For many people considering facial rejuvenation, one concern comes up again and again: “Will I look overdone?”
By Dr. Cory Bovenzi, Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
It’s a reasonable question. For years, facelift surgery was associated with a tight, unnatural appearance that made it obvious someone had undergone cosmetic surgery. Fortunately, advances in surgical techniques have dramatically changed how facelifts are performed today.
According to Dr. Cory Bovenzi, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Denver, modern facelift surgery focuses on restoring the underlying structures of the face, not simply tightening the skin.
“Back 20 years ago, surgeons would try to tighten the skin of the face. That’s when you’d see those over-pulled, overdone results where it was obvious someone had plastic surgery.”
Traditional facelift approaches primarily addressed the skin layer. Surgeons would tighten loose skin to smooth wrinkles and sagging.
While this could temporarily improve appearance, it did not address the true cause of facial aging. Over time, the deeper structures of the face, particularly the muscles and connective tissues begin to descend.
This descent leads to common signs of aging, such as:
Simply pulling the skin tighter could sometimes create a stretched look rather than restoring natural facial contours.
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Today, many facial plastic surgeons use advanced techniques that focus on the deeper layers of the face.
Dr. Bovenzi explains:
“Modern-day facelift surgery techniques are designed to address the underlying cause of aging, which is actually in the facial muscles.”
Rather than tightening skin alone, Dr. Bovenzi performs a deep plane facelift, a technique that repositions the deeper facial tissues.
“I go underneath the skin and actually underneath the muscle. That’s what people are referring to when they talk about a deep plane facelift.”
During the procedure, the deeper facial structures are carefully released and lifted back to a more youthful position. These tissues are then secured, restoring natural support to the face.
Because the deeper structures are repositioned rather than stretched, the results tend to look far more natural.
Patients can still achieve dramatic improvement, but without the telltale signs of surgery.
“You can still have dramatic improvements, but still look like a normal person.”
The goal is simple: refreshed and rejuvenated—not altered.
“My philosophy in facelift surgery is that I want people to look their absolute best… have that really nice jawline and neckline without having that over-pulled, overdone look.”
Every patient ages differently, which is why personalized evaluation is important. During a consultation, Dr. Bovenzi can discuss whether procedures such as a facelift or neck lift may help restore natural facial definition.
If you’re exploring your options or simply want to learn more about modern facelift techniques, Dr. Bovenzi and his team offer complimentary consultations to answer questions and help you understand what’s possible.
