Published on June 2025
Facelift Myths Debunked
What You Really Need to Know
When it comes to facelifts, misinformation is everywhere. At Raggio MD, we hear it all the time: “Won’t I look pulled?” “Isn’t recovery awful?” “Aren’t facelifts outdated now that we have fillers?” These myths often hold people back from a procedure that could genuinely change the way they feel about themselves. In this guide, I want to cut through the noise and answer the real questions patients are too afraid—or too overwhelmed—to ask.
Let’s separate fact from fiction—and give you the clarity you need to make a confident, informed decision.
Myth #1: “Facelifts make you look pulled or unnatural.”
Truth: Not when done correctly.
That “wind-tunnel” look you fear? It’s the result of outdated techniques or over-tightened skin. At Raggio MD, we use the extended deep-plane facelift, which repositions the deeper structural layers of the face rather than simply pulling the skin tight. This results in a softer, more natural rejuvenation—so you’ll still look like yourself, just refreshed.
Myth #2: “I can just get filler instead.”
Truth: Fillers can’t lift sagging tissue.
Injectables are great for early volume loss or fine lines. But once there’s significant jowling, neck banding, or deep folds, filler becomes a band-aid—sometimes even making you look puffy or distorted. A facelift actually repositions what has descended, restoring youthful contours that fillers simply can’t mimic. At Raggio MD, we often pair surgical lifting with fat grafting for volume, offering a “lift and fill” approach that’s natural and long-lasting.
Myth #3: “Facelifts are only for older people.”
Truth: There’s no one “right” age
It’s about facial anatomy, not your birth certificate. We see patients in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. Some seek early intervention for the best long-term results (the “prejuvenation” approach), while others want a transformational correction after decades of aging. During your consultation, we’ll assess your unique anatomy and goals, then create a plan tailored just for you.
Myth #4: “Facelifts are incredibly painful and require months of downtime.”
Truth: Recovery is far more manageable than most think.
Thanks to modern anesthesia (we use TIVA—Total Intravenous Anesthesia), long-acting nerve blocks, and our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, most patients are surprised by how comfortable they feel. While some swelling and bruising are expected, many patients are “socially presentable” within 2–3 weeks, with continued improvement for months. We also include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and CO2 laser treatments to speed healing.
Myth #5: “All facelifts are the same.”
Truth: Technique matters—and so does the surgeon.
There are mini lifts, SMAS lifts, thread lifts, skin-only lifts…and then there are true extended deep-plane facelifts like the ones performed at Raggio MD. Many mini facelifts lift only the skin—and deliver mini results. If you’re seeking full lower-face and neck rejuvenation, the deep-plane approach remains the gold standard. Dr. Raggio has been performing and refining this technique for years, since his fellowship training in Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Toronto.
Myth #6: “The scars will be obvious.”
Truth: Facelift scars are discreet and often imperceptible.
Our incisions are strategically hidden along the hairline and around the ear. Dr. Raggio personally closes every incision with meticulous technique, and our postoperative scar protocol includes PRF, laser therapy, and silicone scar gel to ensure optimal healing.
Myth #7: “Facelifts don’t last long.”
Truth: A properly executed deep-plane facelift can last 10–15 years.
Unlike temporary treatments like fillers or threads, surgical lifting repositions and secures the deep facial layers for lasting support. And thanks to our regenerative enhancements, the results don’t just last—they age gracefully.
Myth #8: “I’m afraid I’ll lose my identity.”
Truth: You won’t look like someone else. You’ll look like you—at your best.
Our patients consistently say, “Everyone says I look amazing, but no one can tell I had surgery.” That’s our goal. Your result should be elegant, refined, and subtle—not obvious.
Final Thoughts: The Truth About Facelifts at Raggio MD
You deserve clarity, not confusion. At Raggio MD, we don’t just perform facelifts—we specialize in them. From consultation to recovery, we guide you with honesty, expertise, and a commitment to natural, long-lasting beauty.
If you’ve been held back by fear or misinformation, let’s change that. It’s time to elevate your expectations—and your reflection.
Ready to see if a facelift is right for you?
Schedule your private consultation w
ith double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Blake Raggio in Birmingham, AL. Let us show you the Raggio MD difference.
Contact Us | 📍 Homewood, AL | ☎ 659-272-0092
