Rediscover youthful definition with a facelift in Gulf Shores that aims to sculpt and refine. At Southern Coastal Aesthetics, Carrie L. Morris, MD, FACS uses advanced techniques to address sagging skin, deep folds, and jowls—restoring natural harmony. As a triple board-certified surgeon, she blends precision and artistry to help you look as vibrant as you feel.
Actual Patient
What is a facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the deeper structures of the face to restore youthful contours. It targets visible signs of aging like sagging skin, deep creases, jowls, and loose neck tissue—areas that nonsurgical treatments often can’t fully correct. Dr. Morris customizes each facelift using her mastery of facial anatomy to deliver seamless, natural results. Whether you’re seeking subtle rejuvenation or a more defined transformation, a facelift can take a decade or more off your face.
A Facelift Treats:
- Sagging skin along the cheeks, jawline, and neck
- Deep folds between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Jowls and loss of jawline definition
- Loose or excess neck skin
- Hollowing or volume loss in the midface
- Tired or aged facial appearance
Facelift techniques available
SMAS facelift
The SMAS facelift targets the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS)—the deeper support layer of the face that naturally weakens over time. By lifting and repositioning this layer, Dr. Morris restores structure and definition while minimizing tension on the skin’s surface. This technique produces longer-lasting, natural-looking results by addressing the root cause of facial aging, not just surface sagging. It’s ideal for patients seeking comprehensive rejuvenation.
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Mini facelift
A mini facelift is a less invasive option for those with early to moderate signs of aging. It focuses on lifting the lower face with smaller incisions typically made behind the ears and a shorter recovery time. Dr. Morris repositions underlying tissues and tightens the skin to refine the jawline and reduce mild jowling. This technique is perfect for patients who want subtle but noticeable enhancement without the downtime of a full facelift.
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Lower facelift
The lower facelift targets the area from the mid-cheek down to the jawline and upper neck. It aims to address deeper facial lines, jowls, and sagging in the lower third of the face. Dr. Morris lifts and tightens the SMAS layer in this region to restore a sharper, more youthful contour. This technique is particularly effective for patients whose primary concerns involve loss of definition along the jawline or deep marionette lines.
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Neck lift
A neck lift complements facelift procedures or can be performed on its own to tighten and smooth the neck area. It addresses loose skin, vertical banding, and excess fat under the chin. Using a combination of tightening techniques and, when appropriate, laser-assisted liposuction, Dr. Morris sculpts the neck for a refined, elegant profile. This is ideal for patients who feel their neck is aging faster than their face or want a more defined jaw-to-neck transition.
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How a facelift is done
During your facelift, Dr. Morris will begin by making discreet incisions—typically hidden along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. Through these entry points, she carefully lifts the skin and repositions the underlying SMAS layer, which is responsible for the facial structure and support. By tightening this deeper layer rather than just pulling the skin, she ensures results that are smooth, lifted, and natural—not stretched or artificial.
If needed, Dr. Morris may also remove or reposition excess fat, especially along the jawline or under the chin, to further sculpt your profile. Once everything is repositioned, the skin is gently redraped, any excess is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with precision. The entire procedure uses techniques refined to minimize downtime and enhance healing.
Benefits of a facelift:
- Lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues for a more youthful appearance
- Restores definition to the jawline and neck
- Smooths deep folds and creases around the nose and mouth
- Provides long-lasting, natural-looking results
- Enhances facial harmony without changing your unique features
- Can be combined with other procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation
*Real Patient
Am I a good candidate for a facelift?
If you’re noticing sagging skin, jowls, or deep facial creases that make you look older or more tired than you feel, a facelift may be right for you. The ideal candidates are in good overall health, don’t smoke, and have realistic expectations about the results. Dr. Morris will evaluate your facial structure, skin condition, and goals during your consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Whether you’re looking for subtle refinement or a more transformative result, she’ll help you understand your options and what to expect.
Facelift FAQs
What’s the recovery like after a facelift?
Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first week after surgery. Dr. Morris will give you detailed post-op instructions to help you heal smoothly, including how to manage swelling and when to resume daily activities. Many patients feel ready to return to social settings within 10 to 14 days, although final results continue to improve over several weeks. Because Dr. Morris uses minimally invasive techniques and hides incisions in natural creases, scarring is typically minimal and fades beautifully over time.
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on your skin quality, lifestyle, and how well you care for your skin after surgery. While a facelift turns back the clock, it doesn’t stop the aging process. However, because Dr. Morris lifts the deeper layers of tissue—not just the skin—you’ll continue to age from a more youthful starting point. Regular skin care, sun protection, and maintenance treatments can help preserve your refreshed appearance even longer.
Will I look like myself after surgery?
Absolutely. Dr. Morris specializes in natural-looking results that honor rather than change your features. Her approach is focused on refinement, not transformation. The goal isn’t to make you look like someone else—it’s to help you look like the best version of yourself. Her background in facial plastic surgery, along with her artistic eye and technical mastery, ensures a result that’s balanced, elegant, and never overdone.
Prioritize yourself, do what feels right
Dr. Carrie L. Morris is a triple board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon with nearly two decades of experience and a reputation for delivering seamless, natural results. She blends her surgical mastery with a sculptor’s eye, offering facelift procedures tailored to you—never one-size-fits-all. Her approach is grounded in precision, innovation, and empathy, empowering you to invest in yourself. If you’re considering a facelift in Gulf Shores, AL, schedule your consultation today.
