Do you find yourself pulling back your skin when you look in the mirror, imagining a younger, more vibrant you? Are you tired of seeing sagging jowls and loose skin?
Choosing to have a facelift is a deeply personal decision. It’s not about changing who you are, it’s about restoring what time has gently taken away and helping you look as vibrant and confident as you feel.
A facelift, known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery designed to improve visible signs of facial aging. By skillfully repositioning the facial skin and deeper tissues and muscle, this transformative procedure gives you a tighter, smoother natural appearance that turns back the clock and gives you lasting results.
This treatment addresses the most common signs of aging that so many of us wish we could “edit” out, such as:
– Sagging jowls
– Loose skin in the face and neck
– Deep-set wrinkles
– Fine lines
– Sunken cheeks
– Nasolabial folds
– Uneven skin tone or texture
Anthony D. Bruno, II, M.D. is double board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. After six rigorous years of general surgery training and successfully passing his General Surgery board examination, he went on to complete 3 additional years of advanced plastic surgery training at Duke University Medical Center, one of the nation’s premier programs. He then passed his Plastic Surgery board exam. This exceptional level of training along with his God given talents is what enables his meticulous planning, technical mastery, precision, and expert refinement in the most complex Face Lift Surgery.
At Bruno Plastic Surgery in Scranton, facelift surgery is planned with the philosophy of Enhancing Your Natural Beauty. Every plan is highly individualized, with attention to the small details that make your face uniquely yours.
What a Facelift Can Improve
A facelift focuses primarily on the mid-face and lower face. It can help address:
– Jowls along the jawline
– Softening or blurring of the jawline
– Deepening folds from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)
– Laxity and heaviness in the lower cheeks
– Early banding or fullness where the face meets the neck
A facelift does not change forehead wrinkles or eyelid heaviness; those concerns are typically addressed with brow lift or eyelid surgery. During consultation, Dr. Bruno evaluates the entire face and neck, then explains which procedures match your specific concerns.
Is a Facelift Right for You?
Facelift candidates are usually concerned that the face looks older or more tired than they feel, especially around the jawline and lower cheeks.
Many patients:
– Frequently lift the skin in front of the mirror to “preview” a sharper jawline.
– Feel that jowls or lower-face heaviness appear in photos
– Notice that nonsurgical treatments no longer provide enough improvement
– Want a more lasting, structural change rather than temporary volume alone
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, at or near a stable weight, and nonsmokers or smokers willing to pause smoking to support healing. Age ranges widely; some patients seek surgery in their 40s or 50s for early changes, while others pursue rejuvenation in their 60s or 70s. The key is health, realistic expectations, and a desire for natural-looking improvement.
Facelift vs. Nonsurgical Options
Injectables, skin tightening devices, and skincare can be valuable tools, especially for early changes. They can soften lines, add volume, and improve texture. However, they cannot reposition deeper tissues or significantly lift jowls and heavier skin once laxity is advanced.
A facelift addresses the underlying support structures directly. During surgery, the deeper facial layer (often called the SMAS) is gently lifted and secured, while excess skin is carefully redraped. This creates a more defined jawline and smoother lower cheeks in a way that nonsurgical options cannot fully match. Many patients transition from nonsurgical treatments to facelift surgery when they feel they are maintaining but not truly improving sagging in the lower face.
Dr. Bruno’s Facelift Technique and Philosophy
Facelift surgery is often described in technical terms, but what matters most to patients is how they look and feel afterward. Anthony D. Bruno, II, M.D. focuses on:
– Lifting and supporting the deeper tissues rather than simply tightening the skin
– Respecting natural facial proportions so the result looks like a younger version of you
– Avoiding an over-pulled or “windblown” appearance
– Balancing the lower face with the neck and midface for harmony from every angle
Planning begins with a detailed facial examination, photographs, and a conversation about what you notice most. During surgery, Dr. Bruno makes fine adjustments to tension, vector (direction of lift), and contour to support a refined, tasteful result.
Facelift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Before surgery, precise markings are made while you are upright, mapping natural lines, hairline placement, and areas of planned lifting.
During surgery, Dr. Bruno:
– Places incisions carefully around the ear and sometimes along the hairline, designed to blend with natural creases
– Lifts and repositions the deeper tissue layers to restore support and contour
– Redrapes the skin gently, removing excess without over-tightening
– Smooths and refines transitions at the jawline and where the face meets the upper neck
Incisions are closed in thin layers with meticulous attention to detail. A light dressing is placed, and a supportive garment may be used depending on the plan. Patients typically go home the same day in the care of a responsible adult.
