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Restore Naturally Youthful Facial Contours with Dr. Jacob Unger in Nashville

How can this particular surgery have such an effect? Facial aging causes two main changes: loss of volume and a descent of tissue. These changes primarily impact the mid and lower face, as well as the neck, giving the entire face a more aged appearance. Dr. Unger specializes in restoring youthful contours and enhancing your features with subtle, artful precision. His harmonious results are a key reason why facelift and neck lift surgery remain so popular at his world-renowned practice. His goal is not to make you look like a different person. Instead, his goal is to draw on his extensive experience, his training with some of the most talented and respected facial plastic surgeons in the world, and his technique—including his highly technical Dual Plane Facelift—to help you look like a more rested and refreshed version of yourself. Imagine the confidence that comes from knowing your appearance matches your inner vitality!

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What Causes Facial Aging?

Three main attributes are commonly associated with a youthful face: high cheekbones, full cheeks, and a well-defined jawline.

Intrinsic aging, ultraviolet radiation damage, and harm from other environmental sources all contribute to a loss of muscle tone and thinning skin, often resulting in jowls, a drooping appearance, and a poorly defined jawline. There is also typically a loss of bone mass in the jaw that can cause the face shape to change.

Starting from as early as your 30s, you may notice volume loss in the cheeks and chin, which gives your face a more angular look. The skin becomes thinner, while the cheeks can develop a flattened appearance.

All of these changes can be addressed with a facelift—and particularly the innovative and patient-focused Dual Plane Facelift developed by Dr. Jacob Unger.

Facelift Before & After

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What Is a Facelift or Neck Lift?

At Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute, we regularly hear some common questions: “What is the purpose of a facelift?” and “How does a facelift change your face?”

A facelift—technically known as a “rhytidectomy”—is designed to counteract the effects of time and gravity on the face. The surgery lifts and firms lax facial tissues, specifically in the lower face, so if you want to restore more youthful facial contours, a facelift can be ideal. Additionally, younger patients may decide to have a facelift to address early signs of aging before the changes become more pronounced.

A neck lift, also known as a “lower rhytidectomy,” is a surgical procedure that can address signs of aging that develop specifically on the jawline and neck. The neck lift procedure is intended to treat jowls that are linked to excess fat and skin relaxation on the lower face, unwanted fat below the chin (a “double chin”), and loose skin and muscle banding on the neck.

A neck lift can be performed as a standalone procedure for the right patient, but it is most often paired with a facelift in order to achieve holistic results.

Overall, neck lift surgery and facelift surgery are excellent ways to do the following:

  • Reduce deep facial folds and hollowing between the cheeks and nose
  • Restore a sharper, firmer-looking jawline and address neck laxity
  • Address “jowling” and drooping tissue in the cheeks and jaw
  • Address volume loss from fat that has fallen or diminished
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Why Choose Dr. Jacob Unger for a Facelift in Nashville?

Dr. Jacob Unger focuses on exceptional patient care. This core belief for every surgery is built on his extensive training with Dr. Sam Hamra and Dr. Fritz Barton, two Dallas-based plastic surgeons who helped to develop the high SMAS facelift, or the original Deep Plane Facelift.

Dr. Unger applied his training with those legendary plastic surgeons and years of personal research to develop and perfect his own Dual Plane Facelift, an industry-recognized technique that works on two different levels to create an especially natural look. Not only does he elevate deep plane tissues that are shifting downward, but he also re-drapes the surface skin at the most appropriate angle so that there is no pulling or tension. He will further add volume to deep tissue fat compartments as necessary via fat grafting. The fat grafting is the body’s natural filler to help restore lost volume throughout the face in a more permanent and elegant way.

The extremely customized Dual Plane Facelift technique results in an incredibly natural look with virtually imperceptible scarring and an ideal shape for each patient’s unique face.

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What Are the Different Types of Facelifts and Neck Lifts?

