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Aging happens to everyone, but that does not mean we can't age gracefully. After your facelift, you still look like you — just the younger version.
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Get a customized video series on this treatment from StarkMD Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center. These videos will walk you through the process and help you make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
Over time, our skin begins to lose its elasticity, resulting in sagging jaws, cheeks, and other folds of skin on your face. Also known as a rhytidectomy, our Philadelphia facelift is a popular cosmetic procedure used to reshape the contours of your facial features, resulting in a younger appearance.
In essence, a facelift works by removing excess skin and tightening the remaining skin for a firmer, more taut look. This process eases deep lines and wrinkles in your face. Even better, the results last a long time.
A Facelift is a good choice for many people. Ideal candidates should have the following:
To find out more, it's best to schedule a consultation and discuss your concerns with Dr. Stark.
Dr. Stark performs all facelift procedures personally under general anesthesia or twilight sedation, depending on the complexity of the plan. The surgery typically lasts between 3 to 5 hours. Unlike older techniques that simply pull the skin tight, Dr. Stark focuses on repositioning the underlying SMAS (muscle) layer and facial fat pads to their original, youthful position.
Fear of the "windblown" scar is the primary barrier for most patients. Dr. Stark utilizes a discreet incision pattern that traces the natural curves of the ear (tragus and retro-auricular groove) and extends into the hairline. This "camouflage" technique ensures that once healed, you can wear your hair up with confidence.
We utilize a long-acting local anesthetic (Exparel) during surgery, which significantly numbs the treatment area for the first 48 to 72 hours. This "pain bridge" means most patients report feeling tightness or pressure rather than acute pain during the early recovery phase.
Much like our features, there is a variety of facelift types. This variety allows us to address specific aesthetic concerns you have for particular areas of your face by focusing on them specifically or as a whole.
Not all facelifts address the areas of your face the same way, as not everyone has lines and wrinkles in the same way.
Gone are the days when facelift surgeries meant being left with that overly tight, pulled or overdone appearance. At StarkMD Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center, modern surgical techniques allow Dr. Stark to perform a facelift that delivers natural looking and subtle results. After years of wear and tear, gravity, weight fluctuations and sun exposure, the skin on the face loses elasticity and begins to sag. Volume loss often leads to a gaunt look and a tired expression. Common concerns of Dr. Stark's patients are "I still feel young and have a lot of energy but I look tired" or "my friends always ask me if I'm sad but I feel great inside". A facelift procedure is a way to regain smoother, less wrinkled skin that restores that rested, more youthful and energized look and delivers a boost to your confidence.
Advanced technology and training has allowed Dr. Stark to become well-adept at many non-surgical techniques that can help blunt subtle signs of aging such as fillers, botox, and lasers. However there comes a point where these tools are not sufficient to help you win the battle against time.
Another common misconception about facelifts is that they are targeted towards older women. More and more Philadelphia area men and women are coming to StarkMD Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center when they first notice signs of aging to the face in order to enjoy the benefits longer and have less of a dramatic outcome. Some of these signs that a facelift can address are:
The combination of Dr. Stark's refined surgical techniques, gentle approach and minimal manipulation of the tissue bodes well for an easy recovery.
The incisions and swelling improve quickly such that patients usually feel comfortable being seen less than two weeks post-operatively. At two weeks patients often return to work and at three weeks post-operatively, patients feel comfortable going to social gatherings. Results continue to improve as the swelling gradually subsides completely within several months.
Here's a week-by-week breakdown of the entire recovery process.
You will see an immediate improvement in your jawline and neck contour the moment you wake up, but your true result will be masked by swelling.
A facelift sets the clock back, typically by 10 to 12 years. While it does not stop the aging process, it permanently resets your baseline. You will always look younger than you would have without the surgery. To protect this investment, we recommend a maintenance protocol of medical-grade skincare and occasional non-surgical treatments (like laser or conservative filler) to maintain collagen levels.
Facelift revision surgery, also called secondary facelift surgery, is the term for having a facelift procedure after having had one previously. No matter how good the outcome of your procedure, sun, aging and gravity continue to take their tolls on your skin. Many people come in to StarkMD Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center 8-10 years post-operatively to have a facelift revision. Additionally, because of Dr. Stark's extensive training and expertise, patients often come to him to seek his opinion regarding a facelift done by a different surgeon. Despite modern techniques, some surgeons will leave patients feeling displeased with their results. They may be left with that overdone or drawn appearance. They may feel they don't look like themselves. Depending on the circumstance, Dr. Stark may feel that a revision is needed in these cases as well.
