Facelift
in Washington DC
Restoring Confidence at Congressional Plastic Surgery
Facial aging often develops gradually, but changes in the jawline and neck can eventually alter overall facial balance. At Congressional Plastic Surgery, facelift surgery is performed by Dr. Christopher C. Chang, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training from Harvard, Yale, and NYU. With fellowship training in craniofacial surgery and extensive experience in facial aesthetics, Dr. Chang approaches facial rejuvenation with a detailed understanding of anatomy and proportion. His goal is to restore youthful definition while maintaining natural expression and facial harmony. Schedule a consultation with Congressional Plastic Surgery to learn how facelift surgery can help you look refreshed and confident
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to restore youthful contours to the lower face and neck. As the skin ages, elasticity gradually decreases and deeper facial tissues begin to shift downward. These structural changes can lead to jowls, loose skin along the neck, and a less defined jawline.
Modern facelift surgery addresses both the visible skin and the deeper supportive layers of the face. During the procedure, these deeper tissues are repositioned and reinforced before excess skin is carefully removed. By correcting the underlying structure rather than tightening skin alone, the procedure restores smoother contours while preserving natural facial movement.
Benefits of a Facelift
- Improved jawline definition: Repositions descended facial tissues to restore a clean, well-defined jawline.
- Reduction of jowls: Addresses sagging along the lower face that can create a heavier appearance.
- Smoother neck contour: Tightens loose skin and underlying muscle bands that contribute to an aged neck.
- Long-lasting rejuvenation: Structural correction provides results that can last for many years.
- Natural-looking results: Modern surgical techniques focus on restoring facial support rather than tightening skin alone.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
Facelift candidates are typically men and women experiencing visible facial aging such as sagging skin, jowls, or reduced jawline definition. Ideal candidates are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about what facial rejuvenation surgery can achieve.
Why Choose Congressional Plastic Surgery for a Facelift?
Dr. Chang is a craniofacial fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with extensive academic and surgical experience in facial procedures. At Congressional Plastic Surgery, every facelift is carefully planned according to the patient’s facial anatomy, skin quality, and long-term aesthetic goals. This individualized surgical planning allows Dr. Chang to restore youthful contours while maintaining natural facial proportions.
Your Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Chang begins with a detailed discussion of your concerns and goals. Dr. Chang carefully evaluates facial structure, skin elasticity, and the position of deeper facial tissues to determine the most appropriate surgical approach. This assessment allows him to develop a customized surgical plan designed to restore balanced facial contours.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of facelift surgery varies depending on the surgical technique used and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. Because each procedure is tailored to the patient, pricing is determined after a comprehensive consultation. During your visit, our team will provide a personalized estimate and review available financing options.
What to Expect During Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Incisions are carefully placed along the natural contours around the ears so that scars remain discreet after healing.
Once the incisions are made, Dr. Chang lifts and repositions the deeper facial tissues to recreate youthful structural support. Excess skin is then removed and the remaining skin is redraped smoothly along the newly defined contours of the face and neck.
Facelift Recovery and Results
Following surgery, patients typically experience swelling and mild bruising during the early healing phase. Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within a couple of weeks as swelling continues to improve.
As healing progresses, the jawline and neck appear more defined while facial expression remains natural. The result is a refreshed appearance that maintains the patient’s recognizable features.
Video Testimonial
Types of Facelift Procedures
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is designed for patients with early signs of facial aging. It focuses on mild jowling and lower facial laxity using smaller incisions and typically involves a shorter recovery period.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift addresses deeper facial structures by lifting the skin and underlying tissues together. This technique allows for comprehensive rejuvenation of the midface and jawline while preserving natural facial movement.
Revision Facelift
A revision facelift is performed to improve or refine the results of a previous facelift procedure. Because prior surgery can alter facial anatomy, revision procedures require advanced surgical expertise and careful planning.
