Facelift: The Reflection Lift

What Is a Reflection Lift?

The Reflection Lift is Dr. Michael Boggess’ signature facelift technique, designed to deliver remarkably natural-looking results through a highly individualized surgical plan. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Boggess built the Reflection Lift around a conservative deep plane technique that he tailors to each patient’s unique facial anatomy, degree of aging, and aesthetic goals.

Dr. Boggess developed the Reflection Lift to give patients a more comfortable, lower-risk alternative to a traditional facelift. The procedure is performed in an office-based setting using light to moderate sedation and local anesthesia, eliminating potential risks and supporting a faster, easier recovery. This customized approach is also why the Reflection Lift is offered at 3 distinct levels of correction, allowing Dr. Boggess to match the extent of the procedure to each patient’s unique needs.

Why Choose Dr. Boggess for Your Facelift?

If you’re looking for the best plastic surgeon for facelift surgery, Dr. Boggess should be at the top of your list. With nearly 25 years of experience and more than 4,500 facelift surgeries performed, he has developed meticulous techniques that consistently deliver optimal, natural-looking results for a wide range of patients.

A double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, he holds certifications from the:

  • American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

This dual certification reflects specialized, rigorous training in facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery, giving Dr. Boggess a comprehensive command of facial anatomy that few surgeons in the region can match. By focusing his practice exclusively on facial procedures, he brings a level of precision and expertise to every Reflection Lift that goes beyond what’s typically found at other plastic surgery practices in the Southeast.


Areas Served

Dr. Boggess proudly serves facelift patients from the following communities:

  • Brentwood, TN
  • Nashville, TN
  • Memphis, TN
  • Knoxville, TN
  • Huntsville, AL

Facelift / Reflection Lift
 Before & After Photos

Case: 1 of 9
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Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 71 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 1 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 48

Procedures:Facelift / Reflection LiftFat TransferBrowpexyUpper BlepharoplastyLower BlepharoplastyFull Face CO2 Laser Skin ResurfacingResults:This patient is a 48-year-old male who presented with multiple cosmetic concerns related to aging of the face and neck. He had marked brow ptosis and hooding of the upper eyelids, bags under the eye... Read More
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 31 Before & After Front | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 2 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 62

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftBrow LiftFat TransferCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 10 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 3 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 67

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftFat TransferFractional CO2 Laser Skin ResurfacingResults:At age 67, patient had noticed progressive aging of the face and neck for several years.  She didn’t like to look at pictures of herself anymore, because she felt like she looked old.  She hated the wrinkles around her mouth and the sagging in... Read More
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 3 Before & After Front | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 4 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 63

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftLower BlepharoplastyFat TransferCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 48 Before & After Front | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 5 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT

Procedure:Level 2 Reflection LiftResults:This patient presented in her early 40’s with concerns related to her neck. Although she was still a young lady, she had never had a great neckline, and it was only worsening with age. She was, otherwise, still very youthful in appearance. She scheduled a consultation with Dr. Boggess to see what she c... Read More
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 29 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 6 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 51

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftFat TransferCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 14 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 7 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 74

Procedures:Facelift / Reflection LiftLower BlepharoplastyFat TransferResults:Patient presented in her early 70’s with concerns related to aging of the face and neck. African-American patients tend to have thicker dermis of the skin and don’t typically wrinkle the way Caucasians do as they age. However, they commonly experience volume los... Read More
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 24 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After
Case: 8 of 8

YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS PATIENT AGE 66

Procedures:Level 3 Reflection LiftCO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

What Makes the Reflection Lift Technique Different?

What makes the Reflection Lift different is that every surgical plan starts with an in-depth, individualized consultation, and follows a set of specific technique and recovery hallmarks not found in a standard facelift. Dr. Boggess conducts a thorough, hands-on evaluation of your facial anatomy, concerns, and goals before determining the right approach. He takes as much time as needed to examine your facial structure, answer your questions, and set realistic expectations, so the surgical plan he ultimately recommends is built specifically around you rather than a standard protocol.

The hallmarks of a Reflection Lift include:

  • Performed in an accredited, office-based surgical suite using light to moderate sedation and local anesthesia, eliminating the risks and cost of general anesthesia (patients can choose to have general anesthesia for an additional cost)
  • A conservative surgical technique that minimizes tissue trauma compared to traditional facelift surgery
  • Most patients show no visible signs of surgery within 10 to 14 days of their procedures
  • Typically recommended that patients allow at least 6 to 8 weeks for recovery prior to any major social event

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in the Nashville Area?

