The facial aging process is often described as the result of deflation and descent. Deflation is the volume loss from resorption of the boney skeleton, as well as atrophy of the discrete fat pads of the midface. The face loses its youthful fullness, the eyes tend to look increasingly gaunt, and the skin loses its healthy luminance as the underlying projection is lost. Deflation typically begins in the mid-thirties, and accelerates in the forties and fifties. Therefore many patients begin to see facial aging in their cheeks in this timeframe, as well as deeper folds that run from the nose to the corner of the mouth. Descent of the soft tissues also occurs because of this loss of volume, as well as a result of the loss of the integrity of the remaining structures of the facial anatomy. For example, ligaments in the face begin to stretch, muscles begin to elongate and fall, and the skin becomes unsupported and heavy. The aging face is the result of the appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines, progressive jowls, and the appearance of bands or cords in the neck. When deflation and descent are evident, the face changes from a full, “heart-shaped” youthful structure to a heavier, rectangular presence. In summary, the face loses some degree of its high cheekbones, elegant jawline, defined neck angles and healthy skin tone.
Because facial aging is different for each individual, a facelift can be customized to correct those aspects of deflation and/or descent that require restoration. At Robertson Cosmetic Center, the facial aging services include: microlifts, minilifts, midfacelifts and conventional facelifts.
At Robertson Cosmetic Center a microlift is for those patients who are just beginning to see facial aging, particularly limited to the early jowls. A microlift requires a limited incision along the junction of the ear and the facial skin, effectively hiding the entire scar line. Limited elevation of the skin allows access to the tissue immediately below, called the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) and the platysma muscle. Both of these structures are elevated and repositioned to restore tension and definition to the jawline and chin-neck junction. The advantage of a microlift is that it requires only one week of recovery, generates minimal discomfort, and can even be done in a clinic setting under local anesthesia. The disadvantage is the limited longevity of results, the modest degree of improvement and the concise correction limited to only the jawline and high neck.
The midface is defined to include the transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek, the cheek projection, and the nasolabial fold. Therefore a midface lift specifically elevates the soft tissues of the cheek to smooth the dark circles under the eyes, restores the high cheekbone of youth and softens the depth of the nasolabial fold. Midface surgery is done in conjunction with other surgeries that allow hidden incisions. Specifically, the lift is achieved through a lower eyelid approach (transblepharoplasty) when heavy fat pads are present in the lower lid, or in conjunction with a forehead lift (transtemporal) when the brow is also rejuvenated. It’s important to recognize that a midface facelift does not address aging changes in the jawline or neck.
A conventional facelift thoroughly rejuvenates the aging changes that develop in the cheek, midface, jawline and neck. Incisions are meticulously hidden around the contours of the ear and hairline to remain inconspicuous even with the hair pulled back. The skin and underlying SMAS and platysma muscle are then gently elevated together in order to maximize the result. This deep plane approach, combined with liposuction, if needed, and direct correction of the bands under the neck has been scientifically proven to provide the safest, most natural, most comprehensive, and most lasting option for facial rejuvenation. As mentioned earlier, some patients may also experience a great deal of volume loss with aging. Therefore in these cases, a lipotransfer of fat can be simultaneously performed to restore youthful volume to the repositioned cheek, deep folds or sunken facial transitions. A conventional facelift allows patients to return to social requirements within two weeks, and can be combined with eyelid surgery, brow surgery or even conservative skin resurfacing for even more complete rejuvenation. Our facelift patients unveil appropriately refreshed and revitalized versions of their younger selves, without extreme tendencies of an operated, image-altering look.
Rejuvenate, Restore, and Reveal Your Best Self
Facial aging is a natural process—but for those who feel that their outer appearance no longer reflects their inner vitality, a facelift can be a powerful and rejuvenating solution. At Robertson Cosmetic Center, we offer a spectrum of facelift techniques that are personalized to your anatomy, aesthetic goals, and the stage of aging you’re experiencing.
Whether you’re just beginning to notice subtle changes in jawline definition, or you’re seeking comprehensive rejuvenation of the midface, cheeks, jawline, and neck, our advanced surgical techniques are designed to restore your natural beauty—not change who you are.
The Facial Aging Process: Deflation and Descent
Facial aging is commonly caused by two fundamental changes: deflation and descent.
- Deflation refers to the gradual loss of volume in the bones and fat pads of the face. This leads to hollowed cheeks, gaunt under-eyes, and the loss of youthful facial fullness.
