How to Tell if Someone Has Had a Facelift

If you’re wondering how to tell if someone has had a facelift, look for subtle clues like scars near the ears, changes in facial movement, unusual tightness, or shifts in ear and jawline shape. A well-performed facelift can be nearly invisible, while less skillful work may leave telltale signs. You can often spot the difference between natural aging and surgical enhancement by understanding what to look for.

If you’re wondering how to tell A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that tightens and lifts the facial skin and underlying tissues to reduce visible signs of aging. The main goal is to smooth wrinkles, redefine facial contours, and create a fresher, more youthful appearance. Facelifts can address sagging cheeks, jowls, and loose skin along the jawline and neck. People choose facelifts for various reasons, such as wanting to look younger, boost self-confidence, or correct age-related sagging that non-surgical treatments cannot address.

Home » How to Tell if Someone Has Had a Facelift

table of contents

Understanding Facelift Results

A well-executed facelift should look natural—friends may notice you look refreshed or well-rested, but the changes shouldn’t be noticeable. There must be no visible scars, no distortion of facial features, and facial expressions should remain fluid and animated. Corrections should blend seamlessly with a person’s features, with subtle improvements that don’t draw attention. Unnatural modifications, however, may be visible due to over-tightened skin, visible scars, or changes in ear position. If you’re wondering how to tell if someone has had a facelift, comparing natural versus unnatural results is key.

Dr. Freeman achieves natural-looking results using his signature facelift techniques, helping patients restore their youthful appearance and confidence.

Common Signs of a Facelift

Visible Scarring and Incisions

One of the most reliable ways to tell if someone has had a facelift is by looking for scars, though skilled surgeons like Dr. Freeman use meticulous techniques to hide them. Facelift incisions are typically hidden along the hairline, around the front and back of the ears, or beneath the chin. Look for faint, pale lines or changes in hair density near these areas. Occasionally, poorly placed or healed incisions may leave step-like scars or cause hair thinning or bald spots near the temples or behind the ears.

Ear Changes

A common sign of an over-tightened facelift is the “pixie ear,” where the earlobe appears pulled downward and attached directly to the cheek. Sometimes, the earlobe may look shriveled or puckered, also known as “raisin ear,” due to excess tension or improper healing. Noticeable changes in the size, shape, or position of the earlobes, such as unusually small or attached lobes, can be a giveaway.

Facial Movement and Expression

A face that appears stiff or moves less freely may indicate underlying surgical work. If the forehead or cheeks look abnormally smooth and static, it could be a sign of over-correction or combined procedures like neurotoxins or brow lifts. An unnaturally high or arched brow can result from a facelift or accompanying brow lift procedure.

Skin and Contour Irregularities

Over-pulled skin, especially around the cheeks and jaw, may look shiny, taut, or unnatural. Sometimes, improper technique leaves residual sagging, rippling, or a “pulled” look that doesn’t match natural facial movement. Facelifts should restore smooth, youthful contours. Visible lumps, hollows, or unevenness can indicate less successful work.

Neck and Jawline Clues

A neck that looks dramatically tighter than the rest of the face—especially in older individuals—may be a sign of a recent facelift or neck lift. A sharply defined jawline in someone with otherwise aged features can be a subtle hint of surgical enhancement.

Less Common or Severe Facelift Issues

In some cases, an inexperienced approach can lead to imbalanced features, such as pulled corners of the mouth or mismatched facial proportions. An “overdone” facelift may result in a windswept look, over-tightened skin, exaggerated cheeks, or a mask-like face. These outcomes are often the most obvious if you’re evaluating how to tell if someone has had a facelift.

Other Procedures That Can Mimic Facelift Signs

A high or immobile brow may be due to a brow lift or injectable neurotoxins, not just a facelift. Tight or unusually smooth eyelids may result from upper or lower eyelid surgery. A reshaped nose can sometimes change overall facial balance and may be mistaken for a facelift. Procedures like facial liposuction, cheek implants, or skin tightening can subtly change facial contours, sometimes mimicking facelift results.

How to Tell if Results Are Natural

Signs of a Natural-Looking Facelift

Hidden or Faded Scars: Incisions are well-concealed and barely visible.
Normal Ear and Hairline Appearance: No distortion, pulling, or bald spots.
Expressive Facial Movements: Smiles, frowns, and other expressions look authentic.
Even, Youthful Contours: No lumps, hollows, or irregularities.
Balanced Neck and Jawline: The neck and jaw appear youthful but not unnaturally tight.

Red Flags for Unnatural Results

Noticeable facelift scars or hair loss near incision lines
Overly tight or shiny skin
Unnatural ear or earlobe shape
Limited facial movement
Unnatural facial expressions
Asymmetry or imbalanced features

Dr. Freeman Is One of the Leading Facelift Surgeons in North Carolina

If you are considering facial rejuvenation and want natural-looking results, Dr. Freeman at Only Faces specializes in advanced facelift techniques. With over 30 years of experience performing deep plane facelifts, Dr. Freeman has refined his approach with the innovative Preservation Deep Plane Facelift, setting a new standard in facelift surgery. With a focus on achieving refreshed, subtle enhancements, our facial plastic surgeon can help you look natural while avoiding obvious signs of cosmetic surgery. Explore the full range of facial rejuvenation options at Only Faces.

Conclusion

Recognizing how to tell if someone has had a facelift comes down to observing scars, changes in facial movement, skin tightness, and ear or jawline alterations. Natural-looking facelifts are subtle, while obvious signs often indicate less successful work. If you’re considering facial rejuvenation, consulting a skilled provider like Dr. Freeman can help you achieve results that look refreshed, not “done.”

before & after

Dr. Sean Freeman

January 28, 2025