What Is the Best Age for a Facelift?
One of the most common questions I get from patients at Youthful Reflections is, "What is the best age for a facelift?" Many people wonder if they're too young or too old for the procedure,… Read On
Youthful Reflections: Michael A. Boggess, MD
213 Overlook Circle, Suite B-3
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (615) 942-8016
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Facelift: The Reflection Lift
Customized Facelift
Dr. Michael Boggess earned his reputation as one of the best facelift surgeons, not only in Nashville and Brentwood but nationally, with his signature Reflection Lift—a unique approach that creates remarkable, natural-looking results. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, his comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy enables him to address the specific concerns and goals of each facelift patient from Nashville, Franklin, Memphis, and Knoxville, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama, for a truly custom procedure.
If you’re looking for the best plastic surgeon for facelift surgery, Dr. Boggess should be at the top of your list. With nearly 25 years of experience and having performed more than 4,500 facelift surgeries, he has developed techniques that lead to optimal results for all different types of patients.
Facelift / Reflection Lift
Before & After Photos
Case: 1 of 9
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8
YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 48
Procedures:Facelift / Reflection LiftFat TransferBrowpexyUpper BlepharoplastyLower BlepharoplastyFull Face CO2 Laser Skin ResurfacingResults:This patient is a 48-year-old male who presented with multiple cosmetic concerns related to aging of the face and neck. He had marked brow ptosis and hooding of the upper eyelids, bags under the eye... Read More
Before & After
Case: 2 of 8
YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 62
Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftBrow LiftFat TransferCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Before & After
Case: 3 of 8
YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 67
Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftFat TransferFractional CO2 Laser Skin ResurfacingResults:At age 67, patient had noticed progressive aging of the face and neck for several years. She didn’t like to look at pictures of herself anymore, because she felt like she looked old. She hated the wrinkles around her mouth and the sagging in... Read More
Before & After
Case: 4 of 8
YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 63
Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftLower BlepharoplastyFat TransferCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Before & After
Case: 5 of 8
YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT
Procedure:Level 2 Reflection LiftResults:This patient presented in her early 40’s with concerns related to her neck. Although she was still a young lady, she had never had a great neckline, and it was only worsening with age. She was, otherwise, still very youthful in appearance. She scheduled a consultation with Dr. Boggess to see what she c... Read More
Before & After
Case: 6 of 8
YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 51
Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftFat TransferCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Before & After
Case: 7 of 8
YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 74
Procedures:Facelift / Reflection LiftLower BlepharoplastyFat TransferResults:Patient presented in her early 70’s with concerns related to aging of the face and neck. African-American patients tend to have thicker dermis of the skin and don’t typically wrinkle the way Caucasians do as they age. However, they commonly experience volume los... Read More
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8
YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 66
Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Unique Solutions Tailored to Your Needs
What sets the Reflection Lift apart from the traditional facelift, deep plane facelift, and other facelift procedures is that the surgical plan Dr. Boggess creates is based on a consultation that involves a thorough evaluation of your concerns and facial anatomy. He spends as much time as necessary to examine your facial structure, answer questions, and set appropriate expectations.
The hallmarks of a Reflection Lift include:
- Performed in an office-based setting using light to moderate sedation and local anesthesia, eliminating the risks and cost of general anesthesia (patients can choose to have general anesthesia for an additional cost)
- A conservative approach to facelift resulting in reduced risk for complications and faster recovery compared to traditional facelift surgery
- Most patients show no visible signs of surgery within 10 to 14 days of their procedures
- Typically recommended that patients allow at least 6 to 8 weeks for recovery prior to any major social event
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in the Nashville Area?
The cost for the average facelift ranges from approximately $12,000 to $30,000. It can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including:
- Region of the country
- Experience of the surgeon
- Complexity of the procedure performed
- Location of the procedure (office, surgery center, hospital)
- Type of anesthesia used
In general, the cost of a facelift includes the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee, and the anesthesia fee. However, cost should not be the primary consideration in determining the right surgeon to perform your procedure. The experience of the surgeon, his facelift results as indicated by a review of before and after photos, and the satisfaction of his patients based on testimonials and reviews should be seriously taken into consideration.
