Dr. Michael S. Godin, FACS

Dr. Michael S. Godin performs the deep plane facelift by working beneath the SMAS layer rather than simply tightening the overlying skin. The SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is a fibrous, muscular sheet that supports the cheeks, jawline, and neck, and it descends with age.

In a traditional facelift, the SMAS is tightened while skin is pulled separately. The deep plane technique instead releases and repositions the SMAS and skin together as a single unit, which many surgeons believe produces a more natural, less pulled appearance.

Dr. Michael S. Godin is listed as board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). This certification is specific to surgeons who concentrate on procedures of the face, head, and neck, distinguishing it from broader general cosmetic surgery credentials.

His medical education was completed at Tulane University, a well-established medical institution in New Orleans. Foundational training at an accredited school is a baseline expectation for surgeons performing complex facial work.

According to 102 Google reviews, Dr. Michael S. Godin holds a 5.0 out of 5 rating, reflecting consistently positive patient sentiment across a substantial number of responses. This volume and score suggest a well-established reputation within his Richmond practice.

The available reviews are written in English, consistent with a primarily domestic patient base. Among the cached samples, patients highlight both surgical and non-surgical experiences at the practice.

Dr. Michael S. Godin is one of only two surgeons in Richmond identified as offering the deep plane facelift, placing him within a small and specialized local field. This limited count reflects Richmond as a focused rather than high-volume market for the procedure.

Among Richmond's deep plane surgeons, the average reported experience is approximately 37 years. With more than 50 years in practice, Dr. Godin sits notably above that local average, ranking among the most experienced facial surgeons in the city.

The cost of a deep plane facelift in Richmond reflects the procedure's complexity and the surgeon's experience. Reported pricing for the procedure among Richmond surgeons ranges from approximately $17,000 to $75,000, a wide band driven by technique extent, anesthesia, and facility fees.

Dr. Michael S. Godin's specific fees are not published here, so patients should request a personalized quote during consultation. Cost varies with each patient's anatomy and the scope of work, such as whether a neck lift or other procedures are combined.

Richmond, Virginia, offers a considered setting for patients seeking a deep plane facelift. As the state capital, it combines a walkable historic core, established medical infrastructure, and a calmer pace than larger East Coast cities, making it well suited to a recovery-focused surgical trip.

Richmond is a compact and accessible city. Richmond International Airport connects to major domestic hubs, and the city sits within a short drive of Washington, D.C., giving patients flexible travel options for arriving and departing.

Recovery from a deep plane facelift is a gradual, multi-stage process that unfolds over several months. In the first week to two weeks, patients typically experience the most noticeable swelling and bruising, and this is the primary period of rest and limited activity.

During the initial days, Dr. Michael S. Godin's approach emphasizes rest, elevation, and careful wound care. Sutures are generally removed within the first week or two, and most bruising begins to fade toward the end of this early phase.

Patients traveling to Richmond for surgery with Dr. Michael S. Godin should plan for a straightforward, domestically oriented experience. Local Richmond surgeons are currently identified as focusing on domestic patients, so international travelers should confirm arrangements directly with the practice in advance.

International patients typically require a valid US visitor visa or an approved travel authorization, depending on their country of origin. It is advisable to arrange documentation well ahead of the planned surgery date and to allow buffer time in the schedule.

A consultation with Dr. Michael S. Godin typically begins with a thorough facial evaluation and a discussion of your goals, medical history, and expectations. This is the moment to understand which technique, whether a full deep plane facelift or a more limited option, best suits your anatomy.

Prepare by noting your concerns, bringing a list of current medications, and gathering any reference photos that illustrate your aesthetic preferences. Honest conversation about recovery time and realistic outcomes helps ensure alignment.