A refined jawline, smoother neck contour, and a natural lift — without looking “pulled.”
A facelift (rhytidectomy) subtly and structurically lifts the lower face by tightening loose skin, repositioning sagging tissue, and improving the jawline and neck contour. As a board-certified female plastic surgeon, Dr. Baotram Tran specializes in natural and elegant facial rejuvenation—without creating an over-tightened or artificial look.
Her surgical approach elevates deeper tissues (SMAS and deep plane layers) rather than simply stretching the surface, giving long-lasting results. At our Aventura, Florida practice, Dr. Tran performs advanced facelift techniques focused on facial balance, longevity, and subtle rejuvenation.
We proudly serve patients from Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Sunny Isles, Hallandale Beach, and throughout South Florida.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift improves sagging facial tissues, softens deep creases, and restores youthful contours to the midface, jawline, and neck. Unlike non-surgical treatments, facelift surgery provides long-lasting structural rejuvenation.
A facelift can:
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Lift sagging cheeks and jowls
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Improve jawline definition
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Reduce deep nasolabial folds
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Tighten loose facial skin
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Restore youthful facial contours
Types of Facelift Procedures
Traditional (Full) Facelift
Addresses significant aging changes in the midface and lower face with comprehensive tissue repositioning.
Mini Facelift
Ideal for early aging changes with limited skin laxity, focusing on the lower face and jawline.
Deep Plane / SMAS Facelift
Targets deeper facial structures for more natural, longer-lasting results without a “pulled” appearance.
The optimal technique is determined during your personalized consultation.
Facelift vs. Neck Lift
While a facelift rejuvenates the face, many patients benefit from combining it with a neck lift to address loose skin and banding below the jawline for a harmonious result.
Am I a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
You may be a good candidate if you:
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Have facial skin laxity or sagging
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Notice jowls or loss of jawline definition
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Are in good overall health
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Have realistic expectations
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Desire long-lasting facial rejuvenation
Procedures Commonly Combined With Facelift
You can combine facelift surgery with:
⭐ Neck Lift – for complete contour support
⭐ Brow Lift – restores youthful brow position
⭐ Ultraclear Laser resurfacing – resurface the skin to improve fine lines and discoloration.
⭐ Fat Transfer – restores youthful cheek volume
⭐ Upper or Lower Eyelid Surgery – improves tired-looking eyes
Combination procedures create harmonious facial rejuvenation.
Facelift Recovery & Healing
Most patients take 2–3 weeks off work. Swelling and bruising gradually improve, with continued refinement over several months.
Typical recovery timeline:
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Week 1–2: Swelling and bruising peak and begin to resolve
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Weeks 3–6: Return to normal activities
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3–6 months: Continued soft tissue settling
How is the recovery after a Facelift and Neck Lift?
Typically, my patients go home on the same day with assistance at home. The dressing will stay in place until I see you back in the office the next morning. The dressing will be changed in the office. The drain typically stays for 24-48 hours after surgery. Bruising will resolve by 2 weeks, swelling will take longer. It’s essential to keep your head elevated after surgery, even while sleeping to reduce swelling and optimize healing. The tightness in the face and neck are normal after surgery and will feel more natural in a few weeks as your body adjusts. There can be slight changes to the hair pattern around the incision into the hairline. While most patients resume normal daily activities in 1-2 weeks, strenuous activities are not recommended for at least 6 weeks. The healing process for a facelift and neck lift takes time. The final result is not seen until at least 6 months later as all the swelling resolve and your body settles into the new lift.
Week 1
✔ Tightness, swelling, minimal bruising
✔ Sutures removed
Week 2–3
✔ Jawline definition begins to appear
✔ Most bruising resolves
Week 4–6
✔ Resume exercise gradually
✔ Majority of swelling gone
Month 3–6
✔ Final contour and neck refinement visible
✔ Discreet scars fade significantly
Most patients return to work in 7-12 days.