A full facelift involves a larger incision along the hairline and ears to maximize tightening of the skin on all areas of the face, including the forehead, midface, jaws, and neck.
A mini facelift is exactly what it sounds like. The incisions are smaller because this surgery focuses on correcting sagging in the jawline and upper parts of your neck. In addition, mini facelift recovery is faster because less tissue and skin are removed, making it less invasive than a full facelift. Like a full facelift, a mini facelift is also longer-lasting than non-surgical techniques.
Many patients have already experienced the incredible results of a facelift with Dr. Stark. Dr. Stark uses the full scope of his years of experience, medical knowledge, and excellent communication skills to understand your goals and work with you to attain your desired results. If you're interested in attaining a more youthful appearance with a facelift Philadelphia experts at StarkMD are ready to help. Call today.
Dr. Stark will ensure you feel comfortable the minute you walk into StarkMD Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Center. His friendly staff, comfortable exam rooms and warm bedside manner will immediately put you at ease. We understand surgery can be emotionally difficult and ultimately the key to a successful surgery is alignment of your goals with those of your doctor.
Your facelift consultation at StarkMD Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery will allow the time and comfort you deserve to discuss your desired outcome. As with any surgery, health is of the utmost importance and Dr. Stark will ensure you are taking any necessary supplementation and stop any medications that may interfere with surgery. In addition, Dr. Stark's considerable skill and finesse come through to minimize scarring with every closing suture.
Ran Stark, M.D. is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.
He completed more than 10 years of additional training and residencies after completing his medical degree to become one of the foremost plastic surgeons in the Philadelphia area. His keen attention to detail, artistic eye, and practiced hands help him give his patients consistently exemplary results - but the difference is also in his manner. Dr. Stark makes your goals his own. He will always do the utmost to help you uncover the greatest version of yourself.
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With his years of experience and knowledge, Philadelphia plastic surgeon, Dr. Stark, can address all of your concerns during a consultation appointment. His gentle and warm bedside manner will make you feel comfortable from start to finish. After a face and skin quality analysis, and with the help of Vectra H2 3D imaging, you and Dr. Stark will create a customized plan together to achieve your desired outcome. Every patient is different and the surgery is not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, Dr. Stark may combine a facelift with a brow lift, blepharoplasty or eye lift, laser skin resurfacing and facial fat grafting to achieve a more youthful and rested appearance of yourself.
We believe in transparency, though a single fixed price is impossible to quote without a physical examination. The cost of a facelift varies significantly based on the technique required (e.g., Deep Plane vs. SMAS), the inclusion of neck work (platysmaplasty), and whether you are combining procedures such as a blepharoplasty or fat grafting.
Your surgical quote at Stark MD is comprehensive. It covers the surgeon’s fee, operating facility costs, anesthesia fees, all pre-and post-operative appointments, and your recovery supply kit. We do not have hidden facility fees.
We understand that facial rejuvenation is a significant investment. We accept major financing plans, including CareCredit and Alphaeon, which offer flexible payment terms to help you manage the cost of your care.
The price of a facelift varies depending on the specific kind you choose and if you combine it with other procedures. As this is elective surgery, insurance does not usually cover the cost. For a more specific quote, it's best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stark.
Results vary depending on the specific procedure you get, but maximum results can last up to 15 years.
Generally speaking, a facelift is the most effective for patients between 40 to 70, when lines and wrinkles really begin to develop due to aging.
Dr. Stark works to place the scars behind the hairline, which minimizes their appearance. Over time, your facelift scars will fade and become barely visible.
Definitely. A facelift is specifically designed to address fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, cheeks, and jawline.
A mini facelift addresses mild jowling and skin laxity in the lower third of the face with shorter incisions and less downtime. A full facelift (often a Deep Plane or SMAS lift) addresses the entire mid-face, heavy jowls, and significant neck laxity. Dr. Stark will determine which approach matches your degree of aging during your consultation.
No. The "pulled" look is a hallmark of outdated techniques that relied on stretching the skin alone. Dr. Stark performs deep structural work, lifting the muscle and fat layers first. The skin is then redraped gently without tension, ensuring your features look rested and natural, never distorted.
Yes. It is very common to combine a facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or facial fat grafting to restore lost volume. Combining procedures reduces overall downtime by allowing you to heal from multiple corrections simultaneously.
Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Stark brings decades of experience and training to each consultation. When you meet with Dr. Stark, he takes the time to give you information and options, so you can have confidence in your decision to move forward with the best procedure for you. Confidence. Personalized care. Impeccable results. That’s the Stark Difference. Discover that difference yourself by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stark today.
135 South Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 220, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
