We’re now able to offer facelifts with the addition of Dr. Richard Levine, MD, FAAD, who has decades of experience and is one of the most sought after facial surgeons in the region.
A facelift is a surgical procedure that restores definition and firmness to the face and neck by addressing sagging skin, deepened folds, and loss of structure along the jawline. Dr. Levine offers two main approaches depending on where you are in the aging process and what you want to achieve.
A full facelift works at a deeper level, addressing the underlying facial support layer known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system). Dr. Levine uses two proven SMAS techniques:
If you’re noticing the early signs of aging — mild jowling, subtle skin laxity, or soft loss of definition along the jaw — a mini facelift may be the right fit. It uses smaller incisions, focuses on the lower face, and involves less downtime than a full facelift. It’s a great option if you’re not ready for a more extensive procedure but want results that actually last.
For many patients, liposuction of the lower face and neck is incorporated into the procedure to remove stubborn fat deposits and refine the jawline and neck contour. Dr. Levine will discuss during your consultation whether this makes sense for your anatomy.
A facelift won’t stop the clock, but it can turn it back significantly. Most patients see a firmer, more defined jawline, reduced jowling, improved neck contour, and an overall more refreshed appearance. Results from a full facelift typically last 7 to 10 years or longer. A mini facelift offers more modest correction with a shorter longevity. Either way, you’ll still look like yourself—just a more rested, vibrant version.
This is a one-on-one conversation about your goals, your anatomy, and your options. Dr. Levine will assess your skin quality, facial structure, and the degree of laxity in your face and neck to determine whether a mini or full facelift is the right fit — and whether any adjunct procedures like neck liposuction make sense. You’ll leave with a clear picture of the recommended approach, realistic expectations for your outcome, and a chance to ask every question on your mind.
Once you decide to move forward, you’ll receive detailed pre-op instructions. This typically includes lab work, medication adjustments (aspirin and blood thinners are paused well in advance), and quitting smoking if applicable. You’ll also arrange for a trusted person to drive you home and stay with you for the first day or two of recovery.
Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure and your preference. You’ll arrive at the surgical facility, meet briefly with Dr. Levine and the anesthesia team, and be made comfortable before the procedure begins. Plan to have a driver with you — you will not be able to drive yourself home.
A mini facelift typically takes 2 to 3 hours. A full facelift generally runs 3 to 5 hours, and may be longer if a neck lift or liposuction is performed at the same time. Facelift surgery is almost always done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day once you’ve been cleared by the care team.
A mini facelift typically takes 2 to 3 hours. A full facelift generally runs 3 to 5 hours, and may be longer if a neck lift or liposuction is performed at the same time. Facelift surgery is almost always done as an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day once you’ve been cleared by the care team.
Rest is the priority. Keep your head elevated — even while sleeping — to minimize swelling. Bruising and tightness are expected and normal. Drains, if placed, are typically removed within the first one to two days at a follow-up visit. Cold compresses can help with comfort and swelling.
Dr. Levine will see you shortly after surgery to check your healing, remove any drains, and answer questions. Sutures are typically removed around days 7 to 10. Follow-up visits continue over the coming weeks to monitor your progress and make sure everything is healing as expected.
Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public by the end of week two, though some residual swelling and bruising may still be visible. Light daily activity can typically resume around week two to three. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and anything that significantly raises your heart rate should be avoided for four to six weeks.
You’ll notice a meaningful difference early, but the full result takes time. Swelling continues to settle over the first several months, and residual tightness or numbness gradually resolves. Most patients feel they’re seeing their true, final result somewhere between three and six months post-surgery — and are consistently happy with what they see.
Detailed post-op instructions will be provided, and our team is always available if questions come up during recovery. Recovery varies between a mini and full facelift, but here’s a general sense of the timeline:
Swelling, bruising, and some tightness are expected. You’ll want to rest at home with your head elevated. Any surgical drains, if used, are typically removed within the first day or two.
