Dr. Sarhan’s 5 Top Facelift MYTHS
December 4, 2024
Dr. Joseph Sarhan, MD, PhD, is a dermatologist catering to cosmetic patients at Shoreline Center For Laser And Cosmetic Surgery in Guilford, Connecticut. When considering a facelift, misconceptions can sometimes cloud your decision-making process. Let’s set the record straight about some of the most common myths surrounding facelifts.
Understanding the Misconceptions Around Facelifts
Despite significant advances in surgical techniques and aesthetic medicine, facelifts remain one of the most misunderstood cosmetic procedures. Common misconceptions often prevent patients from exploring this effective solution for facial aging. In this article, we address and clarify these concerns, providing accurate, evidence-based insights.
Introducing Dr. Joseph Sarhan
Dr. Joseph Sarhan is a board-certified dermatologist with advanced training in cosmetic dermatology and facial rejuvenation. A graduate of Yale University with both an MD and a PhD, Dr. Sarhan brings a unique combination of clinical rigor and aesthetic precision to his practice.
He is highly regarded for his:
- Attention to anatomical detail
- Expertise in minimally invasive procedures
- Commitment to patient-centered care
Dr. Sarhan’s treatment philosophy emphasizes subtlety, personalization, and long-term results. His objective is to provide natural-looking outcomes that align with each patient’s goals while maintaining facial harmony and structure.
Top 5 Myths About Facelift Surgery
Myth 1: “Facelifts Always Look Overdone”
Reality: Contemporary facelift techniques prioritize natural, individualized results.
Techniques such as the deep plane facelift reposition deeper structural layers of the face, such as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) instead of pulling the skin tightly over aging tissue. This approach restores youthful contours while preserving facial expressions and unique features.
Another key factor is the surgeon’s aesthetic judgment. At The Shoreline Center, every facelift is planned to respect the patient’s bone structure, skin quality, and aging pattern, ensuring a customized, understated enhancement rather than a dramatic transformation.
Myth 2: “Facelifts Are Only for Women”
Reality: Facelifts are increasingly sought by male patients seeking a refined, professional appearance.
The demand for facelifts for men has grown as more individuals seek to maintain a youthful and professional appearance. Male patients often seek improved jawline definition and correction of neck laxity, with a focus on maintaining masculine features.
Dr. Sarhan customizes every facelift for male facial anatomy, avoiding feminization and preserving masculine identity. For many male patients, the goal is subtle rejuvenation refining, not redefining, their appearance.
Myth 3: “Facelift Surgery is Only for Older People”
Reality: Patients in their 40s and 50s often achieve better, more lasting results with earlier intervention.
Contrary to common belief, facelift surgery is not limited to individuals in their 60s or older. Many patients in their late 30s to mid-50s are ideal candidates for a mini facelift, especially if they notice early jowling, loss of cheek volume, or skin laxity.
Early intervention offers several benefits:
- Less invasive procedures with smaller incisions
- Faster recovery
- More natural, preventative results
- Delayed need for more extensive procedures later in life
Patients who undergo facelifts before facial aging becomes severe are often able to maintain a youthful appearance for longer, without the dramatic “before and after” shifts seen in older patients.
Myth 4: “Facelifts Involve Prolonged Pain and Recovery Time”
Reality: Recovery timelines have significantly improved, and discomfort is typically well-controlled.
The perception that facelift surgery entails weeks of downtime and extensive pain is outdated. At The Shoreline Center, most patients:
- Return to normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks
- Experience only mild to moderate swelling and bruising
- Require only over-the-counter pain medications or short-term prescriptions
This is due to several key factors:
- Refined surgical techniques that minimize trauma to surrounding tissues
- Precise incision placement for faster healing and discreet scars
- Detailed post-operative protocols that reduce complications
Additionally, Dr. Sarhan utilizes techniques that limit tension on the skin and employ layered closures, which not only reduce discomfort but also enhance scar quality and accelerate healing.
Myth 5: “A Facelift Can Fix All Signs of Aging”
Reality: A facelift is highly effective for structural sagging but is often complemented by other treatments for optimal results.
A facelift primarily improves the mid-face, jawline, and neck by repositioning sagging tissue and removing excess skin. However, it does not correct surface-level skin concerns, such as:
- Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and lips
- Uneven skin tone or texture
- Volume loss in areas like the temples and under-eyes
For comprehensive rejuvenation, Dr. Sarhan may recommend combining treatments, such as:
- Eyelid surgery to open the eyes and correct puffiness or heaviness
- Brow lift to elevate drooping brows and reduce forehead creases
- Laser resurfacing to improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation
- Dermal fillers or fat grafting to restore youthful volume in hollow areas
Combining procedures allows patients to achieve balanced and harmonious results, often in a single surgical session.
The Express-Lift Facelift: As Signature Solution at The Shoreline Center
If you’re looking for a facelift alternative with less downtime but visible results, consider the Express-Lift Facelift at The Shoreline Center, in Guilford, CT. This advanced procedure lifts and tightens the mid-face and neck with minimal incisions and faster recovery, making it an ideal solution for anyone seeking subtle looking improvements.
Key advantages of the Express-Lift include:
- Shorter incisions and discreet scar placement
- Reduced swelling and bruising
- A quicker return to daily activities (typically within 10–14 days)
- Long-lasting facelift results with minimal downtime
Dr. Sarhan and the surgical team at The Shoreline Center assess facial structure, skin elasticity, and aesthetic goals to determine if the Express-Lift is the most appropriate option. It also serves as a compelling entry point for patients who may consider a more extensive facelift surgery in the future.
Facelift Before and After
How Much Does a Facelift Cost?
Understanding the cost of a facelift is a key part of the decision-making process for many patients. At The Shoreline Center, in Guilford, CT, pricing is determined by several factors, including the type of procedure selected, the complexity of the surgery, whether additional treatments are performed, and the expected length of the operation and recovery period.
Facelift costs also reflect the experience and credentials of the surgeon. At The Shoreline Center, procedures are performed by highly trained professionals under strict safety standards in an accredited facility.
We believe in transparency and offer detailed pricing information during your initial consultation. Financing options are available to make facial rejuvenation more accessible to qualified patients.
Ultimately, the question is not only “How much does a facelift cost?” but also “What is the long-term value of investing in yourself?” When performed with precision and care, facelift surgery is not just a cosmetic enhancement, it is a meaningful step toward renewed confidence and well-being.
To learn more about your options and receive a personalized quote, schedule your consultation or call us (203) 717-9592. today.







