Facelift in Grand Rapids, Michigan

There isn’t one. The right time depends on how your face has aged rather than your birthday. Most patients pursue facelift surgery in their late 40s to 60s, but some patients in their early 40s are candidates while others in their 70s achieve excellent results. The right time is when the signs of aging that bother you no longer respond to non-surgical treatments.

You're not too young if you have aesthetic concerns that non-surgical treatments can't address. Some people simply age earlier. You're rarely too old as long as you can safely and effectively undergo surgery. The key factors are your overall health, skin quality and realistic expectations.

Injectable fillers and BOTOX® work well for volume loss and dynamic wrinkles but cannot lift sagging tissue or remove excess skin. If those are your concerns, or you're scheduling injectable appointments more frequently with less satisfaction, a facelift may be the right choice. Many patients benefit from combining injectables with surgical facial rejuvenation.

A full facelift addresses the mid-face, lower face, and neck through incisions extending around the ear and into the hairline, with approximately two weeks of recovery. A mini facelift uses smaller incisions to target early jowling and mild sagging, with shorter recovery, but it cannot address significant neck concerns or achieve the same degree of lifting.

A facelift primarily addresses the lower two-thirds face, though it typically includes some neck improvement as well. A neck lift specifically targets loose neck skin, platysma muscle banding, and submental fullness (double chin). It involves incisions under the chin and behind the ears. Many patients need both, and the procedures are frequently combined.

Visit our Testimonials page to read real stories from patients who’ve chosen The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery and Symmetry Med Spa for their aesthetic care.

These procedures address different areas. A facelift improves the mid-face, lower face, and neck. A brow lift (also called a forehead lift) addresses the upper face, including sagging eyebrows and horizontal forehead lines. If your primary concern is heavy, drooping brows that make you look tired or angry, a brow lift may be more appropriate than a facelift. Combining a facelift with a brow lift and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can provide comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Yes, and many patients do. Common combinations include:

• Facelift + neck lift for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation
• Facelift + blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to address sagging eyelids and under-eye bags
• Facelift + brow lift for patients with upper face aging as well
• Facelift + fat transfer to restore volume in hollow areas while lifting sagging tissues
• Facelift + laser skin resurfacing to improve skin texture and tone

Individual recovery varies. Some patients heal faster, others take longer. But on average, full facelift recovery follows this timeline:

• Days 1-3: Swelling and bruising are at their peak. You'll rest at home with your head elevated, taking prescribed medications for comfort. During this window, you'll come in for an early follow-up with your surgeon. We will check your healing, change your dressings, and even wash your hair for you, a small touch our patients consistently appreciate.
• Days 4-7: Swelling and bruising begin to subside, and many patients feel noticeably better. You'll have a follow-up appointment to check your healing and remove sutures or drains.
• Week 2: Patients start to feel ready to be seen in public with makeup to hide any residual bruising. Many return to desk jobs around this time.
• Weeks 3-4: Residual swelling continues to decrease. You can gradually resume more activities, though strenuous exercise should still be avoided.
• Weeks 6-8: Most activity restrictions are lifted. You can return to exercise of all kinds.
• Months 2-6: Final results emerge as the last swelling resolves and tissues settle into their new position.

Yes, bruising is a normal part of facelift recovery. Most patients experience bruising around the cheeks, jawline, and neck that peaks around days 2-3 and gradually fades over the following 10-14 days. By week two, most bruising is manageable with makeup. If you have a special event or important obligation, plan your surgery with adequate recovery time.

Most patients return to desk work within 10-14 days, once the most significant swelling and bruising have subsided. If your job involves physical activity, heavy lifting or bending, you may need three or more weeks before returning.

Facelift incisions are placed to be as discreet as possible (within the hairline, in front of or inside the ear, around the earlobe, behind the ear, under the chin). Our surgeons are known for their scar minimization techniques.

Initially, scars are pink or red and may be raised. Over the following months, they fade and flatten significantly. Even hairstylists often don't notice them once they reach maturity.

Facelift results typically last 7-10 years, though this varies based on genetics, lifestyle, skincare habits, and complementary aesthetic treatments. You'll continue to age after surgery, but you'll always look better than if you'd never had the procedure. We like to describe it as resetting the clock rather than stopping it.

Some patients choose a secondary "refresher" procedure years later to renew their appearance. Others are satisfied with their results for decades with good maintenance.

A facelift should make you look more rested and youthful, but still clearly yourself.

At the Bengtson Center, natural results are our priority. As Dr. Bengtson says, "The best plastic surgery is in the patients you can't tell have had it." Modern facelift techniques focus on lifting and repositioning deeper tissues rather than simply pulling skin tight, which avoids the overly tight "windswept" appearance that sometimes resulted from older techniques. We invite you to look at before-and-after photos of actual patients so you can see the natural-looking results we achieve.

Facelift costs vary based on the extent of the procedure, whether additional procedures are combined, provider experience, anesthesia fees and facility fees. At the Bengtson Center, you'll receive a detailed quote during your consultation. We believe in transparent pricing with no surprise costs.

Facelift surgery is considered elective and cosmetic, so it's not covered by insurance. We offer financing options to help make your procedure more accessible.

Your face deserves the best. The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery offers:

Board-Certified Expertise: Our surgeons — Dr. Brad Bengtson, Dr. David Alfonso, and Dr. Narges Horriat — are board-certified plastic surgeons with specialized training in facial rejuvenation. Dr. Alfonso has a particular passion for the artistry and technical skill required by facial procedures.

A Proven Track Record: Our plastic surgeons are consistently recognized by their peers and patients alike, including accolades from Best Doctors in America® and Grand Rapids Magazine. The practice has earned over 1,000 five-star reviews from patients.

A Natural Results Philosophy: We believe the best work is subtle. Our approach focuses on restoring a natural, refreshed appearance, avoiding an artificial or overdone look.

An AAASF-Accredited Surgical Center: Your facelift will be performed at our on-site New Vista Surgical Center. Our facility meets rigorous hospital-level safety standards with board-certified anesthesiologists and emergency readiness protocols, but feels more like a beautiful boutique retreat. It’s where clinical expertise meets the comforts of home.

Comprehensive Care: From your first consultation through recovery, you'll receive personalized attention from our team. Our concierge care model provides our patients with exceptional service, whether you’re local to West Michigan or traveling in from out of town.