What is an Awake Facelift?
An awake facelift is a facelift performed under local anesthesia with light oral or intravenous sedation, rather than general anesthesia. This approach allows the patient to remain awake but comfortable while the treatment area is completely numbed. This approach allows the patient to remain awake but comfortable during surgery while the treatment area is completely numbed.
During a facelift performed under local anesthesia, Dr. Rivera carefully addresses sagging skin and aging facial tissues in the mid- and lower-face areas. The procedure typically involves tightening the underlying muscle layer, repositioning facial tissue, and removing excess skin to create smoother contours and more youthful facial features. Because the patient remains awake, the surgeon can often make subtle adjustments to ensure natural balance and facial symmetry.
Many patients appreciate that awake facelift surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure. Without the need for general anesthesia, the surgical process can feel less intimidating while still delivering results comparable to traditional facelift procedures. This technique is particularly appealing for patients who want facial rejuvenation but prefer a less anesthesia-heavy approach.
