Facelift

Facelifts, whether mini, deep-plane, or liquid, are generally not painful during the surgery because of the use of anesthesia and numbing agents. During recovery, liquid facelifts have almost no downtime, just a bit of minor swelling for a day or two, while mini and deep-plane will have some tightness, soreness, or possible bruising rather than sharp pain. This can easily be managed with cold compresses and pain medications. Additionally, keeping your head elevated, using cold compresses, and following post-op care instructions will help minimize discomfort.

For a deep-plane and mini facelift, expect to have an initial consultation, a pre-operative appointment, the surgery itself, and post-op follow-ups to monitor healing. The first follow-up is usually within a few days of surgery to remove drains (if used) and assess swelling. Additional visits occur at one week, one month, three months, and beyond to monitor healing. Depending on your recovery progress, Dr. Rivera may recommend more check-ins if needed.

Facelift incisions are placed strategically to minimize scarring. The most common placement is along the natural creases around the ears, within the hairline, and sometimes under the chin, making them nearly invisible once healed. Initially, scars may appear slightly pink or raised, but they fade significantly over the next 6-12 months with proper care. Scar creams, silicone strips, and sun protection can also help reduce the appearance of scars.

Patients should avoid intense activities for at least four weeks to prevent swelling, bleeding, or complications. Light activities, such as short walks, can resume after one to two weeks to help with circulation. By weeks 4 to 6, most patients can slowly reintroduce moderate exercise, avoiding anything that strains the neck or face. High-impact workouts, weightlifting, and activities that increase blood pressure should be postponed for six weeks or more.

Yes, you can. While a facelift improves the lower and lateral mid-face—lifting the cheeks, jawline, and jowls—it does not address concerns like eyelid bags, forehead wrinkles, or deep nasolabial folds. Patients often combine their facelift with procedures such as a brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or lip lift.

Dr. Rivera prefers to perform these enhancements simultaneously, though sometimes a staged approach may be recommended to minimize anesthesia time. If you have more advanced signs of aging, combining procedures can help maintain harmony across your features and prevent a “patchy” or incomplete result.

All surgeries have some risks, but having a facelift performed by a certified and experienced surgeon greatly reduces potential complications, which can include infection, bleeding, prolonged swelling, nerve injury, or poor scarring. Temporary numbness or tightness in the face is common but usually resolves within a few weeks to months. More serious but rare risks include hematoma, skin necrosis, or asymmetry.

When searching for the best facelift surgeon in Miami Beach, prioritize a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized experience in facial cosmetic treatments. Look for a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and has extensive training in facelift procedures. Review before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and the surgeon’s credentials to assess their expertise. A top-tier surgeon will offer a personalized consultation, thoroughly discuss your goals, and set realistic expectations.

A facelift is still considered the ‘gold standard’ for facial rejuvenation. Despite misleading claims by some companies or people providing these services, no minimally or non-invasive procedures are available or coming into the market that can even remotely achieve close to the results of a facelift.

It is important to understand that a facelift does not “lift” or improve the entire face. The word “facelift” is a misnomer to a degree. The only areas that a facelift” lifts are the lateral middle and lower thirds of the face. In other words, it affects the lateral cheeks and lower face (including the jowls and the jawline). A facelift does not rejuvenate the center of the face from top to bottom, the eyelids, or the forehead. For instance, a facelift will not improve your lips if they are long or if you have abundant lip wrinkles, very deep nasolabial creases, eyelid bags, saggy eyelids, saggy eyebrows, or forehead creases.

Additional procedures will be needed to rejuvenate those areas, including lip lifts, blepharoplasty, and brow lifts. Dr. Rivera-Serrano’s preference is to do these procedures at the same time as the facelift. Sometimes, these procedures need to be done in a different operation (staged) to decrease the anesthesia time during surgery. If you have advanced signs of aging, it is ideal (but not mandatory) to have these additional procedures so your rejuvenation does not look patchy and your refreshed jawline and cheeks match with the rest of the face.

Some situations to consider a facelift: You feel that your face (and neck) do not reflect your energy levels, youthful character, or spirit. You show signs of facial aging that do not match your age. You believe that your facial aging, excess loose skin, and sagginess are a career, professional, or social handicap. You look aged but want to look refreshed.