Koch & Carlisle Plastic Surgery & Spa
4855 Mills Civic Parkway #100
West Des Moines, IA 50265
Phone: (515) 277-5555
Monday–Friday: 8:15 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sagging skin of the jowls and neck that come with age can be aggravated by sun exposure, heredity, smoking, and innate characteristics of your skin. Dr. Brent Koch and Dr. Cody Koch help women and men reverse these signs of aging with facelift surgery in West Des Moines, Iowa. They perform more than 200 facelifts each year for patients from Ankeny, Ames, Davenport, and beyond.
With more than 45 years of combined experience, our facial plastic surgeons in West Des Moines have performed more facelift surgeries than any provider in the state. They consistently deliver superior patient care and excellent results and are considered among the best facial plastic surgeons in Iowa.
Before & After
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
Patient had an S-lift and facial liposuction.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
From the patient | How I feel about my results: "I think my results are AMAZING! I'm VERY happy!"
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Before & After
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Featured Facelift
Before & After Photos
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How Do I Know If I Need a Facelift?
A mini facelift (or S-Lift as we call it), one of our most commonly performed procedures, can provide a remarkable improvement in your appearance. Facelift surgery may be the ideal procedure for you if you wish to achieve any of the following:
- Decrease premature wrinkles
- Increase skin elasticity
- Improve overall appearance
The amount of change that can be expected depends on the degree of tissue sagging that is present preoperatively. Some patients choose to undergo a facelift earlier in the aging process for a look that is refreshed and less worn. A person who has waited can expect more dramatic results. In any case, our doctors and staff will customize your procedure for results that best suit you.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Des Moines?
The cost of a facelift and neck lift at our West Des Moines practice depends on the extent of the procedure to achieve your goals. Keep in mind that additional charges for the surgery center/operating room and anesthesia may apply. When you come in for a consultation, you will receive a detailed quote based on our surgeon’s assessment of your aesthetic needs and your own cosmetic goals.
No information presented on our website replaces the value of an actual face-to-face consultation and in-office quote presentation. Our staff will work with you if you are considering financing the cost of your procedure.
Beyond the cost, it’s important when choosing a facial plastic surgeon to select a qualified specialist who makes you feel comfortable.
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Mini Facelift (S-Lift)
A mini facelift, called an S-Lift at our Des Moines practice, rejuvenates the lower 1/3 of the face and the neck. It is less invasive than a deep plane facelift, making it best for people with mild to moderate aging of the face and neck. This technique is performed with a shorter incision than a deep plane facelift that runs in front of and behind the ear.
- Recovery: 3 to 5 days
- Return to work: 5 to 7 days
- Resume strenuous activities: 2 weeks
Facelift (Deep Plane Lift)
This procedure restores a youthful, rejuvenated facial appearance from the cheek area to the collarbone.
- Treatment areas: Cheeks, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jawline, double chin, neck skin, and vertical bands.
- Incision placement: Begins in the hairline at the temple and extends in front of and behind the ear.
Neck Lift
This procedure restores a well-defined chin and jawline and a smoother, more youthful neck.
- Treatment areas: Under the jawline, double chin, neck skin, and vertical bands.
- Incision placement: Just behind the ear and possibly below the chin.
For a more detailed comparison, read this blog post.
Should I Combine Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures?
While a facelift (deep plane lift) will provide lasting rejuvenation of the lower 2/3 of your face (the cheeks, jawline, and neck), you may need other procedures to complete your facial rejuvenation. Options include:
- Brow lift to reduce the heaviness of the brow area and smooth away forehead creases
- Eyelid surgery to tighten sagging upper eyelid skin, reduce pockets of fat around the eyes, and correct puffy under-eye bags
- Facial liposuction to reduce a double chin and define the jawline
Our doctors are experienced in combining facial rejuvenation procedures to help patients look naturally refreshed and not overdone. Learn more about comprehensive facial rejuvenation in this blog post.
Facelift vs. Brow Lift
Facelift and brow lift procedures address 2 distinct areas of the face. A facelift (deep plane lift) can rejuvenate the lower 2/3 of the face and make you look more youthful.
If your eyebrows have descended, making you look angry or tired, you may need a brow lift. Brow lifts help smooth out frown lines between the eyebrows and creases across the forehead. Many patients also include upper eyelid surgery to complete their rejuvenation of the upper face.
Facelift Alternatives
A personalized combination of injectable treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers, often called a liquid facelift, can help our patients who have less advanced facial aging look refreshed again. Results last months but are temporary. (Learn more in this blog post.) Your nonsurgical facial rejuvenation plan may also include laser skin resurfacing to improve the texture, tone, and firmness of your skin.
Meet Our Providers
At Koch & Carlisle, we have assembled a team of three highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons—two for the face and one for the breast and body. The result: exceptional plastic surgery results from head to toe for the West Des Moines, IA, area.
