Face and Neck Lift Surgery With Dr. Elbert Vaca. Naturally You. Never Overdone.

Board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation built on precision and artistry
A surgical plan designed around your unique anatomy, never a one-size-fits-all technique
Restores the face's deeper structure for results that move and age naturally
Refreshed, rested, and unmistakably you, through every stage of your consultation and recovery

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Face & Neck Lift Surgery in Boca Raton, FL

Elegant, Natural Facial Rejuvenation Through Precision and Artistry

A modern and artistically performed facelift is dramatically different from the procedures performed decades ago. Rather than simply pulling the skin tighter, modern face and neck lift surgery lifts & restores the face’s deeper structural support to recreate youthful contours while maintaining natural movement and expression.

Every patient’s anatomy, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals are unique. That’s why Dr. Elbert Vaca believes every face and neck lift should be thoughtfully customized rather than performed with a one-size-fits-all approach. Through a comprehensive facial analysis at his Boca Raton practice, he develops a surgical plan tailored to your features, allowing you to look refreshed, rested, and naturally rejuvenated without appearing overdone.

As a well-published plastic surgeon specializing in facial aesthetic surgery, with research featured in leading plastic surgery journals including the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Vaca combines technical expertise with an artistic eye to deliver sophisticated, elegant, and natural-looking results.

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What Is a Modern Face & Neck Lift?

Restoring Youthful Contours - Far More than Skin Tightening

A modern and artistically performed face and neck lift is a comprehensive facial rejuvenation procedure designed to restore youthful contours by addressing the deeper structural changes that occur with aging – not simply tightening loose skin.

As we age, the skin gradually loses elasticity, but the more significant changes occur beneath the surface. The deeper support structures of the face descend, facial fat shifts downward – often contributing to undesired fullness along the lower face and neck, muscles and connective tissues become lax, the eyes, cheeks & cheeks lose their youthful contours, and the neck gradually loses definition. These changes contribute to jowls, loss of jawline definition, deepening of the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, hollowing of the cheeks, neck laxity, and an overall appearance that may seem tired or older than you feel.

A modern face and neck lift is designed to address these changes at their source. Rather than creating a tight or windswept appearance by pulling on the skin alone, Dr. Vaca carefully repositions the deeper facial support structures, selectively reduces excess fullness when appropriate, and restores volume where it has been lost. By restoring facial balance and youthful contours, the procedure creates a naturally refreshed appearance while preserving your unique facial features.

Every procedure is customized to the individual. The surgical plan is based on your anatomy, pattern of aging, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. Facial fat grafting is performed in nearly all patients to help restore youthful contours. For many patients, eyelid surgery, a lip lift, or skin resurfacing may be combined with a facelift to achieve a more complete and balanced facial rejuvenation.

The goal is not to make you look like someone else – the goal is to help you look like yourself at your best: refreshed, rested, confident, and naturally youthful.

Before and After*

*Results May Vary

What Can a Face & Neck Lift Improve?

A face and neck lift may address:

Every procedure is tailored to the individual. Some patients require comprehensive rejuvenation of both the face and neck, while others may benefit from a more limited approach depending on their anatomy and goals.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Vinny Frisone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Steven Fagien did an unbelievable job on my eyes. I had my upper and lower eyes done and i look Completely refreshed and much younger. Thank you to the staff and Owni who Took very good care of any of my needs and any questions that I had along the way and before and after. Surgery went smooth there was no pain at all. Throughout the whole process, Dr. Fagien was always available and easy to reach. Don't look anywhere else there is no one better.
  
 
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   Oxana Cummings 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing doctor! Everything went absolutely perfectly, and I love my eye so much. The doctor and his staff are professional, kind, and caring. They made me feel completely at ease before, during, and after the surgery. I’m extremely happy with my experience and would highly recommend them!
  