A low-cost procedure performed by an inexperienced surgeon who delivers poor results is not a good combination. At Youthful Reflections, we try to make facial rejuvenation procedures more affordable for the average person by performing our procedures in an office-based setting using light to moderate sedation and local anesthesia. The cost of a facelift in our practice ranges from $12,000 to $20,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used.
Considering a Facelift?
Start With Our Expert's Guide
"An Expert's Guide to Facelift Surgery" provides essential information for anyone thinking about getting a facelift. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Boggess is considered Nashville's facelift expert after performing thousands of facial rejuvenation procedures with consistently remarkable results.
The Expert's Guide explains:
- How to choose a surgeon you can trust
- What to do before your facelift
- Why a Reflection Lift is more than a facelift
- When you'll be ready for a big social event
Get Your FREE Expert's Guide to Facelift Surgery
The Different Levels of a Reflection Lift
Not all patients who are considering a facelift need the same level of correction to reach their cosmetic goals. Dr. Boggess developed 3 distinct levels of his signature facelift procedure for different patients.
Level 1 Reflection Lift
A conservative approach to deep plane facelift for addressing mild to moderate sagging in the jowls and mild sagging in the neck. The SMAS is a web of fascia that encompasses the muscles and fat in the face. This fascial layer is continuous with the platysma muscle in the neck. All properly performed facelift procedures involve some technique for lifting and repositioning the SMAS and platysma to restore a youthful contour to the jawline and neck. The Reflection Lift employs Dr. Boggess’ unique approach to the management of the SMAS, utilizing conservative deep plane dissection and repositioning of the SMAS and platysma to achieve optimal results for a more youthful, well-defined jawline and neck.
Level 2 Reflection Lift
Indicated for moderate sagging in the jowls and mild to moderate sagging in the neck with accumulation of fat along the jawline and in the neck. The procedure involves a deep plane facelift, tailored to the individual needs of the patient, in combination with liposculpting of the jawline and neck.
Level 3 Reflection Lift
Indicated for moderate to severe sagging in the jowls and neck with associated laxity or banding of the platysma muscle in the front of the neck. The procedure involves a more extensive deep plane facelift, tailored to the individual needs of the patient, in combination with tightening of the platysma muscle in the midline of the neck (corset platysmaplasty) and liposculpting of the face and neck, as indicated.
A Facelift Glossary
SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System): A fibrous network of fascia, deep to the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the face, that surrounds the muscles of facial expression. It is one of the most important support structures for the face.
Deep Plane Facelift: A facelift technique that involves surgical dissection deep to the SMAS, releasing ligamentous attachments of the SMAS to the underlying bony skeleton. The extent of deep plane dissection will vary depending on the individual needs of each patient to optimize results while minimizing the risk of complications.
Collagen: A protein that binds tissues, collagen provides volume and contributes elasticity that keeps skin plump and smooth. It begins breaking down faster than our bodies can replace it as we get older.
Elastin: A protein that is one of the primary elements of elastic, connective tissue found mostly in the skin.
Platysma Muscle: A draping muscle that extends from the jawline to the clavicles in the neck. The age-related weakening of these neck muscles leads to laxity and vertical bands in the neck with advancing age.
Jowls: The sagging skin and fat below the jawline.
Liposculpting: A procedure that conservatively removes excess fat from the neck and jawline using liposuction to sculpt more attractive contours.
Surgical Lower Facelift vs. Liquid Facelift
A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical facial rejuvenation procedure performed entirely with injectables. By combining dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic, folds and wrinkles can be diminshed and volume can be restored to the cheeks and around the eyes. The liquid facelift provides subtle results and does not address the neck. It is most appropriate for younger patients with early signs of aging and must be repeated every few months to maintain the results.
A surgical lower facelift can be personalized to the unique needs of the patient, whether they have early or more advanced signs of aging. This procedure addresses the cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jowls, and neck. Results are impressive yet natural-looking and long-lasting (about 7 – 10 years), regardless of the degree of correction provided.
Facelift vs. Brow Lift
Facelift and brow lift are both facial plastic surgery procedures that can help you look younger; however, they address different areas of the face. Here are some differences:
Brow Lift
How it works: Raises the skin and soft tissues of the forehead and eyebrow through incisions in or along the edge of the hairline or in an existing forehead crease.
