Cutaneous Facelift Overview + Why It’s So Popular in 2021

Everyone’s body is built and used entirely differently. Diet, lifestyle choices, and stress levels can certainly make an impact, but sometimes the way a person ages just comes down to genetics. Getting older is inevitable, and even though healthy eating, exercise, and a disciplined skincare routine might mitigate aging symptoms for a lot of people, surgical intervention works too.

Cutaneous facelifts have become more popular than ever. Their results help tighten aging, wrinkled skin giving you a more youthful appearance. So is this procedure for you? That’s a question only you can answer. But before you do we’ll fill you in on what exactly a cutaneous facelift is, the pros and cons of the procedure, and why it’s so popular in 2021!

What Is a Cutaneous Facelift?

A cutaneous facelift is one of the earliest facelift techniques ever developed! Which makes its surging popularity that much more impressive.

Used as a temporary way to tighten aging and wrinkled skin around the neck and lower face area, this technique doesn’t require manipulating the underlying musculature of the face. Instead, the surgeon makes incisions around the earlobes and the hairline and separates the skin from the musculature as conservatively as possible. Next, they pull it into its new, much tighter position. Finally, the surgeon will then trim the excess skin, place the appropriate sutures and that’s it!

All of this is done under anesthesia and serves as an effective way to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles along with the inevitable facial skin laxity that comes as a byproduct of aging.

Pre-Treatment Prep

Those that have decided to undergo a cutaneous facelift are advised to adhere to a few, pre-surgery rules to ensure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Patients are advised to stop taking blood-thinning medications for 2-weeks. You’ll also be advised to stop smoking for the 4-weeks leading up to the surgery, and the 4-weeks following the surgery. Prospective patients are also advised to abstain from alcohol for the 2 days leading up to the surgery and avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 6 hours before the procedure.

Cutaneous Facelift Recovery

One of the biggest upsides to opting for a cutaneous facelift is the recovery time.

More invasive procedures can require a number of weeks of recovery time, but the cutaneous facelift requires just 2-weeks. In the first four days, patients are asked to limit jaw movement, take antibiotics and pain medications, and turn their heads by moving their shoulders instead of their neck.

Patients may notice bruising and swelling, but those symptoms should clear up after just a few days. Further, patients should be able to return to work after 2-weeks. Finally, you’ll also be advised to avoid exercise until at least 3-weeks after the procedure has been completed.

The Cons of a Cutaneous Facelift

Most surgical procedures come with a list of possible side effects, and cutaneous facelifts are no different. Agreeing to the procedure includes accepting the risk of infection, bleeding, swelling, bruising, facial nerve damage, and facial asymmetry. These are standard risks across other similar face-lift procedures, though the risk is certainly worth your consideration ahead of time.

Drawbacks associated with a cutaneous facelift often surround the question of the procedure’s longevity. It’s important to note that the benefits of a cutaneous facelift are temporary and begin to lose their effect over time. Having said that, the benefits are typically enjoyed for 4 to 5-years post-surgery.


The cost of a cutaneous facelift procedure is moderate when compared to the alternatives. For example, the average cost of a deep plain Facelift is $250,000 (USD), the average cost of an Endoscopic Facelift is $13,000, and the average cost of a Plicated SMAS Facelift is $12,000.

Compare those price tags with that of the average cutaneous facelift, and it comes off looking like a bargain at an average cost of $8,000. Though there are some fluctuations depending on the length of the procedure, expect the price to land anywhere between $6000 and $11,000.

Why It’s So Popular in 2021

So, why are cutaneous facelifts so popular in 2021? Younger people are seeing the price tag and the benefits, and are signing up in droves!

It’s no secret that injectable anti-aging solutions like Botox are also enjoying a significant boost in prominence, but more and more young people are opting for longer-lasting alternatives like cutaneous facelifts.

It’s impossible to determine whether this procedure is for you or not without professional consultation. But know that more and more people just like you are choosing cutaneous facelifts as their favorite anti-aging solution in 2021.

Chris Brown

Chris Brown