There are several variations of facelift surgery that are designed to address a range of unique skin needs and desired results. Dr. Unger will assess your skin, perform a thorough examination of your facial tissues, and discuss your goals with you personally. He will then recommend a customized plan for the facelift or neck lift technique that offers the results you want.

The most commonly chosen techniques are as follows:

    Dual Plane Facelift

    For dramatic facial sagging and to create the most restored and harmonious contours overall, Dr. Unger often recommends his Dual Plane Facelift. As a strong advocate of minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Unger strives to create a natural-looking facelift with minimal disruption to tissues. A Dual Plane Facelift involves re-draping loose facial muscles and restoring the position, contour, and appearance of youthful facial tissues throughout the mid and lower face area. This technique gets its name from its twin focus: the deep plane, which includes muscle and fat, and the more superficial plane, which includes skin and subcutaneous tissue. Since these two planes can move independently, Dr. Unger adjusts them each in their own way. He may also recommend adding additional procedures, such as blepharoplasty or a brow lift (which focuses on the area above the eyebrows) for comprehensive rejuvenation. Combining a Dual Plane Facelift with other surgeries for a complete cheek, jawline, and neck elevation results in comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Incisions are made along the creases of the ear and behind the ear crease and then into the hair or along the hairline, depending on the patient.

    Mini lift

    For women and men who have relatively good skin elasticity but moderate laxity in the facial tissues, a mini lift may offer distinct advantages over the more dramatic approach in terms of recovery and post-procedure comfort. Dr. Unger offers a short-scar, S-Lift technique, as well as mini facelift procedures focused on the jawline, cheeks, and mid-face.

    Neck lift

    Sagging skin and muscles in the neck area can “erase” the healthy line of your jaw and seem to pull your whole face downward. Dr. Unger offers procedures, including cervical and submental lifts, to tighten loose muscles and remove excess skin or fat near the neck and chin. While this procedure may be done on its own, it’s most frequently combined with surgical techniques higher on the face.

    Deep Neck Surgery

    Some patients with an exceptionally full-looking neck benefit from the removal of fat and possibly submandibular glands (minor salivary glands), which can prolapse and create a bulky look in older people. This is a complicated surgical technique, and Dr. Unger is one of only a handful of plastic surgeons in the country to offer it. This procedure is commonly done for revision facelift and secondary facelift patients.

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    Facelift Incisions

    We use minimal incision placements for facelifts at Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute, with the aim of hiding the signs of surgery in the hairline and natural creases where the ear meets the head. The minimal incisions can also speed up patients’ recovery, especially when the procedure combines volume enhancement, appropriate tissue suspension, and tightening with the minimal scar technique.

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    What Is the Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute Facelift Experience?

    Since the loss of facial elasticity results from a variety of causes, each facelift and neck lift patient requires a unique assessment and surgical plan. You may need to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, adjust how you’re taking certain medications, and stop taking blood thinners before moving forward with this procedure.

    For most patients choosing a facelift at Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute, Dr. Unger combines volume enhancement (where the “fullness of youth” has been lost) with appropriate tissue suspension and tightening (never a “pulled look”) and minimal-scar techniques.

    Before your procedure, Dr. Unger and the highly trained Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute staff will meet with you to ensure that you thoroughly understand your procedure and recovery, as well as to answer any questions you may have.

    Your facelift will be performed at Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute’s modern OR suite. Safety, privacy, respect, a caring approach, and excellent care—in addition to the highest standard for surgical outcomes—will be the hallmarks of your experience.

    Most patients will have general anesthesia for their facelift, which is performed as an outpatient procedure. Private duty aftercare is available to return home with you to help monitor your initial recovery and handle your needs throughout the first night, which is highly recommended for the most restful and relaxed postoperative experience.

    The surgery itself generally takes several hours. Expect to spend extra time in the operating room if your procedure will focus on multiple areas.

