There are a variety of facelift surgery techniques available to lift loose skin and reverse the signs of facial aging, but not all of them will fit your goals and preferences. If you’re looking to combine the best of two of the most effective facelift options, then the MADE facelift may be what you’re looking for.
Dr. David Gilpin, one of Nashville’s leading facial plastic surgeons, can help you transform your facial profile with minimal downtime for a naturally refreshed look.
WHAT IS A MADE FACELIFT?
One of the major causes of aging is the effects of gravity. Over time, gravity causes the tissues and fat pads of the face to fall downward (along with excess skin), reducing the definition of the cheeks and causing jowls and folds lower down. Certain types of facelifts simply lift and tighten the skin without touching the underlying structures, meaning they don’t address the root cause of aging.
The MADE facelift is a unique facial plastic surgery procedure that combines the intensive rejuvenation of the deep plane facelift with the short incision of the mini facelift. MADE stands for “minimal access deep plane extended” and its goal is to lift and reposition the fat pads in the midface to restore natural volume, lifting the rest of the skin and tissues of the jawline and neck with it. The result is a smoother, more defined jawline, and a fuller appearance to the cheeks.
ESTIMATED COST
Starting at $16,000
Corrects
- Sagging fat pads
- Hollow cheeks
- Sagging chin and jawline
Benefits
- Short incision
- Long-term results
- Immediate improvement
ELEVATE YOUR CONFIDENCE
IN A LUXURY SURGICAL PRACTICE
Investing in your confidence is a big step, and your choice of facial plastic surgeon should reflect it. We offer a premier, luxury environment where you can focus on yourself.
With the help of our professional and knowledgeable team, you can begin your journey toward a more confident you. We’ll take every step to ensure you feel comfortable, pampered, and acknowledged. Begin your refined and cultivated experience here at Gilpin Facial Plastics & Aesthetics.
HOW IS THE MADE FACELIFT DIFFERENT FROM A TRADITIONAL FACELIFT?
The traditional facelift doesn’t reposition or lift the underlying fat pads or deep tissues of the face. This means that the results can be superficial and short-term. The MADE facelift and deep plane facelift, however, reverse the underlying causes of aging and are a long-term solution to a variety of aging signs like jowls, deep folds, and lack of definition. The MADE facelift also uses a much shorter incision than the traditional facelift, meaning it comes with lower chance of a visible incision line.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I’M READY FOR A MADE FACELIFT?
The MADE facelift is a great option for patients who have moderate aging signs like nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and jowls but who still have good skin elasticity and a BMI under 30. It can be an effective surgery for patients who have had a past mini facelift and need more substantial correction or patients who no longer see results from their non-surgical treatments and are ready for a more transformative procedure.
The MADE facelift is one of the best ways to turn back the clock and remove decades from your facial profile. It can easily be combined with procedures like a brow lift or neck lift.
You can also combine your MADE facelift with non-surgical skincare treatments to prevent the formation of further aging signs. Our Virtue RF treatment is a perfect maintenance option for those looking to preserve their investment with only the need for local anesthesia.
MADE FACELIFT RECOVERY
After a MADE facelift procedure, you can return to your day-to-day schedule within 10-14 days and light exercise such as walking within 4-6 weeks. You can expect bruising and swelling around the treatment area, but this usually subsides within the first week.
Dr. Gilpin and our team will monitor your recovery and help manage any discomfort with prescribed medications. Make sure to avoid sun exposure and hot environments during your recovery.
A MADE facelift produces results immediately and you’ll see noticeable improvement in your face’s definition and youthfulness, especially after 6 months. Our team can help you put together a customized treatment package to extend your results and ensure you continue to boost collagen production and prevent aging going forward.
Our most recommended options for additional benefits of facelift procedures include radiofrequency microneedling, the Sciton Profractional laser, and the Hydrafacial Lymphatic Drainage® facial. At our Nashville office, Dr. Gilpin and our team will help you explore your best options for your most confident, youthful self.
PATIENT REVIEWS

Dr Gilpin and his staff are the absolute best and I had an incredible experience with them before, during and after my procedure. They are knowledgeable and caring and I am very grateful for my experience with them!
I cannot recommend Dr Gilpin highly enough. He is so extremely knowledgeable and considerate in making the patient comfortable with all decisions and during the procedure. The nurses go above and beyond to make one feel at ease all along the way. The staff is wonderful! The office is beautiful. My results are amazing! Most of all Dr Gilpin is a true kind and professional surgeon!
Everyone at Gilpin Facial is wonderful! From the front desk, to the nurses to Dr. Gilpin himself. I’ve switched everything involving my skin and face over to their practice and I couldn’t be happier with the results. You will always feel comfortable and they go above and beyond to make you happy. I can’t recommend this place enough!
Every experience with Gilpin Facial Plastics + Aesthetics is better than the last. From the gorgeous location and caring team of skin care professionals, to the meticulous procedures, I always feel so well taken care of.
The team at GFP makes sure I feel secure and confident in my skincare choices and leave me feeling more youthful after every appointment. I wouldn’t trust anyone but Dr. Gilpin, Meredith, and their team to answer my questions and take care of my aesthetics needs.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
The MADE facelift is one of the most effective combination facelift techniques available to Dr. Gilpin’s patients. To meet with our double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, contact Gilpin Facial Plastics & Aesthetics by calling or filling out our online form.
David Gilpin, MD
Dr. David Gilpin is a native of Nashville, TN. After graduating from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Gilpin pursued his M.D. from The University of Tennessee…
Meet The Doctor
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How painful is a facelift?
Contrary to patient expectations, facelifts tend to be far less painful than expected. Pain control begins before the operation starts with local anesthesia and careful attention to local sensory nerves. Post-operatively, patients find they feel a sense of tightness but are quite comfortable with regard to pain. Postoperative pain control is usually managed with oral pain medication for approximately 2-5 days as needed.
