Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS
Award-Winning, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon
Premiere Destination for Finest Injectables & Skin Care
Facelift
World-renowned board-certifiedplastic surgeon Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS, specializes in facelift surgery with natural-looking results at his Philadelphia, Pennsylvania plastic surgery practice. His pioneering work utilizing his unique tumescent technique with deep-plane surgery and fat-grafting has elevated his reputation for long-lasting, natural-lookingfacelift results with rapid recovery. Dr. Bucky utilizes his personalized approach and keen attention to detail to ensure each patient receives optimal, individualized outcomes. Often, he combines facelift surgery with additional procedures, such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a neck lift, brow lift, laser resurfacing, or microcoring to achieve the most natural-looking and customized results.
What Is A Facelift?
Facelift surgery, also called a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery to remove excess skin while sculpting and restoring the soft, underlying tissues of the face and neck to provide a revitalized appearance. This widely sought-after surgical procedure effectively diminishes wrinkles and creases while addressing the various signs of aging that can result from natural aging, sun exposure, gravitational effects, and numerous other factors that accumulate over time.
The procedure can effectively address concerns such as:
- Sagging necks and loose skin
- Jowls and loss of jawline definition
- Mid-face or cheek deflation
- Drooping brow
- Deep nasolabial folds and creases
- Double chin and submental fullness
- Overall loss of facial elasticity and skin quality1
A facelift works by repositioning the deeper tissues and facial structures beneath the skin. Unlike non-surgical treatments such as injectables, dermal fillers, or BOTOX that addresses only volume loss under the skin’s surface, a facelift provides long-lasting results by elevating the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), a network of muscles and connective tissue. This deeper repositioning creates a more youthful appearance that looks naturally refreshed, never pulled or overdone.
Drawing from his extensive experience of performing over 2,500 facelift procedures, Dr. Bucky employs a combination of facelift techniques, including the tumescent method and deep plane surgery with an extended SMAS flap to efficiently and precisely elevate facial structures. This innovative, antigravity approach results in a more refreshed and energized appearance for patients. He also performs a drainless facelift technique, eliminating the need for post-operative surgical drains and enhancing patient comfort during recovery. Furthermore, Dr. Bucky is a pioneer in the use of autologous fat grafting and micronized regenerative fat (Nano Smooth™) injections that allow him to restore the natural contours of the face and neck. His latest breakthrough of harnessing the regenerative potential of micronized regenerative fat (Nano Smooth) to rejuvenate the neck and facial skin from within is achieving unprecedented results. The Nano Smooth technique can be used in isolated neck lifts or in conjunction with facelift surgery, not only enhancing skin quality but also rekindling a youthful radiance.
Benefits of a Facelift With Dr. Bucky
Dr. Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS, stands as a preeminent authority in facelift surgery, having performed nearly 10,000 successful facial surgeries throughout his illustrious career. Dr. Bucky’s unparalleled surgical expertise addressing facial aging lies in his ability to customize the deep-plane/extended SMAS facelift surgery to meet the specific aesthetic goals of each patient. Dr. Bucky’s patients can expect to receive discreetly hidden incisions and a purposeful, personalized approach that emphasizes a natural look over a “pulled” or “overdone” appearance.
Potential benefits of facelift surgery include:
- Restore a youthful appearance and more youthful facial contours
- Correct loss of skin elasticity and improve skin quality
- Erase fine lines, wrinkles, and furrows
- Improve facial contours and jawline definition
- Eliminate jowls and redefine the lower face
- Reverse signs of aging and facial aging concerns
- Regain confidence and positive expression
- Look less tired and more refreshed
- Smooth neck and improve neck appearance
- Improve appearance of lower eyelids and facial appearance
- Achieve facelift results that last 8 to 10 years or longer2
Transform your appearance with Dr. Bucky. Schedule a consultation for your personalized facelift experience.
Why Choose Dr. Bucky for Your Facelift
Facial rejuvenation is Dr. Bucky's primary area of interest, and his credentials, experience, and innovative approach distinguish him as a leading facelift surgeon in the Philadelphia area and beyond.