Facelift Candidates?
You may be a candidate if you:
✔ Feel your face looks older than your energy
✔ See neck sagging or jowling
✔ No longer achieve results with fillers
✔ Want long-term correction instead of temporary solutions
A facelift is ideal beginning in mid-40s through late 60s, but younger patients often opt for a mini lift for early signs of laxity.
Ideal candidates are non-smoker, healthy individuals. If you do smoke/vape or use any nicotine product, you need to stop using for at least 2-3 months prior to surgery and remain nicotine free for 3 months after surgery to optimize healing. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued.
What are the possible complications?
As with any surgery, there is risk of bleeding, infection, hematoma, fluid collection despite drain placement and after drain removal, tissue necrosis, open wound, contour deformity, scarring, asymmetry, decrease or no sensation in the surgical area, decrease or no sensation to ear, and need for further surgery. It’s essential to have your diabetes and high blood pressure under control and stop using nicotine products before and after surgery. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued.
Best Age for Facelift Surgery
There isn't one perfect age for facelift surgery. Most patients consider the surgery in their 40s, 50s, 60s, or later, but timing depends on how your face ages and your personal goals. Early signs, such as jowling, sagging skin, and deep folds, may appear sooner for some individuals. Others maintain tight, firm skin into their 50s or 60s.
The right time is when you feel ready to address visible aging that nonsurgical treatments no longer improve. If you're unsure, Dr. Tran and our team are glad to guide you through options tailored to your skin type, facial structure, and personal goals.
Nonsurgical Facelift Alternatives
While a facelift and neck lift delivers the most comprehensive results, we offer several nonsurgical options for those seeking subtle improvements or who aren't ready for surgery.
- UltraClear laser resurfacing is performed to improve the skin texture and tone.
- Sculptra® is an injectable that adds volume by stimulating collagen production over time.
- Microneedling creates tiny pricks in the skin to trigger natural skin healing to improve texture and firmness.
- Fillers & botox are used for facial rejuvenation.
These options work well for early aging but don't remove excess skin or deliver the same long-lasting, dramatic improvements that surgery provides.
Before & After Facelift Photos From Real Patients
Dr. Tran is known for creating beautiful, natural facelift and neck lift results. Check out real patient transformations in our photo gallery to see how her skilled approach helps patients regain youthful, refreshed appearances.
Why Choose Dr. Tran for Facelift in Aventura?
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Board-trained plastic surgeon
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Advanced facial anatomy expertise
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Precision-based surgical planning
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Emphasis on natural, balanced rejuvenation
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Serving Aventura & South Florida
How Long Does a Facelift Last?
Deep-plane or SMAS-based facelifts typically last:
👉 8–12 years or longer
Longevity depends on:
- Sun exposure
- Skin quality
- Weight fluctuations
- Smoking history
Patients who maintain skin with Ultraclear laser resurfacing and medical-grade skincare often extend results substantially.
Facelift FAQs
Will a facelift make me look unnatural?
No — Dr. Tran avoids surface-tightening techniques that distort natural expression.
Do scars fade well?
Scars are placed along natural hairline and ear contours and fade significantly.
How is this different from fillers?
Fillers add volume, but cannot lift descended tissues.
Facelift restores structure, not just adds fullness.
Will a facelift also help with wrinkles or fine lines?
A facelift smooths deep folds and sagging but may not address fine lines. Complementary treatments, for example, neuromodulators like Botox®, can target fine wrinkles.
Can I combine a facelift with eyelid surgery?
Yes. Combining procedures often yields more harmonious and complete facial rejuvenation. For example, Dr. Tran can perform a brow lift or an eyelid lift to address excess skin, bags and wrinkles around the eyes, while a facelift addresses the middle and lower face. This creates a smooth, youthful appearance throughout the face.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation in Aventura
If you are considering a facelift in Aventura, FL, schedule a consultation to discuss personalized facial rejuvenation options with Dr. Tran.
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