Facelift in Denver, CO

  • 3+ Hour Surgery
  • Back to Work: 1-2 Weeks

Today, you can choose how you age with surgical and nonsurgical options that help you mature gracefully, and at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery, our team of experts can help you age on your terms. Facelift surgery remains the gold standard for firming, lifting, and smoothing the lower face and neck, and our team of surgeons is renowned for exceptional, natural-looking facelift results and outstanding care. Each brings distinct strengths and a shared commitment to excellence, collectively shaping our premier approach to facial rejuvenation.

Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Matthew Freeman, Dr. Teresa Cunningham, Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Dr. Paul Steinwald

Trust Your Facelift to the Experts

Learn why patients travel from Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Vail, Cheyenne, WY, and throughout the Denver metro area for facelift surgery at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery.

  • Our team has performed thousands of successful facelifts and mini facelifts using a variety of advanced approaches 
  • Our board-certified plastic surgeons have trained with some of the world’s leading experts in facial rejuvenation
  • We use meticulous techniques to achieve natural and sustained results with reduced bruising and swelling 
  • We have hundreds of facelift and mini facelift before-and-after photos to demonstrate the caliber of our results 
  • We take the time to learn about your lifestyle and your goals to ensure the best experience and outcome 

Our surgeons would be happy to meet with you in person and answer your questions. Simply request your consultation or call our office at (303) 278-2600.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift rejuvenates the lower 2/3 of the face; it does not address the forehead, brows, or eye area. In our practice, a traditional facelift combines the mini facelift with submental resection to tighten the neck muscles through an incision under the chin.

Smiling woman with glowing skin.

Facelift
 Before & After Photos

Case: 1 of 9
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Case: 1 of 9
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Before & After Mini Facelift Case 11907 Right Side in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before/After (1 month)
Case: 1 of 8

This 66 year-old woman was principally concerned about the heaviness that had started showing in her lower neck area as a consequence of gradual facial aging. She was treated with a "mini-facelift", which addressed the lower 2/3 of her face (and neck), from the cheekbones to the thyroid cartilage area. She is shown at approximately 1 month po... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 11332 Left Side in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before & After
Case: 2 of 8

This 61 year old woman felt that the image in the mirror didn't match how young and healthy she felt. She was displeased with the lax skin on her neck (especially from her profile) and the jowling along her jawline. She was an excellent candidate for a mini-facelift during which excess skin was removed and the underlying muscles were tightene... Read More
Surgeon: Andrew J. Wolfe, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 11298 Front in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before & After
Case: 3 of 8

This is a 57 year old who wanted to look more like she felt. She wanted to appear younger and fresher. She chose to undergo a mini-facelift to tighten her jawline and her neck. She also chose to have a mini-browlift and upper blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) in order to open up her eyes. Dr. Steven Vath often performs these two procedure... Read More
Surgeon: Steven D. Vath, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 116 View #1 in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before / After
Case: 4 of 8

These before and after images show a 57 year old woman from Denver, Colorado, who chose a mini facelift, mini brow lift and upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty with Dr. Vath.Typical of many of our patients, she is an active woman with a busy life here in Colorado. She enjoys tennis, long walks and hanging out with her friends and f... Read More
Surgeon: Steven D. Vath, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 993 View #1 in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before / After (1 month)
Case: 5 of 8

70 year-old outdoorsman with significant lower facial and especially neck aging, and a fair amount of sun damage as well (including excision of skin cancers). He underwent a formal "mini-facelift" with extra attention given to his neck issues, and is shown here approximately one month post-op, healing quite nicely. If you have similar issues... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 243 View #1 in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before / After
Case: 6 of 8

This is a 55 year old woman who simply wanted to look as youthful in the mirror as she felt.  She underwent a minifacelift, minibrowlift, and upper blepharoplasty in order to tighten her neck, define her jawline, lessen her facial wrinkles, and "open up" her eyes.  Post-operative pictures are from 5 weeks after surgery.  I... Read More
Surgeon: Steven D. Vath, M.D.
Before & After Neck Lift Case 826 View #1 in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before / After (2 months)
Case: 7 of 8

58 year-old female who was concerned about her lower face/jowl areas, as well as her aging neck. She also expressed interest in having an arch returned to her brow area, and improvement of "hooding" of her upper lateral eye areas.  She indeed underwent a mini-facelift/neck lift (with limited incisions around the ears only), as well as a... Read More
Surgeon: Paul M. Steinwald, M.D.
Before & After Mini Facelift Case 358 View #1 in Denver and Colorado Springs, CO
Before / After
Case: 8 of 8

This is a 60 year old woman who wanted to improve her facial appearance and look younger. She did not like the loose neck skin and jowls on her lower face and was bothered by the her drooping outer eyebrows as well. She also complained about the lines around her mouth, her forehead wrinkles, and desired fuller lips. She underwent a minifaceli... Read More
Surgeon: Steven D. Vath, M.D.

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

Facelift Benefits

By addressing signs of aging, a facelift provides a rejuvenated and refreshed look that lasts for years. Here are some key benefits:

  • Tightens loose skin on the face and neck
  • Diminishes fine lines and deep creases
  • Redefines the jawline and cheeks
  • Restores a more youthful face shape
  • Achieves a youthful appearance without an “overdone” look

Perhaps the most important benefit our patients enjoy is the confidence that comes from knowing you look your best.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

You may be a good candidate for facelift surgery if you’re noticing:

  • Sagging in the midface or jawline
  • Deep creases extending from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Jowls forming along the jawline
  • Loose skin and excess fat in the neck

Ideal candidates are typically in good health and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.

What Is the Difference Between a Mini Facelift and a Facelift?

A full facelift typically addresses more significant aging of the lower face than a mini facelift.

Chart outlining the differences between a facelift and mini facelift.

Why We Use the Mini Facelift for Most Patients

The mini facelift addresses the most common reasons people seek facelift surgery:

  • Folds and wrinkles around the mouth
  • Sagging cheeks and jowls
  • Loss of definition along the jawline and neck

With a mini facelift, our surgeons can provide satisfying results for most patients with minimal scarring and without affecting the hairline.

Outline of the scarring location for a facelift.
Outline of the scarring location for a mini facelift.

Can I Combine My Facelift With Other Procedures?

Because facial aging isn’t limited to the lower face and neck, our surgeons often combine facelift surgery with other procedures, including:

  • Brow lift surgery repositions and reshapes the eyebrows.
  • Eyelid surgery corrects hooded upper eyelids and puffy undereye bags.
  • Liposuction reduces a double chin and other pockets of unwanted fat.
  • Fat grafting fills in tear troughs and hollows around the eyes and restores volume to the cheeks.

Combining facelift with other facial procedures is very common and often results in more complete results.

How Is a Facelift Performed?

Traditional facelift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure using light general anesthesia. The incision begins in the hair-bearing scalp at your sideburn, travels down in front of your ear, then under your earlobe, and into the hairline behind your ear. For most of our patients, we are able to use a shorter incision that does not go into the hairline.

Through this incision, your surgeon lifts and tightens the underlying structures of your face. Modern facelift techniques reposition the structure between the skin and muscle called the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) to avoid a tight, windblown look.

A second incision may be made beneath your chin to tighten the vertical muscle bands of the neck. In some cases, our surgeons perform liposuction to remove fat from under the chin. Your skin will then be meticulously redraped over the reshaped facial structures, excess skin will be trimmed away, and the incisions will be closed with fine sutures.

Step-By-Step Facelift Surgery Guide

Facelift guide View Facelift Guide

How Long Is Recovery After a Facelift?

While experiences vary, most patients have only mild discomfort for the first few days after facelift surgery. Expect recovery to progress along the following general timeline:

  • 1 to 2 days: Bandages and compression wrap are removed
  • 1 to 2 weeks: Swelling and bruising subside
  • 10 days to 2 weeks: Resume nonstrenuous work and exercise
  • 4 weeks: Ease back into physical jobs and strenuous exercise
  • 6 to 12 weeks: Facial tightness relaxes
  • 3 to 6 months: Final results are visible

Patients are typically ready to be seen in public after about 4 weeks of healing.

Woman looking into a mirror, smiling with her hands brushing against her cheeks.
Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Matthew Freeman, Dr. Teresa Cunningham, Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Dr. Paul Steinwald

OUR EXCEPTIONAL PLASTIC SURGEONS

Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Dr. Paul Steinwald, Dr. Matthew Freeman, and Dr. Teresa Cunningham lead our patient-centered practice with warmth, honesty, and respect.

What Do Facelift Scars Look Like?

Facelift incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring, along the hairline and around the ears, where they are easily concealed. With proper care during the healing process, scars typically fade and become less noticeable over time.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

Facelift results typically last around 10 years depending on factors such as your age at the time of surgery, skin elasticity, lifestyle, and other considerations.

To prolong your facelift results:

  • Follow a consistent skincare regimen: Use high-quality products tailored to your skin type.
  • Protect your skin from the sun: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking accelerates skin aging and can negatively impact your facelift results.
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and exercise regularly.
  • Maintain a stable weight: Significant weight fluctuations can affect the contour and appearance of your face.

While a facelift can’t stop the aging process, it effectively resets the clock and lets you maintain a more youthful look as the years pass.

Grey haired woman with smooth skin, gazing off to the side with a smile

A Reputation Built on Results

Everyone there is extremely professional, friendly, and made me feel that I was in great hands. Very...
Dr Steinwald and his team were exceptional!! Throughout the whole process they made me feel comfortable...
All the staff and Dr Wolfe are amazing - attentive, caring, thorough and made my personal experience...
The Center for Cosmestic Surgery is by far the best in Colorado. Dr Freeman is beyond exceptional in...

Facelift FAQs

How much does a facelift cost in the Denver, CO, area?

The cost of a facelift at our Denver practice varies depending on the technique performed. You’ll receive a personalized estimate for your procedure during your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Financing options are available for qualified patients if desired.


What is the best age to get a facelift?

The “best” age for a facelift is not a number; it’s when nonsurgical aesthetic treatments no longer provide the rejuvenation you desire. Patients are typically in their 40s to 60s and should be healthy and have good skin elasticity.


How much younger will I look after a facelift?

While everyone is different, generally after a traditional facelift, patients look like themselves but around 10 years younger.

Schedule Your Consultation

Please schedule a personal consultation to learn what a facelift with our highly trained and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons can do for you. The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has 2 plastic surgery offices, including one just outside of Denver in lovely Golden, Colorado, immediately off 6th Avenue West. We also have a downtown office in Cherry Creek, Denver. Simply call (303) 278-2600 or request your consultation online.

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