Unparalleled Experience and Expertise
Dr. Bucky performs over 500 facial procedures per year, maintaining his surgical skills at the highest level. His deep-plane, extended high SMAS tumescent facelifts are recognized for natural-looking results and rapid recovery. With over 30 years of dedicated practice in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Bucky has developed a mastery of advanced techniques that allow him to achieve results that look naturally rejuvenated.
Pioneering Innovation in Facial Rejuvenation
Dr. Bucky pioneered a minimally invasivemid-face and neck device, Xact, for a less-invasive facelift technique that offers patients an alternative with reduced downtime. His groundbreaking work in Nano Smooth, a micronized and regenerative fat grafting procedure, has revolutionized how patients receive facial rejuvenation, allowing for superior skin quality improvement and natural-looking results.
Advanced Training and Board Certification
Dr. Bucky earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his surgical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, one of the nation’s premier training institutions. He also completed advanced fellowships in New York and Miami. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and holds fellowship status with the American College of Surgeons (FACS). He serves as Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, where he teaches the next generation of plastic surgeons and contributes to advancing the field through education and research.
International Recognition and Leadership
Dr. Bucky’s internationally recognized expertise has earned him invitations to teach, operate, and lecture about facelifts to other leading surgeons around the globe. He has served as Chairman of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Annual Face & Rhinoplasty meeting. His facelift technique has been recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of “America’s Best Plastic Surgeons” in 2025 and #11 in the country for facelift surgery. Philadelphia Magazine has repeatedly named him “Top Doc” since 2001. His surgical expertise has been featured in prominent publications including Goop, Allure, and Self, and has appeared on FOX, NBC, and ABC.
Luxury Patient Experience
Dr. Bucky offers patients a seamless and luxurious facelift experience pre- and post-op by offering a personal driver, overnight stay at a 5-star hotel accompanied by a private nurse, and a personal visit by Dr. Bucky for your post-operative appointment. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients, whether local or traveling from out of town, receive exceptional care throughout their surgical journey.
Comprehensive Post-Operative Care
Dr. Bucky developed a unique post-operative plan at his exclusive active recovery center, Bucky Body Center, for patients to heal faster and optimize results. His innovative aftercare program employs advanced techniques including vitamin and supplement regimens, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) to reduce swelling, and red light stimulation, all proven effective in accelerating the healing process.
Your Facelift: The Ultimate in Trust
Throughout his career, Dr. Bucky has dedicated himself to perfecting facelift surgery techniques that are not only reliable and effective but also prioritize safety and aesthetic outcomes. He regards the responsibility of enhancing facial appearance as a profound exercise in trust. Dr. Bucky’s exceptional ability to grasp his patients’ desires and concerns has led to the development of a patient-friendly approach that has gained international recognition. Over the past 30 years, his prominent role as a leader and educator on the global stage has granted him firsthand exposure to some of the most advanced techniques. Furthermore, his live facelift surgeries at prestigious international institutions have established Dr. Bucky as a renowned authority in the field. This unique position has enabled him to craft a facelift surgery approach that harmoniously combines the finest techniques while remaining attuned to his patients’ aspirations for a refreshed, natural, and youthful appearance.
Am I a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are those who wish to diminish noticeable signs of aging in the facial region and improve the appearance of their neck and jawline. Often, Dr. Bucky’s facelift patients express concern about their “always tired” or “unhappy” appearance. His favorite patients are individuals who describe themselves as “not looking as good as they feel.”
Facelift patients may have previously tried non-surgical treatments or injectablefillers, but are now seeking longer-lasting results. At our practice, candidates for facelift surgery typically seek treatment for one or more of the following:
- Sad, tired, or unhappy appearance
- Sagging, loose skin of the face, neck, and jowls
- Accumulation of excess fat in the cheeks, neck, and jowls
- Volume deficit in the cheeks and/or midface
- Loss of facial elasticity and skin laxity
- Deep creases and fine lines that don’t respond to non-surgical treatments3
Age and Candidacy
Candidacy for a facelift is not dependent on age, gender, or background. In fact, many facelift patients are seeking Dr. Bucky’s expertise earlier in life to maintain a more youthful appearance and achieve long-lasting results without drastically altering their look. These patients are particularly well-suited for Dr. Bucky’s surgical approach, which is designed for swift and seamless recovery, enabling them to quickly return to their busy lifestyles. Moreover, undergoing facelift surgery while the skin is still in optimal condition can result in a more enduring and authentic outcome.
