As time passes, you may begin to notice subtle but undeniable changes in your face—sagging skin around the jawline, deep creases near the mouth, or a tired, drawn appearance that doesn’t reflect how vibrant you feel inside. These are natural signs of aging, but they can affect your confidence and how others perceive your energy and vitality.

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, offers a lasting solution to facial aging by repositioning deeper tissues and removing excess skin to restore youthful definition. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, a facelift can rejuvenate your appearance while preserving the unique features that make you, you. At our practice in Overland Park, KS, Dr. Chris Surek brings advanced surgical expertise and a deep understanding of anatomy to help you achieve a refined, natural-looking transformation. Schedule your personalized surgical consultation today.

How the Procedure Works

A modern facelift goes far beyond simply tightening the skin. Dr. Surek uses advanced surgical techniques to reposition the underlying facial musculature and soft tissue structures, specifically targeting the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS)—a key layer of connective tissue that plays a central role in facial expression and aging.

During a lower facelift or SMAS facelift, Dr. Surek carefully elevates and repositions the SMAS layer, sculpting the cheeks, jawline, and neck to restore youthful facial contours. This technique addresses both deep facial laxity and surface aging, ensuring more comprehensive and longer-lasting results than older skin-only methods.

In select cases, Dr. Surek may also incorporate deep-plane techniques or cartilage grafting to improve facial volume and support. His surgical philosophy prioritizes harmony, proportion, and preserving facial identity, ensuring your outcome never looks overdone—just refreshed, rested, and rejuvenated.

Benefits of a Facelift

• Restores youthful definition to the cheeks and jawline
• Lifts sagging tissue and reduces jowling
• Smooths deep nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Refines the neck and improves chin-to-neck angle
• Delivers natural-looking, long-lasting results
• Minimizes visible scarring with hidden incisions
• Tailored surgical plan designed around your facial anatomy

What to Expect During Your Appointment

Your facelift journey begins with a private, in-depth consultation with Dr. Surek at his Overland Park office. During this appointment, he will review your facial anatomy, discuss your concerns and goals, and design a custom surgical plan tailored to your unique features.

On the day of surgery, you’ll be cared for by a highly trained surgical team. Facelift procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia or deep IV sedation for your safety and comfort. Incisions are discreetly placed along the hairline, around the ear, and sometimes under the chin, depending on the extent of correction needed.

The procedure usually takes 3–4 hours, and you’ll return home the same day with detailed aftercare instructions. Mild bruising, swelling, and tightness are common during the first one to two weeks. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities within 10–14 days, with full healing and refinement continuing for several months.

Procedure Enhancements

Facelifts are frequently combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to enhance harmony and reduce overall recovery time:

• Neck Lift: Tightens neck muscles and skin for a defined jawline and smoother neck profile
• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Brightens and refreshes tired or aging eyes
• Fat Grafting: Restores lost volume to the cheeks, temples, or under-eye areas
• Chin Augmentation: Improves facial balance and enhances lower face structure

By combining procedures, Dr. Surek is able to deliver more comprehensive rejuvenation and create seamless transitions across facial regions.

Is a Facelift Right for You?

A facelift may be right for you if you’re noticing significant signs of facial aging—such as jowling, deep facial folds, and skin laxity—that can’t be adequately addressed with nonsurgical treatments. Ideal candidates are generally in their 40s to 70s, in good overall health, and have realistic expectations about the surgical process and outcomes.

You should be emotionally ready for the transformation and prepared for a healing period that includes downtime. During your consultation, Dr. Surek will assess your health history, skin quality, and facial anatomy to determine if you’re a good candidate. Safety and patient readiness are always the top priorities.

Facelift vs. Alternatives

Many patients wonder how a surgical facelift compares to non-invasive treatments like fillers or skin tightening devices. While injectable fillers and energy-based therapies can provide temporary improvements in volume or mild skin laxity, they cannot match the structural lift and longevity of a surgical facelift. If your primary concerns are skin laxity, jowling, or significant volume descent, a facelift offers a more definitive and lasting solution. For patients with milder signs of aging, Dr. Surek may recommend a mini facelift, which involves smaller incisions and shorter recovery time—but also delivers more subtle results. During your consultation, Dr. Surek will help you understand all options and choose the best path forward based on your anatomy and goals.

Why Choose Dr. Chris Surek for Your Facelift

Dr. Chris Surek is a board-certified plastic surgeon nationally recognized for his mastery of facial aesthetic and breast and body contouring surgery. As an educator, author, and innovator, he brings exceptional precision, safety, and artistry to every procedure.

Dr. Surek’s personalized approach and commitment to natural-looking results have earned him the trust of patients across the country. Whether you’re seeking subtle rejuvenation or comprehensive transformation, you can feel confident in his expertise and compassionate care. Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Surek in Overland Park, KS, and begin your journey toward a more youthful, confident you.