By Dr. Gina Maccarone, MD, FACS, FAACS

Welcome to Is This Procedure Right for You?, a new series designed to help you make confident, informed decisions about cosmetic surgery. In each installment, I’ll break down a specific procedure, explain who it’s best suited for, and help you understand whether it aligns with your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.

This month, we’re starting with one of my specialties: the facelift. If you’ve been wondering whether facelift surgery is right for you, here’s what you need to know before you decide.

What a Facelift Really Does

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is one of the most transformative yet misunderstood procedures in aesthetic medicine. It doesn’t change who you are. It restores what time has softened. By repositioning deeper facial layers and tightening underlying muscles, a facelift smooths sagging skin, refines the jawline, and lifts drooping cheeks for a more balanced, youthful appearance. Modern facelift techniques focus on natural harmony, not “tightness.” My approach ensures you still look like yourself, just more refreshed and confident.

Signs You May Be Ready for a Facelift

There’s no “perfect age” for facelift surgery. The best indicator isn’t the number on your birthday cake. It’s how you feel when you look in the mirror.

You may be ready for a facelift if you notice:

  • Skin laxity or jowling along the jawline and neck
  • Deep creases between the nose and mouth
  • Loss of cheek volume or midface definition
  • Loose skin that non-surgical treatments can no longer correct

“When your outer reflection no longer matches the energy you feel inside,” I often tell patients, “that’s when it’s time to talk about rejuvenation.”

Who Makes an Ideal Facelift Candidate

The best candidates for facelift surgery are healthy, non-smoking individuals who maintain a stable weight and have realistic expectations about recovery and results. You should also be ready to take the necessary downtime for healing, because like any meaningful transformation, recovery takes patience and care. Facelift results can last 10–15 years or longer, making it a powerful, long-term investment in your confidence and appearance.

 

What a Facelift Can, and Can’t, Do

A facelift beautifully restores structure and contour, but it doesn’t change skin tone, texture, or sun damage. For those concerns, complementary skincare and sun protection are essential. My focus as a surgeon is always on surgical artistry, lifting and sculpting in a way that feels organic, not artificial.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Gina

Facelift surgery isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about restoring harmony, balance, and self-assurance. Every patient’s journey is unique, but the goal is always the same: helping you feel like the best, most confident version of yourself.

If you’ve been wondering whether facelift surgery might be the right step for you, I invite you to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll explore your goals, discuss realistic results, and create a plan that aligns beautifully with your vision.

Xo, 
Dr. G