What Is a Facelift/Rhytidectomy?

Rhytidectomy is the medical term for a facelift, a surgical procedure in which the skin of the face and neck is tightened and repositioned, the underlying facial muscles are restored to a youthful firmness, and excess skin is removed. If you are unhappy with facial sagging, wrinkles, and drooping facial muscles, a facelift is the ideal procedure to restore a youthful appearance that is distinctly you – not over-pulled , tight, or unnatural.

Facial Rejuvenation Surgery with Dr. Merriman

Facelift surgery is a truly wonderful way to enhance your facial appearance. Your features will once again appear youthful, defined, with unsightly sagging, wrinkles, lines, and creases only a memory. You can say goodbye to the saggy, droopy skin that makes you look older than you feel. If you are plagued by sagging neck tissue and skin, this problem can be addressed during your facelift procedure for a more youthful, healthy look. A facelift, when performed by Dr. Merriman, will go a long way toward boosting your confidence and pleasure with your appearance.

Restoring Youthful Definition

Dr. Merriman has gained a reputation for the natural results she achieves with this procedure. Her patients come to her to resolve any of the following problems:

  • Fatty deposits on the neck and beneath the chin
  • Aging skin
  • Loss of the firm skin quality that signals youth
  • Droopy jowls
  • Fine lines, wrinkles, and creases
  • Saggy facial skin
  • Jawline has lost its youthful definition
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How Is a Facelift Performed?

Dr. Sonya J. Merriman employs state-of-the-art surgical techniques to strategically sculpt your face during your facelift procedure, producing results that appear natural and discreet. Dr. Merriman has an amazing sense of facial aesthetics, which makes it possible to restore and rejuvenate your appearance most naturally.

Her attention to detail is important; you want compliments, not the tight, frozen, unnatural look that can be the unhappy outcome of a poorly-performed facelift. Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia for your comfort. Once you are sedated, one or more incisions are made at the hairline, continuing toward the ear and lower scalp.

Fat may be used to contour your face and add volume as facial muscles are tightened and repositioned. The facial skin will then be repositioned, with excess removed, to lie naturally over the restored muscle structure. Finally, excess skin will be trimmed away, and the incisions closed with tiny stitches, hidden in the hairline so they are not visible once you heal.

Types of Facelifts

A short scar facelift, appropriate for those with less extreme facial aging, has a shorter incision. If you need to restore the neck and chin, it may require another incision to restore this area to its former firm, defined look. Depending on your needs, Dr. Merriman may recommend combining your facelift with a neck lift to bring your rejuvenation down to your chest. By taking a dual-pronged approach, she can remove sagging skin from the lower face and neck, creating a slimmer, tighter silhouette and reducing the appearance of neck banding. 

Facelift Before & After

What Results Can I Expect From a Facelift?

It is important to understand everything about the procedure, so you are an informed patient, with no surprises. Dr. Merriman will thoroughly review what to expect from your facelift surgery before your procedure. Generally speaking, a facelift resolves the following issues:

  • Deep creases and wrinkles in the facial skin. As a part of the natural aging process, the body's natural ability to produce collagen and elastin is decreased, resulting in a loss of structure to the facial skin. The loss of skin quality results in deep creases, lines, and wrinkles, along with jowls, frown lines, and smile lines that are deeply etched into your face.
  • Loose, sagging skin. As our skin ages, it loses the elasticity of youth, leading to drooping skin that adds years to the appearance.
  • Drooping skin under the eyes and at the jawline. Whether due to extreme weight loss or the natural aging process, you may see your jawline lose its youthful definition. Restoring the firm, fresh look to these areas does wonders. You will look years younger, with a well-defined jawline and excess skin and tissue removed.

Recovery from Facelift Surgery in Valdosta, Georgia

After your facelift surgery, a bandage will be in place to help reduce facial swelling and aid healing. There may also be small tubes to allow any excess fluid to drain easily following your procedure.