Health Considerations
Ideal candidates are generally in good health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about facelift results. During your facelift consultation, Dr. Bucky will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to determine if facelift surgery is the right choice for you.
What to Expect From Your Facelift
Before Your Facelift
During your consultation, Dr. Bucky will take the time to discuss goals and expectations that can be realistically achieved with facelift surgery, often employing the most advanced imaging technology and providing examples of other similar patient outcomes. As facelift surgery is often performed in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), neck lift, brow lift, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing, Dr. Bucky will also help determine which additional procedures may benefit you the most to achieve the best results.
Pre-operative preparation typically includes:
- Detailed consultation and aesthetic planning
- Advanced imaging to visualize potential results
- Medical evaluation and clearance
- Medication adjustments (avoiding blood thinners)
- Skincare optimization
- Lifestyle modifications (smoking cessation if applicable)
The Facelift Procedure
Dr. Bucky and his team prioritize patient comfort and safety during every surgical procedure. The facelift is an outpatient surgical procedure typically performed with general anesthesia, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist. The length of surgery will depend on several factors, including any additional procedures being combined with the facelift.
Surgical Technique
Dr. Bucky makes strategically placed small incisions to remove redundant tissue and create a smooth appearance. He utilizes the tumescent surgical technique, infiltrating a water-based solution to gently separate tissues from underlying muscles, which significantly reduces discomfort and bruising. He then utilizes a deep plane, extended high SMAS approach to elevate the underlying tissues in order to avoid a “pulled” appearance and create the most natural-looking results.
Dr. Bucky often uses a patient’s own fat to restore the flattened areas of the face associated with atrophy of aging. Finally, in patients with wrinkled or sun-damaged skin on the face and neck, Dr. Bucky will often place regenerative, micronized fat (known as Nano Smooth), to improve skin quality. Throughout the surgical process, Dr. Bucky will be aided by his board-certified operating team.
Dr. Bucky’s advanced drainless technique further distinguishes his approach. By utilizing meticulous surgical methods and internal tissue management, he is able to avoid the routine use of external drains, helping to reduce swelling, improve comfort, and simplify the early recovery experience for his patients.
Incision Placement
Incisions are strategically placed within the hairline and natural creases around the ears, ensuring they remain hidden and undetectable. Most patients report that Dr. Bucky’s facelift incisions are concealed within the natural fold of the earlobe and hairline, with sutures carefully placed to minimize visibility.
Recovery After Facelift Surgery
In general, recovery after a facelift is relatively quick, particularly with Dr. Bucky’s drainless technique and structured rapid-recovery protocol, and over the past two decades, Dr. Bucky has developed an innovative aftercare program aimed at ensuring a swift and painless recovery period for his patients.
Recovery Timeline
- Immediate (Day 1): Patients are monitored in recovery and are accompanied overnight at the Four Seasons with a private nurse
- Week 1: Mild swelling and bruising are most noticeable; most patients report surprise at how well they feel the morning after surgery when Dr. Bucky visits them
- Week 2: Sutures are typically removed; most patients can return to light activities and work
- Weeks 3-4: Most patients can return to normal activities and begin to look great
- 3-6 months: Final results become fully apparent as all swelling resolves
Advanced Recovery Support
He has established a dedicated recovery center that employs advanced techniques to expedite the healing process. These techniques include a vitamin and supplement regimen, the use of MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) to reduce swelling, and red light stimulation, all of which have proven effective in accelerating recovery. Because his facelift technique is performed without surgical drains, many patients find their early recovery to be more comfortable and less cumbersome than traditional approaches. Our highly skilled skincare specialist provides top-tier post-operative care and provides additional non-surgical cosmetic procedures to help your skin achieve a revitalized appearance following the procedure.