    Dr. Unger pursues the highest aesthetic and surgical standards for each facelift and will gladly discuss the measures he takes to minimize scarring and ensure that your results harmonize beautifully—and naturally—with your other features.

    For examples of the beautiful and natural-looking results possible with Dr. Unger’s highly technical work and artistic approach, please view his gallery of facelift before and after photos.

    The Best Decision I Have Ever Made. Real Patients, Real Reviews

    Dr. Unger and his team are the absolute best!

    They have taken the best care of me through this whole process. They were always available to answer my questions and make sure I had everything I needed. I will always be thankful to Dr. Unger and his team, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! If you want the best, don’t look any further. You will not be d...

    M.H.

    NPSI not only has the most beautiful and relaxing facility but the kindest staff!

    Tracy Jensen was phenomenal. She talked me through everything while receiving lip filler and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. My filler looks SO natural and perfect for my face. I’m so happy with my results. I 100% recommend Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute to anyone looking to add a little boost to their app...

    C.F.

    Dr. Unger and his team are the very best.

    Dr. Unger and his team are the very best. My husband is a physician, and we were VERY selective when choosing my plastic surgeon. Going to Dr. Unger for my surgery was an easy decision: he’d been recommended to us by countless physicians and patients. I’d also seen his flawless results on many friends, all of whom...

    P.S.

    I recently had a HydraFacial at Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute (NPSI), and it was life-changing. Struggling with dull, congested, and uneven skin had severely impacted my confidence and relationships. From the warm, welcoming atmosphere to Amanda's professional and compassionate care, every step of the treatment was exce...

    S.H.

    The best care and attention to my medical needs whether medical procedures or aesthetics.

    Comforting setting and accessible. Dr Unger is the BEST. I have had breast reconstruction due to breast cancer and cosmetic procedures. Both turned out fantastic. Thank you to all the wonderful staff.

    B.W.

    Dr Cash and his staff have been the best through my breast cancer Revision!!

    On day one for a consult my husband and I knew we liked him. He actually listens to me and what my concerns were. I was very nervous swapping plastic surgeons through this journey and so glad I chose him. He cares! I would recommend him to anyone without a doubt!!! Thank you so much for everything so far.

    D.T.

    I am beyond happy with my results.

    I felt comfortable with and confident in Dr. Unger during the entire process. The whole experience went above any expectations I had. The Nurses and office staff were so supportive and professional. I look forward to working with Dr. Unger again in the future.

    A.F.

    Dr. Unger and his team have been absolutely exceptional in the entire process of my mommy makeover surgery!

    I could not have chosen a better doctor and facility to work with. They have been top notch at every stage and cannot thank them enough for making me feel and look so much better!!

    B.G.

    Dr. Unger is fantastic!

    The best of the best. Very gifted surgeon who pays attention to fine details. He cares. He is thoughtful, takes his time...The entire staff are also lovely! 10/10

    A. T.

    Everyone in this office were professional, courteous and responsive to my questions. Special shoutout to Sophie who was my go to for so many questions and so responsive! Dr. Unger was very kind and his “bedside” manner was great. He made me feel comfortable from the beginning of my experience thru the end. I was p...

    M. K.

    Dr Unger and his staff are the very best! I drive 5 hours to have all my procedures performed at NPSI. I refer everyone to NPSI

    A. M.

    Everyone at NPSI is so welcoming and informative. I always feel extremely cared for every time I go into this office, and I will continue to recommend them to all of my friends!!!

    K. M.

    Dr. Unger and his entire staff are so warm and caring.

    From the initial consultation to the final exam a year post surgery I always felt like I was in the best care. I’m so happy with my results! Thank you Dr. Unger!!

    A. R.

    I am beyond happy with my results.

    I felt comfortable with and confident in Dr. Unger during the entire process. The whole experience went above any expectations I had. The Nurses and office staff were so supportive and professional. I look forward to working with Dr. Unger again in the future.

