In the natural history of facial aging, the downward displacement of facial fat along with loss of skin elasticity results in a sagging brow, deepening of lines around the mouth, jaw jowling, and loss of neck contour. Generally, these gravitational effects are seen in the fourth, fifth, and sixth decades of life.

A well performed facelift procedure can reposition the descended fat to its previous place resulting in a more youthful appearance. This movement of the facial fat is performed through manipulation of the underlying strength layer. The goal of a facelift is to restore a more youthful appearance without an unnaturally tight appearance.