Facelift Procedure
Facelift surgery at Ben Hugo Plastic Surgery addresses sagging skin, jowls, and facial laxity in the lower face and neck. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Ben Hugo performs each procedure with precision, delivering long-lasting correction while preserving a natural appearance.
What Is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical cosmetic procedure designed to reposition and tighten facial tissues affected by aging. It restores youthful definition by lifting the underlying musculature, removing excess fat, and re-draping the skin.
Unlike non-surgical treatments, a facelift addresses deeper layers of tissue for a more comprehensive and durable outcome. It effectively improves midface sagging, jowls, and neck laxity while maintaining your natural facial character.
Who Is a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
The ideal candidate for facelift surgery typically presents with visible aging in the lower face and neck. Candidates often have:
- Sagging cheeks or jowls
- Loose skin along the jawline and neck
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Good overall health and non-smoking status
Dr. Hugo evaluates each patient’s anatomy, health, and expectations to determine whether facelift surgery or a less invasive approach is most appropriate. Patients range in age from their 40s to 70s, depending on individual goals and degree of facial aging.
What to Expect During the Facelift Procedure
Facelift surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia with twilight sedation. This technique keeps patients asleep while allowing them to breathe independently, thereby reducing the risk and recovery time.
Dr. Hugo begins with discreet incisions placed in natural creases around the ears, extending into the hairline when necessary. Through these access points, he repositions the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) to restore youthful contours. Excess skin is carefully removed, and the skin is re-draped for a smooth, refined finish.
In some cases, a small incision under the chin may be used to address neck bands or submental fat. Patients requiring less extensive correction may be suitable candidates for a mini facelift, which offers similar improvements with reduced recovery time.
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Before & After
Ben Hugo Plastic Surgery‘s before-and-after pictures of real patients.
Before
AfterRecovery After Facelift Surgery
Recovery is a staged process, with most patients resuming everyday routines within a few weeks.
Week One: Mild swelling and bruising are common. A drain may be placed behind the ear for a few days to prevent fluid buildup. Dressings are removed after 48 hours, and showering is typically permitted.
Weeks Two to Three: Sutures are removed after one week. Patients often return to work or social activities during this period. Makeup can help camouflage residual discoloration.
Months Two to Three: Incisions continue to heal, and facial contours become more refined. Scars gradually fade and are hidden within hairlines or natural folds. Strenuous exercise and sun exposure should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Hugo.
All patients receive a personalized recovery plan and follow-up care to monitor healing and reduce risks such as hematoma or infection.
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery offers the most effective and lasting solution for significant facial aging. Benefits include:
- Smoother jawline and neckline
- Reduction of jowls and deep facial folds
- Long-lasting outcomes, typically 10–15 years
- Natural results that preserve facial identity
- Ability to combine with eyelid surgery, brow lift, or laser skin treatments
It’s important to note that a facelift does not address skin texture, tone, or pigmentation. These concerns are often treated separately with injectables or resurfacing procedures.
Cost of Facelift Surgery in Virginia Beach
Facelift pricing depends on the procedure’s complexity and any additional treatments performed. Dr. Hugo will provide a personalized quote during your consultation. Flexible financing and payment options are also available to help make treatment more accessible.
Why Choose Dr. Ben Hugo?
Dr. Ben Hugo is a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in facial surgery. He has trained internationally and contributed to groundbreaking work in microsurgery and reconstruction, which informs his precise and measured approach to cosmetic procedures.
He focuses on achieving natural-looking results by balancing surgical skill with understanding facial anatomy and aesthetics. Limiting his schedule to one facelift daily allows Dr. Hugo to devote his full attention to each patient’s care and outcome.
His practice is known for discretion, consistency, and high patient satisfaction, which is why so many individuals from Virginia Beach and beyond trust him.
Facelift Surgery FAQs
Will I have visible scars?
Incisions are strategically placed in natural folds and along the hairline. With proper healing, scars fade and are typically difficult to detect.
When can I return to work or social events?
Most patients return to non-strenuous activities within two weeks, though this may vary depending on individual healing.
Can I combine my facelift with other procedures?
Yes. For more comprehensive results, a facelift is often performed alongside eyelid surgery, brow lift, or other non-surgical treatments.
What is the difference between a full and mini facelift?
A mini facelift focuses on the lower face and is suited for early signs of aging. A full facelift addresses deeper tissues across the midface, jawline, and neck.
Book Your Facelift Consultation in Virginia Beach
Dr. Ben Hugo combines decades of experience with a focused, patient-first approach. If you’re seeking results that look natural, feel balanced, and reflect your goals, schedule a consultation and explore what personalized facial rejuvenation can truly achieve.