    A. F.

    I had the best experience being a patient of Dr. Unger and his team.

    The communication, support, comfort, and care through healing was wonderful.

    I highly recommend Dr. Unger for any surgery or treatment you may be interested in or need for health and longevity. I went to 4 consultations with different Doctor’s in the Nashville area and was 100% certain that he is the best!

    A. E.

    Dr. Unger provides exceptional care with a kind and empathetic approach, making patients feel truly heard and supported. His attention to detail is impeccable, ensuring amazing results tailored to individual needs. I highly recommend Dr. Unger for his compassionate demeanor and meticulous care.

    M. P.

    Dr. Unger and his staff are exceptional.

    The girls who took my calls and e-mails (and there was a lot of them), the in office nurses pre and post opt, the anesthesiologist Lyn (who just might have been my favorite of all, down to earth, cool as a cucumber man, with just the most calming & reassuring presence about him), and then the man, the myth, the legend, Do...

    S.R.

    Dr. Unger and his staff are attentive, accessible, professional, knowledgeable, and kind.

    I’ve worked closely with one of their nurses, Kandice, who has been encouraging, helpful, and supportive. I leave every visit feeling positive and confident in my progress. I would recommend this team to anyone looking to improve their physical condition and healthy lifestyle. I’m a grateful patient!

    L.G.

    If you are feeling a little nervous about having a cosmetic procedure done, this is your place. Dr. Unger’s staff is kind and attentive. Dr. Unger is a talent and eased my worries. My results are even more than I had imagined. Can’t say enough good things about this talented surgeon and his staff.

    G.M.

    Thanks to Dr. Unger and his team my confidence is skyrocketing and I'm only at 6 weeks!! The healing process has been a lot smoother than I anticipated and my scars are better than i could have ever expected. The anesthesiologist even called me personally the night before surgery and took really good care of me. I'm so glad I...

    J.R.

    From my very first consultation with Dr. Unger, I knew I was in the hands of an extraordinary surgeon.

    From my very first consultation with Dr. Unger, I knew I was in the hands of an extraordinary surgeon and a compassionate human being. Facing breast reconstruction can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and mentally—but Dr. Unger and his amazing team guided me through every step with such kindness, pat...

    K.A.

    Dr. Unger and his team have brought me back to life.

    ALL HAIL DR. UNGER!!!!!
    Dr. Unger and his team have brought me back to life. Their work is nothing short of incredible and somehow, they are even better humans. After an abdominoplasty, lipo, and mastopexy with implants, I am over the moon with my results and the MAGIC that Dr. Unger works. I physicall...

    K.S.

    He’s the best of the best!!

    I had a great experience with Dr. Unger. He did my surgery this year and everything looks beautiful and I feel great! The staff is very kind and patient. He is too…because I had a lot of questions (and probably some anxiety lol). He answered them all and assured me everything was going to be fine and it was! I&rs...

    S.I.

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    What Are the Results and Recovery Like After a Facelift or Neck Lift?

    Following a neck lift or facelift at Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute, you will return to your home—or, for our out-of-town guests, to one of the welcoming hotels conveniently located a short distance from our surgical center.

    Many patients ask us: How long does it take to “look normal” after a facelift? Some patients heal more quickly than others, but it’s common for patients to feel better within just a few days of recovery. Be prepared for some swelling and bruising—but know that these side effects don’t always happen. If they do, they commonly last for about two weeks. Dr. Unger likes to say that after two weeks, you are “public and restaurant ready,” and after six weeks, you are “camera ready!”

    Many of the sutures Dr. Unger uses will dissolve on their own, but some will need to be removed at the one-week mark.

    Most patients feel more like themselves within one week, but the exact timeline for recovery varies depending on the state of your health and your surgery specifics. We recommend engaging only in light exercise for at least two weeks, moving to heavier cardio after four weeks, and lifting any activity restrictions after six weeks.