Dr. Merriman will give you specific aftercare instructions for caring for your incisions, a prescription for pain medication to keep you comfortable, and will see you several times in the days following surgery.

Rest, Rest, Rest.

It is important to take it easy in the weeks following your facelift surgery in Valdosta. You feel fatigued, and rest is what your body needs. It is normal to have some swelling, bruising, and a sensation of tightness in your face in the early stages. The swelling peaks at about the third or fourth day after your procedure. Getting up and taking gentle walks to keep your blood circulating helps with healing, but be careful not to overdo it. It is normal to experience a bit of tingling in your face as your body begins to heal itself.

Your Post-Op Process

Most patients who have facelift surgery can return to work after two weeks. While light activity is encouraged, it is still important to avoid strenuous activity until Dr. Merriman says it is fine to return to exercise or other activity. It is also important that you avoid harmful UV rays and stay out of direct sunlight while your face heals and restores. While you will begin to notice results as the swelling in your face subsides, you will not see full results until about 1 year after your facelift. To learn more, contact us today to schedule a consultation for a facelift in Valdosta, GA.

Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta?

At Plastic Surgery Associates of Valdosta, patient safety and clinical excellence take priority from start to finish. Your procedure will be performed in our state-licensed, Medicare-certified, and QUAD A-accredited facility, so your care never leaves our hands. Your facelift will be performed by our founder, Dr. Sonya Merriman, who brings more than 30 years of surgical experience and board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery to every procedure. She's earned a reputation throughout South Georgia for facelift results that read as rested and refreshed, never pulled or artificial, and she uses the most precise, advanced techniques available to ensure long-lasting satisfaction. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Ideal candidates for a facelift in Valdosta, GA, are healthy, non-smoking adults who feel their facial appearance no longer reflects how youthful and vibrant they feel.

 This procedure works well for patients experiencing moderate to significant sagging, deep wrinkles, or jowling that non-surgical treatments can’t fully address. During your initial consultation, Dr. Merriman will assess your skin quality and facial structure to confirm your candidacy and recommend the most appropriate technique.

Your Guide to Facelift

Our Patients Own Words

4.9 stars from 276 Google reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Very professional. Excellent care!

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision....

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision. I am very pleased with my results.

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5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely LOVE this place!!

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. T...

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. The entire staff is also absolutely professional, very thorough, and extremely warming so much so that it literally feels like a family. And you don’t get that very many places, so I will forever continue to come here and only here. And highly recommended !!!

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5 out of 5 stars

The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic.

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfor...

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfortable the minute I walked in the door. The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic. I was made to feel as if I had known them my entire life. The reason I give a 5-star rating is because I don't see a 10-star rating. lol. Thank you, ladies, so much for the service you provide and the manner in which you provide care.

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5 out of 5 stars

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office.

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel af...

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel afraid about asking questions. I literally drive 1.5 hours from home to see Pam, Ashli & Melanie for all my treatments. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I am very pleased with the results!!

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydraf...

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydrafacial by Amy, who is fantastic. She is extremely knowledgeable and provides suggestions to get the results I want without making me feel pressured or uncomfortable. I am very pleased with the results!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience with my procedure!!!

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism,...

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism, dedication to patients, and you feel well taken care of from the first to the finish!

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5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office.

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in...

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in the office is absolutely fantastic, definitely feel like family once you leave. Liz was great at going over everything with me before my consultation. Dr. Sonya came in and talked to me for a good 20 minutes and explained to me the different implants, what she would do, etc., asked for her opinion on my size, and I felt completely comfortable!! Kelley was my nurse, and she was great!! She helped answer any questions my husband and I had before I went back. Also, Dr. Sonya’s husband was the anesthesiologist and was so kind! He’s the last person I remember talking to before I was out, haha. I love how they call and check on you after your surgery, and if there is anything you may need. My recovery so far has been absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have done without their support and instructions on what to do after surgery. I highly recommend their office for everything ❤️ definitely will be back!

