How does a facelift work? January 19, 2023 A facelift is an outpatient procedure typically takes about three to four hours to complete. To begin, the application of a anesthesia will ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout your surgery. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will then perform any of the following facelift techniques. We will discuss the surgical techniques used by Dr. Downey during your facelift while developing your personalized treatment plan during your one-on-one consultation. Standard Facelift. The standard facelift aims to alleviate moderate to severe sagging skin on the face and neck. Your surgeon will make incisions along the hairline and behind the ears, giving Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks a better lifting capability. This method results in a longer—but still easily-concealed—scar. Mini-Facelift. This technique is ideal for less severe wrinkled, aged, or sagging facial skin. Incisions are made along the front of the ear and the edge of the hairline to lift the lower face with the jowls. Mini-facelift procedures only address neck issues to a small degree but may be combined with neck liposuction to enhance the result. Mid-Facelift. The mid-facelift, or traditional facelift, uses an incision on the outer side of the eyelids to correct signs of aging in the area. This also corrects mild to moderate sagging skin while having only minimal scarring involved.