Facelift
Achieve your Dream Look
Schedule Your Consultation
Schedule your consultation today to discuss your aesthetic goals with our team. Call (519) 746-1132 or contact us online to get started.
The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
50 Albert Street
Waterloo, ON N2L 3S2
Phone: (519) 746-1132
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
What Is a Facelift?
As the gold standard in facial rejuvenation, a facelift can beautifully turn back the clock, smoothing away wrinkles and lifting sagging skin to reveal a refreshed, natural-looking you.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, rejuvenates the face and neck by lifting and tightening the skin and underlying tissues on the lower third of the face. At The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, our surgeons use the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) technique, which targets deeper layers of the face for a more natural and longer-lasting outcome. We minimize visible scarring by strategically placing incisions within the hairline and around the ears.
Facelift Benefits
A facelift can offer you:
- A smoother, more youthful appearance
- Refined contours along the jawline and neck
- Reduced wrinkles and fine lines
- Fuller, uplifted cheeks
- Boosted confidence and self-esteem
Our facelift patients often find themselves not only looking years younger but also feeling more confident in social settings and daily life.
Meet our surgeons
Dr. Robert Shenker
Dr. Shenker is one of the most respected plastic surgeons in the Waterloo Region of Southern Ontario. His patients enjoy outstanding results and care due to his elite training, experience, and dedication to his patients' well-being.
Meet Dr. Shenker
Dr. Stephanie Ma
As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Ma brings a unique perspective that our patients appreciate. Her international fellowship training and compassionate care set her apart as one of the top cosmetic surgeons in the region.
Meet Dr. MaFeatured Facelift
Before + After Photos
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8
This 64-year-old woman was unhappy with the aged appearance of her face, the deepness of the folds on either side of her nose and sagging jowls that made her look tired and older than she felt.
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all these areas while removing the excess skin that was causing it.
The result is a... Read More
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all these areas while removing the excess skin that was causing it.
The result is a... Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Case: 2 of 8
This 74-year-old woman was unhappy with her sagging jowls, excess skin around her chin and jaw line along with the saggy appearance of her neck.
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all these areas while removing the excess skin that was causing it.
The result is a patient that is pleased with her newly rejuvenate... Read More
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all these areas while removing the excess skin that was causing it.
The result is a patient that is pleased with her newly rejuvenate... Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Case: 3 of 8
This 53-year-old woman was unhappy with her sagging jowls; excess skin around her chin and jaw line; the deep creases around her mouth and nose; and overall aged appearance compared to how she felt inside.
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all of these areas while removing the excess skin.
It's been just 4... Read More
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all of these areas while removing the excess skin.
It's been just 4... Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Case: 4 of 8
This 68-year-old woman was unhappy with the aged appearance of her face, the deepness of the folds on either side of her nose and sagging jowls that made her look tired and older than she felt.
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all these areas while removing the excess skin that was causing it.
The result is a... Read More
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all these areas while removing the excess skin that was causing it.
The result is a... Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Case: 5 of 8
This 65-year-old woman was unhappy with her sagging jowls, excess skin around her chin and jaw line along with the saggy appearance of her neck, the deep creases around her mouth and nose, and overall deep wrinkles. She always felt that she looked tired which is not how she felt on the inside.
She underwent a facelift to help ti... Read More
She underwent a facelift to help ti... Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Case: 6 of 8
This 50-year-old woman was unhappy with her sagging jowls, excess skin around her chin and jaw line along with the deep creases around her mouth and nose, and overall aged appearance compared to how she felt inside.
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all of these areas while removing the excess skin.
She is so v... Read More
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all of these areas while removing the excess skin.
She is so v... Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Case: 7 of 8
This 69-year-old woman was unhappy with her sagging jowls, excess fat and skin around her chin and jaw line along with the saggy appearance of her neck, the deep creases around her mouth and nose, and tired appearance. She always felt that she looked older than how she felt on the inside.
She underwent a facelift to help tighten... Read More
She underwent a facelift to help tighten... Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8
This 60-year-old woman was unhappy with her sagging jowls, excess skin around her chin and jaw line.
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all of these areas while removing the excess skin that was causing it.
She is very pleased with her subtle yet amazing results which are now 8.5 months after her surgery.
Read More
She underwent a facelift to help tighten and lift all of these areas while removing the excess skin that was causing it.
She is very pleased with her subtle yet amazing results which are now 8.5 months after her surgery.
Read More
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Are You an Ideal Facelift Candidate?
A facelift may be right for you if you’re experiencing these symptoms of aging and are in good overall health:
Sagging Skin
Facelift candidates often have loose skin along the jawline, chin, and neck.
Volume Loss
Loss of fat and bone contributes to flattened or hollowed cheeks, along with lines and folds around the nose and mouth.