Bruising fades and swelling begins to subside. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public by the end of week two, though some swelling remains.
Numbness and skin tightness gradually resolve. Final results become more visible as swelling fully settles, usually at the 3 to 6 month mark.
You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you:
The best way to know for sure is a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Levine. He’ll assess your anatomy, talk through your goals, and help you decide whether a mini or full facelift is the right approach — or whether a different procedure might serve you better.
Call us at (828) 585-5489 or book your consultation online. We’d love to meet you.
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A full facelift typically lasts 7 to 10 years, and many patients enjoy results well beyond that. A mini facelift offers a shorter runway — generally 3 to 5 years — but it’s also a less involved procedure with a quicker recovery. It’s worth noting that a facelift doesn’t stop the aging process; it resets it. You’ll continue to age naturally after surgery, just from a more rejuvenated starting point. Most patients find that even years later, they still look better than they would have without the procedure.
A mini facelift targets mild to moderate changes in the lower face — early jowling, subtle skin laxity, or softening along the jaw — through smaller incisions and with less downtime. A full facelift goes deeper, working at the level of the SMAS (the facial support layer beneath the skin) to address more advanced sagging, volume loss, or significant changes in the mid and lower face. The right choice depends on how much correction you’re looking for and where you are in the aging process. Dr. Levine can walk you through which approach fits your anatomy during a consultation.
SMAS stands for the superficial musculoaponeurotic system — essentially the structural layer of the face that gives it shape and support. As we age, this layer descends along with the overlying skin, causing jowling and deepened folds. An SMAS facelift addresses this underlying structure directly, rather than just pulling on the skin. The result tends to look more natural, last longer, and hold up better over time than skin-only techniques. Dr. Levine uses SMAS plication (folding and securing the layer in place) or SMAS flap (lifting and repositioning it) depending on what each patient needs.
Most patients take one to two weeks off from work and social commitments. Bruising and swelling are most noticeable in the first week, then begin to fade significantly into week two. By weeks three to four, the majority of patients feel like themselves again, though final swelling continues to settle for several months. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about four to six weeks. You’ll receive a detailed recovery plan so you know exactly what to expect at each stage.
Yes — and for many patients, it should. Liposuction of the lower face and neck is a common and often recommended adjunct to both mini and full facelifts. If excess fat beneath the chin or along the jawline is contributing to loss of definition, removing it can dramatically improve the final result. Dr. Levine will assess your anatomy during your consultation and let you know whether liposuction makes sense as part of your procedure.
Dr. Richard Levine is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon whose career reflects a genuine passion for every facet of dermatologic medicine, from general skin care to complex skin cancer surgery. After more than 20 years of practice in Colorado, where he built a reputation for exceptional surgical outcomes and compassionate patient care, Dr. Levine recently relocated to the Asheville area. He brings with him a deep commitment to both precision medicine and the patient experience. Dr. Levine is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and enjoys practicing the full spectrum of dermatology and dermatologic surgery.
Questions about facelift surgery? Looking to refer a patient to Dr. Levine? Contact us by completing the form and a member of our team will reach out to confirm your appointment within one business day.
1998 Hendersonville Rd, Unit 53
Asheville, NC 28803
HOURS
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
120 South Grove Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
HOURS
Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed
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NEW PATIENTS GET $100 OFF ANY COSMETIC TREATMENT
Take the first step towards your aesthetic goals with our complimentary 30-minute consultation. Simply fill out the form below and a patient care coordinator will be in touch shortly to help you schedule your consultation.
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Take the first step towards your aesthetic goals with our complimentary 30-minute consultation. Simply fill out the form below and a patient care coordinator will be in touch shortly to help you schedule your consultation.
"*" indicates required fields
NEW PATIENTS GET $100 OFF ANY COSMETIC TREATMENT
Take the first step towards your aesthetic goals with our complimentary 30-minute consultation. Simply fill out the form below and a patient care coordinator will be in touch shortly to help you schedule your consultation.