 
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   Yolly Bolasini 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My whole experience was wonderful! My dermatologist had recommended Dr Fagien for my eyes surgery, but I was a little hesitant after hearing so bad stories about other doctors.
One year ago I finally decided to take the chance and today I thank myself for doing it! My eyes look so good yet so natural that most of my friends didn't notice about a surgery! They just say I look so young and pretty!
Dr Fagien is very kind and extremely good professional! He took care of me all the way, he kindly answered all my doubts and concerns and helped me out through the whole process. Also his team, all the staff at his offices are really nice and knowledgeable.
I recommend this doctor to anyone who wants their eyes to look amazing!
  
 
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   Gina Leone 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an upper blepharoplasty with Dr. Fagan, and I could not be happier with my experience and results. From my initial consultation through my surgery and follow-up care, Dr. Fagan was professional, kind, attentive, and made me feel completely comfortable and confident in my decision.

My results look incredibly natural and refreshed—exactly what I was hoping for. The entire process was smooth, and I truly appreciated the time Dr. Fagan took to answer my questions and make sure I felt comfortable every step of the way.

I would highly recommend Dr. Fagan to anyone considering an upper blepharoplasty. I’m so grateful for the care I received and absolutely love my results. Five stars all around!
  
 
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   Gina Berlin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Fagien is the best eye surgeon hands down!
My whole experience from start to finish was exceptional. His professionalism and incredible staff make the whole process seamless.
I would, without a doubt, refer him to all my friends and family.

Thank you Dr. Fagien!!
  
 
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   Douglas Rolfe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had my upper and lower lids done at the end of June, so I'm a month and a half post-op. I am extremely pleased with everything in this regard. Not only is Dr. Fagien incredible and talented, but every interaction with any member of his staff was always 5-star. I would highly recommend him.
  
 
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   David Goldman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I write this review as a dermatologist and
Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgeon with 42 years of clinical experience in general, surgical and cosmetic dermatology.  I have also reconstructed numerous facial wounds after removing complex skin cancers on many of my patients’ faces.  With my experience, I have a full appreciation for the complexity of eyelid surgery. I have referred numerous patients for ocular plastic surgery during my career.
18 years ago, I had disappointing cosmetic eyelid surgery that ultimately left me uncomfortable and disfigured. I consulted with three other ocular plastic surgeons who recommended that I do nothing and simply live with the result.
I heard Dr. Fagien speak at a cosmetic surgery meeting, where he addressed the particular problem that I had. In that presentation, he spoke about the techniques he had developed to reconnect the outside parts of eyelids to the surrounding bone. I was relieved to know that someone would be able to correct my problematic previous result.
I met with Dr. Fagan at which time we discussed my concerns.  All of my questions were answered with compassion and respect.
In my case, the lack of eyelid support by the orbital bone and excessive surrounding skin created unnatural webbing, narrowing of the opening of my eyes and discomfort from displaced  and  ingrowing eyelashes. The procedure that Dr. Fagien performed, known as lateral canthoplasty with retinacular suspension, enabled correction of the discomfort and disfiguring changes that had developed. I could not be more grateful or happier!
And I think I look a few years younger, but all of my friends and family say I look at least 10 to 20 years younger, especially since
Dr. Fagien removed those pesky bags under my eyes, as well🤩!
Dr. Fagien carries world renowned stature for his skills, innovations, publications and kindness.  I would trust him with any of my patients, family members or friends.  In addition, Dr. Fagien and his staffs’ professionalism and attention to detail are unparalleled!
  
 
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   Ellen Glantz-Tucker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Faigen is spectacular!  Kind, talented……my results far exceeded my expectations!  I cannot thank him enough. So highly recommend him.
  
 
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   Rick Tobin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Top notch!

Is a Face & Neck Lift Right for You?

A face and neck lift is designed for individuals who want to restore youthful facial contours by addressing the structural changes that occur with aging. While treatments such as neuromodulators, dermal fillers, lasers, and skin resurfacing can improve early signs of aging, they cannot reposition descended facial tissues or eliminate significant skin laxity. When these bigger changes become more pronounced, facelift surgery provides the most effective, comprehensive, and longest-lasting approach.

