Facelift

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Kansas City, MO

A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging by tightening and lifting the skin of the face and neck, as well as repositioning underlying muscles and tissues. Facial rejuvenation requires a deep understanding of the underlying structures of the face and how they change with age. At Vargas Face and Skin Center in Kansas City, Dr. Hannah Vargas, F.A.C.S., is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery. She is a nationally recognized leader in cosmetic facial procedures, has earned several awards for her work, and has lectured at both regional and national medical society meetings. She is also a published author in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to advancements in the field of facial aesthetics. Her facelift procedures include the deep plane facelift, QuickLift, and Micro Lift, each designed for varying levels of correction.

If you are ready to refresh your appearance, contact Vargas Face and Skin Center online or call (913) 381-4900 to schedule your consultation.

About Facelifts

Over time, the natural processes of aging, gravity, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors weaken facial ligaments, diminishing the support of underlying structures. This can contribute to skin laxity, jowling, and loss of definition along the lower face and neck. Dr. Vargas’s approaches offer tailored solutions for varying degrees of facial aging:

Deep Plane Facelift

As one of the most comprehensive facelift techniques available today, the deep plane facelift goes beyond traditional facelifts by repositioning deeper facial structures—including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and fat pads—to target the midface, lower face, jawline, and neck. (1) By working within the deep structural layers, Dr. Vargas can lift and release the ligaments that bring the skin and muscle together, resulting in a more dramatic yet still natural-looking rejuvenation.

This procedure is ideal for patients experiencing more advanced sagging who seek long-lasting improvements. It is often considered the gold standard in surgical facial rejuvenation.

This type of facelift is typically performed under general or twilight anesthesia.

QuickLift

For patients who want impressive rejuvenation without the extensive downtime of a full deep plane facelift, Dr. Vargas offers the QuickLift. This method targets the SMAS to rejuvenate the lower third of the face and neck, addressing mild to moderate signs of aging along the jawline and beneath the chin. (2) During this procedure, Dr. Vargas makes small strategically placed incisions around the ear. Through these incisions, she suspends the layer of muscle beneath the skin to achieve a smooth, youthful appearance without the more invasive methods associated with a deep plane facelift.

Micro Lift

For patients seeking subtle facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime, Dr. Vargas offers the Micro Lift. She performs this procedure in-office for individuals with mild to early signs of facial aging. The Micro Lift often involves smaller, strategically placed incisions and less extensive tissue dissection compared to the Deep Plane or QuickLift techniques.

Benefits

Facelift procedures offer numerous benefits that go beyond aesthetics. With Dr. Vargas’ advanced techniques, patients benefit by:

  • Restoring youthful facial definition by tightening muscles and lifting deeper layers
  • Improving the jawline and neckline for a smoother, more refined profile
  • Reducing jowling and skin laxity in the lower face and neck
  • Achieving a refreshed, youthful appearance while maintaining natural facial contours, avoiding an overly tight or artificial look
  • Gaining long-lasting rejuvenation results tailored to their anatomy
  • Boosting self-confidence by harmonizing facial proportions and contours

Ideal Candidates

The ideal candidate for a facelift is someone seeking to restore youthful facial balance. Patients who usually benefit most are:

  • In good general health without underlying medical conditions that may affect healing
  • Experiencing sagging or laxity along the jawline, cheeks, or neck
  • Experiencing early or moderate signs of facial aging
  • Seeking natural results that maintain their unique features
  • Realistic about expectations for surgical outcomes and recovery timelines

Personal Consultation

Every facial rejuvenation journey at Vargas Face and Skin Center begins with a detailed consultation. If you are a new patient or an existing patient considering this particular procedure for the first time, you will meet with our patient care coordinator for a complimentary consultation. Once you decide ot move forward, you will meet with Dr. Vargas to discuss the next steps.

During your consultation, your patient coordinator will take the time to understand your goals, lifestyle, and health history. They conduct a comprehensive facial analysis to assess skin tone, muscle positioning, and the degree of aging. Based on this evaluation, they will recommend the most appropriate facelift technique for your desired results and create your customized treatment plan.

You can schedule your consultation by calling (913) 381-4900 or by contacting us online.

