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Facelift Table of Contents

Refined Results from an Expert in Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a Harvard- and Columbia-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized fellowship training in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. As a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, she brings academic rigor, surgical mastery, and compassionate care to every procedure. For more than two decades, she has helped patients from around the world rediscover their confidence through natural-looking facial rejuvenation.

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What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and reposition the soft tissues of the mid to lower face and neck. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging skin and weakening supportive facial structures. In addition to skin laxity and volume loss, the muscles of facial expression—particularly those in the lower face and neck—may begin to descend or lose tone, further contributing to jowling, deep facial folds, and a blunted jawline. A facelift effectively addresses these age-related changes by:

  • Tightening the underlying SMAS layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system), which supports facial muscles and soft tissue
  • Repositioning descended or lax muscle groups to restore youthful facial dynamics
  • Removing excess, redundant skin
  • Sculpting the contours of the cheeks, jawline, and neck for smoother, more defined features

What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

Getting a deep plane facelift is a more advanced technique that uses a single unit to lift the deeper facial tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and fat pads.

Releasing key ligaments and repositioning soft tissue at a deeper level allows for more significant correction of midface sagging and nasolabial folds while maintaining a completely natural, “unpulled” appearance.

This technique is particularly effective in restoring volume and structure for patients with pronounced aging changes.

What Does a Facelift Address?

  • Loose, wrinkled, or sagging facial skin
  • Deep nasolabial folds (laugh lines)
  • Jowls or loss of jawline definition
  • Volume loss in the midface
  • Loose neck skin or vertical platysmal bands
  • Fat deposits beneath the chin or jaw

Benefits of a Facelift

  • Lifts sagging cheeks, jawline, and neck tissues
  • Smooths deep folds and creases around the mouth and chin
  • Refines jawline definition and reduces jowling
  • Improves skin laxity and restores youthful contour
  • Offers long-lasting results—often 8 to 10 years or more
  • Deep plane facelifts provide enhanced midface lifting and longer-lasting, natural results
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Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Notice sagging skin or jowls along the lower face or neck
  • Are in good physical health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
  • Are a nonsmoker or willing to stop before and after surgery
  • Have realistic expectations and a desire for natural-looking rejuvenation
  • May benefit from early intervention using less invasive or deep plane techniques

I can personally recommend Dr. Hutchinson, who is a Harvard-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon. She has the right aesthetic with over 20 years’ experience, giving her vast expertise in both cosmetic and corrective surgery. In her initial consultations, she makes astute observations and offers practical and professional advice. She is thoroughly competent and trustworthy in her judgment. The meticulous results that a person receives with her care are elegantly understated and exceptional. Dr. Hutchinson has a very warm demeanor and provides a comfortable environment to discuss personal concerns and goals. 

-Paula W.

Getting Ready for Your Facelift

In the privacy of her serene Upper East Side office, Dr. Hutchinson will guide you through a comprehensive consultation and preparation process to ensure a safe, smooth, and personalized experience. This includes:

  • A thoughtful discussion of your aesthetic goals and concerns
  • A thorough medical history review and facial examination
  • Pre-operative photos and imaging studies to aid surgical planning
  • Clear instructions for temporarily discontinuing blood-thinning medications and supplements
  • Guidance on adopting a healthy lifestyle and refraining from smoking
  • A personalized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and desired outcome
  • Detailed pre-operative and recovery instructions to help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way
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Facelift Surgery: What to Expect

Dr. Hutchinson typically performs a facelift surgery under IV sedation in her fully accredited AAAASF-certified operating suite. The procedure lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of correction and whether additional procedures (eyelid lift, brow lift, fat transfer) are performed. Most patients return home the same day after a short recovery period.

Surgical Techniques We Offer

SMAS Facelift

  • Targets sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck by repositioning the SMAS layer
  • This technique offers long-lasting, natural-looking results and is often combined with a neck lift

Deep Plane Facelift

  • Elevates deeper tissues as a single unit for comprehensive rejuvenation
  • Particularly effective for midface volume restoration and nasolabial fold correction, this method offers some of the most natural and durable results available

Skin-Only Facelift

  • A less invasive option focusing solely on skin tightening
  • Ideal for patients with minimal underlying laxity or those seeking shorter recovery
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Types of Facelift Incisions

  • Traditional Facelift: Long incisions hidden in the hairline and around the ear for full face and neck correction.
  • Limited Incision Facelift: Shorter incisions near the temples and ears for patients with milder aging changes.
  • Lower Facelift: Focuses on the jawline and neck, often paired with a neck lift.

