What to Expect Before, During and After Your Facelift
Undergoing a facelift is a significant decision and understanding the process can help you feel more confident and prepared.
At Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego, Dr. Balikian and his team ensure that every patient is fully informed about what to expect before, during, and after their facelift surgery.
Before Your Facelift
Your facelift journey begins well before surgery day, with education, trust, and a personalized plan.
Understanding your options and working closely with Dr. Balikian ensures your experience is thoughtful, safe, and tailored to your goals.
Initial Consultation
Step into our office and have a comprehensive consultation with double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Balikian. During this appointment, you will discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns you might have. We will examine your facial structure, skin condition, and overall health to determine if you are a good candidate for a facelift.
Preparation Steps
Once you decide to proceed, you will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This may include:
- Medical Evaluations: Undergoing necessary medical tests and evaluations to ensure you are fit for surgery.
- Medications: Adjusting or stopping certain medications as advised.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding smoking and alcohol, which can affect healing.
- Skin Care Routine: Following a prescribed skincare regimen to prepare your skin for the surgery.
By carefully following these preparation steps, you’ll set the foundation for a smoother procedure and optimal healing. Dr. Balikian’s team will be with you every step of the way to ensure you feel confident and ready for your facelift journey.
During Your Facelift
On the day of the surgery, you will receive anesthesia so that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. The facelift typically involves the following steps:
- Incision: Dr. Balikian will make carefully placed incisions, usually hidden within the hairline and natural contours of the face.
- Repositioning: Underlying tissues are repositioned, and excess skin is removed to achieve a smoother and more youthful appearance.
- Closing: The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures, and bandages are applied to minimize swelling and support the healing process.
Dr. Balikian combines surgical precision with an artistic eye to ensure your facelift is both effective and natural-looking. From the first incision to the final stitch, every step is performed with care to create results that are refined, balanced, and beautifully you.
Facelift Before and After Gallery
After Your Facelift Surgery
Healing is a vital part of your facelift journey and it’s one we guide with care. As you begin recovery, Dr. Balikian and his team will ensure you’re supported every step of the way.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area. Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal and can be managed with prescribed medications.
Dr. Balikian will provide specific instructions on how to care for your incisions and manage any discomfort.
Recovery Period
The recovery period varies for each patient, but you can expect to return to most normal activities within two to three weeks. During this time, you should:
- Attend follow-up visits: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with Dr. Balikian to monitor your healing progress.
- Move carefully: Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting to prevent strain on your incisions.
- Start or maintain a healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to support the healing process.
Your recovery is just as important as the procedure itself.
By following Dr. Balikian’s post-operative guidance and giving your body the care it needs, you’ll support optimal healing and ensure the most natural, lasting results.
Long-Term Care
Full results from your facelift surgery will become more apparent as the swelling subsides and your face heals completely. To maintain your rejuvenated appearance, it is essential to:
- Maintain a skincare routine: Follow a dedicated skincare routine recommended by Dr. Balikian.
- Have sun protection: Protect your skin from sun exposure by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
- Practice healthy habits: Continue avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as these can affect your skin’s health and longevity of the results.
Long-term care is key to preserving your refreshed, youthful look for years to come. With a thoughtful skincare routine, sun protection, and healthy daily habits, you can extend the life of your results and continue to enjoy the benefits of your facelift well into the future.
Consult with Us
Understanding the facelift surgery process and knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision to have a smooth experience from start to finish.
If you are considering a facelift, Dr. Balikian and his team at Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery in San Diego are here to guide you through every step of the process. Schedule a consultation today to discuss how a facelift can help you achieve your goals and enhance your confidence.
Your Journey Starts Here
Facelift FAQs
Am I a good candidate for a deep plane facelift or a mini lift?
You are a good candidate if you have laxity along the jawline or neck, healthy habits, and realistic goals. A deep plane facelift repositions deeper support layers for natural motion and durability. A mini lift suits milder laxity with shorter scars but more limited correction.
How should I prepare in the weeks before surgery to lower risks?
Follow your pre surgery plan, pause blood thinning medicines and supplements as instructed, keep blood pressure controlled, and avoid nicotine completely. Good sleep, protein rich meals, and hydration support healing.
What happens on surgery day?
You receive anesthesia, incisions are placed in natural creases and hairline, deeper tissues are released and elevated, excess skin is tailored, and fine sutures close the incisions. You leave with supportive dressings and a simple aftercare plan.
How do you reduce bruising and the chance of a hematoma?
Meticulous control of bleeding and steady blood pressure are key. Your team may add measures such as gentle compression, head elevation, and careful medicine choices to keep bruising low.
Are NSAIDs safe for pain control after a facelift?
When used appropriately and cleared by your surgeon, common anti inflammatory medicines can reduce opioid use and are not shown to raise bleeding in most facelift patients. Your plan is personalized based on your health history.
What is photobiomodulation and why use it after a facelift?
It is gentle light therapy that supports comfort and healing. Your plan may include early yellow and blue light to help ease swelling and support lymphatic flow.
How long is social downtime and what does recovery look like?
Most patients feel presentable in about two to three weeks. Swelling and bruising peak in the first days, improve after week one, and refine over several months.
What complications are most common and how often do they occur?
Hematoma is the most reported facelift complication. Temporary nerve weakness can occur and usually resolves, while infection and major nerve injury are uncommon in healthy patients.
How do you lower the risk of blood clots during longer procedures?
Risk assessment, early gentle walking, leg compression, hydration, and selective medicines are used when indicated. Your team tailors prevention to your personal risk score.
Do patients often combine fat grafting or laser with a facelift?
Yes. Fat transfer can restore youthful volume, and lasers or other resurfacing can refine texture and tone. Staging and timing are planned to fit your healing timeline.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon serving the San Diego area.
With over 20 years of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Balikian offers a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision.
He is part of an elite group of surgeons with extensive training focused exclusively on the face and neck.
Learn More About Facial Plastic Surgery
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