The face and neck age together. For many patients, the most natural and complete improvement comes from combining a facelift with a neck lift. A neck lift can address:
– Loose or crepey neck skin
– Vertical neck bands
– Fullness or softening under the chin
Combining procedures can create a smooth, continuous contour from the cheeks to the collarbone. During consultation, Dr. Bruno explains whether a facelift alone or a facelift with neck lift best matches your anatomy and goals.
After Facelift Surgery you will have detailed instructions on post operative care and restrictions. You will be closely followed by Dr. Bruno for monitoring of healing, adjustments to your activity plan, and time to address any questions. The goal is a safe recovery that sets the foundation for a long-lasting, natural-looking result
Recovery after facelift surgery is a gradual process. Typical experiences include:
– Fullness, tightness, and swelling for several days to weeks
– Bruising, most noticeable in the first 7–10 days
– A sensation of firmness or numbness along the cheeks and ears as tissues heal
Elevating the head, using cold compresses as directed, and resting help early healing. Light walking begins quickly to support circulation. Most patients plan at least one to two weeks away from public-facing work, sometimes longer depending on the extent of surgery and personal comfort. Makeup and hairstyling can help camouflage bruising as it fades.
Over several weeks, swelling settles and the face begins to look more natural and refined. Numbness and tightness gradually improve over months as tissues soften and nerves recover.
Scars and Incision Placement
Facelift incisions are designed to be as discreet as possible. They usually follow natural creases around the ear and may extend slightly into the hairline. Early on, scars are pink and more noticeable. With time, they typically fade and blend with surrounding skin.
Dr. Bruno uses careful, layered closure and tension control to encourage thin, flat lines. After surgery, guidance may include silicone therapy, gentle massage once appropriate, and sun protection to support the best cosmetic outcome. Most patients find that the improvement in facial shape and jawline definition far outweighs the presence of these well-placed scars.
How Long Facelift Results Last
Facelift surgery does not stop aging, but it can reset the clock in a meaningful way. Years after surgery, most patients continue to look more refreshed than they would have without the procedure. How long results feel “new” depends on skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and weight fluctuations.
Supportive habits—sun protection, good skincare, healthy nutrition, and stable weight—help preserve the outcome. If changes over time become bothersome again, options such as minor touch-up procedures or nonsurgical treatments can be considered later as part of a long-term aesthetic plan.
What Sets Bruno Plastic Surgery Apart for Facelift Surgery
Anthony D. Bruno, II, M.D., who leads Bruno Plastic Surgery is what sets it apart. Dr. Bruno’s work goes far beyond technique. Dr. Bruno strives to change someone’s life with precision, artistry and emotional intelligence that exceptional surgery requires. Patients throughout the tri-state area choose Dr. Bruno for his attention to detail and meticulous technique. Dr. Bruno has the ability to create results that look natural, elegant, and uniquely tailored to each patient.
Dr. Bruno is Double Board Certified. He is board certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery, with extensive training at the prestigious Duke University and other leading institutions. This background provides a strong foundation for managing complex breast procedures with both safety and artistry. Every patient’s plan is individualized, and every detail is considered,
Many long-standing patients express their loyalty with the hashtag #OnlyDrBruno, reflecting the trust they place in his judgment and the consistent care they receive. From your first consultation through your final follow-up, the experience is designed to be first class, organized, and supportive at every step.
Many loyal patients capture this trust with the phrase “Only Dr. Bruno.” From the first consultation through the final follow-up, the experience is designed to be calm, organized, and supportive at every step.
Schedule Facelift Surgery in NEPA with Dr. Bruno
Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Bruno is among the best facelift surgeons in Pennsylvania. He’s always happy to meet with patients to discuss their cosmetic goals, and his meticulous attention to detail is second to none.
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Preparing for a Facelift
Thoughtful preparation supports both safety and comfort. Before surgery, Dr. Bruno reviews medical history, medications, previous surgeries, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and exercise.