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Revision Facelift Surgery

Dr. Hutchinson offers secondary facelift surgery if you’ve had a prior facelift and are seeing the return of aging changes or were dissatisfied with your initial results. With exceptional technical skill and aesthetic judgment, she can restore natural beauty while minimizing scarring and correcting past work.

What to Expect After Your Facelift

  • Swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected during the first 1–2 weeks
  • Sutures and clips are removed 7–10 days after surgery
  • Most patients resume social activities within 2–3 weeks
  • Final results emerge gradually as swelling resolves over several months
  • Scars are discreetly hidden in natural contours and fade over time
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Your Facelift Results

Facelift outcomes are long-lasting and elegant, with smoother skin, more defined contours, and a refreshed, natural appearance. Results typically last 8–10 years or longer, depending on your skin quality, lifestyle, and aging process.

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Why Choose Dr. Olivia Hutchinson?

Dr. Hutchinson brings more than 20 years of elite training, surgical experience, and aesthetic vision to each facelift she performs. Her meticulous technique, dedication to patient safety, and highly individualized care have earned her a reputation as one of New York’s top aesthetic plastic surgeons. At every step, she prioritizes discretion, harmony, and results that never look overdone—only beautifully refreshed.

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Complementary Procedures

Your facial aesthetic journey is unique, and Dr. Hutchinson offers a variety of surgical and non-surgical options to help you achieve your ideal outcome. Depending on your anatomy, goals, and areas of concern, she may recommend combining procedures or exploring alternative treatments for optimal balance and harmony. These may include:

  • Neck Lift: Targets sagging skin, muscle bands, and excess fat beneath the chin and along the neck.
  • Brow Lift: Elevates a heavy or drooping brow and softens forehead lines for a more youthful upper face.
  • Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Removes excess skin and puffiness around the eyes for a refreshed, alert appearance.
  • Fat Grafting: Restores lost facial volume using your body’s own fat for natural, long-lasting fullness.
  • Injectables (BOTOX®, Fillers): Temporarily smooth wrinkles and restore volume without surgery.
  • Laser Resurfacing or Chemical Peels: Improve skin tone, texture, and brightness by minimizing fine lines and pigmentation.

Dr. Hutchinson will guide you in selecting the most effective combination of treatments to meet your aesthetic goals with precision and artistry.

Facelift Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a facelift last?

What’s the difference between a SMAS and a deep plane facelift?

When is the right age for a facelift?

What are the risks?

Is a deep plane facelift right for me?

Will I look like myself after surgery?

How long is recovery?

Can I have a second facelift?

Will people be able to tell I’ve had surgery?

How long does a facelift last?

Most results last 8–10 years, depending on the technique, skin quality, and lifestyle.

What’s the difference between a SMAS and a deep plane facelift?

A SMAS facelift repositions the superficial support layer. A deep plane facelift releases deeper ligaments for enhanced midface correction and more natural movement.

When is the right age for a facelift?

Many patients choose surgery in their 40s to 60s, but it depends on personal goals and the degree of aging.

What are the risks?

Bleeding, infection, poor scarring, or nerve injury, though these are rare with expert surgical care.

Is a deep plane facelift right for me?

This technique may be ideal if you have volume descent in the midface, strong underlying structure, and desire dramatic but natural results.

Will I look like myself after surgery?

Yes. Dr. Hutchinson prioritizes subtle, age-appropriate enhancement, not drastic changes.

How long is recovery?

Swelling and bruising typically resolve in 2–3 weeks; full results appear over a few months.

Can I have a second facelift?

Yes. Many patients undergo a revision facelift 10+ years later or to improve upon prior results.

Will people be able to tell I’ve had surgery?

Most won’t—only that you look more refreshed and youthful. Incisions are hidden, and results are natural.

Ready to Learn More?

Whether you're exploring traditional or deep plane techniques, Dr. Hutchinson will design a treatment plan that reflects your natural beauty and aesthetic goals. Call our Upper East Side office or reach out online to get started.

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