You may be an excellent candidate for a face and neck lift if you are bothered by:

Loss of jawline definition and the development of jowls
Loose skin or sagging of the cheeks, lower face, and neck
Excess fullness beneath the chin or diminished neck definition
Prominent platysmal (neck) bands
Deepening nasolabial folds and marionette lines caused by tissue descent
Facial aging that is no longer adequately improved with nonsurgical treatments
A desire for natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation without looking "pulled," overfilled, or overdone

Ideal candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke, are at or near a stable, healthy weight, and have realistic expectations regarding surgery, recovery, and results. Age alone is not the determining factor. Some patients may benefit from a facelift in their 40s or 50s to address facial descent, while others seek surgery later in life after more advanced aging has occurred. The decision is based on your anatomy, skin quality, degree of tissue laxity, and aesthetic goals rather than a specific age.

During your consultation, Dr. Vaca performs a comprehensive analysis of your facial anatomy, skin quality, volume distribution, and neck contours. He will discuss your concerns, evaluate the underlying causes of facial aging, and develop a personalized surgical plan tailored to your unique anatomy, concerns, and aesthetic goals.

Why the Neck Matters

Beautiful Facial Rejuvenation Doesn't Stop at the Jawline

The face and neck age together. As the skin gradually loses elasticity and the deeper facial support structures descend, changes in the jawline are often accompanied by loose neck skin, excess fullness beneath the chin, diminished jawline definition, and the appearance of vertical neck bands.

For this reason, Dr. Vaca frequently recommends treating the face and neck together. Addressing both areas creates smooth, balanced transitions between the cheeks, jawline, and neck, resulting in a more harmonious and natural-looking outcome. Treating only one area may leave the other appearing disproportionately aged, limiting the overall rejuvenation.

For many patients, achieving optimal neck definition requires tightening the platysma muscle through a small, carefully concealed incision beneath the chin. This allows Dr. Vaca to refine the neck contour, reduce excess fullness beneath the chin, improve jawline definition, soften prominent neck bands, and restore a well-defined cervicomental angle – the natural transition between the chin and neck that is a hallmark of a youthful appearance.

Not every patient requires both procedures. Individuals whose concerns are limited primarily to the neck may be excellent candidates for an isolated neck lift. During your consultation, Dr. Vaca will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your facial anatomy and neck to determine the surgical approach that will provide the most natural, balanced, and long-lasting result.

Complementary Procedures

Creating Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation

Facelift surgery restores youthful facial contours, but aging affects more than the lower face and neck alone. Changes in facial volume, the eyes, lips, and skin quality all contribute to an older appearance. For many patients, combining procedures creates the most balanced, natural-looking result. Dr. Vaca performs facial fat grafting in nearly all patients undergoing a facelift to restore volume where it has been lost. Additional potential procedures that may further enhance the overall result include eyelid surgery, lip lift, buccal fat reduction, and chin augmentation, when appropriate.

During your consultation, Dr. Vaca will recommend only the procedures that complement your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, creating a personalized treatment plan designed to achieve the most natural, harmonious outcome.

Facial Fat Grafting

As we age, we lose facial volume in the cheeks, temples, under the eyes, and around the mouth. Facial fat grafting restores this volume using your own fat, helping recreate softer, more youthful contours. Because facial aging is caused by both tissue descent and volume loss, Dr. Vaca performs fat grafting as part of nearly every facelift procedure.

Learn More

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Loose upper eyelid skin or under-eye bags can make you appear tired, even after a beautifully performed facelift. Blepharoplasty rejuvenates the eyes, creating a brighter, more refreshed appearance that complements the rest of the face.

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Brow Lift

With aging, the brows can gradually descend, contributing to upper eyelid heaviness and a tired or harsher appearance around the eyes. A brow lift repositions the brows to a more youthful position, helping create a brighter, softer, and more refreshed appearance. When appropriate, it can also complement eyelid surgery to achieve a more balanced rejuvenation of the upper face.

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Lip Lift

As the upper lip lengthens with age, lower facial proportions gradually change, contributing to a more aged appearance while reducing the visible pink portion of the lip. In addition, the corners of the mouth may begin to turn downward. A lip lift restores youthful lip proportions, increases visible lip show, and enhances facial balance without creating an overfilled or unnatural appearance.