Complementary Facial Rejuvenation Procedures
- Neck lift: Tightens loose skin and underlying muscle in the neck to further improve jawline and neck definition.
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty): Removes excess eyelid skin and fat to restore a more rested and youthful eye appearance.
- Brow lift: Elevates the brows and reduces forehead creasing to improve balance in the upper face.
- Facial fat grafting: Restores natural facial volume using purified fat transferred from another area of the body.
- Dermal fillers: Injectable treatments that restore volume or soften facial lines in areas not addressed surgically.
Facelift FAQ
How long do facelift scars take to fade?
Most facelift incisions heal well and gradually fade over several months. Because they are placed around the ears and within natural contours, they typically become difficult to notice once fully healed.
Does sleeping position matter after facelift surgery?
Patients are usually advised to sleep on their back with the head elevated during early recovery to reduce swelling and protect the surgical area.
Can significant sun exposure affect facelift longevity?
Yes. Chronic sun exposure can accelerate skin aging, which is why long-term sun protection is recommended after facial rejuvenation surgery.
Is facial numbness normal after a facelift?
Temporary numbness in certain areas of the face or around the ears can occur after surgery and typically improves as healing progresses.
Can facial aging continue after a facelift?
Yes. A facelift does not stop the natural aging process, but it can reset facial contours so that patients continue to age from a more youthful starting point.
Is there an ideal time of year to schedule a facelift?
Some patients prefer cooler months for recovery, but the procedure can be safely performed at any time of year depending on the patient’s schedule.
How soon can I color my hair after surgery?
Patients are generally advised to wait several weeks before coloring their hair to allow the incision areas around the ears to heal properly.
Can skincare treatments complement facelift results?
Yes. Professional skincare, laser treatments, and sun protection can help maintain skin quality and support long-term facial rejuvenation.
Discover Your Facial Rejuvenation Options
Facelift surgery can restore youthful facial definition while preserving your natural appearance. At Congressional Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chang combines advanced training, craniofacial expertise, and meticulous technique to deliver balanced, natural-looking results. Schedule a consultation with Congressional Plastic Surgery to learn how facelift surgery can help you achieve a refreshed and confident appearance.
Phone: (888) 413-3923 Hours: M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm
Recent Reviews
"I have never felt so confident. Dr. Chang completely changed how I saw myself in the mirror. I was terribly self conscious of my nose from my youth and finally decided to go through with the surgery. Not only was it inexpensive compared to the other three doctors I contacted, the before and after pictures of patients were also much better looking than the others! The whole process of surgery and recovery was quick and pretty much painless. I would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting cosmetic surgery. It really made me a happier person." - Catherine M.
"My son was in a terrible accident with most of the bones in his face and skull broken... I don't know what I would have done without Dr Chang!! My son is fully recovered and back to his old self again. I love Dr Chang, he will be in my prayers for the rest of my life. Thank you!" - Elizabeth A.
"I cannot say enough about my surgery with Dr. Chang! I had full facial Rejuvenation including a facelift brow lift and upper eyelids done 4 months ago. I also had a chemical peel to my lower eyelids and mouth. They was barely any pain and I was back to work the next week! I am so thrilled and my friends are so impressed. I cannot say enough about my experience! He is both caring and an amazing surgeon! Thank you so much!" - Cathy W.
The entire experience and outcome was everything I hoped for and I cannot thank Dr. Chang enough! He is a true pro and I recommend 100% without reservation!" - Ashley R.
"I went to Dr. Chang to correct the damage done to my breasts from pregnancy and breastfeeding. He went above and beyond to make me comfortable and to explain exactly what the procedures (lift + implants) would entail. He was extremely responsive and truly understood the look that I was trying to achieve - full, natural for my frame, and with minimal scarring. I'm only two days out from surgery and I'm already loving my results. I am so glad that I chose Dr. Chang to restore my chest to its pre-baby appearance. I actually think they are going to be better than they ever were before I had kids!" - Emily L.
