Facelift

Facelift Surgery in Utah

A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions the deeper structures of the face and neck to address sagging skin, jowls, and loss of definition along the jawline. Dr. John Bitner, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, has performed facelift surgery at his Layton, Utah practice for more than 16 years. He offers more than one facelift technique, and the right one depends on your anatomy and degree of aging.

Medically reviewed by John Bitner, MD — Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. Last updated: July 2026.

Call (801) 525-8727 to Schedule a Consultation.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is facial rejuvenation surgery that addresses the lower two-thirds of the face and the neck. Rather than simply tightening skin, a modern facelift repositions the underlying muscle and connective tissue layer, restoring natural contours without a pulled or “windblown” look.

As we age, the face loses volume, skin loses elasticity, and the deeper support structures of the face descend. The result is familiar: jowls along the jawline, deepening folds around the mouth, and loose skin beneath the chin and neck. Skincare and injectables can soften these changes, but they cannot reverse them — only surgical repositioning can.

Dr. Bitner’s approach focuses exclusively on the face. As a facial plastic surgeon — not a general plastic surgeon — his entire surgical practice is devoted to the anatomy between the collarbone and the hairline, which is precisely why patients across Utah seek him out for facelift surgery.

Types of Facelifts Dr. Bitner Performs

Dr. Bitner performs two primary facelift techniques: the deep plane face and neck lift, his most comprehensive option for moderate to advanced aging, and the mini facelift, a shorter-recovery option for earlier signs of aging. The right technique depends on your anatomy, degree of aging, and goals — determined at your consultation.

Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift

A deep plane facelift repositions the deep muscular layer of the face and neck as a single unit, rather than pulling on the skin. Because the lift happens beneath the surface, the jawline, midface, and neck move together — the result looks like a younger version of you, not a tighter one. Dr. Bitner recommends this technique most often for patients in their 40s through 70s with moderate to more advanced aging changes.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift addresses early jowling and mild looseness along the jawline through shorter incisions hidden around the ear. Both the surgery and the recovery are shorter — most patients are back to their routine in about a week. It’s usually the right fit for patients in their 40s and early 50s whose changes are still limited to the lower face.

Deep Plane Face & Neck Lift

Dr. Bitner’s signature technique releases and repositions the entire deep muscular layer of the face and neck as one unit, rather than pulling on skin. The result is a dramatic yet natural rejuvenation of the jawline, midface, and neck. It is typically recommended for patients in their 40s through 70s with moderate to significant aging changes.

Mini Facelift

A less extensive procedure using shorter incisions to address early jowling and mild skin laxity along the jawline. Recovery is faster and the procedure is shorter, making it a fit for patients — often in their 40s and early 50s — whose aging changes don’t yet call for a full lift.

Many patients also choose to address the upper third of the face at the same time; a brow lift or eyelid surgery can be combined with a facelift in a single operation.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Good facelift candidates are healthy non-smokers, typically between their 40s and 70s, who are bothered by jowls, sagging cheeks, deep folds, or loose neck skin. The best way to know which procedure fits your anatomy is an in-person evaluation with a facial plastic surgeon.

You may be a strong candidate if:

• You notice jowls forming along your jawline or a loss of definition between your jaw and neck
• Deep folds have formed between your nose and mouth (nasolabial folds) or at the corners of your mouth
• Loose or excess skin has developed under your chin and on your neck
• Injectables and skin treatments no longer produce the improvement you want
• You are in good general health, do not smoke (or are willing to stop before surgery), and have realistic expectations

Age matters less than anatomy. Dr. Bitner evaluates the quality of your skin, the position of your facial tissues, and your bone structure to recommend the technique.

What to Expect: Consultation, Surgery, and Recovery

A facelift with Dr. Bitner begins with a detailed consultation, is performed in an accredited surgical facility, and involves roughly 10–14 days of social downtime for most techniques. Most patients return to work within two weeks and see their results continue to refine over several months.

Your Consultation

You’ll meet one-on-one with Dr. Bitner to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and examine your facial anatomy. He’ll explain which technique he recommends and why, show before-and-after photos of patients with similar anatomy, and walk you through pricing so there are no surprises. Call (801) 525-8727 to schedule a consultation today; the consultation fee is applied to the cost of your procedure.

Surgery Day

Your facelift is performed in an accredited surgical facility. Depending on the technique, surgery takes approximately 2–6 hours and is performed under sedation. Incisions are placed discreetly within the hairline and the natural creases around the ear, where they heal to be very difficult to detect.

Recovery Timeline

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

Most facelifts last 8–12 years. A facelift doesn’t stop the aging process, but it turns back the clock — patients look meaningfully younger than they would have at every point going forward. Longevity depends on the technique used, your skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle factors like sun exposure and smoking. Dr. Bitner will discuss what you can realistically expect from each technique during your consultation, and how good skincare, sun protection, and maintenance treatments can help protect your investment.

Why Patients Across Utah Choose Dr. Bitner

Dr. John Bitner is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who has focused exclusively on the face for more than 16 years, serving patients from Layton, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and throughout Utah.

• Double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
• 16+ years of experience dedicated exclusively to facial procedures
• Personally performs every consultation and every surgery

Patients often return for follow-up procedures or refer loved ones because of the trust they’ve built.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Utah?

A facelift with a brow lift at Dr. Bitner Facial Plastic Surgery costs $19,000.* Current pricing for every facelift technique — including the deep plane face and neck lift and the mini facelift — is listed on our cost of facial plastic surgery page. Note that prices on our pricing page do not include operating room facility charges or the cost of anesthesia. You’ll receive an exact written quote at your consultation, and the consultation fee is applied to the cost of your procedure. Financing options are available.

Schedule Your Facelift Consultation in Layton, Utah

Take the first step toward looking as young as you feel. Call (801) 525-8727 to schedule a consultation today — your consultation fee is applied to the cost of your procedure.

Dr. Bitner Facial Plastic Surgery 425 S 100 W, Layton, UT 84041

Serving patients from Layton, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Bountiful, and throughout Utah.