Facelift in Boston

Name: Facelift
Brand: The Spiegel Center
Rating: 4.6 (454 reviews)

The Spiegel Center is the top destination for elegant and natural-looking facelifts in Boston.

Facelift Overview

Surgical Facelift Options

woman looking out window with white brick wall behind her

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) redefines sagging skin, deep folds, and a lackluster jawline by:

Tightening the underlying muscles and the SMAS layer
Removing excess skin and reshaping fat
Redraping skin for smoother, defined contours
Customized for every face
Lasting, youth-restoring results

8,630+ Facelifts Performed

What are the Different Types of Facelifts Offered at The Spiegel Center?

Deep Plane Facelift

Deep release of SMAS and connective tissues, neck muscle sculpting, vertical lift—for dramatic yet natural outcomes.

SMAS Facelift

Lifts and tightens the SMAS layer to enhance the jawline and reduce jowls. A classic approach for lower-face rejuvenation with natural, structured results and moderate recovery time.

Mini Facelift

Targeted lift using shorter incisions around the ear or hairline. Focuses on one area (cheeks, jawline, or neck) for subtle enhancement with less downtime and quicker recovery.

A minimal-lift procedure using small sutures hidden in the scalp, no incisions in front of the ears. Mimics the natural tightening effect of a high ponytail for a refreshed, youthful appearance with virtually no downtime.

Contact our team to discuss your options for a facelift in Boston.

What is the difference between a traditional and deep plane facelift?

A traditional facelift tightens the skin and repositions the superficial tissues (the SMAS layer) to smooth sagging around the lower face and jawline.

A deep plane facelift lifts and repositions the deeper facial structures beneath the SMAS layer, including muscles and fat pads.

The deep plane technique offers more natural, longer-lasting rejuvenation by addressing the underlying causes of facial aging, not just the skin’s surface.

Facelift Before & After Photos

View More Facelift Results

Why Choose The Spiegel Center for a Facelift in Boston?

Experience advanced, natural-looking facial rejuvenation with unmatched safety and long-lasting results:

Double board-certified expertise (Plastic Surgery & Head & Neck Surgery)
Leader in deep-plane/SMAS techniques and minimal‑scar lifts
Over 1,200+ procedures annually with innovative recovery methods
Recognized as Boston’s Top Doctors (Boston Magazine 2024–2025, Castle Connolly 2025)
State-of-the-art & patient-centric care in Newton, MA

Are You a Facelift Candidate?

You might be a great candidate for a facelift in Boston if you're experiencing:

Lower face and neck sagging
Jowls or an undefined jawline
Neck bands or loose neck skin
Deep smile lines or a perpetual “tired” expression
Typical candidates: 40s–70s, though younger or older may benefit depending on skin condition.

Facelift Procedure Overview

During your facelift in Boston at The Spiegel Center:

Incisions are made discreetly along natural creases around the ear and into the hairline.
The skin is lifted, and deeper tissues (like the SMAS) are tightened and reshaped.
Excess skin and fat are removed to restore smooth, youthful contours.
The skin is redraped, and fine sutures are used to close incisions.
A soft, protective dressing is applied for overnight healing.
Your facelift typically takes 2 to 4 hours
Our expert, double board-certified surgeons are known for natural results and nearly invisible scars.

What is the Recovery Process After a Facelift Surgery?

facelift recovery infographic

Non-Surgical Facelifts

There are also non-surgical facelifts where energy treatments are used to tighten the skin. Imagine you have a sweater that’s too loose. You can bring it to the tailor and get it altered (surgery), or you can put it in the laundry dryer to shrink it (non-surgical facelift). For some people, the Embrace procedure (NeckTite, FaceTite, and Morpheus 8) is a great alternative to a surgical facelift. At The Spiegel Center, we have experience in all types of facelifts, an impeccable safety record, and decades of great results.

Facelift FAQs

What’s the difference between a deep plane facelift and a SMAS facelift—how do I know which one I need?

A deep plane facelift goes below the SMAS layer, releasing facial ligaments for more extensive vertical lift—great for midface and jawline rejuvenation. A SMAS facelift tightens the superficial tissue layer and is ideal for lower-face sagging. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your facial anatomy and aging pattern.

Can a facelift be combined with facial feminization or masculinization procedures?

Yes. At The Spiegel Center, we specialize in combining facelifts with gender-affirming facial procedures to create harmonious, personalized results. The approach is tailored to maintain or enhance gender-specific features.

Is the Ponytail Lift a good option for younger patients or those who’ve had previous facelifts?

Absolutely. The Ponytail Effect Lift is ideal for patients in their 30s to 50s who want subtle rejuvenation, or for those looking to refresh results from a previous facelift without undergoing another full procedure.

Do facelift results look different on patients who have lost weight (e.g., Ozempic face)?

Yes. Weight loss, especially from medications like Ozempic, can cause facial deflation. In these cases, facelifts are often paired with fat grafting or filler to restore lost volume while lifting loose skin for a balanced, natural outcome.

Are facelifts safe for patients with prior dermal fillers or threads?

Yes, but it's important to disclose your full treatment history. Our surgeons are highly experienced in navigating previous filler migration, scar tissue, or thread placements to ensure safe and effective surgical outcomes.

Will my facelift results look good in motion—not just in photos?

Yes. At The Spiegel Center, we prioritize dynamic results. Our techniques aim to preserve your natural facial expressions and movement—so you don’t just look great in photos, you look and feel authentic in real life.

How do I maintain my facelift results long-term without more surgery?

Ongoing maintenance is key. With proper care, facelift results can last anywhere from 8 to 12 years. We offer custom skincare plans, non-surgical treatments (like Morpheus8, FaceTite, and fillers), and annual evaluations to help you maintain your youthful look for as long as possible—without the need for another procedure.

How long does facelift recovery take?

Most patients return to normal activities within 2–3 weeks, though swelling and minor bruising can last several weeks longer.

How long do facelift results last?

Results typically last 10–15 years, depending on age, skin quality, and lifestyle factors.

What’s the difference between a facelift and fillers?

Fillers add volume for subtle rejuvenation, while a facelift surgically lifts and tightens deeper structures for long-lasting results.

References:

Hwang, H. S., & Spiegel, J. H. (2014). The effect of “single” vs “double” eyelids on the perceived attractiveness of Chinese women. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 34(3), 374–382.
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article-abstract/34/3/374/220642 403
Spiegel, J. H., & Polat, J. K. (2007). Microvascular flap reconstruction by otolaryngologists: prevalence, postoperative care, and monitoring techniques. Laryngoscope, 117(3), 485–490.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1097/MLG.0b013e31802d6e66 403
Spiegel, J. H., & Rodriguez, G. (2008). Chondrolaryngoplasty under general anesthesia using a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope and laryngeal mask airway. Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 134(7), 704–708.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/408787
Spiegel, J. H. (2019). The modified bullhorn approach for the lip-lift. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, 21(1), 69–70.
https://www.liebertpub.com/abs/doi/10.1001/jamafacial.2018.0847