What is a Face Lift?
A face lift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that restores youthful definition to the face and neck by repositioning underlying tissues, removing excess skin, and tightening lax areas. More than just a cosmetic enhancement, a face lift is about realignment — bringing your external appearance back into harmony with how you feel on the inside.
Dr. Oscar Ramirez approaches facial rejuvenation with exceptional precision, focusing on results that are natural-looking, age-appropriate, and never “pulled” or overdone.
What a Face Lift Can and Cannot Do
It’s important to set clear expectations. A face lift:
✅ Can…
Reverse visible signs of aging of the entire face and neck.
Recreate a firmer jawline and eliminate jowls
Smooth creases between the nose and mouth
Tighten loose neck skin and muscle bands
Restore facial volume
Rejuvenate the facial expression
🚫 Cannot…
Improve forehead lines (that’s the role of a brow lift)
Address drooping eyelid (blepharoplasty is better suited for that)
Stop the aging process entirely — but it can reset your visual age by 8–12 years or more
Patients often combine a face lift with fat transfer, lip lift, facial implants, or skin resurfacing for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Definition and Purpose of Rhytidectomy
As the face ages, gravity, muscle laxity, volume loss, and environmental damage contribute to sagging skin, deep creases, and soft-tissue descent. A face lift:
Repositions the underlying SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) to lift and support facial structures
Removes redundant skin that has lost elasticity
Tightens the lower face and neck, improving jowls and jawline contour
Smooths deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
The goal is not to change your identity — it’s to refresh your appearance in a way that looks effortless, rested, and rejuvenated.
Signs of Facial Aging Addressed by a Face Lift
Aging is natural — but that doesn’t mean you have to accept sagging skin, deep creases, or a tired appearance as permanent. A face lift is specifically designed to treat the structural changes that occur in the lower face and neck as we age.
At Beauté Plastic Surgery, Dr. Oscar Ramirez tailors every procedure to match your degree of aging, anatomy, and goals, delivering results that are restorative, not artificial.
Sagging Jawline and Jowls
One of the most common signs of facial aging is softening along the jawline. Over time, skin and underlying tissues loosen, creating jowls that blur the separation between the face and neck.
A face lift redefines the jaw contour, removing heaviness and restoring a clean, youthful outline to the lower face.
Deep Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines
Repeated facial expressions, volume loss, and gravity lead to prominent smile lines (nasolabial folds) and vertical creases from the corners of the mouth downward (marionette lines). These can give the impression of sadness, fatigue, or tension — even when you’re feeling your best.
While a face lift won’t erase fine lines, it does soften these deep folds by repositioning the midface tissues upward, not just stretching the skin.
Loss of Skin Elasticity and Volume
With age, we naturally lose collagen, fat, and facial volume. The result? Hollow cheeks, skin that hangs rather than hugs the bone, and a general sense of deflation or downward drift.
A modern face lift addresses this by repositioning the deep tissue layers, not just trimming skin. In some cases, fat grafting or dermal fillers can be added to enhance volume where needed.
Loose Neck Skin and Double Chin
Often, patients are just as concerned about their neck as their face — and rightly so. Skin laxity, vertical banding (platysma bands), and the accumulation of fat under the chin can dramatically age the profile.
Dr. Ramirez frequently combines a neck lift with facelift surgery to tighten the neck muscles, smooth skin, and remove excess fat — resulting in a longer, more elegant neck contour and seamless transition from face to chest.
The Face Lift Procedure: What to Expect
Undergoing a face lift is a significant decision — but with the right planning, communication, and care, it can be one of the most rewarding transformations of your life. Dr. Oscar Ramirez ensures that every step of your procedure is carefully designed to match your goals, comfort level, and anatomy.
Here’s what to expect at each stage.
Preoperative Consultation and Custom Planning
Your journey begins with a detailed, one-on-one consultation. Dr. Ramirez will:
Examine your facial structure, skin laxity, and volume loss
Discuss your aging concerns, goals, and aesthetic preferences
Determine which facelift technique best suits your needs
Review any combination procedures (neck lift, eyelids, facial implants, etc.)
Create a personalized surgical plan including incision strategy and recovery timeline
You’ll also receive pre-op instructions to help prepare your body for surgery — including medication guidelines, lab work, and logistical planning for your recovery.
Type of Anesthesia Used
Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia or twilight sedation, depending on the complexity of your procedure and your comfort level. Dr. Ramirez works with board-certified anesthesiologists and with certified nurse anesthetists in an accredited surgical facility to ensure optimal safety and peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Surgical Process
The facelift procedure typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the technique and whether additional procedures are included.
Here’s how the surgery unfolds:
Incisions are made based on your custom plan
Dr. Ramirez carefully repositions the SMAS layer
Excess skin is trimmed
If a neck lift or fat grafting is included
Sutures are placed, and your incisions are dressed for healing
The result is a naturally lifted, recontoured face that looks refreshed — not altered.
Recovery After Face Lift Surgery
Recovering from a face lift is not only a physical process — it’s a transformation that gradually reveals a more rested, youthful, and confident version of yourself. At Beauté Plastic Surgery, Dr. Oscar Ramirez and his team provide close, attentive support at every stage to ensure that your healing is safe, smooth, and beautifully on track.
Here’s what you can expect throughout the recovery process:
First Days: Swelling, Support, and Follow-Up
The first 48–72 hours are dedicated to rest, protection, and monitoring. During this time:
You’ll wear a gentle facial compression garment to support tissues and minimize swelling.
Swelling and mild bruising around the cheeks, jawline, and neck are expected — this is your body’s normal response to healing.
You may feel tightness or stiffness in the lower face and neck — this resolves gradually.
