Facelift in Nashville & Franklin, TN

Name: Facelift
Brand: Higdon Plastic Surgery
Rating: 5 (295 reviews)

Universally considered a gold-standard solution for correcting signs of aging, a facelift provides dramatic rejuvenation results, combating concerns such as sagging cheeks, loss of definition in the jawline, jowls, and nasolabial folds. Dr. Kent "Kye" Higdon, an award-winning plastic surgeon in Nashville, TN, performs facelift surgery with artistry and nuance, restoring a refreshed, energized countenance.

Older woman with brown hair smiles looking off in a studio shoot. Her definited jaw line, and tight skin emulates the potential results of a Nashville Facelift with Dr. Higdon

Facelift Overview

Facelift in Franklin & Nashville, TN

Sagging skin, deep creases, jowls, and loss of jawline definition are often the first signs that non-surgical treatments like fillers or skin tightening are no longer enough. A facelift in Franklin or Nashville patients rely on can restore a firmer, more youthful appearance by lifting and repositioning the deeper facial structures rather than simply tightening the skin's surface.

At Higdon Plastic Surgery, every facelift is customized to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Whether you are experiencing early signs of aging or more advanced facial laxity, Dr. Kent “Kye” Higdon uses advanced techniques to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Patients seeking a facelift in Nashville or Franklin, TN often achieve a smoother jawline, improved facial contours, and a refreshed appearance that still looks like themselves.

Facelift Before & After Photos

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Older woman with gray hair smiles at camera in a studio shoot. Her definited jaw line, and tight skin emulates the potential results of a Nashville Facelift with Dr. Higdon

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift in Nashville or Franklin, TN, is a surgical procedure designed to address visible signs of aging in the lower face and jawline. Common concerns treated with a facelift include sagging skin, jowls, drooping cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, and loss of definition along the jawline.

While non-surgical treatments such as injectables, skin tightening, and medical-grade skincare can provide temporary improvement, they cannot correct significant skin laxity or reposition deeper facial tissues. At a certain point, patients seeking more noticeable and long-lasting results often benefit from a surgical solution.

Dr. Kent “Kye” Higdon uses advanced facelift techniques to lift and reposition the underlying facial structures rather than simply tightening the skin. This approach allows for smoother contours, improved definition, and natural-looking results that enhance your appearance without making you look overdone. Each facelift Nashville and Franklin patients receive is carefully customized to their anatomy, goals, and stage of aging.

What Causes Facial Aging?

Facial aging can be due to a variety of factors, including lifestyle habits like smoking or a poor diet, overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays, and the loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid that occurs as we mature. Improper skincare can also increase the impact of signs of aging. For those seeking to restore a youthful, refreshed look, a facelift in Nashville can address sagging skin and deep facial folds caused by these changes. Many patients choose a Nashville facelift to reverse the visible effects of aging and achieve natural-looking rejuvenation.

What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?

Dr. Higdon has a wealth of surgical techniques at his disposal and will choose the best approach for your anatomy, goals, and needs. He can perform any of the following procedures:

Delta SMAS Facelift with Deep Plane Necklift

During a Delta SMAS facelift with deep plane necklift, Dr. Higdon releases the underlying ligaments, which allows him to reposition muscle, fat, and tissue through gentle elevation rather than skin pulling or stretching. This results in minimal trauma to the superficial skin layer, hastening recovery and minimizing side effects.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is performed with a shorter incision and thus comes with less downtime and scarring than a conventional facelift. It is suggested for younger individuals who are just starting to notice signs of aging in the cheeks, upper neck, and jawline. It is often paired with dermal fillers and neuromodulators to enhance results.

Mid Facelift

While a mid facelift does not combat signs of aging in the upper neck and jawline, it is a targeted solution for sagging in the cheeks. The procedure can be instrumental in restoring a more youthful, revitalized, and energized look.

Non-Surgical Facelift

A non-surgical facelift is performed with dermal fillers and neuromodulators and is painless with no downtime. While the procedure can address concerns like volume loss, wrinkles, lines, and asymmetry, it is not a solution for more pronounced skin laxity.

What Are the Benefits of Getting a Facelift in Nashville?

