Oral Surgery
FACELIFT PROCEDURE
Huntersville (Charlotte Metro), NC
Facelift Procedure at Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery
Facelift Procedure at Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that repositions and tightens the deeper structures of the face — muscle, fascia, and fat pads — to reverse the visible effects of aging in the mid-face, lower face, and jawline. Unlike non-surgical treatments that temporarily relax or fill, a facelift addresses the underlying cause of sagging: gravity-driven descent of tissue that no cream, laser, or injectable can fully correct.
At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II — a double board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive training in facial anatomy — performs facelifts using modern deep-plane and SMAS techniques that deliver natural, long-lasting results.
The SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) technique addresses the fibrous tissue layer beneath the skin. The surgeon lifts and repositions the SMAS independently from the skin, creating a dual-layer correction. This prevents the "pulled" look associated with older skin-only facelifts and produces results that last 8–12 years.
Considered the gold standard by many facial surgeons, the deep plane technique releases and repositions the facial tissues as a single composite flap — including the SMAS, fat pads, and overlying skin together. Advantages: more natural results, less tension on the skin (reducing visible scarring), longer-lasting outcomes (10–15 years), and better correction of the mid-face and nasolabial folds.
A less invasive option with shorter incisions, targeting early jowling and mild laxity. Ideal for patients in their 40s–50s with moderate aging. Shorter surgery (2–3 hours vs. 4–5), faster recovery (1 week vs. 2–3), but less dramatic correction than a full facelift.
Two weeks before surgery, patients stop blood-thinning medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E), quit smoking (smoking impairs blood flow to the skin flaps and dramatically increases complication rates), and arrange for someone to drive them home and assist for the first 24–48 hours.
Facelifts are performed under general anesthesia or deep IV sedation with local anesthesia. Dr. Haigney discusses the best option based on the extent of surgery and patient preference.
The primary incision begins in the hairline at the temple, curves down in front of the ear (following the natural crease), wraps under the earlobe, and continues behind the ear into the hairline. This placement conceals the scar within natural skin folds and hair-bearing areas. Additional incisions under the chin may be made if a neck lift is included.
The surgeon elevates the skin, accesses the deeper SMAS or deep-plane layer, releases retaining ligaments, and repositions the descended tissue upward and backward to its more youthful position. Excess skin is trimmed (never pulled tight — that creates an unnatural look). If indicated, fat may be redistributed to restore cheek volume.
Incisions are closed in layers with absorbable deep sutures and fine skin sutures or staples. A light compression dressing is applied to minimize swelling and support the repositioned tissues. Small drains may be placed (removed within 24–48 hours).
Facelift surgery is safe in experienced hands but carries standard surgical risks: hematoma (the most common complication at 3–4%, more frequent in males), nerve injury (usually temporary), infection, poor scarring, hair loss around incision lines, and skin necrosis (rare, primarily in smokers). Choosing a board-certified surgeon with significant facelift volume is the single most important risk-reduction factor.
More on Facelifts – Best Age for a Facelift
Words cannot express enough, how wonderful, caring and professional Dr. Haigney and his staff are! After being rushed to the Huntersville hospital with an orbital fracture, broken nose and other facial damage, Dr. Haigney rushed me into surgery (on his day off I must add) and corrected all my problems. I only wish all doctors cared as much about their patients and their recovery as Dr. Haigney and his staff did. Thank you so much for everything! Your attention and compassion has helped me make my recovery as comfortable as possible. 5 star service!
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