When should you get a facelift?
People age at different rates, and both skin laxity and early jowling can occur as early as in the 40s. Some patients prefer to wait longer until the jowls are extremely bothersome, while other patients prefer to intervene sooner. With limited jowling, a less invasive procedure may be available to sharpen the jawline and improve the early signs of aging without a full facelift. However, as the jowl becomes more noticeable, usually in the mid-50s to mid-60s, a facelift will likely be the appropriate procedure. The sagging jowl is lifted and the jawline tightened. Most importantly, the facelift corrects the lower third of the face and the cheeks. Additional procedures can be performed concurrently to address aging in the eyes and neck.
What can I expect from a facelift?
Commonly misunderstood as a procedure to improve nasolabial folds, or the line between your lip and cheek, a facelift in fact is most useful in improving the jawline and correcting age-related jowls. Facelift procedures serve to address age-related changes primarily in the lower half of the face, such as jowling and other shape changes. This is the area where a patient can expect to see maximum improvement in their overall facial aesthetic from a facelift. The procedure can also, and is often, paired with other surgical procedures to address various aspects of the face. These procedures include a brow lift, neck lift, and more.
Does a facelift make you look younger?
Yes, a facelift can produce facial rejuvenation, providing an overall more youthful appearance. In aesthetics, there are three types of facial aging: skin texture changes, volume loss, and shape changes. Skin texture changes are best addressed with quality skincare regimens that incorporate both products and resurfacing treatments. Volume loss is targeted with dermal fillers, and shape changes are addressed with more invasive procedures such as surgery. Facelift procedures serve to correct age-related shape changes, specifically in the lower third of the face where jowling occurs. Contrarily, skin treatments correct skin quality by addressing a multitude of concerns, including superficial wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation, sun damage, and more.
How do I reduce swelling in my face?
Common methods to reduce post-procedural swelling include R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compress, and elevate). Our post-operative protocol includes reclined sleeping, a facial compression sling, and limited activity levels. Additionally, avoiding certain medications prior to treatment and procedure can help minimize swelling. We recommend patients discontinue any use of NSAIDS or other blood-thinning agents (fish oil, vitamin E, red wine, etc.)
How can I tighten loose skin on my face?
There are various types of facial aging, including skin quality decline, shape changes, and volume changes. For example, facial shape changes are typically addressed and corrected with surgical intervention. Skin quality is best addressed with more conservative measures, such as proper skincare, resurfacing treatments, and consistent maintenance. However, there are a few surgical procedures that can address skin laxity. FaceTite is a procedure that utilizes radiofrequency heat energy to increase collagen production. This can serve to secondarily tighten the skin in the treated area (typically the jowls and jawline).
How do I tighten my jawline?
There are several options available to those seeking to tighten their jawline. One option most patients often overlook is injectables, particularly dermal fillers. With the appropriate product and treatment plan, fillers can be used to restore volume in facial regions to provide an overall rejuvenated appearance. Other minimally invasive treatments to tighten the facial skin include Morpheus and Forma, which both utilize radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production. Alternatively, FaceTite is a surgical procedure that utilizes radiofrequency heat energy to tighten the appearance of jowls.
How do I get rid of my double chins?
Here at CARE Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of services and treatments that can help address excess fat in the chin and submental area. Some patients may choose a surgical procedure, such as liposuction. Contrarily, if a patient is more concerned with loose skin in this region, appropriate treatments may include FaceTite and/or Morpheus (microneedling with radiofrequency energy).
How do you reduce swelling after a facelift?
In efforts to reduce overall swelling, we recommend our patients follow our standard post-operative instructions. These include limiting activity, increasing water intake, avoiding high sodium foods, and sleeping upright for the first two weeks after surgery.
How do I prepare for a facelift?
With a facelift or any other cosmetic surgery, we recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to help ensure the best quality of care. We also recommend having a great support system during your recovery period.
How do you take care of your face after a facelift?
While patients can expect to continue to age, there are recommendations we encourage patients to implement into their day-to-day regimens. Proper skincare routines with medical-grade products serve to improve, maintain, and protect skin quality, further enhancing your facelift results. Oftentimes, taking care of yourself and maintaining good health secondarily benefits your skin. This can be done with simple habits such as staying hydrated, limiting sun exposure, and abstaining from smoking/nicotine use.
How long after a facelift can I exercise?
To reduce the risk of postoperative complications, we recommend our patients wait until 6 weeks after surgery before resuming normal exercise routines. We want to avoid any increase in heart rate or blood pressure to minimize complications.
How long does it take for bruising on the face to go away?
Every patient responds differently to major surgery. With most patients who receive a facelift, bruising tends to resolve by approximately two weeks after surgery.
How long do ears hurt after facelift?
Contrary to common belief, pain is not a commonly reported side effect of facelift procedures. Typical descriptions include discomfort similar to a headache. This type of discomfort is managed well with proper pain management protocol, and patients can expect it to resolve typically within the first 1-2 weeks after surgery.
OUR EXPERIENCE
IS INVALUABLE
A Brighter You!
What Is Dermaplaning I am SO excited to finally say we now offer dermaplaning in our practice. This is one of my favorite things…
Visit Blog
Benefits of Rhinoplasty Surgery
There are many benefits to having rhinoplasty surgery. A nose job, which is the common name for rhinoplasty, is one of the most popular…
Visit Blog
HAVE A QUESTION?
Are you looking to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence? Complete this form to learn more or schedule a consultation with one of our experts at our Nashville, TN office. From facial plastic surgery to lasers & aesthetics, we offer a variety of services that help you put your best face forward.
Ask a Question