Patients in Nashville enjoy a wealth of impressive benefits when they choose Dr. Higdon for their facelift. Advantages include:

Restores a youthful, attractive appearance
Creates a more inviting, energized facial expression
Trims loose, excess skin
Sharpens the jawline
Eradicates jowls and nasolabial folds
Improves definition, balance, and symmetry
Heightens confidence and self-esteem
Creates the coveted V-shaped facial contour
Long-lasting, natural-looking outcomes

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

The best candidates for a facelift are healthy, non-smoking individuals who have exhausted non-invasive rejuvenation methods and are seeking lasting, profound changes. Your age, skin quality, and facial areas of concern will influence Dr. Higdon’s choice of procedure and approach. As with all aesthetic procedures, it is important to have realistic expectations for your results.

While a facelift can greatly improve your appearance, it cannot create “perfection.” Dr. Higdon will meet with you in private to discuss your goals and complete a detailed medical evaluation, making sure your facelift can be performed safely.

Older woman with blonde hair smiles while holding her hands to her face in a studio shoot. Her definited jaw line, and tight skin emulates the potential results of a Nashville Facelift with Dr. Higdon

How Do I Prepare for a Facelift?

Prior to your procedure, our team will provide a detailed list of instructions to help you make the most of your surgery and enjoy a seamless, stress-free treatment journey. You should prepare your home environment for recovery ahead of time and fill any prescriptions in advance. You may need to discontinue certain medications, pills, and supplements that might increase your risk of bleeding, bruising, or swelling. If you smoke, Dr. Higdon will request that you quit at least 8 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery to safeguard your healing process and results. Lastly, you should schedule a friend, helper, or responsible adult to drive you home after your surgery and assist you with basic tasks for the first few days.

What Does the Facelift Procedure Entail?

On the day of your procedure, you will be welcomed into one of the state-of-the-art surgery facilities where we perform surgery, where we will quickly review your surgical plan and respond to any last-minute questions or concerns. Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, ensuring you fall into a deep sleep before Dr. Higdon rejuvenates your look.

Once you are resting peacefully, the doctor will create your incisions according to your unique treatment plan. Incisions are typically placed within the hairline and the fine creases surrounding the ears.

Dr. Higdon will then firm the underlying muscles and tissues, gently elevate the deeper facial structures, and remove loose, sagging skin to create a more vibrant and attractive appearance. He may combine your facelift with other procedures, like facial fat grafting or chin and neck liposuction, to maximize your outcome and leave you looking and feeling revitalized.

Finally, Dr. Higdon will close your incisions using advanced suturing techniques and place you in our recovery area to be monitored until it is safe for you to go home with a friend or family member.

What Are the Results and Recovery Like After a Facelift?

Recovery

After your facelift, Dr. Higdon will apply a light dressing and release you into the care of a family member, friend, or helper who will drive you home. You will receive a detailed aftercare plan and prescriptions for pain medications to help alleviate soreness, discomfort, and tenderness. Dr. Higdon implements an advanced protocol with multimodal analgesics that he developed to ensure you have excellent pain control and an enhanced recovery after surgery with very little to no narcotic use. Mild swelling and bruising will peak in the first few days after your facelift and then gradually subside. To best support your healing process,

Dr. Higdon recommends the following:

Sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling
Take your pain medications as directed
Apply cool compresses during the first few days
Avoid strenuous workouts and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks
Take gentle walks right away to boost circulation
East soft foods at first that are nutritious and healthy
Attend all scheduled follow-up sessions with Dr. Higdon

Results

Patients considering a facelift in Nashville or Franklin, TN often want to know how natural their results will look and how long they will last. With modern surgical techniques, a facelift can create a smoother, more youthful appearance while preserving your unique facial features.

A facelift performed by Dr. Kent “Kye” Higdon is designed to restore definition to the jawline, reduce the appearance of jowls, and lift sagging cheeks. Patients typically notice:

A firmer, more contoured jawline
Smoother skin with fewer deep folds and wrinkles
Improved facial balance and proportions
A refreshed appearance that still looks like themselves

Because the procedure addresses the deeper layers of the face, results are both natural-looking and long-lasting. Most patients enjoy the benefits of their facelift in Nashville or Franklin for many years, especially when maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a consistent skincare routine.

