CRANTFORD COSTA PLASTIC SURGERY
247 Calhoun St.
Charleston, SC 29401
 Phone: (843) 755-6591
Fax: 854-201-2400
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Skin Clinic hours:
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

FACELIFT in Charleston, South Carolina

A natural, long-lasting facelift from Dr. Clayton Crantford — featuring deep plane and SMAS techniques, combinable with eyelid and brow rejuvenation, and our ERAS Rapid Recovery program in beautiful downtown Charleston.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION or call (843) 755-6591

WHAT IS A FACELIFT?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that restores a youthful, rested appearance to the lower two-thirds of the face — cheeks, jawline, jowls, and typically the neck. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, a modern facelift repositions deep muscle and connective tissue (the SMAS layer) rather than just pulling skin. The result is a natural refreshment that never looks ‘done’ and lasts a decade or more.

Dr. Crantford offers multiple techniques matched to each patient’s anatomy, aging pattern, and goals — from a targeted mini lift for early jowling to the advanced deep plane facelift for significant, long-lasting correction.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face by repositioning the SMAS layer and removing excess skin
  • Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford in Charleston, SC
  • Multiple technique options — mini, SMAS, deep plane, extended with neck lift
  • Often combined with eyelid surgery, brow lift, or fat transfer for comprehensive rejuvenation
  • Results typically last 10 or more years, with ERAS Rapid Recovery shortening social downtime to 2–3 weeks

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE?

Facelift surgery addresses several common aging concerns. Here are the most common reasons patients choose this procedure.

Common Concern

JOWLING & LOOSE JAWLINE

As tissue descends with age, the jawline softens and jowls form along the lower cheek. A facelift restores a crisp, defined jawline by repositioning the tissue that has shifted downward.

Common Concern

DEEP NASOLABIAL FOLDS

The lines from the nose to the corner of the mouth deepen as cheek volume descends. Facelift surgery (especially deep plane) lifts cheek tissue back to its natural position, softening these folds without filler.

Common Concern

LOOSE NECK SKIN & BANDING

Vertical ‘bands’ and loose skin beneath the chin are treated with a combined facelift-neck lift, tightening the platysma muscle and removing excess skin for a defined, youthful neckline.

Common Concern

MID-FACE VOLUME LOSS

Flattened cheeks and a tired appearance respond beautifully to deep plane techniques that lift and reposition cheek tissue, restoring natural volume without synthetic filler.

YOUR FACELIFT OPTIONS

Dr. Crantford matches the right technique to your anatomy and degree of aging.

Early Aging

MINI LIFT

Targeted lower-face correction

Shorter incisions and a modest lift for patients with early jowling and mild skin laxity.

  • Shortest scars
  • Faster recovery (10–14 days)
  • More limited, shorter-lasting correction

Ideal For Patients in their 40s with early signs of aging.

Gold Standard

SMAS LIFT

Classic lift of the deep layer

Lifts the SMAS layer separately from the skin for a substantial, natural correction that respects underlying anatomy.

  • Well-validated, long track record
  • Good longevity (8–10 years)
  • Addresses moderate aging

Ideal For Patients in their 50s with moderate jowling and skin laxity.

Most Advanced

DEEP PLANE

Single-unit tissue repositioning

Releases and repositions the SMAS and overlying skin as a single unit, restoring midface volume and producing the longest-lasting, most natural result.

  • Restores cheek volume without filler
  • Softens nasolabial folds dramatically
  • Longest longevity of any facelift technique (10+ years)

Ideal For Patients who want the most natural result with maximum longevity.

Face + Neck

EXTENDED / NECK LIFT

Facelift plus dedicated neck work

Combines a facelift with a small incision beneath the chin to address platysmal banding, loose neck skin, and submental fat — treating face and neck together.

  • Comprehensive upper-to-lower rejuvenation
  • Single anesthesia event for both areas
  • Best for patients whose neck aging is prominent

Ideal For Patients with significant neck laxity or banding in addition to facial aging.

WHY WE CHOSE ERAS RAPID RECOVERY

Facelift recovery has historically been a weeks-long event. Our Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are built to dramatically reduce pain, bruising, and social downtime — getting you back to yourself sooner, with less medication.

2–3 Weeks
Typical Social Downtime
75%
Reduction in Post-Op Opioid Use
10+ Years
Typical Longevity of Results

MULTIMODAL ANESTHESIA

Long-acting local anesthetics combined with non-opioid analgesics provide extended post-op comfort, dramatically reducing the need for narcotic pain medication during the critical first days.

EARLY MOBILIZATION

Patients are up and walking within hours of surgery. Early movement reduces clot risk, accelerates resolution of swelling, and signals the body to begin healing sooner.

PRE-OP NUTRITION & PREPARATION

Targeted pre-surgical optimization (hydration, nutrition, arnica) reduces bruising and speeds tissue recovery. A well-prepared patient heals measurably faster.