The cost for the average facelift ranges from approximately $12,000 to $30,000. It can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including:

  • Region of the country
  • Experience of the surgeon
  • Complexity of the procedure performed
  • Location of the procedure (office, surgery center, hospital)
  • Type of anesthesia used

In general, the cost of a facelift includes the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee, and the anesthesia fee. However, cost should not be the primary consideration in determining the right surgeon to perform your procedure. The experience of the surgeon, his facelift results as indicated by a review of before and after photos, and the satisfaction of his patients based on testimonials and reviews should be seriously taken into consideration.

A low-cost procedure performed by an inexperienced surgeon who delivers poor results is not a good combination. At Youthful Reflections, we try to make facial rejuvenation procedures more affordable for the average person by performing our procedures in an office-based setting using light to moderate sedation and local anesthesia. The cost of a facelift in our practice ranges from $12,000 to $20,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of anesthesia used.

We believe that achieving your best reflection shouldn’t be limited by finances. To make The Reflection Lift procedure as accessible as possible, Youthful Reflections offers multiple convenient and flexible payment methods and financing options tailored to fit your budget.

Flexible Financing Available

Your goals shouldn't wait. Explore options like CareCredit®, ALPHAEON® Credit, and more to help your procedure fit your budget.

Learn About Financing

Considering a Facelift?

Start With Our Expert's Guide

"An Expert's Guide to Facelift Surgery" provides essential information for anyone thinking about getting a facelift. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Boggess is considered Nashville's facelift expert after performing thousands of facial rejuvenation procedures with consistently remarkable results.

The Expert's Guide explains:

  • How to choose a surgeon you can trust
  • What to do before your facelift
  • Why a Reflection Lift is more than a facelift
  • When you'll be ready for a big social event

Get Your FREE Expert's Guide to Facelift Surgery

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The Different Levels of a Reflection Lift

Not all patients who are considering a facelift need the same level of correction to reach their cosmetic goals. Dr. Boggess developed 3 distinct levels of his signature facelift procedure for different patients.

Level 1 Reflection Lift Before and After Photos

Level 1 Reflection Lift

A conservative approach to deep plane facelift for addressing mild to moderate sagging in the jowls and mild sagging in the neck. The SMAS is a web of fascia that encompasses the muscles and fat in the face. This fascial layer is continuous with the platysma muscle in the neck. All properly performed facelift procedures involve some technique for lifting and repositioning the SMAS and platysma to restore a youthful contour to the jawline and neck. The Reflection Lift employs Dr. Boggess’ unique approach to the management of the SMAS, utilizing conservative deep plane dissection and repositioning of the SMAS and platysma to achieve optimal results for a more youthful, well-defined jawline and neck.

Level 2 Reflection Lift Before and After Photos

Level 2 Reflection Lift

Indicated for moderate sagging in the jowls and mild to moderate sagging in the neck with accumulation of fat along the jawline and in the neck. The procedure involves a deep plane facelift, tailored to the individual needs of the patient, in combination with liposculpting of the jawline and neck.

Level 3 Reflection Lift Before and After Photos

Level 3 Reflection Lift

Indicated for moderate to severe sagging in the jowls and neck with associated laxity or banding of the platysma muscle in the front of the neck. The procedure involves a more extensive deep plane facelift, tailored to the individual needs of the patient, in combination with tightening of the platysma muscle in the midline of the neck (corset platysmaplasty) and liposculpting of the face and neck, as indicated.

A Facelift Glossary

SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System): A fibrous network of fascia, deep to the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the face, that surrounds the muscles of facial expression. It is one of the most important support structures for the face.

Deep Plane Facelift: A facelift technique that involves surgical dissection deep to the SMAS, releasing ligamentous attachments of the SMAS to the underlying bony skeleton.  The extent of deep plane dissection will vary depending on the individual needs of each patient to optimize results while minimizing the risk of complications.

Collagen: A protein that binds tissues, collagen provides volume and contributes elasticity that keeps skin plump and smooth. It begins breaking down faster than our bodies can replace it as we get older.

Elastin: A protein that is one of the primary elements of elastic, connective tissue found mostly in the skin.

Platysma Muscle: A draping muscle that extends from the jawline to the clavicles in the neck. The age-related weakening of these neck muscles leads to laxity and vertical bands in the neck with advancing age.

Jowls: The sagging skin and fat below the jawline.

Liposculpting: A procedure that conservatively removes excess fat from the neck and jawline using liposuction to sculpt more attractive contours.

