Face surgery
Facelift
Lifts the deeper layers of the lower face and neck for a rested look that still looks like you.
From $16,500, all-in. Financing examples from about $350 a month.
- Surgery time
- 3 to 5 hours
- Anesthesia
- General anesthesia
- Hospital stay
- One night in our recovery suite, with a nurse
- Back to desk work
- About 2 weeks
- Exercise
- 4 to 6 weeks
Facelift, explained
A facelift lifts the deeper tissue of the lower face and jawline, then gently re-drapes the skin. It is often paired with a neck lift. The goal is a face that looks rested and like yourself, not pulled or windswept.
Incisions run in the natural creases around the ears and into the hairline. We show you exactly where, and how they usually look after a year, at your consult.
What it can do
- Lift sagging along the jawline and jowls
- Tighten loose skin and bands in the neck when combined with a neck lift
- Soften deep folds in the lower face
What it cannot do
- Stop aging. Your face keeps aging from its new starting point
- Change skin texture, fine lines or sun spots. Skin treatments do that
- Lift the brow or eyelids. Those are separate procedures
Is it right for me?
A general guide only. Dr. Merrow decides with you at your consultation, after an exam and a full health history.
Often a good fit if
- You have loose skin along the jaw and neck
- You are healthy and do not smoke
- You want a natural change and can plan two to three quiet weeks
Better to wait if
- You smoke or use nicotine. It raises the risk of skin healing problems
- Your blood pressure is not well controlled
- You have a big event in the next six weeks
Recovery, honestly
What the weeks after surgery look like
Typical timings for healthy patients. Everyone heals at their own pace, and we adjust your plan at each visit.
-
Days 1 to 3
Swelling peaks
Swelling and bruising are at their highest. You sleep with your head raised. Our nurse checks you the next morning.
-
Days 5 to 7
Stitches out
Most stitches come out at a nurse visit. You can wash your hair gently.
-
Weeks 2 to 3
Out in public
Most people feel ready to be seen. Light makeup can cover remaining bruising.
-
Weeks 4 to 6
Exercise
Normal exercise returns. Some tightness and numbness near the ears is common.
-
Months 3 to 6
Settling
The last swelling fades and feeling returns. Scars keep softening over the first year.
Risks, in plain words
Every surgery has risks, including the risks of anesthesia. These are the main ones for a facelift. We go through each one with you, and how likely it is for you, at your consult.
- Bleeding under the skin (hematoma), the most common early problem, which may need a return to surgery
- Weakness of facial muscles from nerve irritation, usually temporary
- Numbness around the ears and cheeks, which improves over months
- Visible or widened scars, or hair loss along incisions
- Skin healing problems, much more likely in people who smoke
- A result that is not perfectly even between sides
How we lower your risk
- A full health review at your pre-op visit, and a check with your own doctor when needed
- A board-certified anesthesiologist for the whole surgery
- Blood clot prevention for every patient, matched to your risk
- Nurse check-ins in the first days and a direct line to our team
- Written recovery instructions you can share with whoever is helping you
What it costs
All-in price
From $16,500
Most plans fall between $16,500 and $26,000. Adding a neck lift, eyelid surgery or fat grafting moves the price toward the top of the range or above it.
Example: $16,500 over 60 months at 9.99% APR is about $350 a month. Example only; your rate depends on approval.
Pricing and financingYour quote includes
- Dr. Merrow's surgeon fee
- Board-certified anesthesiologist
- Our accredited surgical suite
- Implants, when your plan uses them
- Compression garments or surgical bra
- Follow-up visits for the first year
Not included
- Pre-surgery lab tests or clearance from your own doctor
- Prescription medicines
- An overnight stay, when you choose one and it is not part of your plan
- Travel and hotel for out-of-town patients
Common questions
More answers on our questions page, or call (303) 555-0148.
How long does a facelift last?
Many people enjoy the change for many years, but the face keeps aging. Good skin care, sun protection and not smoking help the most.
Will people know I had surgery?
Our aim is that people notice you look rested, not that you had work done. In the first two to three weeks, swelling and bruising do show.
Am I too young or too old?
Age matters less than skin, health and goals. Some people in their 40s are good candidates and some in their 70s are too. The consult answers it for you.
Thinking about a facelift? Let's talk it through.
Book a consultation in person in Cherry Creek or by secure video. You leave with a written plan and an all-in quote, and you decide in your own time.
Consultations are $150, credited to your surgery if you book within 12 months.