EVIDENCE-BASED, NOT TRENDY

ERAS principles are drawn from decades of surgical research and adapted specifically for facelift surgery — producing a recovery that is measurably faster, safer, and more comfortable than traditional approaches.

THE SURGICAL APPROACH

Dr. Crantford personalizes every step of your facelift to your anatomy, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals.

INCISION PLACEMENT

Incisions are carefully hidden along the hairline above the ear, inside the natural contours of the ear, and behind the earlobe into the hairline of the neck. For an extended neck lift, a small additional incision is placed beneath the chin. Every incision is planned with you during consultation and fades to near-invisibility over time.

SMAS / DEEP PLANE MANIPULATION

The core of a modern facelift is lifting the SMAS layer, not just skin. Dr. Crantford releases the deep connective tissue and repositions it along the natural vectors of youth. This redistributes tension away from the skin surface, producing a result that looks natural and lasts significantly longer than skin-only techniques.

TENSION-FREE SKIN REDRAPING

With deep support established by the SMAS, the skin is redraped over the new foundation without tension. This avoids the stretched, ‘pulled’ look of older facelift techniques and allows scars to heal as inconspicuously as possible.

RECOVERY & RESULTS

Most facelift patients return to desk work within 2 to 3 weeks. Visible bruising and swelling resolve over 3 to 4 weeks, and most patients feel comfortable in social settings around the 3-week mark. Final results continue to refine over 3 to 6 months as tissue settles into its new position.

Scar maturation takes 12 to 18 months, during which time they fade from initially pink to nearly invisible. Dr. Crantford provides a detailed scar-care plan including silicone products, sun protection, and, when appropriate, laser treatments to optimize final appearance.

HOW MUCH DOES A FACELIFT COST IN CHARLESTON, SC?

Average Total Cost Range
Contact Us for Pricing
Includes surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fee, and follow-up visits. Pricing is customized based on your specific technique and combined procedures.

Technique: Mini lift, SMAS, deep plane, or extended with neck lift

Combined procedures: Eyelid surgery, brow lift, fat transfer, or skin resurfacing often combined in one session

Facility time: Deep plane and extended techniques take longer

Financing: PatientFi and CareCredit offer affordable monthly plans

FACELIFT BEFORE & AFTER RESULTS

View real results from Dr. Crantford’s facelift patients. Every gallery photo is an actual patient who consented to share their transformation.

VIEW OUR GALLERY

WHY CHOOSE Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery

Dr. Clayton Crantford brings board-certified expertise and a deliberate, natural philosophy to every facelift. His priority is a refreshed appearance that looks like you on your best day — never pulled, never overdone. That’s why Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery invests in advanced techniques including deep plane and SMAS manipulation, ERAS Rapid Recovery, and combined procedure planning when your goals extend to the eyes, brow, or neck.

Located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, we serve patients throughout the Lowcountry and across South Carolina. Your consultation is an honest conversation — no pressure, no rush — about what’s possible for you.

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in modern facelift techniques
  • Voted Best Plastic Surgeon and Best Plastic Surgery Practice — 2025 Best of Charleston
  • Deep plane, SMAS, and extended neck-lift techniques matched to your anatomy
  • ERAS Rapid Recovery protocol for faster, more comfortable healing

SERVING CHARLESTON AND THE LOWCOUNTRY

Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic is proudly located in historic downtown Charleston at 247 Calhoun Street, serving facelift patients from throughout the region. Whether you’re in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, Daniel Island, Goose Creek, or anywhere across South Carolina, Dr. Crantford provides board-certified expertise and personalized care.