Pain is usually mild to moderate and managed easily with prescribed medications.
Dr. Ramirez will see you for your first post-op visit within a few days to examine your incisions, remove any drains (if placed), and ensure you’re healing as expected.
Returning to Work and Normal Activities
Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or light activities after 10 to 14 days, especially if bruising is minimal and makeup is allowed.
By this point:
Swelling is significantly reduced
Most sutures have been removed or absorbed
You’ll be cleared for non-strenuous walking and daily routines
However, heavy lifting, exercise, and strenuous activity should be avoided for about 3–4 weeks. Dr. Ramirez will guide your timeline based on how your individual healing is progressing.
Scar Care and Long-Term Results
Incisions typically heal very well and are strategically placed to be concealed within:
The hairline
Natural skin creases around the ears
Under the chin (if a neck lift was included)
To promote optimal scar healing, you’ll receive:
Topical scar treatments or silicone gel therapy
Instructions on massage techniques (if appropriate)
Long-term sun protection advice to prevent darkening or thickening
Final results will emerge gradually over the course of 3 to 6 months as swelling fully subsides and tissues settle into place. Your face will look refreshed, firmer, and lifted — but not tight or unnatural.
Emotional and Psychological Recovery
It’s normal to experience an emotional rollercoaster during the healing process. Swelling, asymmetry, or temporary numbness can feel discouraging at first — but these are part of the body’s natural timeline.
Within a few weeks, you’ll begin to recognize your new you. By month three, you’ll look rested and rejuvenated. By month six, you’ll likely feel that the results have fully blended with your identity — simply a better version of you.
How much does a Face Lift cost?
The decision to undergo a face lift is a long-term investment in how you look, feel, and age. At Beauté Plastic Surgery, we understand that cost is an important factor — and we believe in being fully transparent about what your investment includes.
While pricing varies based on the complexity of your case, Dr. Oscar Ramirez delivers unmatched value through experience, precision, and natural results that last for years.
Your personalized quote will depend on several factors, including:
The extent of facial aging and whether a full or mini lift is performed
Whether a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer is added
The surgical time required for your specific anatomy
Any complementary procedures included in your plan
Dr. Ramirez will provide a comprehensive quote during your consultation, tailored to your goals — with no hidden fees.
Financing Options Available
We want every qualified patient to access high-level aesthetic care. We offer flexible payment options, including:
Cherry Finance
Monthly payment plans with no or low interest (upon approval)
Pre-qualification assistance during your consultation
If you’d like to plan ahead, our team can help you explore custom payment arrangements that make your journey manageable and stress-free.
What our patients are saying
Discover the transformative experiences of our patients at Beauté Plastic Surgery. Our clients consistently praise our expert care, innovative procedures, and the personalized attention they receive from our dedicated team. From advanced facial surgeries to precision body contouring, every review highlights our commitment to excellence and our passion for enhancing natural beauty. Read their stories and see why so many trust us to guide their aesthetic journey.
Why choose Dr. Oscar Ramirez?
Choosing to undergo a face lift is deeply personal — and so is choosing the right surgeon to perform it. What makes the difference isn’t just technical skill, but the ability to deliver results that are subtle, balanced, and in harmony with your identity.
That’s the signature approach of Dr. Oscar Ramirez, one of Miami’s most respected board-certified plastic surgeons, and the guiding philosophy of Beauté Plastic Surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Face Lift Surgery
Is a face lift permanent?
A face lift produces long-lasting results, but it does not stop the natural aging process. Most patients enjoy results that last 10–15 years or more, depending on skin quality, lifestyle, and sun exposure. Over time, subtle signs of aging may return, but you will always look younger than if you had not had surgery.
Will I look “pulled” or unnatural?
Not with Dr. Ramirez. His technique focuses on lifting the underlying SMAS tissue, not just tightening the skin. The result is smooth, lifted contours — not the overstretched or “wind tunnel” look. Most people will simply notice that you look rested, refreshed, and healthier.
What is the best age for a face lift?
There is no “perfect age,” but most patients undergo a face lift between ages 45 and 70. The right time is when non-surgical treatments are no longer enough, and facial sagging, jowls, or deep folds start to significantly affect your appearance or confidence.
Can I combine a face lift with other procedures?
Yes. In fact, combining procedures can produce more balanced and complete results. Common combinations include:
Neck lift
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Fat transfer to the cheeks or temples
Brow lift
Skin resurfacing treatments
Dr. Ramirez will guide you on safe, effective combinations during your consultation.
How soon can I go out in public after a face lift?
Most patients feel comfortable being seen socially in 10–14 days, especially with makeup. By week three, swelling and bruising are minimal, and final results continue to refine over the following months.
Will I lose facial movement or expression?
No. A properly performed facelift does not affect your facial muscles or nerves that control expression. You’ll still smile, laugh, and express emotion — just without the heavy or tired appearance that previously obscured your features.
Does a face lift help with fine lines or skin texture?
A facelift improves sagging, structure, and contour, but it doesn’t treat surface-level wrinkles, sun damage, or pigmentation. For these concerns, Dr. Ramirez may recommend laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or injectables to complement your results.
How do I maintain my results after surgery?
To extend the life of your facelift:
Wear daily sun protection (SPF 30+)
Follow a consistent medical-grade skincare routine
Avoid smoking and maintain a stable weight
Consider non-invasive treatments like microneedling or radiofrequency for maintenance
Dr. Ramirez will create a post-op care and maintenance plan tailored to your skin and lifestyle.
Ready to Look Like Yourself Again?
Don’t wait for aging to define your expression. Take control of your look — and your confidence — today.
