Dr. Shell and his staff are respectful. The staff is awesome and kind. I love the welcome when you come in, and when you leave, they are very helpful. I love the staff and am joyous and happy when I come there. They know what they are doing and are not mean people at all. I recommend my family to go there.
Facelift

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.
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.
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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. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself!
From the initial consultation to almost a year later, they all have been a dream! Dr. Shell and his entire staff will forever hold a place in my heart for their kindness, patience, and ability to handle a patient like myself! If no one has said this to you all lately, thank you for everything! My life has forever changed!
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well
Dr. Shell did an abdomen revision for me several years ago. He did such an excellent job and I recommended him to other friends as well. Thank you again Dr. Shell and staff!
The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring
I received a drainless tummy tuck. I am happy with my results so far. I am only 2 months postoperation. I am so happy I chose to stay close to my home rather than travel somewhere farther. I am able to get all the postoperation care that I need. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the doctor is very experienced and caring. I love my belly button, lol.
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job
I love Dr. Dan Shell and his entire crew! Very professional and knowledgeable about his job. Whatever he tells you, believe it and follow it, and he’s going to make it happen. I am 6 days post abdominalplasty, and I am in love with my results! Dr. Dan is this BEST!!
Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms
After being turned down by multiple surgeons here in Memphis for a simple removal, Dr. Shell & his staff welcomed me in with open arms. The environment is clean & professional. I felt comfortable and feel like I made a great decision reaching out to him & his staff. I’m soooo happy & relieved right now. Thanks a lot, Dr. Shell & nurse!
Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours
I had piercings that were embedded in my face and had to be cut out. Dr. Shell was incredible, and I went from consult to operation in just a little over 24 hours. I am very grateful for him and the entire staff at the surgery center. Thank you so much, Dr. Shell.
DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
I love Dr. Shell I had surgery and I was so terrified but in true Dr. Shell fashion he came in made me laugh and the next thing I knew he was done. I’m loving what I see so far still swollen but excited to see the end result. Brandi is great she is always willing to answer questions and to put your mind at ease. No need to go to other states or over seas when we have and outstanding plastic surgeon right in Memphis, TN. DR. SHELL YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery
Dan Shell did an INCREDIBLE job with my plastic surgery. I was super nervous the day of surgery, but everything he said and did made the experience one of the easiest things I had done. He is very knowledgeable and experienced, and has a reason for the ways he does things. It was a bit of a leap of faith to trust him but 10/10 I would do it again. He and his staff have been so helpful and given me all kinds of advice and support. I read complaints of people have to wait to see him – I never once have had this issue.
My healing process has been so, so easy, and the scarring is minimal – not even a factor. I am beyond happy with the work Dan Shell did and would recommend him to anyone.
If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell
Dr. Shell, and his staff are absolutely amazing. Brandi is hands down the best ever! His nurse is amazing too! Every staff member exceeded my expectations. They sealed the deal in my decision to chose Dr. Shell as my doctor. If you want a place to go where people care about you and look out for your best interests, and best health, go see Dr. Shell.
Love Love Love Dr. Shell & Staff!
Complimentary Treatments
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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