What Our Patients Say

Real-time reviews from verified patients on Google — 4.9 ★★★★★

RealSelf Patient Reviews of Clayton Crantford, MD
Disclaimer: Reviews shown here are curated from RealSelf. Results and patient experience may vary.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face — cheeks, jawline, jowls, and often the neck — by tightening underlying muscle, redraping skin, and removing excess tissue. Performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clayton Crantford at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic in Charleston, SC, a modern facelift creates a refreshed, natural result that respects your underlying anatomy and never looks ‘done.’
How much does a facelift cost in Charleston, SC?
Facelift cost depends on the technique (mini, SMAS, deep plane, or extended with neck lift), operating room time, anesthesia, and whether additional procedures like eyelid surgery or fat transfer are combined. Pricing is customized during your consultation at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery. We partner with PatientFi and CareCredit to offer affordable monthly payment options. Contact us at (843) 755-6591 for a personalized quote.
What’s the difference between a mini lift and a full facelift?
A mini lift addresses early signs of aging — mild jowling and loose skin — with shorter incisions and faster recovery, but offers a more modest and shorter-lasting correction. A full facelift addresses moderate to significant aging across the entire lower face and is typically the right choice for patients in their 50s or beyond who want substantial, long-lasting rejuvenation. Dr. Crantford will recommend the approach that fits your anatomy and goals.
What is a deep plane facelift?
A deep plane facelift releases and repositions the SMAS layer (the deep muscular and connective tissue of the face) as a single unit with the overlying skin, rather than pulling the skin alone. This technique produces a more natural-looking lift, restores midface volume without implants, and generally lasts longer than traditional techniques. It is more technically demanding and is best performed by surgeons specifically trained in deep plane anatomy.
What is the best age for a facelift?
There is no single right age. Most facelift patients are between their late 40s and their 70s, but the right time depends on your anatomy, skin quality, and personal goals rather than a calendar number. Some patients benefit from a mini lift in their early 40s; others wait until their 60s for a full facelift. Dr. Crantford evaluates each patient individually and recommends surgery when the combination of aging signs and your goals warrant it.
How long does facelift recovery take?
Most patients return to desk work within 2 to 3 weeks. Visible bruising and swelling resolve over 3 to 4 weeks, and most people feel comfortable in social settings around 3 weeks. Final results continue to refine over 3 to 6 months as tissue settles. Our ERAS Rapid Recovery protocol uses long-acting local anesthetics and a tailored post-op plan to minimize discomfort and accelerate healing.
Will my facelift look natural?
Yes. Dr. Crantford’s priority is a refreshed, rested appearance that never looks surgical. Modern facelift techniques lift underlying tissue rather than pulling skin tight, which produces a natural, tension-free result that ages gracefully. You should look like yourself — just more rested.
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results typically last 10 or more years, with deep plane techniques often lasting longer than traditional SMAS lifts. Aging continues — a facelift doesn’t stop time — but it resets the clock significantly. Most patients never need a second facelift; those who do return 10 to 15 years later for a touch-up.
Will I have visible scars after a facelift?
Facelift incisions are hidden in the hairline above the ear, inside natural contours of the ear, and behind the earlobe. When healed, they are remarkably inconspicuous — visible only on close inspection and often completely hidden by hair. Dr. Crantford uses meticulous closure techniques and provides guidance on scar-minimization products to help your scars fade as cleanly as possible.
Can I combine a facelift with eyelid or brow surgery?
Yes — these procedures are commonly combined because they address different areas of facial aging. An upper blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) refreshes the upper eyes; a brow lift elevates a low or heavy brow; a facelift rejuvenates the lower face and neck. Combining procedures in one surgical session means one anesthesia exposure and one recovery. Dr. Crantford will discuss whether combining makes sense for your goals.
How long does facelift surgery take?
A facelift typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on the technique (mini vs. full vs. deep plane) and whether additional procedures are combined. Most facelifts are performed under general anesthesia. Many patients go home the same day, though overnight stays are sometimes recommended for extensive combined procedures.
Will a facelift help my neck?
A traditional facelift addresses the lower face and jawline. To treat neck laxity, loose skin, and platysmal banding (vertical cords), Dr. Crantford performs a combined facelift-neck lift. This typically involves a small incision under the chin in addition to the standard facelift incisions. The two procedures are almost always done together when neck aging is a concern.
What is SMAS and why does it matter?
SMAS stands for Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System — the deep layer of muscle and connective tissue that underlies the face. Modern facelifts lift and reposition the SMAS (rather than just tightening skin), which produces a more natural result, relieves tension on the skin, and lasts significantly longer. SMAS-based techniques have largely replaced the older ‘skin-only’ facelifts of decades past.
Can a facelift improve the jawline?
Yes. Restoring a defined jawline is one of the most visible and satisfying results of a facelift. By tightening jowls, lifting sagging tissue, and sometimes sculpting neck fat, Dr. Crantford can restore a crisp, youthful jaw contour that makes a dramatic difference in how rested and refreshed you look.
What is the ERAS Rapid Recovery program?
ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) is an evidence-based protocol Dr. Crantford applies to facelift surgery to minimize pain, reduce opioid use, and accelerate healing. It combines long-acting local anesthetics like Exparel, pre-operative nutrition optimization, early mobilization, and a tailored post-operative plan. Most facelift patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable recovery actually is.

READY TO GET STARTED? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Crantford today.

Take the first step toward the refreshed, rested appearance you want. Dr. Clayton Crantford and the team at Crantford Costa Plastic Surgery + Skin Clinic are here to answer your questions and guide you through every stage.

SCHEDULE YOUR CONSULTATION
Back to Top
Contact (843) 396-2125
close

REQUEST MY CONSULTATION

Email me with special offers and news
Insurance(Required)
By submitting this form, you agree to the Terms of Use listed here: Communications through our website or via email are not encrypted and are not necessarily secure. Use of the internet or email is for your convenience only, and by using them, you assume the risk of unauthorized use. By submitting this form you hereby agree to hold CC Plastic Surgery, its doctors and affiliates, harmless from any hacking or any other unauthorized use of your personal information by outside parties.
REQUEST CONSULTATION
REQUEST CONSULTATION