The facelift has been around for more than 90 years and has gotten quite a few makeovers itself to produce better results for aging patients. While a facelift, also known as face lift skin tightening, can involve a variety of techniques and variations, the underlying principle is to reshape and resize the loosened facial tissues and tighten the skin for a smoother, younger look. However, times have changed and Seattle area plastic surgeon, Dr. Marosan, recognizes the fact that the face has 3 dimensions; therefore, volume and contouring must be restored as well.
“I had a lower facelift and chin lift about 7 weeks ago after choosing Dr. Marosan for the procedure and I couldn't be happier. He took the time to thoroughly explain what was involved and didn't pressure me to book the surgery.”
– Patient
Facelift
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Buccal Fat Pad Removal
VASER Liposuction of Jaw and Neck with Renuvion
Bullhorn Lip Lift
Overview
“I am considering a face lift and have been to see several doctors, I was so impressed with Dr. Marosan I have cancelled my other consultations.”
– Patient
Dr. Marosan performs the short scar facelift in the appropriate patient, where the length and placement of the incision is taken into account in order to better gain access to the treatment area to remove excessive skin and re-suspend the soft tissues. This results in restored volume and a more lifted, contoured look to create a more youthful appearance. In addition, since the incisions are shorter, scarring is minimized and the patient will not have that overworked, wind tunnel look that’s often a side effect of traditional face lifts.
Dr. Marosan performs the deep plane facelift in the appropriate patient, where the deeper facial tissues are carefully repositioned to achieve more natural and long-lasting rejuvenation. This results in restored volume and a more lifted, contoured look to create a more youthful appearance. In addition, by addressing the underlying facial structure rather than simply tightening the skin, the patient will not have the overworked, wind tunnel look that is often a side effect of traditional facelifts.
During/After Surgery
All facelift procedures are performed in our QuadA accredited surgical facility using deep intravenous sedation. Facelift surgery is typically an outpatient procedure. It is normal to experience bruising and swelling after surgery, and patients may feel a sensation of tightness in the face. This usually subsides within a couple of days. Optimal results become evident over the course of several weeks. Limiting activities during recovery is important to promote safe and efficient healing. Dr. Marosan requires that all his facelift patients undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy for faster and better healing.
Surgical Technique
The deep plane facelift technique, standard or extended, is dependent on the patient’s facial features and conditions. Patients must understand the procedure in detail, including the level of invasiveness, placement of incisions, what layers of tissues will be corrected, and what risks may be associated with the surgery before moving forward. All these are covered during the consultation and the preoperative appointment.
Deep Plane Lift
With continued advancements in facelift surgery based on clinical and anatomical observations, the deep plane facelift has become the preferred technique for appropriate patients. This approach has largely replaced traditional SMAS facelift techniques, although SMAS methods are still commonly performed by many plastic surgeons.
A deep plane facelift addresses the face and neck in three dimensions by repositioning the underlying muscle and fat structures and removing excess skin without creating a tight or overpulled appearance. Fat grafting is often incorporated to restore age-related volume loss and help recreate a more youthful, natural look.
This technique effectively treats the soft tissues of the midface, nasolabial folds, and jowls—areas that tend to loosen and descend downward and forward over time and are less predictably corrected with SMAS techniques alone. Because the deep plane facelift requires a highly specialized skill set, careful selection of an experienced plastic surgeon is essential. The risk of nerve injury is less than 1%, which is identical to that of a SMAS facelift.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Non-Invasive Techniques?
Cosmetic surgery is constantly evolving and always finding ways to minimize the invasiveness of procedures. There are countless options that are considered less invasive than a facelift, including wrinkle relaxers such as BOTOX®, injectable fillers, microdermabrasion and chemical/laser peels. These alternatives aim to correct signs of aging such as wrinkles, as well flatten and soften folds and contours. None of these procedures are interchangeable with a well done facelift. The effects, might show some improvement, are often short-term, lasting about 6 months to a year. Although these procedures can be safely repeated, for some, a facelift may be a better, more permanent option. Many of the non-invasive modalities like radiofrequency procedures can and will create internal scarring under the skin making the facelift dissection more challenging for the surgeon and create greater risk of skin breakdown, necrosis and poor scarring.
How Natural?
Immediately following a facelift procedure, the patient will feel tightness and a pulling sensation. This is normal as the facial tissues, skin and muscle adjust to their new positions. It is important to choose a reputable plastic surgeon that has years of experience in facial cosmetic surgery. A doctor with experience in facial surgery will create natural, smooth results that will last for years to come.
Visible Scars?
All facelift surgeries requires an incision, but the scars will be well concealed within the hairline and natural creases on the face and neck. In the deep plane facelift technique, there’s no need to pull the skin tight, thus it leaves better healing and no distortions from scars. Once healed, these scars are very fine and almost imperceptible to the eye.
Best Age?
Anyone can consider a facelift as soon as evidence of aging starts taking a toll on the skin. Generally, patients who are age 50 – 70 consider a facelift. Personal habits and environmental conditions can impact the skin and there are patients who are only 40 that are also good candidates for a facelift.
Why Choose Dr. Marosan?
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in aesthetic surgery
- Widely recognized for his advanced body sculpting and facial rejuvenation techniques, including natural-looking facelift results
- Expert in modern facelift procedures that restore youthful contours without the “overdone” appearance
- Extensive training in the latest body and facial contouring technologies, offering fully customized treatment plans
- Personally oversees every aspect of your care—from your initial consultation through to post-operative recovery
- Available 24/7 after surgery, ensuring constant support for a smooth and confident recovery journey
- All procedures performed under gentle intravenous sedation, avoiding general anesthesia for greater comfort and safety
- Surgeries conducted in our accredited, state-of-the-art on-site surgical suite for convenience and continuity of care
- Utilizes a rapid recovery protocol, helping patients return to daily life faster with minimal downtime
- Holds staff privileges at Overlake Medical Center for seamless care if hospital services are needed
- Elite member of ASPS, ASAPS, and ISAPS—organizations that require certification by The American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensuring the highest standard of surgical excellence