While some initial swelling is expected, improvements become more visible as healing progresses. Final results continue to refine over several months, revealing a subtle, elegant, and age-appropriate look.

Why Choose Higdon Plastic Surgery for Your Facelift in Nashville & Franklin?

Choosing your facial plastic surgeon is a decision that impacts both your safety and your appearance. At Higdon Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kye Higdon, MD, FACS, delivers refined, natural-looking results that leave you looking refreshed, never overdone.

Published Facelift Safety Authority: Dr. Higdon co-authored a landmark, award-winning study analyzing facelift safety across 11,300 patients in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. His peer-reviewed research directly informs his precision, safety-first surgical approach.
Elite Academic Leadership: Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Higdon served for years as Associate Professor, Residency Program Director, and Vice Chair at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, training future generations of surgeons.
Nationally Recognized Patient Experience: Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2025–2026) and multi-year Vanderbilt Patient Experience Award winner (ranking in the top 10% nationally), Dr. Higdon provides concierge-level care customized to your unique facial anatomy.

Serving patients across Nashville, Franklin, and Middle Tennessee. Schedule your private facelift consultation today to explore your options.

Learn More About Dr. Higdon

Serving Patients in Nashville and Franklin

Higdon Plastic Surgery is proud to serve patients throughout Middle Tennessee, with our practice conveniently located in Franklin and easily accessible to Nashville, Brentwood, Cool Springs, and surrounding communities. Whether you live in the heart of Nashville or nearby Williamson County, our facial aesthetics patients appreciate Dr. Higdon’s expertise, artistic approach, and commitment to natural-looking results.

By offering Facelifts in both Nashville and Franklin, we make it easy for patients across the region to achieve a refreshed, youthful look with personalized surgical care close to home.

Facelift in Nashville and Franklin FAQ

Will I Have Noticeable Scarring?

Dr. Higdon is careful to place incisions in areas where scarring will later be virtually imperceptible. Incision lines are hidden in the hairline and within the fine folds around the ears. The doctor can offer scar revision techniques, if needed, as well as access to scar creams and medical-grade skincare products.

What Procedures Can Be Combined With a Facelift?

Dr. Higdon commonly pairs facelift surgery with a neck lift, facial fat grafting, a brow lift, chin and neck liposuction, dermal fillers, and other procedures to maximize your results and help you look and feel your best. During your private consultation in Nashville, TN, Dr. Higdon will discuss your goals and begin creating a customized treatment plan for you.

Will My Results Be Permanent?

Results with a facelift can usually last over a decade. However, the normal aging process will continue, and you may need to undergo additional procedures down the line to maintain your more vibrant, attractive appearance.

When Will I See the Final Results?

At first, mild swelling and bruising will obscure your facelift results. However, within around one month after surgery, these side effects will have dissipated, and you will be able to enjoy a more refreshed, rejuvenated countenance.

What Risks Are Associated With Facelifts?

By choosing an experienced, trusted plastic surgeon like Dr. Higdon in Nashville, you greatly reduce the possibility of complications. However, a facelift carries certain risks that you should take note of, including the following:

Swelling
Bruising
Bleeding
Asymmetry
Infection
Fluid buildup
Poor scarring
Anesthesia risks
Changes in skin color and sensation
Nerve injury
Muscle injury

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

Pricing for a facelift in Nashville can range from around $9,000 to $25,000 depending on the extent of the changes requested, the specific techniques the doctor utilizes, and whether surgery is combined with other procedures, such as a neck lift, blepharoplasty, brow lift, facial fat transfer, chin and neck liposuction, dermal fillers, BOTOX, or other cosmetic solutions. Upon the completion of your private consultation in Franklin, TN, Dr. Higdon will provide a personalized quote for services.

Are There Any Non-Surgical Alternatives?

Yes, there is an option for a non-surgical facelift performed with dermal fillers and BOTOX. However, it cannot address significant skin laxity and may not be suitable for those with more advanced skin sagging. Dr. Higdon will provide a consultation and physical assessment to make sure you are choosing the best procedure for your needs.