Facelift (Rhytidectomy) in Gig Harbor, WA
Restore a more youthful, refreshed facial appearance with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Larsen, serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, and the greater Puget Sound area.
Facelift
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses the visible signs of facial aging by lifting and tightening the underlying facial tissues, removing excess skin, and restoring a more youthful contour to the face and jawline. It is one of the most effective and long-lasting solutions available for patients who want to look refreshed and natural — not overdone. Patients commonly pursue a facelift to address jowling, deepening folds around the mouth and nose, and loss of definition along the jawline and cheeks.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A facelift may be appropriate for patients who:
Have visible sagging or jowling along the jawline
Have deepening nasolabial folds or marionette lines
Have lost definition and firmness in the cheeks or midface
Notice that the face and neck no longer look as refreshed or rested as they feel
Are in good overall health with realistic expectations
Are non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery
During consultation, Dr. Larsen evaluates your facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine whether a full facelift or mini facelift — and whether a combined neck lift — is the most appropriate approach for your individual case.
Procedure Overview
Facelift surgery is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical facility.
In general:
Surgery typically takes 3–5 hours depending on the extent of correction and whether a neck lift is combined
Performed under general anesthesia
The underlying facial muscles and tissues (SMAS layer) are lifted and repositioned — not just the skin — for a natural, long-lasting result
Excess skin is carefully trimmed and incisions are closed
Full facelift addresses the midface, jowls, and jawline comprehensively, with incisions placed within the hairline and natural contours of the ear
Mini facelift is a more limited procedure suited to patients with earlier signs of aging, with shorter incisions and a more focused correction of the lower face and jawline
A neck lift is commonly combined to address laxity, banding, or excess skin in the neck for a more complete and harmonious result
Patients return home the same day. The most appropriate technique is determined based on your anatomy and goals during consultation.
Recovery
Facelift recovery requires more downtime than smaller procedures. Most patients follow a general pattern:
Week 1 Swelling, bruising, and tightness are normal and expected. A supportive dressing or garment is worn. Rest is important. Most patients are comfortable at home and manage well with prescribed care.
Weeks 1–2 Bruising and swelling begin to improve noticeably. Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public by the end of week two. Avoid strenuous activity, bending, and lifting.
Weeks 3–4 Energy returns and swelling continues to resolve. Light daily activities resume comfortably. Most patients feel largely back to normal.
Week 6+ Most normal activities can fully resume. Residual swelling continues to settle and the final result becomes progressively more apparent.
Dr. Larsen provides detailed postoperative instructions and follow-up visits throughout recovery to monitor healing.
Results
A facelift produces a natural, refreshed appearance — restoring definition to the jawline, reducing jowling, and improving overall facial harmony.
Bruising and swelling resolve over the first few weeks
Final results become fully apparent over 3–6 months as residual swelling fully subsides
Results are long-lasting — most patients enjoy their outcome for many years
A well-performed facelift looks natural, not pulled or overdone
Aging continues after surgery, but patients consistently appear younger than they would have without the procedure. Maintaining a stable weight and a good skincare routine supports long-term results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a facelift look natural? A natural result is the goal at NordHavn. Dr. Larsen lifts and repositions the underlying tissue rather than simply pulling the skin, which produces a smoother, more refreshed appearance without an overdone look.
What is the difference between a full and mini facelift? A full facelift addresses the midface, jowls, and jawline comprehensively and is suited to patients with more advanced signs of aging. A mini facelift is a more limited procedure for patients with earlier or more localized concerns along the lower face and jawline. Dr. Larsen will recommend the right approach based on your anatomy during consultation.
Should I combine a facelift with a neck lift? Many patients benefit from combining the two procedures, as the face and neck age together and a facelift alone may leave the neck appearing inconsistent with the refreshed facial result. Dr. Larsen will assess whether a neck lift is appropriate for your anatomy during consultation.
How long do facelift results last? Results vary by individual but most patients enjoy their outcome for seven to ten years or more. Aging continues after surgery, but patients consistently look younger than they would without the procedure.
What does a facelift cost? Pricing depends on the extent of correction and whether a neck lift is combined. Financing options are available
Meet Dr. Melissa Larsen, MD
Dr. Melissa Larsen is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving patients in Gig Harbor and the greater Tacoma area. She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and completed her six-year Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Integrated Residency at Oregon Health & Science University. Dr. Larsen is committed to personalized care that achieves natural, balanced results.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen to discuss your goals, review your options, and find out if a facelift is right for you.