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Debunking Facelift Myths: A Facelift Isn’t What You Think (Updated 2025)

Facelift Isn’t What You Think | RefinedMD, Los Gatos + San Jose

Debunking Facelift Myths: A Facelift Isn’t What You Think (Updated 2025)

The face is where most people first spot signs of aging, and it makes sense. That’s why RefinedMD offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for lines, wrinkles, lax skin, and other signs of aging.

Most people think of a facelift as the ultimate surgical procedure to instantly look years younger, more vibrant, and happier. A facelift can certainly help achieve this and remains one of the most highly recommended procedures. However, a facelift often isn’t what people think it is, and that’s probably because of a few common facelift myths.

8 Common Facelift Myths

Let’s explore some of the most prevalent facelift myths and delve into the truth about the procedure.

Myth #1: A facelift will look unnatural and leave obvious scars.

Today’s facelifts not only look natural but also feature small incisions that leave faint, easy-to-hide scars. Full facelifts use incisions hidden in and around the folds of the ears and the hairline. You can learn more about how modern, natural-looking facelift surgery can help you look like a younger, more refreshed version of yourself in our related blog post.

Myth#2: A facelift makes your neck look older in comparison.

A facelift almost always includes a neck lift, too. This ensures you achieve comprehensive rejuvenation and a smooth transition from the lower face to the jawline to the neck. In some rare cases, a patient may be a good candidate for just a neck lift if their face and jawline are still firm and smooth.

Myth #3: A facelift rejuvenates your entire face.

Facelifts address the lower half of the face only, so if you want to address aging in the upper half, you’ll need separate, additional procedures.

Some of the procedures you can add to revitalize your upper face include:

In some situations, a patient may best benefit from a combination of some or all of these procedures. If you’re concerned about scars from these upper facial procedures, don’t be. Lower eyelid incision scars are hidden along the lash line or sometimes even placed on the inside of the eyelid. Upper eyelid incision scars are blended into the natural crease of the eyelids, and brow lift incisions are often concealed along the hairline.

Myth #4: A facelift can’t smooth marionette lines.

Full facelifts don’t just address saggy skin around the jawline. They are designed to improve the lines and folds in the lower half of the face, including the deep lines near the nose and mouth called “marionette” lines. Marionette lines are some of the first lines to appear, and they can make you look angry, tired, or sad even when you’re not. It’s no wonder addressing these folds is one of the most popular requests of a plastic surgeon.

Myth #5: A face/neck lift won’t fix a double chin.

A facelift-neck lift combination can smooth a “softening” jawline and the appearance of excess fat beneath the chin. It contours the jawline and upper neck, giving you more definition and an attractive profile. You don’t need to be overweight to start developing a double chin. It can happen from age, genetics, or due to the natural structure of your face. Whatever the cause of your softening jawline and double chin, a lower facelift can help.

Myth #6: Facelifts are only for older women.

There is no ideal age for a facelift or other facial plastic surgery. Although most patients are in their 40s or 50s, some patients may be great candidates at younger or older ages. In some cases, getting a facelift earlier in life may be the best option. It’s important that a candidate be healthy, and this can be more likely at a younger age. In other cases, such as with a neck lift, the issues aren’t caused by age at all. A person with a jawline that isn’t well-defined or who is simply genetically predisposed to a double chin might benefit from a neck lift at a younger age.

Myth #7: Facelift recovery takes too long.

Many clients are surprised at how comparatively fast the recovery process is. In most cases, patients return to the majority of their daily activities just 2 or 3 weeks after surgery.

Myth #8: Nonsurgical procedures can take the place of a facelift.

A number of nonsurgical treatments can address signs of aging on the face. However, for those who want dramatic results immediately, cosmetic surgery is often the only answer. The only comparable, nonsurgical option to a facelift is a deep chemical peel. However, a deep chemical peel requires downtime similar to a full facelift. The expenses can be comparable, and keep in mind that even though a deep chemical peel offers dramatic results, it ultimately does not remove excess or sagging skin. It also is not often combined with liposuction, which is an easy and common “add-on” to facial cosmetic surgery (especially in the under-chin area and around the eyes).

Why Choosing a Facial Plastic Surgeon Is Important

At RefinedMD, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sudeep Roy performs all facial plastic surgeries. Board-certified and Stanford-educated, Dr. Roy is one of the most qualified surgeons to provide fantastic, natural-looking results. An experienced facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Roy can assess your facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic concerns to recommend the right procedure for you. A lot of patients understandably think they want just a facelift, when in actuality, their goals require a facelift and additional surgeries to address the entire aging effects that show up on the face.

Take Years off Your Face. Book Your Consultation

Are you ready to learn more about what a facelift and other facial rejuvenation procedures can do for you? Schedule your complimentary consultation today or call us at (408) 688-2082 to get started.