Recommendations may include:
– Pausing certain medications or supplements that increase bleeding risk
– Stopping smoking for a period before and after surgery
– Arranging time away from work and social events to recover comfortably
Preoperative testing, photographs, and instructions are provided in advance. At home, setting up a comfortable recovery space with extra pillows, soft clothing that opens in front, and essential items within easy reach can make the early days smoother. A responsible adult should drive you home after surgery and stay nearby for at least the first night.
Aftercare Essentials
After facelift surgery, following postoperative instructions closely is essential.
Key elements usually include:
– Keeping the head elevated while resting or sleeping
– Using cold compresses as directed to help minimize bruising and swelling
– Taking prescribed medications on schedule
– Avoiding heavy lifting, bending, or strenuous activity until cleared
Hair washing, skincare, and makeup application are reintroduced in stages under guidance. Sun protection is especially important as healing progresses. Regular follow-up appointments allow Dr. Bruno to monitor incisions, adjust your activity plan, and address any questions as they arise, supporting a smooth recovery and refined, natural-looking result.
Related Pages
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Facelift Surgery in Scranton, PA
Neck Lift Surgery in Scranton, PA
Brow Lift Surgery in Scranton, PA
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Scranton, PA
Cheek Augmentation (Cheek Implants) in Scranton, PA
Chin Augmentation (Chin Implants) in Scranton, PA
Schedule a Consultation
Just because you’re getting older, doesn’t mean you have to look or feel older. Facelift surgery can help you turn back the clock. If you’re thinking about getting a facelift in Scranton, Moosic, or elsewhere in NEPA, reach out to Bruno Plastic Surgery using the contact form below. Let us put our knowledge and expertise to work for you!
Get in Touch For Your Facelift Today!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery
What age is best for a facelift?
There is no single “right” age for a facelift. The decision is based more on anatomy and goals than on a specific birthday. Many patients consider facelift surgery in their late 40s to 60s when jowls, jawline softening, and lower-face laxity become more noticeable. Some seek earlier intervention to address subtle changes before they become advanced, while others pursue surgery later and still achieve meaningful improvement. During consultation, Dr. Bruno evaluates your health, skin quality, and degree of change, then explains whether facelift surgery is appropriate right now or if other options may be better suited.
How long is recovery after a facelift?
Most patients plan at least one to two weeks of social downtime after facelift surgery, with bruising and swelling most visible in the first 7–10 days. Light activities, such as walking around the house, begin early, while heavier exercise, lifting, and high-impact activities are delayed for several weeks to protect healing tissues. Many people return to nonstrenuous desk work within about two weeks, depending on comfort and public visibility. Swelling continues to improve over several weeks, and the face gradually looks more natural. Dr. Bruno provides a personalized timeline so you know what to expect at each stage.
Will I look “pulled” or unnatural after a facelift?
A pulled or overly tight appearance is one of the biggest concerns patients express. Modern facelift techniques, when performed thoughtfully, focus on lifting deeper structures rather than simply stretching the skin. Anthony D. Bruno, II, MD emphasizes natural, tasteful change and carefully controls the direction and amount of lift to avoid an exaggerated look. The goal is for others to notice that you look rested, well, and refreshed—not to immediately think “facelift.” Clear communication during consultation about what you do and do not want helps ensure the result feels authentically like you.
How visible are the scars from facelift surgery?
Dr. Bruno’s experience and technical skill allow him to place facelift scars in the most concealable areas. Dr. Bruno’s meticulous nature will assure you have the best closure to allow the best scar that your body can make. Facelift scars are placed along natural contours around the ears and sometimes into the hairline, where they are easier to conceal. In the early weeks, scars are pink and more noticeable at close range.
Over six to twelve months, they typically soften and fade, becoming less apparent. Hairstyling and makeup can help camouflage them during early healing. Dr. Bruno uses meticulous closure techniques to promote thin, flat lines and recommends appropriate scar care such as silicone therapy and sun protection. Most patients find that once healed, scars are discreet and overshadowed by the improvement in facial shape and jawline.
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift surgery provides long-lasting improvement, but it cannot stop the natural aging process. Many patients feel that a facelift turns back the clock by several years and that they continue to look fresher than they would have without surgery, even as time passes.
The longevity of results depends on factors such as skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits. Maintaining a stable weight, avoiding smoking, protecting skin from the sun, and following a thoughtful skincare routine all support longer-lasting outcomes. If changes become noticeable again over time, small refinements or nonsurgical treatments can be considered later.