This comprehensive program is designed to cater to both local and out-of-town patients, ensuring their utmost comfort and satisfaction. Dr. Bucky and his clinical team will also schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor your healing and ensure that your results are optimal.
Facelift Definitions
Tumescent Technique: This method involves the use of a specialized fluid to gently separate tissues, reducing the likelihood of bruising and bleeding during surgery while facilitating the procedure and minimizing discomfort during recovery.
Deep Plane Surgery: A surgical approach that focuses on elevating the deeper structures of the face, aiming to avoid an overly tightened appearance and enabling a more natural repositioning of tissues that have sagged over time. This advanced techniquerepositions the SMAS and deeper facial structures for superior, longer-lasting results.
Extended high SMAS technique: repositions the SMAS and underlying fat to not only improve the jawline, but to improve the midface all at one time allowing excellent fixation to provide a great long-term natural result
Facial Fat Grafting: This technique involves the extraction and careful processing of a small amount of a patient’s own fat, which is then reintroduced to specific areas of the face to restore lost volume associated with the aging process and improve facial contours.
Micronized Regenerative Fat (Nano Smooth): This unique fat processing method is designed to optimize the regenerative aspects of fat to be placed just beneath the skin to effectively smooth wrinkles and enhance the overall quality of the skin, providing rejuvenation from the inside out.
SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System): The layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin that is elevated during a deep plane facelift to create natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Rhytidectomy: The medical term for facelift surgery, derived from the Greek words for wrinkle and excision.
Mini Facelift: A less invasive version of a traditional facelift that addresses mild to moderate signs of aging with smaller incisions and shorter recovery time, though results may not be as comprehensive as a full facelift.
Facelift Revision or Secondary Facelift Surgery
A facelift is the gold standard for restoring a youthful appearance. However, we do continue the aging process throughout our lives, and patients who were happy with their facelift results may notice signs of aging several years later. Certain lifestyle and environmental factors such as smoking, extreme weight loss or gain, sun exposure, or stress can speed up aging or impact the longevity of facelift results.
Additionally, patients who were originally treated by another surgeon and are not happy with their facelift results may seek Dr. Bucky’s expertise to correct issues such as a distorted or overly done look. Dr. Bucky offers facelift revision surgery for patients seeking a second procedure years after their original surgery and for patients seeking corrective surgery. His expertise in revision cases allows him to address previous surgical outcomes and achieve the natural-looking results patients desire.
Combining Facelift With Other Procedures
Dr. Bucky frequently combines facelift surgery with complementary facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve comprehensive, harmonious results. Common combinations include:
Facelift + Neck Lift: Addresses sagging neck skin and submental fullness for a more defined jawline and smoother neck appearance.
Facelift + Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): Rejuvenates the eye area by removing excess eyelid skin and addressing under-eye bags, creating a more alert and youthful appearance.
Facelift + Brow Lift: Elevates a drooping brow and smooths forehead wrinkles for a more open, refreshed facial expression.
Facelift + Laser Resurfacing, Micro Coring, or Chemical Peels: Improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, and enhances skin quality for a more radiant appearance.
Facelift + Fat Grafting: Restores lost facial volume and improves skin quality simultaneously for optimal rejuvenation.
These combination approaches allow Dr. Bucky to address multiple signs of aging in a single surgical session, often resulting in more dramatic and balanced results than facelift surgery alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery should not be a one-size-fits-all procedure. Dr. Bucky takes great care to treat each patient as a unique individual while taking into account their specific needs and goals. Since facelift surgery is so personalized and is often combined with other procedures, costs may vary and will be discussed during a consultation appointment. We offer payment and financing options with flexible payment plans through PatientFi, the most patient-friendly financing program available.
Dr. Bucky will take care to place incisions and sutures in areas they can be easily concealed, such as the hairline and inside the ear, concealed within the natural fold of the earlobe. Most patients report that Dr. Bucky’s facelift incisions are hidden and “undetectable.” Incisions are strategically placed to follow natural facial contours and hairlines, ensuring minimal visibility during healing and long-term.
Facelift surgery is typically performed with general anesthesia to ensure safety and comfort. Your anesthesia will be administered and monitored by a board-certified anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist throughout the procedure.
