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Kirwan Plastic Surgery

Face Procedures · Norwalk

Facelift and Neck Lift

Rejuvenation of the lower face, from the temples to the lower neck.

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Black-and-white editorial photograph illustrating Facelift and Neck Lift; illustrative, not a patient result

Illustrative photography. Not a patient result.

Overview

About the procedure.

A facelift is the gold standard for facial rejuvenation — no other procedure is more effective at restoring youthful contours. Patients can expect improvement of midface sagging, marionette lines, jowls, and a double chin, and the procedure includes a neck lift that addresses the protruding bands often seen in the aging neck.

There are no shortcuts to a durable, natural result, but there are ways to make the journey as comfortable as possible. A facelift is frequently combined with a browlift, an eyelift, or other procedures, and is always planned around your individual anatomy and goals.

Procedure time
3 to 4 hours (more if combined)
Anesthesia
Local with conscious sedation
Return to work
10 to 14 days
Full exercise
About 6 weeks

General estimates only. Technique, health, and healing affect timing; your surgical plan will be specific to you.

Black-and-white study illustrating the Facelift and Neck Lift approach

What makes a Kirwan facelift unique

Considered, not templated.

  • Gentle on the tissue.

    “Pre-tunneling” with a small liposuction cannula reduces trauma and limits skin elevation, preserving the skin’s blood supply and improving healing.

  • Hidden, natural scars.

    A natural contour is recreated in front of the ear, the earlobe is kept natural without a “pixie” deformity, and scalp scars are kept invisible — so you can wear your hair however you like.

  • A durable, deep repair.

    The platysmal bands under the chin are repaired to recreate a youthful neck, and permanent deep sutures hold the result over time.

  • A smoother recovery.

    VISTASEAL fibrin sealant reduces bleeding and allows smooth skin re-draping without tell-tale tension lines.

Recovery & aftercare

Room to recover.

Healing is a process, not a deadline. This is a general outline to discuss with your surgical team.

  1. The first days

    Seen right away.

    Any drains used are small, soft, and removed after 48 hours. Dr. Kirwan sees every facelift patient the day after surgery, without exception.

  2. Weeks one to two

    Back to life.

    Most patients return to work in 10 to 14 days. Avoid heavy lifting and keeping your head below your heart for the first three weeks; do not drive for at least a week.

  3. Weeks four to six

    Back to the gym.

    Light exercise resumes around four weeks and full exercise around six weeks, following your team’s guidance.

  4. The months ahead

    Settling in.

    Subtle swelling and scar appearance continue to improve as the result matures over the following months.

A little clarity

Good questions.
Honest answers.

There is no question too small to bring to your consultation.

Ask us a question
What is the best age to get a facelift?

There is no set age, but the most natural results are generally achievable between 45 and 65, before signs of aging take over. Dr. Kirwan achieves beautiful results in patients into their 80s, and increasingly sees patients seeing a plastic surgeon for the first time later in life.

Do you perform a “mini” facelift?

Generally no. “Mini,” “lunchtime,” or short-scar facelifts tend to give minimal results of minimal duration. Dr. Kirwan performs a mini-facelift only as a secondary procedure to correct skin relaxation after a standard facelift.

Why local anesthesia with conscious sedation?

Almost all facelifts are performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation. Compared to general anesthesia it offers more stable blood pressure, a significantly lower risk of hematoma, less nausea, a quicker recovery, and no sore throat from a breathing tube.

Will I meet Dr. Kirwan personally at my consultation?

Yes. Every patient is a VIP. From your first consultation through your last follow-up visit, you see Dr. Kirwan himself at every single appointment. He is available to you before, during, and after your procedure.

Where is surgery performed?

Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation in Dr. Kirwan’s AAAASF-accredited surgical suite in Norwalk, Connecticut. Patients whose medical history makes office-based surgery unsuitable are treated at Greenwich or Norwalk Hospital on a same-day, ambulatory basis.

How do I know whether I am a candidate?

Candidacy depends on your health, anatomy, and goals, not a specific age. The only way to know for certain is a one-on-one consultation, where your medical history and aesthetic goals are reviewed and the appropriate options are explained.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Use the form on this page or call the practice at (203) 838-8844. Every consultation is a one-on-one evaluation with Dr. Kirwan.

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