As we age, facial volume shifts, skin loses elasticity, and jowls and creases begin to define the lower face. For many, a facelift is a powerful way to turn back the clock—without sacrificing natural expression. At her facial plastic surgery practice in Minneapolis, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jess Prischmann offers advanced deep plane facelift procedures designed to restore facial contours, redefine the jawline, and rejuvenate the lower face. With a refined approach rooted in safety, anatomy, and aesthetics, Dr. Prischmann delivers results that are elegant, not overdone.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift—also known as rhytidectomy—is a surgical procedure that repositions and tightens the underlying tissue layers of the lower face while removing excess skin.1 Dr. Prischmann specializes in a deep plane facelift technique, which targets the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer for more effective, longer-lasting results. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that may only tighten the skin, the deep plane approach repositions deeper structures to address sagging skin, jowls, and volume descent.
Benefits of a Facelift
- Lifts and repositions facial tissue for a youthful appearance
- Defines and smooths the jawline and neck
- Removes excess skin and softens deep creases
- Reduces the appearance of jowls and nasolabial folds
- Creates natural-looking, long-lasting results
- Improves multiple signs of aging in a single procedure
Deep Plane Facelift vs Mini Facelift
Dr. Prischmann offers both deep plane facelifts and necklifts, tailoring each procedure to the patient’s unique needs and goals.
While it may seem attractive to consider a “mini” Facelift, the reality is that only a true deep plane facelift repositions the deeper tissues. This repositioning is critical in lifting the lower face and defining the jawline.
The deep plane facelift is more comprehensive, targeting deeper facial structures and producing longer-lasting, more transformative results—especially for patients with advanced signs of aging. During your consultation in Minneapolis, Dr. Prischmann will evaluate your anatomy and facial concerns to help determine whether a mini facelift or deep plane facelift is the better fit for your treatment plan.
Who is a Candidate for Facelift?
Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are individuals who want to address noticeable signs of aging in the lower face, jawline, or neck. Most candidates share the following characteristics:
Visible jowls, loose skin, or loss of definition along the jawline
Deep creases around the mouth or lower face sagging
Good general health and the ability to undergo elective surgery
Realistic expectations about surgical outcomes and recovery2
Age is not the primary factor—rather, the degree of facial aging and skin laxity determines candidacy. Dr. Prischmann considers each patient’s anatomy, medical history, and aesthetic goals to recommend the most appropriate surgical plan.
With the rise of medication-induced weight loss from GLP-1 receptor agonists, more individuals are noticing facial volume loss and increased skin laxity. These medications can contribute to facial deflation, hollowing, and looseness, prompting some patients to explore facelift surgery earlier than they may have anticipated. Facelift can be a very effective procedure for improving laxity once patients have achieved their desired weight loss goals.
Preparing for Your Facelift
The process begins with a thorough consultation—either virtual or in person at our office in Golden Valley, MN. Virtual consultations offer a chance to discuss your concerns and review candidacy basics, but all patients must undergo a formal, in-person assessment prior to surgery.
During the consultation, Dr. Prischmann will:
- Review your medical history and prior surgical procedures
- Discuss any past injectables, laser treatments, or skin care regimens
- Evaluate your facial anatomy and skin quality
- Explain realistic outcomes, recovery time, and risks
If you’re a good candidate for facelift surgery, you’ll receive:
- A written treatment plan tailored to your goals
- Cost estimates and financing options
- Pre- and post-operative instructions, including supplements to avoid and medications to discontinue
Facelift Procedure
Dr. Prischmann performs deep plane facelift surgery under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical center. Incisions are strategically placed around the ear and hairline to camouflage visibility. After lifting the skin, she carefully elevates the SMAS layer and repositions it in a vector that is best for each individual patient.
Key steps include:
- Lifting and redraping the SMAS layer vertically
- Repositioning facial tissue to its youthful location
- Trimming and redraping excess skin
- Securing results with dissolvable sutures
- Using surgical drains to prevent fluid accumulation
This refined technique enhances facial contours while avoiding the tight, “pulled” look. In many cases, a neck lift is performed at the same time for seamless facial rejuvenation.
Facelift Recovery
Patients typically experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and tightness for the first two weeks. Drains are removed the day after surgery, and discomfort improves significantly after that point. You may resume light activities within 10–14 days, with most returning to work around two weeks post-op. Final results gradually settle over 6–8 weeks as the facial skin relaxes and the underlying tissues heal.
We recommend:
- Sleeping on your back for three weeks
- Avoiding vigorous activity for two weeks
- Following Dr. Prischmann’s comprehensive wound care protocol
Facelift Results
Facelift surgery offers long-term rejuvenation of the lower face, jawline, and neck. Aging creates a smaller underlying structure, and facelift surgery is often the only way to address the loose outermost layers that occur during this process. You can support your results with a healthy lifestyle, sun protection, and appropriate skincare or maintenance treatments like Skintyte™, BOTOX® or dermal fillers.
Before
After
Before
After
Recently, I underwent a surgical procedure to lift my lower face and neck as well as a total facial laser resurfacing procedure as a patient of Dr. Jess Prischmann. I found Dr. Prischmann to be a highly competent, compassionate, skilled surgeon. Through her guidance and education, I went into my surgery feeling very secure and informed. After my surgery, her care and follow-up were exceptional. I absolutely love the results she was able to help me achieve and highly recommend her as a very gifted surgeon.
– Karen
FAQs About Facelift
Where can I find facelift surgery near me?
Located in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, Dr. Jess Prischmann offers deep plane facelift and necklift options with natural, refined results. Her approach emphasizes safety, precision, and aesthetic harmony.
Can I combine other treatments with a facelift?
Yes. Many patients benefit from combining a facelift with necklift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), Non-surgical treatments like, HALO laser resurfacing can target lines around the mouth and lips. And BOTOX® or dermal fillers can help with facial aging as well. These combinations enhance facial rejuvenation and help address the upper face for more balanced results.
How much does a facelift cost near me?
At our Minneapolis practice, the cost of a facelift depends on the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees, and whether additional treatments are performed. We’ll provide a detailed estimate and review financing options during your consultation.
Will I have scars after a facelift?
Facelift incisions are placed around the ears and hairline to minimize visibility. With proper post-op care, most scars heal well and fade over time.
What are the risks of a facelift?
As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries certain risks. Potential complications include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), infection, poor wound healing, nerve injury, scarring, or unfavorable cosmetic results. Dr. Prischmann minimizes these risks by taking a thoughtful, low-volume approach to surgery and closely monitoring each patient’s recovery. Patients can also reduce risks by following all pre- and post-operative instructions and disclosing their complete medical history during consultation.
How do I reduce the risk of complications like hematoma?
Follow pre-operative instructions carefully, especially around blood pressure control and supplement use. After surgery, avoid heavy lifting and keep your head elevated to reduce bleeding risks.
Contact Us
Ready to reclaim a more youthful facial appearance with natural, artful results? Contact us to schedule your deep plane facelift consultation with board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Jess Prischmann in Minneapolis. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
1 Mayo Clinic. Face-lift. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059. Accessed May 30, 2025.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for a facelift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/candidates. Accessed May 30, 2025.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgery. What are the risks of facelift surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/safety. Accessed May 30, 2025.
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