Top-Rated Facelift (Rhytidectomy) in Toronto

Our experienced doctors use the latest techniques and personalized attention to make your natural beauty shine with facelifts. We aim to give you lasting improvements and a comfortable recovery. 

We care just as much about how easy your recovery is as we do about making sure you love the results.

Number of Procedures

1 procedure

Procedure Duration

3 hours

Recovery Time

2-4 weeks

Cost

$17,000- 35,000

Why Choose Facelift Surgery

A facelift is a surgical procedure that restores the face to a youthful appearance by tightening the facial skin and underlying tissue. During the procedure, excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is repositioned to reduce wrinkles and sagging, resulting in a firmer facial contour.

Facelift surgery might be the solution you’ve been seeking for several reasons:

Combating Aging and Environmental Damage: Aging, sun exposure, and stress can affect facial skin, making it less elastic and firm. This leads to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. A facelift helps with these problems by tightening and lifting facial tissues, removing extra skin, and reducing wrinkles for a younger look.
Reversing the Effects of Gravity: Just as gravity affects the body, it also causes the skin on the face and neck to droop. A facelift counteracts these effects by restoring the skin and underlying tissues to a more natural and elevated position, enhancing the contours of your face and jawline.
Restoration After Significant Life Changes: Significant weight loss or stressful periods in life can cause facial skin to look sagging and age beyond its years. A facelift can rejuvenate your appearance, restoring a more youthful and refreshed look.

Who is a Facelift Candidate?

Determining who is an ideal candidate for facelift surgery involves evaluating several factors related to an individual’s health, skin condition, and personal goals. Here are key considerations to help identify who might be a good candidate for a facelift:

Sagging or Loose Facial Skin: Individuals noticing a loss of firmness and the presence of drooping skin around the jawline, cheeks, or neck are prime candidates for a facelift.
Deep Wrinkles and Fold Lines: Those with deep creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth, or between the mouth and chin, may find that a facelift effectively reduces these signs of aging..
Jowls or Lack of Definition in the Jawline: A facelift can address sagging skin that creates jowls, redefining the jawline and enhancing the profile by removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues.
Tired-Looking Appearance: If your face seems perpetually tired due to sagging and aging, a facelift can rejuvenate your facial features.

Facelift Surgery Before & After

See real-life examples of our patients’ journeys, showcasing the beautiful results achieved through expert surgical techniques and personalized care.

Traditional Facelift/Full Facelift

Incisions are made in the hairline, around the ears, and possibly under the chin to remove excess skin and tighten underlying tissues. It’s ideal for those with significant sagging and deep wrinkles.

Mini Facelift

Targeting signs of aging, the mini facelift requires smaller incisions and has a shorter recovery time. It tightens the skin and the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) layer of the lower face and neck.

Mid-Facelift

Enhances the cheeks and lower eyelids, addressing deep creases and volume loss in the mid-face area. This technique often involves incisions similar to a traditional facelift but focuses on lifting the mid-face.

Lower Facelift

Concentrates on the lower third of the face, improving jowls, marionette lines, and chin sagging. The incisions are made around the ears and hairline to tighten the skin and underlying tissues in this area.

SMAS Facelift

Involves tightening the SMAS layer, which covers, surrounds, and attaches to the deeper facial structures. This technique lifts and repositions the facial muscles for a more natural and long-lasting result.

Deep Plane Facelift

Goes deeper than the SMAS facelift, targeting the tissues below the SMAS layer. This method is effective for addressing nasolabial folds and sagging cheeks, offering more dramatic rejuvenation.

Thread Lift

A minimally invasive alternative that uses temporary, dissolvable threads to lift and tighten the facial skin. It offers a quicker recovery and can be a good option for those with mild sagging.

MACS Facelift

Uses shorter incisions compared to a traditional facelift. Sutures are used to lift the tissues, focusing on the lower face and neck. It is for those seeking less invasive options with a shorter recovery period.

How to Prepare for a Facelift

Preparing for a facelift involves several steps to ensure the best possible outcome and a smooth recovery. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for your facelift surgery:

Consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Discuss your goals, concerns, and any medical conditions. Your surgeon will evaluate your facial structure and discuss the best surgical approach for you.
Medical Evaluation and Lab Tests
Your surgeon may require a medical evaluation, lab tests, and possibly a baseline blood work to ensure you're fit for surgery.
Medication Review
Inform your surgeon about all medications and supplements you're taking, as adjustments may be needed to reduce the risk of complications.
Skin Care
Follow any pre-operative skin care regimen recommended by your surgeon. This may involve moisturizing your skin or using specific products designed to improve surgical outcomes.
Arrange for Help
Plan for someone to drive you to and from the surgery and stay with you for at least the first 24-48 hours post-operation.
Follow Pre-Operative Instructions
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions to follow before surgery. This may include fasting (not eating or drinking) for a certain period before your surgery.

The Benefits of the Facelift Surgery

Youthful Appearance

A facelift effectively addresses signs of aging by tightening sagging skin, smoothing out deep wrinkles, and restoring the facial structure’s youthful contours.

Long-lasting Results

While non-surgical treatments offer temporary improvements, a facelift surgery delivers results that can last for many years.

