deep tissues rather than pulling the skin, avoiding that tight or 'windswept' appearance. You'll look like a refreshed, more youthful version of yourself, not a different person.
What's the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?
A mini facelift addresses early aging with smaller incisions and focuses on the lower face and jowls. A full facelift provides more complete rejuvenation, addressing the midface, lower face, jawline, and neck. During consultation, Dr. Kurtzman will recommend the approach that will achieve your goals.
How long do facelift results last?
With proper care, facelift results typically last about 7-10 years, and advanced techniques like the deep plane facelift can last longer. You'll continue aging naturally, but from a more youthful starting point. Many patients maintain their results with non-surgical treatments like Botox and fillers between facelifts.
When can I return to work and normal activities?
Most patients return to desk work and light activities in 2 weeks, when visible bruising has largely faded. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should wait 4-6 weeks. Dr. Kurtzman provides detailed recovery guidelines personalized to your procedure.
Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?
Yes, this is very common. Many patients achieve optimal results by combining facelift with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, or laser skin treatments. Dr. Kurtzman will discuss complementary procedures during your consultation.
What about non-surgical alternatives?
Non-surgical options like Botox, fillers, and skin tightening devices can help with early aging and are excellent for maintenance. However, once significant sagging, jowling, or neck laxity develops, surgery is the only way to achieve meaningful, lasting improvement. We're happy to discuss all your options honestly.
Your Expert for Facelift Surgery
Lawrence C. Kurtzman, MD
MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Why We Excel
- Extensive facelift experience throughout 35+ years of dedicated practice
- Fellowship trained with pioneers Drs. Baker, Gordon & Stuzin, leaders in facelift innovation
- Advanced SMAS technique for natural, long-lasting results that age gracefully
- Careful incision placement and closure for virtually invisible scarring
What Our Patients Say
Real experiences from Kurtzman Plastic Surgery patients
Ready to Look as Young as You Feel?
Schedule a private consultation to discuss your goals and explore your options with our expert team.