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Chin Augmentation

For patients with a naturally recessed chin, improving chin projection can further enhance jawline definition and strengthen the profile when combined with facelift surgery.

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Laser Resurfacing & Chemical Peels

While a face and neck lift restores youthful facial contours, laser resurfacing and chemical peels can improve the skin’s appearance by addressing fine lines, sun damage, uneven pigmentation, and skin texture. These treatments can complement facelift surgery by enhancing the skin's appearance, although they are typically performed separately to optimize healing and results.

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Why Choose Dr. Vaca

Training and Credentials That Set the Standard

Beautiful facelift results require more than technical skill. They require exceptional training, sound surgical judgment, an artistic eye, and meticulous execution – qualities developed over years of training at some of the nation’s most prestigious medical institutions.

Dr. Vaca earned his medical degree from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, home to The Johns Hopkins Hospital, ranked the #1 hospital in the United States for 21 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. While at Johns Hopkins, he joined the facial transplantation research team under Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, contributing to the most extensive face transplant performed to date in 2012. This experience provided a level of microsurgical and reconstructive expertise that few aesthetic plastic surgeons possess. Dr. Vaca’s abilities were recognized early in his training – the chairman of Plastic Surgery at Johns Hopkins described Dr. Vaca as, “One of the best medical students we have had; great hands and the total package.” Another faculty member expressed, “I believe in time we will see Elbert Vaca as an international leader in plastic surgery.”

He then completed a rigorous seven-year residency in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, which is ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the United States. While at Northwestern, Dr. Vaca earned a reputation for his exceptional technical ability. Dr. Arun Gosain, past President of the Plastic Surgery Foundation, described Dr. Vaca as “the best technical surgical resident I have worked with in my last 27 years as a teacher.”

Today, Dr. Vaca is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and an active member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS), the leading organizations dedicated to advancing excellence and patient safety in plastic surgery.

A Surgeon Who Shapes the Field, Not Just Practices It

Dr. Vaca’s commitment to advancing plastic surgery extends well beyond the operating room. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts and book chapters, and his research earned the “Best Paper Award” from the Journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in 2021. He has presented his work at the annual meetings of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the Plastic Surgery Research Council (PSRC), and the American Association of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) – the specialty’s most prestigious national and international scientific meetings. His research and expertise have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Time Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Fox News, and Fortune Magazine.

That same commitment to excellence was evident early in his academic career. Dr. Vaca graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from the University of Florida in just three years before beginning his medical training at Johns Hopkins.

Care Built Around You

For patients throughout Boca Raton, South Florida, and beyond, Dr. Vaca is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing him to communicate directly with patients and families in the language they’re most comfortable speaking throughout the consultation, surgical planning, and recovery process.

Patients choose Dr. Vaca because of his detail-oriented, individualized approach to facial rejuvenation. Every recommendation is based on your unique anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. The objective is never to make you look like someone else, but rather to restore youthful contours while preserving your unique facial characteristics and natural expressions.

Dr. Vaca's Facelift Philosophy

Advanced Techniques Guided by Precision, Not Trends

There’s no shortage of names for facelift techniques: Deep Plane, SMASectomy, SMAS Plication, High SMAS, Dual Plane, Extended SMAS, and countless variations. While these terms are often emphasized online, they don’t tell the whole story.

The reality is that no single facelift technique is universally “the best.” Exceptional results depend far more on thoughtful surgical planning, a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, meticulous execution, and an artistic eye than on the name of the procedure itself.

Dr. Vaca believes every face deserves an individualized approach. During your consultation, he carefully evaluates your facial structure, skin quality, pattern of aging, and aesthetic goals to determine the technique that will create the most balanced and natural-looking outcome.

Rejuvenating the Face at a Deeper Level

Modern facelift surgery focuses on repositioning the deeper support structures of the face rather than relying primarily on tightening the skin. By restoring these underlying tissues to a more youthful position, the cheeks regain support, the jawline becomes more defined, jowls improve, and the neck appears smoother and more youthful.

Because the deeper tissues and the skin are addressed separately, tension is placed where it belongs – on the structural foundation of the face instead of the skin itself. This approach helps create softer, more elegant contours while avoiding the overly tight or “windswept” appearance associated with older facelift techniques.