- Descent occurs when skin, muscle, and connective tissues begin to sag due to volume loss and structural weakening. This results in deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jowls, and neck laxity.
Together, these changes shift the face from a youthful, heart-shaped contour to a more rectangular, heavy-set appearance. Restoring youthful balance requires not just tightening the skin, but repositioning the deeper facial structures in a natural, elegant way.
Facelift Options at Robertson Cosmetic Center
Every face ages differently. That’s why we offer a range of facelift procedures for clients in Middleton, Sun Prairie, and Madison. From targeted microlifts to comprehensive deep plane facelifts, you can expect your results to be tailored to your needs and goals.
Microlift
A microlift is ideal for early signs of aging, particularly the development of mild jowls or early skin laxity along the jawline. This procedure uses a short incision discreetly placed along the crease where the ear meets the face. Through this limited access point, the underlying SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) and platysma muscle are gently elevated to restore youthful contour to the jawline and neck junction.
- Requires only local anesthesia and a short recovery (about one week)
- Minimal discomfort and hidden scars
- Modest improvement, best suited for subtle refinement
- Does not address midface or deeper aging concerns
Mini Facelift (Deep Plane Technique)
A mini facelift offers a more substantial correction while maintaining a short recovery and inconspicuous incision placement around the ear. This procedure also lifts under the SMAS and platysma muscle using a deep plane facelift technique, which repositions facial structures rather than just tightening the skin. This results in a more natural, longer-lasting lift.
- Greater longevity and correction than a microlift
- Suitable for moderate facial aging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck
- A one-week recovery and high safety profile
- May be referred to elsewhere as a “short scar facelift” due to minimal incision lines
- Does not fully address significant volume loss or more advanced neck aging
Midface Lift
The midface includes the region from the lower eyelid to the cheek and down to the nasolabial fold. A midface lift is designed to elevate the soft tissues of the cheek, restore cheekbone projection, soften smile lines, and improve under-eye hollowness.
This lift is performed through hidden incisions either via:
- A lower eyelid approach (transblepharoplasty)—ideal for patients with heavy under-eye fat pads
- A transtemporal incision—often performed alongside a browlift
Midface lifts are typically combined with other facial procedures for the most natural results and do not address aging of the jawline or neck.
Full Facelift (Comprehensive Rejuvenation)
For those experiencing more advanced signs of aging—particularly sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck—a conventional facelift offers the most complete and long-lasting rejuvenation. This deep plane facelift involves:
- Incisions hidden along the ear contours and into the hairline
- Lifting of the SMAS and platysma as a single unit for durable, natural results
- Optional liposuction of the neck or jowls
- Correction of neck bands and muscle laxity
- Simultaneous lipotransfer (fat grafting) to restore lost facial volume, if needed
This technique addresses nearly every visible sign of aging across the lower two-thirds of the face. Patients typically return to social activities within two weeks and enjoy results that look refreshed—not surgically altered.
Facelift surgery may also be combined with eyelid surgery, brow surgery, or skin resurfacing to create a more comprehensive rejuvenation plan.
The Robertson Cosmetic Center Approach
At Robertson Cosmetic Center, every facelift is carefully planned and meticulously performed to respect your natural facial structure. Our surgeon’s techniques prioritize structural support, natural facial movement, and long-term results. We utilize proven methods based on deep anatomical understanding and more than two decades of facial plastic surgery experience.
- Short, discreet incisions for minimal visible scarring
- Deep plane techniques for lasting and natural improvements
- Conservative volume restoration for youthful fullness without puffiness
- Personalized surgical planning based on your unique facial anatomy
Whether you’re looking for a subtle refresh or dramatic rejuvenation, you’ll be treated with artistry, precision, and the highest standards of care.
Recovery and Results
Recovery varies depending on the extent of the procedure:
- Microlift and mini facelift: Return to daily activities within 7–10 days
- Midface and full facelift: Return to social settings in approximately 2 weeks
- Swelling and bruising are mild to moderate and resolve steadily
- Results continue to improve over the following weeks and are long-lasting
The goal is always the same: a refreshed, refined version of yourself, with facial harmony that looks as natural as it feels.
Schedule Your Consultation
Aging is inevitable—but having a tired or sunken look doesn’t have to be. If you’re ready to explore your facelift options, we invite you to schedule a personalized consultation at Robertson Cosmetic Center.
Call 608-836-4044 or book online to begin your journey toward timeless, graceful rejuvenation.