Facelift

Most patients are surprised by how little pain they experience after a facelift. Thanks to advanced surgical techniques and the use of local anesthesia with sedation, discomfort during the procedure is minimal. After surgery, you may experience mild soreness or tightness in the face and neck, which is typically well-managed with prescribed pain medication. Swelling and bruising are common during the first week, but these side effects gradually fade.

The facelift journey typically involves three to five appointments, depending on your treatment plan and the rate of your body’s healing. The process begins with an in-depth consultation during which your concerns and goals are discussed. This is followed by your pre-operative appointment, during which surgical details, medical history, and preparation are reviewed. After surgery, you’ll have scheduled follow-up visits to monitor your healing and remove any sutures if needed. These appointments enable Dr. Shah to ensure that everything is progressing properly and that you’re satisfied with your results. For patients combining a facelift with other treatments, additional visits may be recommended.

While some initial improvements are visible right after surgery, most patients begin to see their true results within 4 to 6 weeks, as swelling and bruising subside. It can take 6 to 9 months for all subtle changes to integrate fully and for skin sensation to normalize. The wait is well worth it, because once healed, you’ll enjoy a dramatically refreshed appearance that can last for 10 years or more, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle habits and skin maintenance.

Dr. Shah takes great care to place facelift incisions in areas that are naturally concealed, such as along the hairline, around the ears, and, at times, under the chin. Visible scarring is minimized by placing incisions in these discreet locations, making scars nearly unnoticeable. As a result, most scars are discreet and fade significantly over time. With proper healing and sun protection, they often become nearly invisible within a few months. For patients concerned about scarring, scar-reducing treatments such as silicone gels, laser therapy, or microneedling can further enhance the appearance of the incision sites.

Light activity, such as walking, can be resumed within a few days of surgery to support circulation and healing. However, strenuous exercise, including running, weightlifting, or any activity that raises your heart rate or blood pressure, should be avoided for approximately 4 to 6 weeks. This allows time for incisions to heal and swelling to subside without risking complications. Dr. Shah will give you the green light based on your progress during follow-up visits. Gradually easing back into your fitness routine is key to protecting your results and ensuring a smooth, complication-free recovery.

A facelift can be done alone or in conjunction with other facial procedures such as a brow lift, eyelid lift, facial fat transfer, or nose reshaping. All of your aging and facial renewal goals can be discussed during your initial consultation with board-certified physicians, Dr. Rajendra Shah and Dr. Samir Shah.

Possible risks include infection, hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), temporary or permanent changes in facial sensation, scarring, and facial asymmetry. In very rare cases, facial nerve injury may occur. At A New You Plastic Surgery, every precaution is taken to minimize risks, from comprehensive preoperative screening to meticulous surgical technique and detailed postoperative care. Open communication and diligent follow-up are crucial to ensuring your recovery stays on track and your results are as safe and successful as possible.

Finding the right plastic surgeon is the most important step in achieving safe, natural-looking facelift results. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures and has extensive experience performing facelifts. In the Chicago area, Dr. Rajendra Shah and Dr. Samir Shah at A New You Plastic Surgery stand out for their decades of combined experience, refined techniques, and commitment to individualized care. Their reputation for artistry, safety, and patient satisfaction has made them trusted names throughout Orland Park, Oak Lawn, and beyond. Always review before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and credentials to ensure your surgeon is not only qualified but truly the best fit for your aesthetic goals.

Yes. We accept major credit cards, cash, or checks. We also work with Alphaeon Credit, a financing company. You may visit their website at https://d.comenity.net/alphaeoncosmetic/. We do not accept personal checks less than two weeks prior to the scheduled surgery date. To see our Financial Policy, visit our Financing page.

You only have one face! Trust your facial rejuvenation surgery to a specialist in facial rejuvenation.