Facial Shape
Has your youthful V-shaped face turned more square or bottom-heavy? This change in facial shape is often a concern for facelift candidates.
Health Status
You should be in overall good health, free from medical conditions that might hinder healing or increase surgical risks.
A consultation with one of our surgeons will help determine if a facelift
aligns with your aesthetic goals.
Facelift Surgery Alternatives
Several facelift alternatives are available for patients with mild sagging in the cheeks and jowls. These less invasive treatments can provide noticeable improvements without surgery.
- Silhouette InstaLift™: Uses dissolvable threads to lift and tighten the skin. This option provides subtle, natural-looking results for those not ready for a more extensive procedure.
- FaceTite: A minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin and reduce fat in targeted areas, offering a smoother, more youthful appearance.
- BOTOX Cosmetic®: Effectively smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes and forehead, for a more refreshed look.
- Dermal Fillers: Restores lost volume, enhances facial contours, and softens deeper lines for a rejuvenated appearance.
For those looking to improve skin texture and tone, laser skin treatments can be a great alternative:
- HALO® Laser: This versatile, hybrid laser provides customized treatment to target fine lines, uneven skin tone, sun damage, and more for a fresh, revitalized look.
- ProFractional® Laser: Stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of scars and wrinkles.
- Forever Young BBL®: Treats pigmentation issues and sun damage for a more youthful, even complexion.
These options are excellent for individuals seeking a more youthful appearance without the downtime or commitment of facelift surgery.
How Is Facelift Surgery Performed?
Our surgeons use the SMAS facelift, which lifts and tightens the skin as well as the underlying muscles and tissues. This method creates a refreshed, natural look that lasts for years. Incisions are made at or within the hairline and around the ears to hide any scarring within the natural contours of your face.
How Should You Prepare for Surgery?
You will first have a thorough consultation with one of our surgeons to determine your goals for your facelift. The clinic’s patient coordinator will guide you through all your procedure’s planning details, including financing, scheduling, and paperwork.
Preparation tips:
- Avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs as these can increase bleeding
- Quit smoking at least a couple of months before surgery and throughout recovery.
- Don’t eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.
- Make sure that you have someone who can drive you home after surgery.
- Prepare your home and fill prescriptions before your surgery day.
- Schedule time off work for your recovery.
Combining Procedures
Facelift surgery is often combined with other procedures for more extensive results.
Facelift With Laser Skin Resurfacing
We often combine facelift procedures with laser resurfacing of the eyelid, mouth, and chin areas. This resurfacing reduces fine lines that a facelift does not correct.
Before & After
Facelift With Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is also commonly combined with a facelift to further improve facial aesthetics. It’s a natural and lasting way to restore volume to deep folds or hollow or flat cheeks. The fat is harvested from another part of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and then injected into the desired facial areas.
Before & After
We may also recommend combining your facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or brow liftto achieve a balanced, harmonious rejuvenation.
Facelift Recovery Timeline
While recovery experiences vary, here’s what you can generally expect:
- First 24 to 48 hours: Swelling and bruising are most noticeable but begin to subside afterward. Pain is typically minimal and manageable with prescribed medications.
- 5 to 7 days post-op: You can resume most normal activities of daily living, such as showering, walking outdoors, and shopping.
- 1 to 2 weeks post-op: You can resume light activities around the house. Makeup can help conceal any discoloration. Most patients are cleared to return to non-strenuous work by this time.
- 2 to 3 weeks post-op: Depending on the extent of your facelift and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
- 4 weeks post-op: In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including mild exercise after 4 weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal.
Full results may take several months to appear as any residual swelling subsides.
Facelift
FAQ
- How long will my facelift results last?
- Facelift results can last 7 to 10 years, depending on factors such as skin quality, age at the time of surgery, and lifestyle. While the aging process continues, your facelift will always help you look younger than your chronological age.
- Should I get a neck lift or a facelift?
- Because the face and neck are so closely related, a patient will rarely see signs of aging in one area but not the other. A neck lift is actually a lower facelift and is commonly performed at the same time as a facelift. In addition to repositioning the facial tissue and muscle, a neck lift includes lifting and tightening the platysma muscle and other tissue. In some cases, your surgeon makes an incision just below the chin to remove excess fat or tighten neck muscles.
- What is the cost of a facelift in Waterloo-Kitchener?
- The cost of a facelift varies based on your unique needs and the surgical technique used. We encourage you to schedule a consultation for a personalized quote tailored to your goals.
We offer financing options to help make your desired look attainable. - How much younger do you look after a facelift?
- After a facelift, most patients typically look 10 to 15 years younger. However, the aging process will continue, so maintaining a healthy lifestyle and good skincare routine can help extend your results.