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5 out of 5 stars

I highly recommend their office.

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt appr...

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt apprehensive about the process. Fear of the unknown, I suppose. But at Valdosta Plastic Surgery, the process was laid out step-by-step. Everyone was kind, helpful, and made sure I received answers to any questions I may have. From the start, there were no surprises about costs or timelines. That was laid out nicely for me in the initial callback I received in response to my online consultation request. Dr. Merriman was sure to tell me about the risks and took the time during the initial office consultation to listen/look at my desired outcome. Again and again, I was reminded that if I had any questions, then I could reach out to Dr. Merriman directly after the surgery. They made me feel so comfortable that I reached out two times to ask a question. I received immediate responses. In the end, recovery was a piece of cake. Though Dr. Merriman will tell you that it is different for everyone. I thought the instructions I received for managing the recovery were spot on. It has now been 6 months since the surgery, and the outcome is better than everything I had hoped for. They are symmetrical, even, I have feelings in both nipples, and the size is exactly what I had hoped for. Interestingly, she used one size bigger than what was initially considered. I attribute that to Dr. Merriman's keen eye for aesthetics and high level of experience. She had seen what outcome I had envisioned, and during surgery, she fit me with the right size to achieve the look that I was hoping for. I am so glad that I decided on Valdosta Plastic Surgery. I highly recommend their office. I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman.

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5 out of 5 stars

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work.

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & co...

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & comfortable as soon as I walk in those doors. (The entire staff here makes you feel safe.) Although I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Merriman, she has a wonderful team & establishment built. I look forward to coming back every time and will 100% come here for any future work I plan on having done! ❤️❤️❤️

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5 out of 5 stars

I will never go anywhere else.

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I...

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I never will. They truly want to know their customers!

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Pricing Your Procedure 

The cost of your facelift in Valdosta, GA, will depend on the following factors: 

  • Extent of correction
  • Technique used
  • Surgical complexity 
  • Whether additional procedures will be performed in the same session 

After your initial consultation, we’ll share a complete cost estimate, including all available financing options, to help make your procedure more accessible. 

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Completing Your Transformation 

Many of our patients in Tifton, Waycross, Albany, Valdosta, and beyond incorporate a facelift into a broader rejuvenation strategy that encompasses both the face and the body. Complementary procedures include the following: 

Dr. Merriman will advise you on which procedures are safe to combine and how they can help you achieve your aesthetic goals. 

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Facelift Frequently Asked Questions

How long do facelift results typically last?

Facelift results often last 10 years or longer, although the natural aging process continues over time. Maintaining a stable weight, following a healthy lifestyle, and using a consistent skincare routine can help preserve your results for many years.

Will a facelift address my under-eye bags or sagging eyelids?

A facelift is designed to rejuvenate the midface, jawline, and neck, but it does not fully correct under-eye bags or sagging upper and lower eyelids. Many patients choose to combine a facelift with eyelid surgery to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

How soon can I wear makeup after a facelift?

Most patients can begin applying makeup around the incision areas approximately two weeks after surgery, once the sutures have been removed and the incisions have healed appropriately. Dr. Merriman will provide personalized guidance based on your recovery progress.

What are the risks associated with facelift surgery?

Facelift surgery is considered safe and highly effective when performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, but like any surgical procedure, it does carry some potential risks. These may include bleeding, infection, scarring, temporary numbness, delayed healing, or asymmetry. Dr. Merriman uses advanced surgical techniques and closely monitors your recovery to help minimize risk and support a smooth healing process with beautiful, natural-looking results.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely. Many patients choose to combine a facelift with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, neck contouring, or facial fat transfer. Combining procedures can enhance overall facial harmony and address multiple signs of aging at once. During your consultation, Dr. Merriman will review your concerns and recommend the options that best support your goals.

Confidence starts with a conversation.

Meet with us and discover a clinic where we focus on creating natural-looking results in every procedure.

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