Preparation

Proper preparation for facelift surgery is crucial to ensuring a smooth procedure and optimal recovery. Once Dr. Vargas establishes a personalized surgical plan, she and her team will provide specific pre-operative guidelines tailored to your health background and procedure details.

  • Stop using nicotine for at least several weeks before surgery to promote better healing.
  • Pause medications and supplements that thin the blood, under medical supervision, to minimize risks.
  • Arrange transportation for the day of surgery and have a trusted companion assist you during the first 24 hours of recovery.
  • Maintain proper nutrition and hydration before the procedure to support optimal healing.

The Vargas Face and Skin Center team will walk you through every detail to ensure you feel fully prepared and confident before your facelift.

Recovery

Recovery time varies depending on the type of facelift performed. Deep plane facelift patients generally require more downtime, while those who undergo a QuickLift or Micro Lift will likely be able to return to regular activities sooner. The Vargas team provides detailed aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort.

Throughout recovery, follow-up appointments allow Dr. Vargas to monitor progress to ensure optimal results. She encourages patients to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity until cleared.

Results

Facelifts create transformative results that still appear natural. Patients often report feeling more confident and revitalized. The effects of the deep plane facelift can last for many years, while QuickLift and Micro Lift procedures provide lasting improvements suitable for patients at earlier stages of aging. For some younger patients, QuickLifts and Micro Lifts may reduce the need for a more extensive facelift later on.

Each technique restores balance to the facial structure without creating an over-tightened or artificial look. The results highlight your natural beauty and bring renewed definition to the jawline, cheeks, and neck. Dr. Vargas’s patients frequently describe looking like a refreshed version of themselves rather than someone different!

Cost of a Facelift in Kansas City

The cost of a facelift varies depending on the technique used, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is combined with other treatments. During your consultation, we will provide a detailed cost estimate that includes all associated fees, such as anesthesia and follow-up care. Vargas Face and Skin Center offers several financing options to make treatment more accessible.

Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or prefer to schedule over the phone, please call our Prairie Village office at (913) 381-4900.

FAQ

How long do facelift results last?

This varies depending on the technique used, as well as lifestyle and genetic factors, but most patients enjoy long-lasting improvement for several years. Deep plane facelifts often provide results that last up to a decade or longer.

Is a facelift painful?

Most patients experience mild discomfort during recovery, which is well-managed with prescribed medication. Dr. Vargas and her staff prioritize your comfort throughout recovery and will administer the appropriate anesthesia.

Will there be visible scars after a facelift?

Incisions are placed in discreet locations near the ears and hairline to minimize visibility. As healing progresses, scars fade significantly and are typically inconspicuous. Some patients seek out scar treatments once they have healed sufficiently for optimal results.

When can I return to work after my facelift?

This depends on the type of facelift you receive. QuickLift and Micro Lift patients generally resume work in about a week, while deep plane facelift patients may need to take about two weeks off before they can return to normal routines.

Can I combine a facelift with other treatments?

Yes. Many patients combine facelift surgery with other treatments such as laser skin resurfacing, eyelid surgery, or injectables for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

How do I know which facelift procedure is right for me?

Dr. Vargas will evaluate your skin elasticity, degree of aging, and aesthetic goals to determine whether the deep plane lift, QuickLift, or Micro Lift is most appropriate.

What are the differences between a deep plane facelift, a QuickLift, and a Micro Lift?

A deep plane facelift makes more extensive corrections, making it ideal for patients with significant facial sagging. The QuickLift and Micro Lift offer a more subtle, less invasive alternative for younger patients or those with less advanced signs of aging. The deep plane facelift uses general or twilight anesthesia, while the QuickLift and Micro Lift use local or twilight anesthesia; the recovery time for a QuickLift and Micro Lift is typically shorter than that of the deep plane facelift.

References

  1. Raggio BS, Patel BC. Deep Plane Facelift. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545277/
  2. Olivas-Menayo J. The MICRO-Lift: A Ligaments-Based Anatomic Technique for Lower Face and Neck Rejuvenation Using Bipolar Radiofrequency. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Published online January 7, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-021-02719-0