Improved Self-Confidence

The aesthetic improvements gained from a facelift can significantly enhance one’s self-esteem. Looking better often translates to feeling better.

Stages of the Facelift Surgical Process

Consultation and Planning

The surgeon evaluates the patient's facial structure to recommend the best surgical approach and ensure the patient's expectations can be realistically achieved.

Preparation

Before the surgery, patients may need to undergo medical evaluations, adjust medications, and follow specific guidelines regarding eating, drinking, and smoking.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia is given to ensure comfort during the procedure. This could be general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.

Surgical Procedure

The surgeon makes incisions around the hairline and ears to minimize visible scarring. Excess skin is removed, underlying tissues and muscles are tightened, and the skin is repositioned.

Closing the Incisions

Once the desired adjustments have been made, the surgeon carefully sutures the incisions to optimize healing and minimize scarring.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery involves following the care instructions, managing swelling, keeping incisions clean, and attending follow-up appointments for progress monitoring and addressing concerns.

Aftercare Instructions for Facelift Surgery

“>Aftercare following breast lift surgery is crucial for optimal healing and achieving the best results. Here are concise aftercare instructions:

Rest and Elevation
Spend the first few days resting with your head elevated to reduce swelling and bruising. Avoid any strenuous activities.
Follow Surgeon’s Guidelines
Adhere strictly to your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, including wound care and recognizing signs of complications. 
Cold Compresses
Apply cold compresses around the swollen areas, being careful not to put direct pressure on the face.
Keep Incisions Clean and Dry
Gently clean the incision areas as advised. Avoid getting the surgical sites wet until your surgeon says it's safe to do so.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption can impair healing. Stay away from both for the advised period.
Pain Management
Use prescribed pain medication as directed to manage discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended by your surgeon.
Sun Protection
Protect your skin from the sun using a hat and sunscreen to prevent scars from darkening.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our selection of popular procedures, each designed to meet specific aesthetic or reconstructive needs. From enhancing your appearance to restoring form and function.

What is a facelift or rhytidectomy?

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to create a more youthful appearance by improving major signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face and jawline.

Who are the ideal candidates for a facelift?

Ideal candidates are those who are physically healthy, non-smokers, with well controlled blood pressure, not on blood thinner medications, with realistic expectations and a goal of achieving a refreshed, less tired appearance.

How does Dr. McRae tailor the facelift procedure for each patient?

Dr. McRae customizes each procedure to the individual’s unique facial structure, aging process, and desired outcome, employing techniques that may include repositioning of facial tissues. The incorporation of complementary procedures like facial fat grafting and skin rejuvenating peels exemplifies their commitment to cutting-edge care.

What differentiates a mini facelift from a facelift?

A mini facelift involves shorter scars and less downtime, suitable for patients with moderate signs of aging, while a facelift offers comprehensive improvements for typical facial aging symptoms.

What are the expected improvements from a facelift procedure?

Patients can expect to see improvement in sagging skin, elimination of loose jowls, more defined jawline, softened wrinkles, and a reduction of folds, particularly from the nose to the mouth.

What is the significance of the SMAS techniques in facelift surgery?

SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) techniques are critical as they involve repositioning the layers beneath the skin, including the superficial fat pads, which are vital for facial aesthetics and expression. SMAS layer modifications require careful attention to identify and protect facial nerves.

How are facelift incisions placed?

Incisions are discreetly made in natural skin creases, in front of and behind the ear, and sometimes under the chin to minimize visible scarring.

What types of anesthesia are used during facelift surgery?

The procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, determined by patient preference and the expected duration of the surgery.

What is the duration of a facelift surgery?

Typically, facelift surgery lasts between 2.5 to 4 hours. Dr. McRae aims to keep surgical times under 5 hours to reduce potential complications and aid in more rapid recovery.

Can other procedures be combined with a facelift?

Yes, additional procedures such as eyelid lifts can be performed simultaneously, provided the total surgery time does not exceed the 5-hour limit for safety.

What protocols are in place to enhance recovery after surgery?

Dr. McRae employs an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Protocol, which includes a multi-pronged approach for medication, hygiene, and patient care to minimize risks and promote smooth, fast recovery.

What is the typical recovery timeline after a facelift?

Initial recovery usually involves some swelling and discomfort with most patients returning to normal light daily activities within 2 weeks. Final results, including scar maturation and resolution of swelling, can take up to a year.

What are some possible complications of facelift surgery?

While rare, potential complications can include bleeding, scarring, skin loss, nerve injury, and pain syndromes. Risk factors and prevention strategies are discussed during the consultation.

How do Dr. Mark and Matthew McRae approach aesthetic surgery?

They believe in a minimalist approach that yields the maximum results, focusing on the least number of interventions to achieve the desired aesthetic goal.

Additional Procedures Provided at McRae Plastic Surgery

Meet Our Surgeons

At McRae Plastic Surgery, our practice centers around our board-certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Mark McRae and Dr. Matthew McRae are dedicated to continuous learning and have undergone rigorous training, ensuring a comprehensive approach to patient care.

Dr. Mark McRae

Surgeon

Dr. Matthew McRae