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Facelift Overview

Refreshing Your Appearance With a Facelift

Whether you are returning to the workforce and wish to make a positive first impression, or you are simply ready for a refreshing change in your appearance, a facelift in Charlotte, NC, with Dr. Pratt may be the ideal solution for boosting your self-confidence and giving you a new lease on life.

What Is a Facelift?

The term “facelift” can be a bit confusing. The name itself implies a rejuvenation of the entire face, but rather, a more accurate description is a lifting of the cheeks and neck.  In your consultation, Dr. Pratt often uses the term “blended cheek and neck lift” instead of “facelift” to more aptly describe the goals of this procedure. The loss of elasticity and the weakening of underlying support structures associated with the aging face inevitably contribute to jowling, flattening of the cheeks, and, in some instances, a neck that mimics a turkey wattle. A facelift is designed to lift these fallen facial structures by surgically resuspending them in a position that resembles a more youthful appearance.

Charlotte NC Facelift

What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?

Classic Facelift

The gold standard in comprehensive facial rejuvenation of the cheeks, jowls, and neck. Incisions are camouflaged along the border of the ear and extended behind the ear and into the hairline. A small incision is also placed under the chin to help re-establish a crisp neckline. Our classic facelift in Charlotte, NC, is performed under general anesthesia. Recovery time: 12 – 14 days.

Mini-Facelift

Ideal for younger patients beginning to see early age-related changes in the cheeks and jowls but have an otherwise youthful neck. Downtime is less than a classic facelift and may be performed under moderate sedation in select individuals. Recovery time: 5-7 days.

Liquid Facelift

A non-surgical procedure designed to add volume to the deflated areas of the face that is seen with aging or weight loss. Liquid facelifts typically use synthetic fillers that act as temporary volumizers, although it can be combined with facial fat grafting to improve outcomes and extend longevity.

Facial Surgery With Dr. Pratt

Dr. Pratt gives an overview of facial plastic surgery

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

  • Gives a more youthful and rested appearance
  • Minimizes and often eliminates jowling
  • Gives a more youthful neckline
  • Minimal discomfort 
  • Inconspicuous scarring

What Can I Expect From Recovery?

  • Minimal discomfort 
  • Moderate swelling
  • Surgical drain is removed within 42-72 hrs 
  • A sensation of tightness in the cheeks and neck areas 
  • Sleeping with head slightly elevated for 2 weeks 
  • Return to desk-type work in 1-2 weeks 

Why Choose Dr. Pratt for a Facelift in Charlotte, NC?

If you're seeking one of the best facelifts in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Pratt offers care, precision, and artistry that truly sets him apart. Known for his personalized, patient-centered approach, Dr. Pratt partners with each individual from the initial consultation through full recovery to achieve beautifully natural, rejuvenated results.

What makes Dr. Pratt a top choice for facelift surgery is more than his credentials; it's his genuine commitment to listening. His open, collaborative communication style creates a comfortable atmosphere where patients feel heard, understood, and confident in their decisions.

Dr. Pratt’s reputation for excellence is built on years of delivering refined, balanced results that enhance rather than change your natural features. With a meticulous eye and advanced surgical skill, he helps patients achieve the refreshed look they desire—safely, skillfully, and with enduring satisfaction.

For those seeking transformative yet subtle facial rejuvenation, Dr. Pratt is proud to be a leading provider of the best facelift in Charlotte.

  • Medical degree from the University of Florida
  • Recipient of the Ambrose Paré Award from the American College of Surgeons
  • Completed a general surgery residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC
  • Conducted a research fellowship in minimally invasive surgery with Dr. B. Todd Heniford
  • Published articles in leading surgical journals and contributed to a textbook on minimally invasive cancer management
Dr. Pratt sitting in a blue suit and smiling

Complementary Procedures for a Facelift 

Here are some of the most popular complementary procedures for a facelift in Charlotte, NC:

Injectables

Dermal fillers and Botox are a great addition to any facelift protocol, as they can address issues in areas of the face that a facelift does not. A facelift addresses signs of aging, specifically in the mid to lower face. Injectable treatments are able to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes and restore lost facial volume. Furthermore, injectables are non-surgical, meaning there will be no added downtime to the facelift. 

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, otherwise known as blepharoplasty, is a facial cosmetic surgery designed to rejuvenate the eyelids. It can be performed either on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Whether the patient is dealing with bags under the eyes or sagging eyelids, eyelid surgery can help.

Brow Lift

While a facelift can make the lower face look much younger, it does little for the upper portion of the face. A brow lift is a great option for patients showing signs of aging in the upper portion of their face. It is a great complement to a facelift procedure, and any scars are easily hidden by a skilled surgeon.

