Facelift Surgery in St. Augustine, FL

Advanced facial rejuvenation to restore natural, youthful contours with results that look refreshed, not operated

Experience the confidence that comes with natural-looking facial rejuvenation. Discover how expert facelift surgery can help you look as young as you feel.

Are you concerned about facial aging changes like sagging jowls, deepening folds, or neck laxity? Has your face begun to show signs of aging that make you look older than you feel? At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, Dr. Douglas L. Johnson provides expert facelift surgery that addresses the underlying causes of facial aging, creating natural-looking rejuvenation that refreshes your appearance while avoiding the tight, pulled look of older facelift techniques.

What Is Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery, technically called rhytidectomy, is a sophisticated facial rejuvenation procedure that addresses the visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck. Unlike non-surgical treatments that provide temporary improvement of surface concerns, facelift surgery creates lasting rejuvenation by repositioning the deeper facial tissues, removing excess skin, and restoring youthful contours that have been affected by time, gravity, and environmental factors.

Modern facelift techniques focus on the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System)—the structural support layer beneath the skin that connects to facial muscles. By lifting and tightening this deeper layer rather than simply pulling skin, contemporary facelifts create natural-looking rejuvenation that avoids the tight, stretched appearance associated with older techniques. These advanced approaches provide comprehensive improvement of multiple aging concerns, including sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds (smile lines), marionette lines, neck bands, and loss of jawline definition.

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Johnson has advanced training in facial anatomy and specialized techniques for facial rejuvenation. His comprehensive understanding of facial structures allows for customized approaches that address your specific aging patterns while preserving natural facial animation and avoiding the obviously “surgical” appearance that can result from less nuanced techniques.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

What are the Benefits of Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery offers transformative benefits that extend far beyond simple wrinkle reduction. The primary advantage is comprehensive improvement of multiple aging concerns in a single procedure—effectively addressing sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines, neck bands, and loss of jawline definition simultaneously. This integrated approach creates harmonious rejuvenation that refreshes your entire lower face and neck rather than focusing on isolated concerns.

Unlike temporary non-surgical treatments, facelift surgery provides long-lasting results that typically maintain significant improvement for 7-10 years or more. Though the natural aging process continues, you continue to look younger than you would have without surgery, essentially “turning back the clock” on facial aging. Many patients find this lasting improvement more satisfying and cost-effective than requiring repeated treatments every few months to maintain results.

Modern facelift techniques create natural-looking results that avoid the obvious signs of surgery associated with older approaches. By addressing the deeper structural changes of aging rather than simply pulling skin tight, contemporary facelifts restore youthful contours while preserving natural facial animation and expressions. Friends and colleagues typically notice that you look refreshed, rested, and more vibrant without specifically identifying that you’ve had surgery.

Perhaps most significantly, patients consistently report enhanced self-confidence and improved quality of life following successful facelift surgery. When your outward appearance better reflects your inner vitality and energy level, social and professional interactions often become more positive and gratifying. Many patients describe feeling more comfortable in both personal and professional settings when no longer concerned about visible aging that makes them appear tired, sad, or older than they feel.

Our Reviews

Why Patients Choose Us

Care and Commitment

From the front office to the exam room, our practice is made up of professionals who take your oral health very seriously. Using state-of-the-art equipment designed with safety and efficiency in mind, we are able to offer top-notch care. As you walk through our office, you will notice that everything is clean, comfortable and thoroughly sterilized. Your safety and comfort are our priority.

Honesty and Affordability

We know that the cost of care can be confusing. In addition to offering a number of in-office payment options to fit your budget, we also give you up-front cost information on your treatment ahead of time. We are in network with a variety of insurance plans, and we offer dental financing with credit available in time frames that fit your needs. We are happy to help you navigate your dental insurance and alternative payment options.

Comprehensive Oral Surgery Care in One Location

At our practice, we are qualified to handle all aspects of your oral and maxillofacial care, so you are always surrounded by people that you trust. If we must refer out, we promise to send you to carefully vetted colleagues who apply the same professional principles in their office that we do in ours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery include individuals who: have noticeable facial aging in the lower face and neck, such as jowling, deep folds, or neck laxity; have good skin elasticity despite tissue descent; maintain realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve; are in good general health without conditions that impair healing; do not smoke or are willing to quit well before and after surgery; and can take adequate time for proper recovery. Most facelift patients are in their late 40s to 70s, though candidacy depends more on your specific aging patterns than chronological age. During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will evaluate whether facelift surgery is appropriate for your concerns or if alternative approaches might better address your specific situation.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

Facelift surgery provides long-lasting rejuvenation, with results typically maintaining significant improvement for 7-10 years or longer. Several factors influence longevity, including: the specific surgical technique used (deeper plane lifts generally last longer); your skin quality and elasticity; lifestyle factors like sun exposure, smoking, and weight fluctuations; your individual aging process and genetics; and your skincare regimen following surgery. It’s important to understand that while a facelift creates lasting improvement, the natural aging process continues—you’ll continue to look younger than you would have without surgery, but gradual aging will still occur. Many patients choose to extend their results with non-surgical maintenance treatments or may consider a less extensive “touch-up” procedure after several years.

What Is Recovery Like After Facelift Surgery?

Recovery progresses through several phases, with most patients following a similar timeline: the first 24-48 hours involve rest with head elevation and application of cold compresses to minimize swelling; bruising and swelling typically peak around days 2-3 and begin to subside thereafter; sutures are usually removed between 5-10 days depending on their location; most patients feel comfortable in public with makeup by 10-14 days, though some residual swelling may be noticeable to you; significant improvement is apparent by 3 weeks, with continued refinement over 2-3 months as subtle swelling resolves completely. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain, typically well-managed with prescribed medications for the first few days. Dr. Johnson provides detailed recovery guidelines tailored to your specific procedure and individual healing factors.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.