Facelift surgery is one of the most transformative procedures in facial plastic surgery, and for Kansas City patients considering this step, the experience and credentials of your surgeon matter enormously. At Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Levi J. Young brings more than a decade of private practice experience, a fine arts background, and a deeply personalized approach to every facelift consultation. If visible signs of aging have been affecting your confidence, a facelift may help restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance that still looks genuinely like you.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

What Is Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery, known medically as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of facial aging in the mid-face, lower face, and neck. As skin loses elasticity and facial volume shifts over time, patients may notice deepening nasolabial folds, jowling along the jawline, loose skin beneath the chin, and a general loss of facial definition. Facelift surgery may help reduce the appearance of these concerns by repositioning underlying facial tissues and removing excess skin.

Dr. Young performs facelift surgery using techniques tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals. This may include addressing the SMAS layer, which is the deeper muscular and connective tissue structure of the face, to create results that appear natural rather than pulled or overdone. A facelift is often performed alongside complementary procedures such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift for patients seeking more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. As with all surgical procedures, results vary by individual, and a consultation is the appropriate first step.

Are You a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery may be appropriate for adults who are experiencing moderate to significant signs of facial aging and are in good overall health. Ideal candidates are typically non-smokers, or those willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery, with realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot achieve. Common concerns that may make someone a candidate include jowling, loose skin along the neck and jawline, and deep facial creases that have not responded adequately to non-surgical treatments.

Candidacy is always determined on an individual basis. Certain medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle factors may affect surgical eligibility, which is why a thorough consultation with Dr. Young is the essential first step. During your consultation, Dr. Young will review your health history, evaluate your facial anatomy, and discuss your aesthetic goals in detail. This one-on-one conversation is where a truly customized treatment plan begins. No two patients are alike, and Dr. Young’s approach reflects that philosophy at every stage. If facelift surgery is not the right fit, he may recommend alternatives from the full range of facial plastic surgery procedures offered at the practice.

The Facelift Surgery Process at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery

Understanding what to expect at each stage can help patients feel more confident moving forward.

Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Young. He will assess your facial structure, skin quality, and the specific aging concerns you want to address. He will explain which techniques may be most appropriate for your anatomy, discuss anesthesia options, and walk you through realistic outcomes. This is also the time to ask every question you have about recovery, risks, and what the results may look like for you specifically.

The Procedure

Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes several hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether complementary surgeries are being performed at the same time. Dr. Young makes discreet incisions, typically along the hairline and natural contours of the ear, to minimize visible scarring. He addresses the underlying SMAS layer as appropriate, then repositions skin for a natural, refreshed appearance. His fine arts background directly informs the precision and aesthetic judgment he applies in the operating room.

Recovery

Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and some tightness in the days following facelift surgery. These effects are a normal part of the healing process. Most patients are able to return to light activity within two weeks, though strenuous exercise and sun exposure should be avoided for a longer period as directed. Dr. Young and his team provide detailed post-operative instructions and are available to support patients throughout recovery.

Results

Facelift results typically become more visible as swelling subsides over several weeks. Most patients begin to appreciate the fuller outcome at the six-week mark, with continued refinement over several months. Individual results may vary.

Why Choose Advanced Cosmetic Surgery for Facelift Surgery in Kansas City?

Dr. Levi J. Young is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He serves as Clinical Faculty in the Surgery Department at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and holds surgical privileges at multiple Kansas City and Leawood facilities, including Saint Luke’s South and Overland Park Regional Surgery Center.

What sets Dr. Young apart extends beyond his credentials. His practice is 100% cosmetic in focus, and he performs over 350 surgeries per year, a volume that reflects a level of specialization and consistency that patients throughout Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, and the surrounding communities have come to rely on. He has been recognized as a Top Doctor in Overland Park, voted among the Top Three Plastic Surgeons in Kansas City, and received the Ten Best Client Satisfaction Award in both 2015 and 2016.

Perhaps most distinctively, Dr. Young is a fine artist whose drawings and paintings are displayed throughout the practice. His artistic training is not incidental; it directly informs his surgical eye and his commitment to proportional, aesthetically balanced outcomes. To learn more about his background and philosophy, visit the Meet the Doctor page.

Patients interested in financing options can also explore surgical financing through the practice.

Results and What to Expect

Facelift surgery may help patients achieve a more youthful facial contour with results that can last for years, though the natural aging process continues after surgery. Most patients describe looking refreshed and rested rather than noticeably altered, which reflects the natural-result philosophy Dr. Young applies to every procedure. Swelling and bruising resolve gradually, and the final outcome becomes clearer over several months as tissues fully settle.

Individual results may vary based on age, skin quality, anatomy, and lifestyle factors. Maintaining results over time may be supported by sun protection, a consistent skincare routine, and periodic non-surgical treatments available through the medical spa at Advanced Cosmetic Surgery. Options such as chemical peels and other skin-rejuvenating treatments can complement and help preserve surgical outcomes.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Advanced Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Young.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery in Kansas City

How long does facelift surgery recovery typically take?

Most patients are able to return to light daily activities within approximately two weeks following facelift surgery. Swelling and bruising are common during the first week and gradually improve. Strenuous activity and direct sun exposure should be avoided for a longer period as recommended by Dr. Young. Every patient heals at a different pace, and your post-operative care plan will be tailored to your specific situation.

What factors influence the cost of facelift surgery?

The total cost of facelift surgery depends on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, anesthesia fees, surgical facility costs, and whether any complementary procedures are performed at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Young’s team will provide a comprehensive cost estimate specific to your treatment plan. Financing options are available to help patients plan for their procedure.

Will my facelift results look natural?

Dr. Young’s approach prioritizes results that look refreshed and natural, not pulled or overdone. His fine arts training and extensive experience with facial anatomy allow him to assess proportion and balance with a precision that informs every aspect of the procedure. Individual results may vary, and your consultation will include an honest conversation about realistic outcomes for your specific anatomy.

Can facelift surgery be combined with other procedures?

Yes, facelift surgery is commonly combined with complementary procedures such as eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or non-surgical treatments to address the face more comprehensively. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time compared to staging them separately. Dr. Young will help you determine which combination of treatments may best align with your goals during your consultation.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for facelift surgery?

Candidacy for facelift surgery is determined through a personal consultation with Dr. Young. Good candidates are generally in good overall health, are non-smokers or willing to stop smoking, and have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. The consultation is the only appropriate way to determine whether facelift surgery is right for you, as individual anatomy, health history, and goals all factor into this determination.

What should I expect at my first consultation?

During your initial consultation, Dr. Young will review your medical history, evaluate your facial anatomy, and listen carefully to the concerns and goals that brought you in. He will explain which techniques may be most appropriate for you and walk through the procedure, recovery, and realistic outcomes. This is a collaborative conversation, and no question is too small to ask.

Schedule Your Facelift Surgery Consultation in Kansas City

If you have been considering facelift surgery and want to explore your options with a board-certified plastic surgeon who brings both surgical precision and a refined artistic eye to every procedure, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery is here to help. Dr. Young serves patients throughout Kansas City, Overland Park, Leawood, and the surrounding area. Contact us today to take the first step.

Dr. Levi Young, MD

“I am an artist. My artistic ability is an asset in the operating room, enabling me to visualize and create the best aesthetic results.”

With years of expertise in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Young prioritizes patients’ well-being and satisfaction. Whether you are considering a subtle enhancement or a transformative procedure, you can trust Advanced Cosmetic Surgery to deliver exceptional care and results tailored to your personal needs and cosmetic goals.

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