Laser Rejuvenation

While a facelift tightens facial skin and the underlying musculature, laser treatments focus on improving the quality of the skin itself. Having smooth skin greatly enhances the anti-aging effects of a facelift.

Facelift FAQs

At what age should I consider getting a facelift?

The determination of whether or not someone is a facelift candidate is primarily based on the presence of whether or not the components of an aging face exist, such as; a pronounced inelasticity in the cheeks and neck, jowling, flattening of the cheeks, or an obliquity in the angle of the neck under the chin. When considering a facelift, patient age may vary tremendously. Variables such as; genetics, smoking history, cumulative sun exposure, and other environmental factors will influence age related facial changes.

Do you do the minimally invasive thread lifts or ‘lunch-time’ lifts?

In short, no. My commitment to always advocate what is going to yield the safest, most durable, most consistent result for every patient is not only unwavering, but non-negotiable. Although there may be occasional good results from lesser “lunch-time lifts” in select patients, the inconsistencies, unpredictability, and inherent lack of durability of such techniques cannot be underestimated.

I am afraid I’m going to look unnatural after a facelift. What can you do to make me feel better about this?

The principles of current facelift techniques have been established since the early 70’s. It is therefore the plastic surgeon’s role to accurately assess in consultation what is needed to restore youth in a particular individual and then skillfully implement the time-honored surgical techniques. Adherence to this process is the recipe for consistency in achieving natural results. This process, while undeniably comprehensive, can be time consuming and meticulous. Whether intentional or not, it is however, the deviation from this very process that compromises results. This leads to undesired outcomes, unnatural appearances, and revisional surgery. Facelift principles set forth by plastic surgeons nearly 50 years ago remain the gold standard today. The idea of circumventing those principles at the risk of compromising results is a notion that I personally will not entertain.

Does a facelift require general anesthesia?

The use of general anesthesia for facelifts in my practice is reserved for the classic facelift, which involves a comprehensive rejuvenation of the cheeks, jowls and neck. Individuals with youthful looking necks and mild signs of aging in the cheeks and jowls may be good candidates for surgery under moderate sedation.

I just quit smoking. Am I still a candidate for a facelift?

Active smoking, to many plastic surgeons is an absolute contraindication to facelift surgery. Smoking has a profound impact on healing and may lead to skin sloughing, fluid collections and poor scar quality following facelift surgery. Personally, in my practice, I require all active smokers to be smoke free for 6 months prior to a classic facelift – this helps to optimize healing and limit the risk of complications.

I have bags and loose skin under my eyes in addition to my turkey neck. Will a facelift address my lower eyelids as well?

No, a facelift will not address all the components necessary to adequately restore youth to aging eyelids. In approximately 75% of all facelift patients in my practice, eyelid contouring surgery (blepharoplasty) is done at the same time. Fat transfer procedures (fat grafting) around the eyes and cheeks can also be performed at the time of facelift surgery, thus giving a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

How long do the results of a facelift typically last?

While individual outcomes vary, most patients enjoy the results of a surgical facelift for 10 to 15 years. Factors like skin quality, age, lifestyle habits, and genetics all influence longevity. The good news is that while your face will continue to age naturally, it will always look younger than if you had never had a facelift. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine can also help preserve your refreshed appearance for years to come.

Can I combine a facelift with non-surgical treatments over time?

Absolutely. Many patients choose to maintain and enhance their facelift results with periodic non-surgical treatments such as Botox®, dermal fillers, or laser skin resurfacing. These touch-ups can help fine-tune areas not addressed by the facelift (like crow’s feet or lip lines) and keep your skin looking youthful and vibrant without the need for additional surgery.

What’s the difference between a facelift and facial fat grafting?

A facelift primarily lifts and repositions sagging tissues in the mid-to-lower face and neck, but it doesn't restore volume lost with age. Facial fat grafting, on the other hand, takes purified fat from another area of your body (like the abdomen or thighs) and transfers it to areas of the face that appear sunken or hollow, such as the cheeks or temples. Dr. Pratt often combines these techniques to create a more balanced and complete rejuvenation.

How should I prepare for my facelift consultation with Dr. Pratt?

To make the most of your time with Dr. Pratt, bring a list of your goals, concerns, and any questions you may have. It can be helpful to bring photos of yourself at a younger age as a visual reference for natural results. Be open about your medical history, lifestyle habits (such as smoking or medications), and any prior cosmetic procedures, as these will guide your candidacy and customized surgical plan.

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