What To Expect at Your Facelift Consultation
Cosmetic consultations are $150. If you decide to book your procedure within a year of your consultation, this payment will be applied to the surgeon’s fee. The nominal consultation fee covers an extensive, personal consultation with either Dr. Brent Koch or Dr. Cody Koch.
Your surgeon will spend a great deal of time with you, discussing your goals, concerns, and physical and lifestyle considerations. He will listen intently to what you have to say, and together the two of you will develop the best approach to your treatment. Women and men who schedule their surgery at the time of consultation will have their consultation fee applied toward their procedure.
How Is a Facelift Performed?
While each procedure varies, most follow these basic steps:
- The facial skin around the ear and neck is lifted, and the underlying muscle and connective tissue are tightened to give a longer-lasting result than can be achieved by tightening only the skin.
- The excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped to improve the contour of the lower face.
- Liposuction of excess fat in the jowls and the area under the chin is usually performed with a facelift.
- Fat and fibrous tissue from in front of the ear may be positioned to fill in the furrows from the nose to the corners of the mouth.
If you are concerned that only excess fat is causing a double chin, not loose skin, liposuction alone may be a good alternative.
Where Are Facelift Incisions Placed?
The incisions for a facelift are made in front of and behind the ear, and they curve naturally into the hair. A shorter-incision facelift, or S-Lift, may be an option for those who require a more moderate degree of correction of their lower face and neck. The hair and hairline are left intact.
Will My Facelift Scars Be Noticeable?
Our plastic surgeons place facelift incisions where the resulting fine scars blend into the natural creases of the skin and into the hair of the scalp. The fine scars are so well-concealed that no one should be able to detect that you’ve had a facelift, even if you wear your hair up.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Facelift?
Recovery following facelift surgery varies from patient to patient, depending on the specific techniques used and the fact that each person heals at a different rate. Here are some general guidelines:
- Discomfort can be controlled with prescription pain medication.
- Expect some bruising and swelling.
- Sleep with your head elevated for the first 2 weeks.
- Take short walks to promote good circulation and enhance the healing process.
- Most patients return to normal social activities or work 10 to 14 days after surgery.
- Schedule your facelift at least 1 or 2 months before a significant social event, such as a wedding or work presentation, to ensure your recovery is complete.
It’s important to follow as closely as possible the postoperative instructions you receive from your surgeon.
Will I Still Look Like Myself After a Facelift?
There are many methods for facelift surgery, and advancements in this procedure have evolved significantly over the last 10 years. Today, we have newer and better techniques to create natural-looking results, not the telltale pulled or windblown look of past facelifts. By carefully relocating the deeper tissues and draping the skin tension-free over the repositioned tissues, a more natural, longer-lasting result is produced. After facelift surgery, you should appear younger, well-rested, and healthy.
Combining Nonsurgical Procedures With Facelift Surgery
A facelift reduces deeper folds around the mouth, such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines; however, it is not the answer to fine lines in the skin, crow’s feet, or forehead creases. Nonsurgical treatments such as BOTOX injections and laser skin resurfacing are excellent for addressing remaining wrinkles.
Facelift FAQ
What kind of anesthesia is used for a full cheek and neck lift?
Our surgeons discuss anesthesia options with patients during their consultations. For a facelift, either a general anesthetic or conscious sedation is used, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. We will recommend the safest option for each patient.
Is 70 too old to get a facelift?
Age is really not a good indicator of whether a patient is a good facelift candidate. Above all, a patient should be in good overall health before undergoing any cosmetic surgical procedure. If an older patient has a clean bill of health from their physician, it becomes a matter of whether the patient’s aesthetic goals can be realistically achieved through facial plastic surgery. If they can be, then there is no reason not to go through with the procedure.
What is a SMAS facelift?
The SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) is the deeper muscle and tissue supporting the face that is lifted and repositioned during this procedure. The technique, which is now fairly standard, creates results that look natural, not windswept or pulled. It improves the appearance of both the lower face and neck, which is why our surgeons refer to the procedure as a cheek and neck lift.
How long does a facelift last?
Expect your facelift results to last at least 5 years. The younger you are, the longer you can expect your results to last. If you are older, results may not last quite as long due to the quality of aging skin.
How can I make my facelift improvements last as long as possible?
A facelift can help you look 5 to 10 years younger, but it doesn’t stop the aging process. We recommend limiting exposure to the sun and wearing high-quality sunscreen every day. BOTOX injections may also help slow down the development of creases to help you maintain your youthful look as long as possible.
Your Consultation
Your surgeon can discuss all of your options during a comprehensive consultation regarding a cheek/neck lift or facelift. To get started, please request a consultation or call (515) 277-5555. Our West Des Moines practice welcomes people interested in facelift surgery from Ankeny, Urbandale, Davenport, and throughout Iowa.