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Reveal Your Natural Confidence

At Thompson Facial Plastics, Dr. R. William Thompson listens first and operates second. His patients want to look like a well-rested version of themselves, not someone new, and that distinction shapes every recommendation he makes. Schedule a consultation to see what a personalized approach to facial rejuvenation can look like for you.

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What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging skin and weakened muscle support in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. Rather than simply pulling skin tighter, it works on the deeper tissue beneath it, repositioning structures that have shifted with age and re-draping the skin over a more supported foundation. Dr. Thompson tailors the technique to each patient's anatomy, addressing jowls, a softened jawline, and looseness along the neck while preserving the features that make a face recognizably their own.

Benefits of a Facelift in Denver

  • Smooths sagging skin along the jawline and lower cheeks
  • Reduces the appearance of jowls and a heavy neckline
  • Restores more defined facial contours
  • May improve confidence in social and professional settings
  • Delivers results that can last for years
  • Can be combined with other procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation
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Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Good candidates for a facelift in Denver, CO are generally in good overall health and bothered by visible sagging or laxity in the lower face and neck rather than concerns isolated to the eyes or forehead. Patients between their forties and seventies most commonly pursue the procedure, though the right timing depends more on skin quality and personal goals than age alone. During a consultation, Dr. Thompson evaluates skin elasticity, bone structure, and each patient's expectations to determine whether a facelift, or a complementary procedure, is the better path forward.

Why Choose Thompson Facial Plastics for a Facelift?

Dr. Thompson is double board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a distinction held by relatively few surgeons in Denver. He was also one of only 49 surgeons nationwide accepted into a fellowship sponsored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, where his training focused exclusively on the face and neck. That depth of specialization is reflected in his facelift results and in the time he takes with each patient during consultation.

Your Consultation

A consultation with Dr. Thompson starts with a conversation about what a patient wants to change, and just as importantly, what they want to keep. He examines skin quality, facial structure, and volume loss, then walks through which facelift technique fits those goals. Patients can review before-and-after photos and ask about recovery, cost, and anesthesia before making any decisions.

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How Much Does It Cost?

Facelift cost varies based on the technique used, the extent of correction needed, and whether it's combined with a procedure like a neck lift or eyelid surgery. Because facelift surgery is elective, it's typically not covered by insurance. The practice provides a detailed cost breakdown during the consultation and can discuss financing options that may help.

What to Expect During Facelift Treatment

Anesthesia and Setting

Facelift procedures are performed under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility, so patients stay comfortable and still throughout the operation. The surgery is outpatient, so a friend or family member will need to drive the patient home the same day.

The Surgical Technique

Depending on the approach selected, Dr. Thompson makes carefully placed incisions along the hairline and around the ear to access the underlying facial tissue. He then lifts and repositions the supportive layer beneath the skin before trimming any excess and closing the incisions along natural creases to help minimize visible scarring.

Length of Surgery

A facelift typically takes between two and four hours to complete, though timing can shift based on whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. A dressing is placed immediately after surgery and is generally removed within the first 24 hours.

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Facelift Recovery

Bruising, swelling, and a sensation of tightness are common in the days following surgery, though these effects tend to ease steadily over the first couple of weeks. Dr. Thompson provides detailed aftercare instructions that may include wearing a compression garment, sleeping with the head elevated, applying cold compresses, and easing back into meals with soft, easy-to-chew foods. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and light social activity within seven to ten days, once visible bruising has faded or become easy to cover with makeup. Strenuous activity and direct sun exposure should be avoided for at least ten to fourteen days, since excess sun on healing skin can affect the final appearance of the results.

Facelift Results

Early improvement is visible within the first few weeks as swelling fades, with continued refinement over the following one to three months.

Most patients see their final result by around six months. Results commonly last between seven and ten years, and a consistent skincare routine may help extend that timeline.

Types of Facelifts

Traditional Facelift (SMAS)

Often considered the gold standard, the SMAS facelift addresses the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a fibrous layer of tissue beneath the skin that supports facial muscles. Dr. Thompson lifts and secures this layer through incisions along the hairline and ear to smooth the jawline and neck for years to come.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift involves a more extensive dissection beneath the SMAS layer, letting Dr. Thompson reposition deeper facial structures rather than the skin alone. It's a more involved procedure, but in the right candidates, it can produce a more dramatic, natural-looking transformation.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift suits patients with earlier signs of sagging who want meaningful improvement without the recovery time of a full procedure. It can often be performed using local anesthesia with light sedation.

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Procedures That Pair Well with a Facelift

  • Neck Lift: Tightens loose neck skin and muscle for a more defined jawline
  • Brow Lift: Lifts the brow and smooths the forehead for a refreshed upper face
  • Blepharoplasty: Removes excess eyelid skin and puffiness to brighten the eyes
  • Chin Implants: Strengthens jawline projection for better facial balance
  • Fat Transfer: Restores volume lost in the cheeks or temples using the patient's own fat
  • Laser Resurfacing: Improves skin tone and texture to complement a smoother facial contour

Facelift FAQs

Will a facelift make me look overdone or unnatural?

What are the risks of a facelift?

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?

What's the difference between a facelift and a neck lift alone?

Can I have a second facelift later in life?

Does a facelift leave visible scars?

How much pain is involved after surgery?

Will a facelift make me look overdone or unnatural?

Not when it is performed with the patient's underlying bone and muscle structure in mind. Dr. Thompson focuses on subtle, proportionate changes so that friends and colleagues notice a refreshed appearance rather than an obvious surgical change.

What are the risks of a facelift?

As with any surgical procedure, a facelift carries some risk of bruising, temporary numbness, or infection, though serious complications are uncommon in the hands of an experienced surgeon. Dr. Thompson reviews each patient's health history closely and discusses ways to minimize risk during the consultation.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift?

Treatments like BOTOX, dermal fillers, and chemical peels can soften fine lines and restore some volume, but they work at the surface level and cannot correct significant sagging skin or jowls the way surgery can. These options are often better suited to earlier signs of aging or as maintenance between surgical procedures.

What's the difference between a facelift and a neck lift alone?

A facelift addresses the lower face and midface, including jowls and jawline definition, while a neck lift focuses on loose skin and muscle banding under the chin. Patients with a defined jawline but a loose neck may only need a neck lift; those with sagging throughout the lower face typically need both.

Can I have a second facelift later in life?

Yes. Since a facelift doesn't stop the aging process, some patients choose a touch-up procedure years later if sagging begins to return. Dr. Thompson can evaluate whether a full facelift or a more limited revision makes sense at that stage.

Does a facelift leave visible scars?

Incisions are placed along the hairline and in the natural creases around the ear, so scars are typically well concealed and fade significantly as they heal. Most patients find that scarring is difficult to detect once recovery is complete.

How much pain is involved after surgery?

Discomfort after a facelift is generally mild and often described as tightness rather than sharp pain. Prescription medication and simple measures like cold compresses can help keep patients comfortable during the first several days.

Begin Your Facelift Journey with Thompson Facial Plastics

If sagging skin or a tired-looking jawline no longer matches how you feel on the inside, Thompson Facial Plastics can help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Thompson and take the first step toward a more refreshed, natural you.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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