Facelift vs. Brow Lift

Facelift and brow lift are both facial plastic surgery procedures that can help you look younger; however, they address different areas of the face. Here’s how they compare:

Brow LiftFacelift
MethodLifts the forehead and eyebrow through incisions along the hairline or in a forehead creaseLifts skin, fascia, muscle, and soft tissue of the lower face, jawline, and neck through incisions around the ear and hairline, and an under-chin incision if needed
CandidatesAging of the upper faceAging of the lower face, jawline, and neck
BenefitsCorrects forehead lines, creases between the eyebrows, and a heavy browCorrects nasolabial folds, jowls, and skin laxity on the lower face and neck; restores definition to the neck and jawline
RecoveryAbout 1 week to return to publicAbout 2 weeks to return to public

Combining Facelift and Brow Lift

Many patients benefit from combining a facelift and a brow lift for more complete facial rejuvenation. Take these cases, for example: the first patient had brow ptosis alongside facial aging and combined both procedures; the second had isolated lower-face and neck laxity and needed only a facelift.

Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 126 Before & After Left Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After Facelift & Brow Lift
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 126 Before & After Left Side | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After Facelift & Brow Lift
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 126 Before & After Front | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After Facelift & Brow Lift
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 6 Before & After Right Oblique | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After Facelift Without Brow Lift
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 6 Before & After Right Side | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After Facelift Without Brow Lift
Facelift / Reflection Lift Case 6 Before & After Front | Nashville, TN | Youthful Reflections
Before & After Facelift Without Brow Lift

A Reputation Built on Results

Dr. Boggess is Great! From start (consultation) to finish Dr. Boggess has been great. He listened to...
Dr Boggess and his entire staff are unsurpassed in terms of professionalism and quality of care. Dr...
I recently had an upper blepharoplasty and brow pexy, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience and...
Unsurpassed Patient Care Dr Boggess and his entire staff are unsurpassed in terms of professionalism...

Combining Procedures

Many of the men and women who come to our Nashville practice for a facelift can benefit by combining other procedures—either surgical or nonsurgical—with a Reflection Lift. This is one of the reasons that Dr. Boggess produces such extraordinary results. Facial aging rarely occurs in just one area of the face. A facelift only addresses the lower portion of the face, including nasolabial folds and hollow cheeks, in addition to jowls and loose neck skin.

Some of the procedures that Dr. Boggess might recommend include:

Combining 1 or more of these procedures with a Reflection Lift is something you and Dr. Boggess can discuss during the consultation.

Dr. Michael Boggess

Dr. Boggess

By focusing exclusively on facial procedures, Dr. Boggess provides patients a level of expertise rarely found at other plastic surgery practices in the Southeast. Certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Dr. Boggess combines exceptional technical skill with a down-to-earth demeanor that puts patients at ease from the moment they meet him.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Reflection Lift?

You may be a good candidate if you are age 40 or older and want to correct one or more signs of aging on your face and neck. You may have varying degrees of facial sagging and loss of skin elasticity. It is also important to be in good overall health and have realistic expectations from the procedure.

What Is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift, which Dr. Boggess calls a Level I Reflection Lift, is a very conservative facelift procedure that is best utilized for younger patients with mild to moderate laxity along the jawline and mild laxity in the neck. It is also appropriate for patients who have had a previous facelift and just need a little tuck-up. This procedure involves lifting a short skin flap around the ear to allow limited mobilization of the SMAS and platysma to tighten the jawline and neck.

Facelift Recovery Timeline

Experiences after facelift surgery vary with the specifics of the procedure and individual patient factors. In general, the stages of facelift recovery proceeds along the following timeline:

  • Day of surgery: Return home in the care of an adult friend or loved one.
  • 10 to 14 days: Noticeable swelling and bruising dissipate.
  • 1 to 2 weeks: Return to work and non-strenuous activities.
  • 2 weeks: Ready to be seen in public.
  • 3 to 4 weeks: Ready for a special occasion or social event. Resume regular exercise routine.
  • 6 to 8 weeks: Soft tissue swelling significantly resolves.
  • 9 to 12 months: Achieve final results.

Read our blog post to learn more about post-op facelift recovery and get facelift recovery tips. Visit our Facelift FAQ to learn more about facelift surgery.

Start With a Consultation

The first step in learning about what Dr. Boggess can do for you is scheduling a personal consultation. Dr. Boggess is known for taking however long it takes to learn about your concerns and expectations and to recommend the procedure or procedures best suited to your goals. You can request a consultation using the online form or call our office at (615) 942-8016 to schedule an appointment.

Results

Worth Waiting For

We understand you want your facial plastic surgery right away, but when it comes to your safety and appearance, patience pays off. Immediate appointments aren’t always available because Dr. Boggess:

  • Is highly accomplished, and his services are in demand.

  • Takes his time to ensure outstanding safety, care, and results.

  • Offers personalized techniques that aren’t available elsewhere.

We are worth the wait.

If you can’t see Dr. Boggess right away, learn why waiting for the best facial plastic surgeon is essential and how you can make the most of that time in blog post.

Learn More
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