Rejuvenate Your Appearance with Natural-Looking Results.

At Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center in Memphis, a facelift—technically known as rhytidectomy—is more than a cosmetic procedure. It’s an artful restoration of youthful contours, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Dan H. Shell III. With over 50 years of surgical experience, Dr. Shell customizes every facelift to refresh each patient’s appearance while preserving their natural facial character. The goal is not to look different—but to look like yourself, years younger.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck, including sagging skin, jowls, and deep creases. Through careful lifting and repositioning of facial muscles, fat, and skin, Dr. Shell restores a smoother, more youthful contour. Excess skin is removed, while structural support is reestablished to reverse the effects of gravity and time. The result is a natural, refreshed appearance—never “tight” or artificial.

Facelift surgery at our center is performed on an outpatient basis under IV sedation, eliminating the need for a hospital stay and ensuring maximum comfort. Ideal candidates are healthy adults who wish to address moderate to advanced facial aging while maintaining realistic expectations.

Facelift Benefits

Benefits of Facelift Surgery

Dr. Shell’s facelift technique delivers long-lasting improvement to the lower face and neck. Patients enjoy smoother skin, a firmer jawline, improved neck definition, and diminished deep lines or folds. The results are elegant and understated—achieving a more rested, revitalized version of yourself. Many patients say they appear 10 to 15 years younger, often accompanied by a significant boost in confidence.

Who Is a Good Candidate?


The best candidates for a facelift are individuals in good overall health who are experiencing visible facial aging, such as sagging cheeks, jowls, or deep wrinkles. Non-smokers with realistic goals and a desire for long-term facial rejuvenation are ideal. Dr. Shell provides a personalized consultation to evaluate your skin tone, underlying muscle structure, and treatment goals. This verifies that your procedure is uniquely tailored for optimal, balanced results.

The Facelift Process: From Consultation to Recovery

Your facelift begins with a thorough consultation, during which Dr. Shell will assess your facial structure, discuss your concerns, and design a surgical plan aligned with your aesthetic vision. For many patients, a facelift is paired with complementary procedures like a brow lift or eyelid surgery to enhance harmony across the face.

The surgery is performed with precision and discretion. Small incisions are made along the hairline and behind the ears to minimize visibility. Dr. Shell lifts and repositions the underlying facial tissue, carefully redrapes the skin, and removes any excess. This technique allows for refined contours and a smooth, youthful finish.

Recovery is typically well-managed and comfortably paced. Bandages are worn for the first day, followed by a light compression garment. Most patients return to work and daily activities within 7 to 10 days. Swelling and bruising subside over the next two to three weeks, and strenuous activities should be avoided during that time. Follow-up visits make sure that you are healing well and fully satisfied with your outcome.

Long-Term Results and Expectations


Facelift results become increasingly apparent as swelling diminishes. You’ll notice improved facial tone, firmer skin, and more defined jaw and neck lines. These enhancements can last up to 10 years or more with proper care. While aging continues naturally, your appearance will remain significantly more youthful compared to aging without surgery. Patients often maintain their results longer with sun protection, a healthy lifestyle, and good skincare habits.

Your Vision. Our Expertise. One Conversation Away.

Your Vision.
Our Expertise.
One Conversation Away.

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Why Choose Dr. Dan Shell III?

Choose Dr. Shell for trusted, personalized cosmetic surgery. His highly regarded clinic specializes in body contouring, facial rejuvenation, and breast enhancement. Discover expert cosmetic solutions that put your beauty and wellness first. Schedule your consultation today!

Professional Credentials:

  • MD from University of Mississippi School of Medicine
  • Board Certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
  • Member, Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
  • Over 50 years of surgical experience
  • Outstanding Resident Award recipient (1981)

Dr. Dan H. Shell III of Shell Cosmetic Surgery Center in office

Complimentary Treatments

Eyelid Lift

Enhance your eyes with an eyelid lift – remove droopy lids, reduce puffiness, and achieve a refreshed, youthful look.

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Eyelid Lift

Rhinoplasty

Refine your nose with rhinoplasty – correct shape, size, or breathing issues for a balanced, harmonious facial profile.

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Rhinoplasty

Liposuction

Remove stubborn fat from targeted areas with liposuction, enhancing body contours and achieving a slimmer, more defined appearance.

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Liposuction

Frequently Asked Questions

A facelift lifts and tightens sagging skin and tissue in the face and neck. By repositioning underlying structures and removing excess skin, the procedure restores youthful definition while maintaining a natural appearance.

You may be a candidate if you are in good health, do not smoke, and have visible signs of aging in the face or neck. Dr. Shell will evaluate your anatomy and discuss your goals to verify the procedure aligns with your expectations.

Most patients return to light activity within 10 to 14 days. Bruising and swelling subside over two to three weeks. Full healing takes several months, but most people feel comfortable resuming social activities after the first few weeks.

Results typically last seven to ten years, depending on skin quality, lifestyle habits, and sun exposure. While the aging process continues, your face will always appear younger than if you hadn’t had surgery.

Dr. Shell combines decades of surgical expertise with a deeply personalized approach. His facelifts emphasize natural beauty, patient comfort, and long-term satisfaction—all delivered in a modern outpatient setting known for discretion.

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