Facelift in
Gilbert, Arizona | DrSkin Med Spa

There are several factors to consider when determining how quickly individuals will return to normal, or public life, following facelift surgery. The type of facelift, patient age, and lifestyle are all important variables. A mini facelift typically requires shorter recovery periods than a mid or deep plane facelift. However, in general, patients can expect to return to normal life and feel comfortable to be seen publicly after 1 to 3 weeks following a facelift procedure. Most patients wait until bruising, swelling, and inflammation have subsided and are either minimal or nonexistent. Patients with sedentary careers may consider returning to work during this time period as well. Individuals with more rigorous jobs are encouraged to consult their plastic surgeon before returning to work.

After facelift surgery, patients should refrain from intense workouts and heavy lifting for at least 6 to 8 weeks. However, after week 1, during recovery, individuals may engage in light activities, like short walks. It's pivotal not to overdo it, especially for gym enthusiasts, as too much exercise too soon can cause complications that will alter your surgical results. It's vital to rest and remain hydrated throughout your recovery. Your plastic surgeon should provide you with a recovery plan and clear you to return to normal activities, like intensive cardiovascular exercise and heavy lifting when they are satisfied with your recovery and have determined it's safe.

Patients are required to quit smoking for a period of no less than 8 weeks before and 8 weeks following surgery. These requirements are steadfast due to the increased incidence of complications and dangers associated with smoking when undergoing surgery. There are more risks involved when operating on a smoker vs a non-smoker. These risks include increased time in patient recovery, delayed wound healing, bacterial infections, and even necrosis. This is due to reduced circulation and blood flow, which leads to less oxygenated blood and poor healing.

After facelift surgery, individuals will be instructed to sleep on their backs, with their head elevated, in a 30 to 45-degree incline position, for approximately the first 4 weeks of recovery. Sleeping on your back in an elevated position helps prevent unwanted strain on your new face and the incision sites and protects your incisions from dehiscence. It also promotes blood flow and healing factors that aid in cellular regeneration and helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and bruising. Sleeping on your stomach can cause complications and extend the recovery process.

Yes, as with all surgical procedures, scars will result after undergoing facelift surgery. However, Dr. Jaiswal is a master plastic surgeon with extraordinary artistic vision who utilizes the most advanced surgical techniques and skillfully hides the scars within the natural creases around the ear and hairline to make them as inconspicuous as possible. The scars fade over time with proper care and rest and typically heal extremely well, becoming white or flesh-toned after 1 year and nearly invisible to the naked eye.

No, unfortunately, a facelift doesn’t directly address the eye area. Patients may experience some residual improvement from a facelift, but a lower eyelid lift or blepharoplasty is needed to rejuvenate the eyes surgically. A lower eyelid lift targets crepey skin, dark circles, and fatty deposits that present as “eye bags,” and is commonly paired with a facelift for a scarless result when performed in the operating room. Dr. Jaiswal has performed over 1000 facelift surgeries and 10,000 eyelid lift cases in his 16-year career and employs the most advanced surgical techniques to ensure optimal results are achieved safely. If you’re interested in learning more about facelift surgery or blepharoplasty, contact our expert medical team, led by Dr. Jaiswal, at (480) 904-3311 to reserve your complimentary consultation today.

While the results of facelift surgery are permanent, the procedure does not combat natural aging, gravity, sun exposure, lifestyle, and weight fluctuations. Additionally, there are different kinds of facelift procedures, so the duration of an individual's surgical results is dependent upon the type of facelift surgery they have undergone, as well as the age at which the procedure was performed. Furthermore, each patient is unique, as are their recovery and surgical results, so there are numerous variables to consider. For a mini facelift, patients can expect their results to last at least 5 to 10 years. At the same time, mid and deep plane facelifts offer patients greater permanence and at least 15 to 20 years of durability.

One of the most vitally important decisions during each patient’s journey is whom the patient chooses to perform their surgery. Selecting the right plastic surgeon is critical to help restore and rejuvenate your face to a more youthful, radiant appearance and is likely the most important decision you will make. Your plastic surgeon should guide and direct you throughout the process, provide you with valuable insight and feedback based on their experiences, preferences, and procedures they specialize in, and will likely recommend adjunct treatments with your facelift based on their artistic style, vision, and preferences. Adding additional facial procedures to your facelift offers individuals a more complete and well-rounded facial rejuvenation result, with better symmetry and facial balance from forehead down to shoulders. At DrSkin Med Spa, our plastic surgery department, headed by Top 100 board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rohit Jaiswal, MD, offers a bevy of possible combinations when adding to a facelift, which include a neck lift, genioplasty or chin augmentation, lip lift, eyelid lift or blepharoplasty, brow lift, forehead reduction, fat grafting, and otoplasty. These may be viable options depending on facial anatomy, individual concerns, and patient goals for surgery. For individuals interested in transitioning or those bothered by an enlarged or oversized Adam’s apple, trachea shave or reduction may also be a viable adjunct procedure to combine with a facelift.