    Our goal is to maximize the experience as well as the outcome for facelift and neck lift patients.

    Who Are the Best Candidates for Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery?

    If you want to improve the contours of your cheeks and tighten the skin on the lower facial area to achieve a more youthful appearance, you may be an ideal candidate for facelift surgery.

    For both a facelift and neck lift, patients who are healthy, who don’t have any medical conditions that could impair healing, who are non-smokers, and who maintain a positive outlook and realistic expectations are the best candidates.

    Facelifts and neck lifts are highly individualized, with procedure details tailored to the patient, their anatomy, and their goals. For example, if you are generally satisfied with the appearance of your upper face and are not ready for a facelift—but your neck doesn't match your upper facial appearance—a neck lift could be a good choice.

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    What Are Some Procedures That Complement a Facelift or Neck Lift?

    In addition to neck lift and facelift surgery, the Nashville Plastic Surgery Institute team also provides other facial plastic surgery procedures to help give you a younger, more rejuvenated appearance. Many patients consider brow lift surgery, eyelid surgery, a surgical lip lift, or facial fat grafting.

    Patients may also wish to consider non-surgical options to reduce wrinkles and revitalize the face, such as dermal fillers and BOTOX®. These minimally invasive treatments are effective for addressing fine lines and wrinkles that can’t be corrected with a facelift. Injectables can even be combined with a mini lift for some patients.

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    Why Choose NPSI for Facelift Surgery?

    Dr. Jacob Unger, a board-certified plastic surgeon, is committed to delivering exceptional results in facelift surgery. Utilizing advanced techniques to minimize scarring and recovery time, Dr. Unger’s procedures restore youth and vigor to the face, while preserving the natural character of your features. Each facelift is tailored to the unique needs of the patient, aiming to rejuvenate the appearance without compromising individuality. Experience personalized care and transformative results with Dr. Unger’s expertise.

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    Facelift

    FAQ's

    What is a facelift designed to address?

    A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is designed to counteract the effects of time and gravity by lifting and firming lax facial tissues, particularly in the lower face, to restore more youthful contours.

    What causes visible facial aging?

    Facial aging is primarily caused by loss of volume and descent of tissue, along with factors such as intrinsic aging, ultraviolet radiation, environmental damage, thinning skin, and loss of muscle tone.

    What areas of the face does a facelift improve?

    A facelift primarily improves the mid and lower face, addressing concerns such as jowls, drooping cheeks, deep folds, and a poorly defined jawline.

    What is the difference between a facelift and a neck lift?

    A facelift focuses on lifting and tightening the lower face, while a neck lift targets signs of aging in the jawline and neck, including loose skin, excess fat under the chin, and muscle banding.

    Can a neck lift be performed on its own?

    Yes, a neck lift can be performed as a standalone procedure for the right patient, although it is often combined with a facelift for more comprehensive results.

    What is the Dual Plane Facelift technique?

    The Dual Plane Facelift is a technique that works on both deep tissues and surface skin, elevating underlying structures while re-draping the skin at an appropriate angle to create natural-looking results without tension.

    What are the benefits of fat grafting during a facelift?

    Fat grafting adds volume to deep tissue fat compartments using the body’s own fat, helping restore lost fullness in a more permanent and natural way.

    What is recovery like after a facelift?

    Patients may feel better within a few days, with swelling and bruising typically lasting around two weeks. Many feel like themselves within one week, are 'public ready' after two weeks, and 'camera ready' after six weeks.

    Who is a good candidate for a facelift or neck lift?

    Ideal candidates are healthy individuals without conditions that impair healing, non-smokers, and those with realistic expectations who want to improve facial contours and achieve a more youthful appearance.

    What procedures can complement a facelift?

    Complementary procedures may include brow lift surgery, eyelid surgery, surgical lip lift, facial fat grafting, as well as non-surgical options like dermal fillers and BOTOX® to address fine lines and wrinkles.

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