An Individualized Approach to Every Patient

While every surgical plan is customized, Dr. Vaca frequently performs a variation of the Extended Dual Plane High SMAS facelift when appropriate. This advanced aproach allows the deeper facial tissues to be repositioned predominantly in a vertical vector, restoring youthful facial proportions while preserving natural movement and expression.

Rather than focusing on performing the same procedure for every patient, Dr. Vaca selects the technique that best fits your anatomy and goals. His philosophy is simple: the best facelift isn’t defined by its name. It’s defined by how naturally you look after you’ve healed.

When surgery is performed with precision, restraint, and attention to facial harmony, the result shouldn’t look like you’ve had a facelift at all. You should simply look like yourself, refreshed, rested, and naturally rejuvenated.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

A Personalized Consultation Centered Around You

Taking the first step toward facial rejuvenation can feel like the hardest part. Many patients tell Dr. Vaca that what they appreciate most about their visit to his Boca Raton office is how unhurried, comfortable, and informative it feels. Your consultation is designed to be an open conversation focused on understanding your goals and helping you make an informed decision.

During your visit, Dr. Vaca will perform a comprehensive facial analysis, evaluating your skin quality, underlying facial anatomy, and pattern of aging. He’ll ask about your goals in your own words and take the time to understand what “looking refreshed” actually means to you, since that answer may differ for every patient.

Together, you will discuss your treatment options. If surgery is appropriate, Dr. Vaca will walk you through how he would approach your unique anatomy, whether complementary procedures such as facial fat grafting or eyelid surgery may enhance your results, and what you can realistically expect during recovery. Every recommendation is personalized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals rather than based on a “one-size-fits-all” treatment plan.

How to Prepare

A little preparation can help you get the most from your consultation. It’s helpful to come prepared to discuss:

Your specific concerns and what you hope to achieve with surgery
Photos of yourself at a younger age, if available
Any previous facial procedures or treatments, including injectable fillers, thread lifts, and skin resurfacing procedures, as these may influence surgical planning
Your medical history, current medications, and allergies

Honest Guidance

Dr. Vaca’s goal is to provide clear, honest, and thoughtful recommendations so you can make the decision that’s right for you, on your own timeline. Some patients choose to move forward with surgery soon after their consultation, while others take time to think it over. Whether you’re considering facelift surgery for the first time or comparing your options, you’ll leave your consultation with a clear understanding of your candidacy, your treatment options, and what to expect.

Recovery & Results

A Smooth Recovery. Beautiful Results That Continue to Improve

Recovery from a face and neck lift is a gradual process, but most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable it is. While swelling and bruising are expected, discomfort is typically mild, and many patients require only over-the-counter pain medication after surgery.

The First Week

Swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness are normal during the first several days. Walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to promote healthy circulation while allowing your body the time it needs to heal.

Two to Three Weeks

Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within two to three weeks. As swelling continues to subside, facial contours become more refined, and your results begin to look increasingly natural.

Returning to Exercise

Light activity can begin shortly after surgery, while more strenuous exercise, including weight training and athletic activities, is typically resumed around three weeks, depending on your healing progress and Dr. Vaca’s recommendations.

Results That Age Gracefully

Although you’ll notice significant improvement within the first few weeks, healing continues for several months as residual swelling resolves and scars mature. As this process unfolds, your final result becomes increasingly refined, revealing a naturally refreshed appearance.

A facelift cannot stop the aging process, but it can restore youthful facial proportions and allow your face to continue aging from a much more youthful starting point. Many patients enjoy their results for 10 years or longer, especially when they maintain a stable weight, protect their skin from sun damage, and practice healthy lifestyle habits.

Schedule Your Personalized Face & Neck Lift Consultation

Choosing facelift surgery is a deeply personal decision, and selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important choices you’ll make. Dr. Vaca believes every patient deserves an individualized approach that respects their unique anatomy, goals, and natural beauty.

Whether you’re beginning to notice the early signs of facial aging or you’re ready for more comprehensive rejuvenation, your consultation is an opportunity to discuss your concerns, explore your options, and develop a treatment plan tailored to you.

If you’re considering a face and neck lift in Boca Raton, Dr. Vaca is committed to helping you achieve elegant, natural-looking results that restore youthful facial contours, leaving you looking refreshed, confident, and unmistakably yourself.

Face & Neck Lift Surgery FAQs

Before Surgery

Am I a candidate for a face and neck lift?

You may be a candidate if you’re bothered by jowls, loose skin along the jawline, neck laxity, or facial sagging that can no longer be adequately improved with nonsurgical treatments. Ideal candidates are generally healthy, nonsmokers, at or near a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about surgery and recovery.

Am I too young for a facelift?

There isn’t a “perfect” age for facelift surgery. Some patients begin noticing significant jowls and neck laxity in their forties, while others may not consider surgery until much later. The right time is when facial aging begins to bother you enough, and you’re looking for meaningful, long-lasting improvement.

Am I too old for a facelift?

Age alone doesn’t determine candidacy. Overall health, skin quality, and your surgical goals are far more important. Many healthy patients in their sixties, seventies, and beyond enjoy excellent results with facelift surgery after a thorough evaluation.

What is the difference between a facelift and a neck lift?

A facelift primarily addresses the lower face by improving jowls, restoring jawline definition, and lifting sagging cheeks. A neck lift focuses on neck laxity, excess fullness beneath the chin, and vertical neck bands. Because the face and neck age together, many patients achieve the most natural results by treating both areas during the same procedure. Patients whose concerns are limited to the neck may be candidates for a neck lift alone.

How do I know if I need a neck lift instead of a facelift?

If your concerns are isolated to loose neck skin, fullness beneath the chin, or neck bands while your jawline remains well-defined, a neck lift alone may be appropriate. During your consultation, Dr. Vaca will determine whether a facelift, neck lift, or combination procedure will provide the most balanced result.

How much does a facelift cost in South Florida?

The cost of a facelift varies from patient to patient because no two faces – and no two surgical plans – are alike. Every facelift performed by Dr. Vaca is customized based on your unique anatomy, aesthetic goals, and the techniques required to achieve the most natural, balanced, and long-lasting result.

Several factors influence the overall cost of surgery, including whether additional procedures such as a neck lift, submandibular gland reduction, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facial fat grafting, buccal fat reduction, or other complementary procedures are recommended. The complexity of the surgery, the degree of correction required, and the anticipated operative time also contribute to the overall cost.

During your consultation, Dr. Vaca will perform a comprehensive facial evaluation, discuss your goals in detail, and develop a personalized surgical plan tailored specifically to you. Once your recommended treatment plan has been finalized, you will receive a detailed quote outlining all costs associated with your procedure.

About the Procedure

What facelift technique does Dr. Vaca perform?

Rather than performing the same procedure on every patient, Dr. Vaca customizes each procedure to your anatomy, skin quality, and goals. He frequently performs a variation of the Extended Dual Plane High SMAS facelift combined with a Medial Platysmaplasty, an advanced technique that repositions the deeper support structures of the face while minimizing tension on the skin.

What is the difference between a Deep Plane facelift and a High SMAS Dual Plane facelift?

There are several excellent facelift techniques, including Deep Plane, High SMAS, SMASectomy, and Dual Plane facelifts. While these names often receive significant attention, outstanding results depend far more on the surgeon’s experience, understanding of facial anatomy, and meticulous execution than on the procedure’s name.

Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?

Yes. Combining procedures is often an integral part of achieving a more comprehensive and balanced result. Dr. Vaca performs facial fat grafting in the majority of cases to restore youthful facial volume.

Lip lift surgery may also be performed to improve lip proportions and complement the enhanced jawline definition achieved through facelift surgery. Upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can further rejuvenate the eyes and contribute to a more refreshed overall appearance. For patients with a naturally recessed chin, improving chin projection can further enhance jawline definition and strengthen the profile when combined with facelift surgery.

Your treatment plan is customized to your anatomy, goals, and what can be safely performed together.

Why does Dr. Vaca frequently perform facial fat grafting with facelift surgery?

Facial aging involves both tissue descent and volume loss. While a facelift restores facial position, fat grafting replenishes volume in the cheeks, lips, around the mouth, and eyelid areas, as indicated, creating softer, more youthful, and balanced results.

Does a facelift remove wrinkles?

A facelift improves facial contours, jowls, and neck laxity but does not directly treat fine lines or skin texture. Depending on your concerns, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or injectable treatments may be recommended to further enhance your results.

Recovery & Results

Will I still look like myself after surgery?

Yes. Dr. Vaca’s goal is to restore youthful contours while preserving your natural facial features and expressions. Friends and family are more likely to notice that you look refreshed and well-rested than that you’ve had surgery.

How long is recovery after a facelift?

Most patients return to social activities within two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising continue to improve over the following weeks, while subtle refinements continue for several months.

When can I exercise after surgery?

Walking is encouraged immediately after surgery. More strenuous exercise, including weight training, is typically resumed around three weeks after surgery, depending on your healing progress.

How long do facelift results last?

While facelift surgery cannot stop the aging process, most patients enjoy their results for ten years or longer. Maintaining a stable weight, protecting your skin from sun exposure, and living a healthy lifestyle can help extend your results.

Where are facelift incisions placed?

Incisions are carefully hidden within the natural contours around the ears and hairline to make them as inconspicuous as possible while preserving the natural appearance of the ear and hairline.

Will my scars be noticeable?

All surgery results in scars, but meticulous surgical technique helps them heal exceptionally well. Dr. Vaca carefully plans incision placement and minimizes skin tension to promote optimal scar healing.

What is a pixie-ear deformity?

A pixie-ear deformity occurs when excessive tension pulls the earlobe downward and forward after facelift surgery, creating an elongated or “stuck-on” appearance. Modern facelift techniques focus on supporting the deeper facial tissues rather than relying on skin tension, helping preserve the earlobe’s natural shape and position. However, preventing a pixie-ear deformity requires more than simply placing tension on the deeper tissue layers. It also demands meticulous attention to detail to precisely position and secure the earlobe in a natural, tension-free manner.

Special Considerations

Can I have facelift surgery after using facial fillers?

Yes. Previous filler treatments generally do not prevent excellent facelift results, but they do require thoughtful planning. Be sure to discuss your complete filler history during your consultation.

How long should I wait after fillers before a facelift?

As a general guideline, Dr. Vaca often recommends waiting approximately six to twelve months after hyaluronic acid fillers and twelve to eighteen months after biostimulatory fillers, such as Sculptra® or Radiesse®. Your recommendation will depend on your individual treatment history.

Can I have a facelift after significant weight loss or GLP-1 medications?

Yes. Patients who have lost weight with medications such as Ozempic®, Wegovy®, or Mounjaro® often experience increased facial and neck laxity. Once your weight has stabilized, facelift surgery can restore youthful facial contours, often in combination with fat grafting or other complementary procedures.

Is facelift surgery different for men?

Yes. Men have unique facial anatomy, thicker skin, different beard patterns, and distinct aesthetic goals. Dr. Vaca customizes each procedure to preserve masculine features while achieving natural, age-appropriate rejuvenation.

Can I have a revision facelift?

Yes. Revision facelift surgery can improve recurrent aging, asymmetry, visible scarring, or concerns following a previous facelift. Because revision surgery is more complex than primary surgery, it requires extensive experience and meticulous planning.

What are the risks of facelift surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, delayed healing, temporary swelling or numbness, and scarring. Serious complications are uncommon, and careful surgical planning, meticulous technique, and attentive postoperative care help minimize these risks.

Where are facelift incisions placed?

Incisions are carefully hidden within the natural contours around the ears and hairline to make them as inconspicuous as possible while preserving the natural appearance of the ear and hairline.

Will my scars be noticeable?

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Results may vary. We are reputable for complete customer satisfaction for completed treatments. Before and after images reflect real results from real patients, although individual results may vary. No treatment is promised to provide permanent results. A guarantee is neither provided nor implied. Statements estimating treatment duration and the number of treatments required are based on the typical experience or our patients, however individual experiences may vary.