Benefits: Corrects lines across the forehead, creases between the eyebrows, and a heavy brow.
Recovery: About 1 week to return to public.
Best for: Aging of the upper face.
Facelift
How it works: Raises skin, fascia, muscle, and soft tissues of the lower face, jawline, and neck through incisions that begin in the hairline at the temple and run in front of the ear and around to the back of the ear and along the hairline behind the ear. If needed, an incision is made under the chin.
Benefits: Corrects nasolabial folds, jowls, and skin laxity on the lower face and neck. Restores definition to the neck and jawline.
Recovery: About 2 weeks to return to public.
Best for: Aging of the lower face, jawline, and neck.
Many patients like this one benefit from a combination of facelift and brow lift procedures for a more complete facial rejuvenation.
This patient had a facelift without brow lift surgery.
A Reputation Built on Results
I really loved Dr.Boggess because he was so warm and compassionate. I had a brow lift and fat transfer...
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Boggess and would rate him beyond five stars. I underwent a reflection...
Dr.Boggess and his staff were all 5 star! Having this procedure was such a great experience considering...
Combining Procedures
Many of the men and women who come to our Nashville practice for a facelift can benefit by combining other procedures—either surgical or nonsurgical—with a Reflection Lift. This is one of the reasons that Dr. Boggess produces such extraordinary results. Facial aging rarely occurs in just one area of the face. A facelift only addresses the lower portion of the face, including nasolabial folds and hollow cheeks, in addition to jowls and loose neck skin.
Some of the procedures that Dr. Boggess might recommend include:
- Eyelid surgery
- Brow lift
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Fat transfer
- Cheek implants
- Buccal fat removal
Combining 1 or more of these procedures with a Reflection Lift is something you and Dr. Boggess can discuss during the consultation.
Dr. Boggess
By focusing exclusively on facial procedures, Dr. Boggess provides patients a level of expertise rarely found at other plastic surgery practices in the Southeast. Certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Boggess combines exceptional technical skill with a down-to-earth demeanor that puts patients at ease from the moment they meet him.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Reflection Lift?
You may be a good candidate if you are age 40 or older and want to correct one or more signs of aging on your face and neck. You may have varying degrees of facial sagging and loss of skin elasticity. It is also important to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations from the procedure.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift, which Dr. Boggess calls a Level I Reflection Lift, is a very conservative facelift procedure that is best utilized for younger patients with mild to moderate laxity along the jawline and mild laxity in the neck. It is also appropriate for patients who have had a previous facelift and just need a little tuck-up. This procedure involves lifting a short skin flap around the ear to allow limited mobilization of the SMAS and platysma to tighten the jawline and neck.
Facelift Recovery Timeline
Experiences after facelift surgery vary with the specifics of the procedure and individual patient factors. In general, the stages of facelift recovery proceeds along the following timeline:
- Day of surgery: Return home in the care of an adult friend or loved one.
- 10 to 14 days: Noticeable swelling and bruising dissipate.
- 1 to 2 weeks: Return to work and non-strenuous activities.
- 2 weeks: Ready to be seen in public.
- 3 to 4 weeks: Ready for a special occasion or social event. Resume regular exercise routine.
- 6 to 8 weeks: Soft tissue swelling significantly resolves.
- 9 to 12 months: Achieve final results.
Read our blog post to learn more about post-op facelift recovery and get facelift recovery tips. Visit our Facelift FAQ to learn more about facelift surgery.
Start With a Consultation
The first step in learning about what Dr. Boggess can do for you is scheduling a personal consultation. Dr. Boggess is known for taking however long it takes to learn about your concerns and expectations and to recommend the procedure or procedures best suited to your goals. You can request a consultation using the online form or call our office at (615) 942-8016 to schedule an appointment.
Results
Worth Waiting For
We understand you want your facial plastic surgery right away, but when it comes to your safety and appearance, patience pays off. Immediate appointments aren’t always available because Dr. Boggess:
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Is highly accomplished, and his services are in demand.
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Takes his time to ensure outstanding safety, care, and results.
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Offers personalized techniques that aren’t available elsewhere.
We are worth the wait.
If you can’t see Dr. Boggess right away, learn why waiting for the best facial plastic surgeon is essential and how you can make the most of that time in blog post.
Learn More