A facelift creates permanent changes, but it does not stop the aging process from occurring. Patients typically enjoy the results of their facelift surgery for 8 to 10 years or longer. Most importantly, Dr. Bucky’s facelift patients age more gracefully and naturally and can easily undergo secondary procedures later in life without looking overdone. You can prolong your results with a consistent, high-quality skincare routine and additional skincare services that our practice develops for you. Bucky Plastic Surgery offers an extensive array of skincare and non-invasive rejuvenating services.
The experience of facelift recovery can vary from person to person. However, many individuals do report some discomfort, which generally subsides within several days with adherence to Dr. Bucky’s rapid recovery program. Pain medication can also be prescribed if necessary. Facelift recovery often involves a downtime period during which patients may experience swelling, bruising, and tightness in the facial area. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable their recovery is with Dr. Bucky’s comprehensive aftercare support. The addition of a non-narcotic pain medicine seems to significantly reduce the discomfort associated with Dr. Bucky’s facelift surgery
Dr. Bucky’s internationally recognized expertise has earned him invitations to teach, operate, and lecture about facelifts to other leading surgeons around the globe. He has served as Chairman of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Annual Face & Rhinoplasty meeting. Dr. Bucky has received numerous accolades for his facelift work, including consecutive selection by Newsweek Magazine as one of “America’s Best Plastic Surgeons” in each eligible surgical category, and #11 in the country for facelift surgery. His facelift technique has also been recognized by Philadelphia Magazine, which has repeatedly named him “Top Doc” since 2001. Dr. Bucky’s surgical expertise has been featured in other prominent publications like Goop, Allure, and Self, and has appeared on FOX, NBC, and ABC, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the field of plastic surgery.
Dr. Bucky’s practice is conveniently located in Philadelphia and Ardmore, Pennsylvania, with multiple office locations to serve patients throughout the Philadelphia area. Whether you’re seeking facelift surgery in Philadelphia proper or the surrounding Main Line communities, Dr. Bucky’s practice offers world-class facial plastic surgery with personalized, compassionate care. His reputation for natural-looking results, rapid recovery, and exceptional patient experience makes him the premier choice for facelift surgery in the Philadelphia region. Schedule your consultation today to discover how facelift surgery can help you achieve the youthful, refreshed appearance you desire.
Facelift Reviews
Dr. Bucky and his staff made me feel confident and reassured. My experience with Dr. Bucky was nothing short of amazing. Everyone in the practice was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I had a facelift, which can be both terrifying and exciting at the same time. However, Dr. Bucky and his staff made me feel confident and reassured throughout the entire process. The best part is that the results were absolutely beautiful and all (and more) than I had hoped for. I'd recommend Dr. Bucky to anyone considering this cosmetic surgery.N.M.
N.M.
It has been approximately 8 weeks since my facelift and couldn't be happier. Words cannot describe the high standards of the whole surgical experience and the professionalism of all the nurses. Dr Bucky is very detailed and a gifted surgeon. Many thanks to Dr. Bucky, nurses Katie, Shiela, and Matthew . Thank you so much. You're truly the best.
Dr. Bucky is a brilliant surgeon and I could not be happier with the results of my facelift. Dr. Bucky's team is incredibly competent, skilled, caring and professional. At each visit I was provided clear information on what to expect and both Dr. Bucky and his team were gladly willing to spend as much time as was needed to answer my questions. Facelifts are a frightening surgery, but the team was just so supportive they took away all my worry. My post op nurse, who stayed with me overnight, the lymphatic massage and skin care sessions have all been excellent.
Schedule A Consultation For Facelift Surgery
Ready for a refreshed, more youthful appearance? Schedule your facelift consultation with Dr. Bucky today. Our team is committed to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with personalized, compassionate care.
Contact Bucky Plastic Surgery to book your consultation and discover how facelift surgery can transform your appearance and boost your confidence.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is a facelift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift. Accessed January 23, 2026.
2 Mayo Clinic. Facelift. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059. Accessed January 23, 2026.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for a facelift? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/candidates. Accessed January 23, 2026.
Dr. Bucky has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated: