Facelift
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
The face often reflects signs of aging before we feel them within. Skin begins to lose elasticity, deeper tissues shift, and facial contours soften in ways that can make you appear tired or less vibrant than you feel inside. Facelift surgery is a refined cosmetic procedure that lifts and reshapes the underlying facial tissue, yielding results that appear refreshed and natural.
Dr. Spann is one of Arkansas’ top cosmetic surgeons, with decades of experience and advanced training in deep plane facelifts, midface lifts, and S-lift techniques. His meticulous approach and deep understanding of facial anatomy have earned him a reputation for natural, transformative results.
Lifts and repositions facial tissues for a refreshed, not pulled, appearance
Outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia in an accredited facility
Initial recovery time of 2-3 weeks
Lasting results with proper skincare and sun protection
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a facial surgical procedure that targets visible signs of aging in the mid face and neck. It addresses issues like sagging skin, jowls, and deep nasolabial folds by lifting the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and repositioning facial fat and tissue for a more structured, youthful appearance.
While traditional facelift techniques primarily tightened the skin, producing a more pulled and less natural appearance, a modern facelift considers the impact that underlying tissues have on facial aging. Dr. Spann's sophisticated facelift techniques include SMAS and deep plane facelifts to restore youthful definition and structure. The result is a more rested, lifted version of yourself without sacrificing the expressions that make you uniquely you.
After a thorough consultation and facial evaluation, Dr. Spann will design a customized plan based on your goals and anatomy. Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in our AAAASF-accredited surgical facility. Incisions are discreetly placed near the ears and along the hairline, and sometimes beneath the chin, depending on whether a neck lift is also included.
Using the SMAS or deep plane technique, Dr. Spann lifts and repositions the facial muscles, connective tissue, and facial fat, creating smooth, natural contours. By performing a tension-free skin closure, the risk of visible scarring is reduced and results tend to last longer. Patients return home the same day with a detailed recovery plan in place.
A surgical facelift is ideal for addressing a range of concerns related to facial aging:
A facelift focuses on signs of aging in the mid and lower face. To enhance their results, many patients choose to combine their facelift with a neck lift, eyelid lift, facial fat transfer, or brow lift procedures. Dr. Spann will help you develop a surgical plan tailored to your goals.
Facelift surgery provides natural-looking, structural rejuvenation that aligns your outer appearance with how youthful you feel inside. By lifting underlying tissues, not just reducing excess skin, this procedure delivers elegant, long-term improvements.
Patients often report looking rested and confident while still feeling like themselves. The emotional impact of feeling proud and at ease in your skin is often just as meaningful as the physical transformation.
If you are experiencing signs of aging that exceed the capabilities of non-surgical treatments, you may be a suitable candidate for lift surgery.
Most facelift patients are adults in their 40s to 70s who are seeing lax skin, deep creases, or volume descent in the face and neck. Dr. Spann will evaluate your medical history, facial structure, and any previous treatments to confirm your candidacy. If necessary, he may recommend alternative procedures, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, and facial fat transfer, based on your anatomy and goals.
Recovery following facelift surgery typically involves bruising and swelling that improve over the first 10–14 days. Most people return to light activities within two weeks, though full healing, including full resolution of swelling and any temporary changes in skin sensation, may take several months.
Our comprehensive recovery support surpasses what is offered at many plastic surgery practices, with modalities like anti-inflammatory medication, nerve blocks, and lymphatic massage to reduce discomfort and promote good healing. It's important to follow Dr. Spann's aftercare guidelines, which may include elevating the head, avoiding blood thinners, and wearing recommended compression garments to ensure the smoothest possible recovery experience. Dr. Spann will carefully monitor your healing at post-operative visits and remain fully available to offer extra support between appointments.
Initial improvements typically appear once swelling decreases, within a few weeks, with the final facelift results becoming more defined over several months.
You can expect:
Many patients find that their outer appearance finally matches their internal sense of energy and confidence. The emotional impact of feeling at ease in photos or enjoying social events without distraction often becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of the transformation.
Thanks to advanced techniques like the deep plane facelift and tension-free closure, results are not only natural but long-lasting, and can remain vibrant for a decade or more.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Spann performs personalized facelift procedures at our boutique plastic surgery practice locations in Little Rock and Fayetteville. His approach focuses on restoring naturally youthful contours to the face while preserving your unique expression and character. Whether you’re looking for subtle rejuvenation or a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation surgery, Dr. Spann creates a personalized surgical plan centered on your unique features and goals.
Yes. The goal of modern facelift techniques is to help you look rested and refreshed, not different. Dr. Spann focuses on restoring structure, not changing your unique facial identity.
Most facelift results last 10 years or more with good skincare and sun protection. While aging continues, you'll likely always look younger than if you'd never had facial rejuvenation surgery.
Both facelift techniques lift deeper tissues, but a deep plane facelift repositions the tissue beneath the SMAS layer, allowing for more natural movement and longer-lasting results.
A facelift addresses aging across the lower face, jawline, and neck by lifting underlying tissues and removing excess skin for comprehensive rejuvenation. A mini facelift uses smaller incisions and focuses primarily on mild to moderate sagging in the lower face, making it a less invasive option with a shorter recovery time. While both procedures offer natural-looking results, a full facelift provides more dramatic and longer-lasting correction.
Yes. Combining face lift surgery with a neck lift, facial fat transfer, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift can provide balanced, comprehensive rejuvenation.
Most patients resume wearing makeup 10–14 days post-op, once incision sites have healed. Dr. Spann will provide personalized instructions based on your recovery time.
The cost of your surgery will vary based on its extent and any additional procedures. During your initial consultation, we will provide a detailed quote and discuss financing options. Little Rock Plastic Surgery offers flexible payment plans through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
