Is a Facelift procedure painful?

Your Facelift surgery should be very comfortable, thanks to the general anesthesia, and your recovery process shouldn’t be too bad either. You will be temporarily prescribed some pain medications to help your initial recovery process, but many of our traditional facelift surgery patients have a pretty easy healing period. You may feel a little tightness at first, which can be uncomfortable for some, but Dr. Bhat will provide you with certain instructions that will make it easier for you.

How many appointments will I need?

Every patient will have a different Facelift recovery time, but usually, most patients will need to return after about three to six months for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Bhat. These appointments usually take place a few days after surgery a week after surgery, then again around every two to four weeks as necessary. You will always be advised when you should return after each check-up.

How long until I see results?

Visible results from a Facelift varies from patient to patient. Once the swelling and bruises dissipate over the first few weeks, you should be able to see an incredible difference from before your surgery. However, most patients won’t see their full results until about three to six months post-surgery. Once your face has settled into its natural resting position, you will be able to enjoy the results for an average of ten or more years.

Can I combine Facelift with other procedures?

A Facelift in Tampa is often combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures for a more balanced, rejuvenated look. Many of our Facelift Tampa patients combine their surgery with Eyelid Surgery, Brow Lift surgery, Lip Lift , and Facial Fat Grafting . If you have any specific aesthetic goals in mind for your appearance, or if you are interested in additional procedures, please let Dr. Bhat know during your facelift consultation and she will be more than happy to offer her expert recommendations.

What are the risks associated with Facelifts?

Dr. Bhat takes her patient's health and safety very seriously, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects. Here are the ones that are associated with a full Facelift: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Facial nerve injury with weakness Fluid accumulation Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin) Infection Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Poor wound healing and skin loss Prolonged swelling Unfavorable scarring Most facelift patients find these side effects to be rare or temporary, if you experience any concerning or long-lasting reactions, please contact our office immediately.

Are non-surgical procedures like thread lifts or Botox a good alternative to a facelift?

Non-surgical procedures can be a great treatment for facial rejuvenation, but will never replace a traditional facelift in its ability to lift and tighten the face. These treatments can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They can also enhance facial contours without surgery. However, the results of these procedures are typically temporary. They need to be repeated to maintain the desired effect and can only offer a subtle enhancement compared to facelift surgery. Alternatively, these non-surgical modalities can be used to enhance cosmetic surgery. There are many non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation. These include dermal fillers, Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. These treatments can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, add volume to the face, and enhance facial contours without surgery. However, they will never be able to treat the face as robustly as a traditional surgical procedure.

How do I choose the best facelift surgeon for me?

Choosing the right surgeon for your Facelift in Tampa involves research and careful consideration. Look for a surgeon who is trained in plastic surgery, experienced, and has a good reputation in the community. You should also feel comfortable with the surgeon and their team and feel that they are listening to your concerns and answering your questions thoroughly and professionally.

Can a Facelift Improve Sagging Skin & Facial Skin?

Facelift surgery is a plastic surgery procedure in which excess skin is removed and underlying facial anatomy and soft tissues are tightened. Depending on the facelift techniques, Dr. Bhat will tighten the underlying structures of the face and the neck while removing excess skin there. The goal of the surgery is to enhance and re-establish the patient's natural contours.

Can Facelift Surgery improve a double chin?

Yes, a neck lift is often combined with facial plastic surgery which should pull back the neck contours and improve a double chin. Oftentimes, facial wrinkles and an aging neck can cause a "turkey neck" appearance. With a neck lift and facelift surgery, the face and neck are both positively impacted.

Can I get a facelift with a lot of facial fat?

Our facial rejuvenation surgery patients should be close to their ideal weight before getting a facelift surgery or any other procedure. However, it is possible to undergo a facelift, but you'll need to consult with Dr. Bhat first.

Is facial rejuvenation the same as a facelift?

Facelift procedures are considered to be facial plastic surgery that falls under the facial rejuvenation umbrella, but it does not encompass it. Facial rejuvenation can also include other surgical procedures such as a Neck Lift or Brow Lift, but can also include non-surgical treatments like BOTOX or Fillers.

What is facial fat grafting?

Fat grafting is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon will take fat from another area of the body and injects it into the face. With fat grafting, there is no neck reconstruction and no facelift incision. Facial fat grafting will not improve the neck, as it's not a neck lift, but can give a beautiful and natural look to the face.

Tampa Facelift: Advanced Techniques by Dr. Deepa Bhat

Introduction

Introduction to Facelift

As you get older, it can be harder and harder to mask the signs of aging. There are many skincare products and nonsurgical treatments for facial aging that can produce stunning results. However, these treatments can only take you so far. The gold standard treatment for lifting and tightening the face is a Face Lift, one of Dr. Bhat’s favorite procedures.

When you come into Ravive Plastic Surgery, we have several surgical and non-surgical options to achieve a more youthful appearance, but the Facelift procedure is by far one of the most popular procedures. Dr. Deepa Bhat is an award-winning plastic surgeon, recently being elected as a Tampa 2024 Top Doc. To learn more about the techniques that Dr. Deepa Bhat uses and how she can help you, please continue reading below.

What is Facelift Surgery?

Also referred to as rhytidectomy, a Facelift is a plastic surgery procedure that helps reduce and improve the visible signs of aging in your face and neck. The more common age-related skin problems that a Facelift can treat are sagging facial skin, fold lines that appear between the nose and mouth, marionette lines (lines that appear at the corners of the mouth and curve down towards the chin), jowls, and loose skin with excessive fat around the neck (often referred to as a “turkey neck” or double chin).

The full Facelift technique is a very popular, long-lasting procedure that can be performed using various techniques to help patients regain confidence and appear more youthful. At Ravive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Bhat has trained extensively in advanced facial plastic surgery techniques and has the skills and artistry to give you a natural, yet rejuvenated result. In addition to a traditional Facelift, we offer our patients several procedures that treat the whole face or can target specific problem areas.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift utilizes a plane of dissection below the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) of the midface, allowing for the treatment of key facial retaining ligaments and maximum mobilization of the underlying soft tissues. By repositioning the deeper tissues, the procedure helps restore a youthful facial contour while simultaneously avoiding a “pulled back” or overdone appearance. Tension on the skin is minimized, resulting in a tension-free closure. The technique also allows for better correction of the midface and nasolabial folds. With that said, the debate continues as to which facelift technique is superior. Nevertheless, a properly executed deep plane facelift can produce dramatic and sustainable rejuvenation of the lower face and the midface.

Mini Facelift

Sometimes called a short scar facelift or a limited incision facelift, a mini facelift is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is a variation of the full facelift procedure but is a less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift. A mini facelift procedure can be a good option for patients who want to address mild to moderate signs of aging but don’t require a full facelift. Patients who get a mini facelift are generally younger and have less sagging skin. Therefore, less facial skin is removed. A mini facelift procedure typically involves a quicker recovery with minimal downtime when compared to a traditional facelift, and can be done using local anesthesia.

Blonde in black top in jungle - Facelift

What are the Benefits of Facelift plastic surgery?

For our patients who have considerable sagging in the mid-face and also want to address signs of aging in their lower face, a standard facelift is likely the best option. A standard facelift surgery in Tampa can:

Contour the jawline
Get rid of deep creases
Improve the appearance of the nasolabial folds
Produce natural results
Reduce smile lines
Restore lifted cheeks
Tighten up sagging skin

Who are the Best Candidates for Facelift Surgery?

The best facelift candidates are nonsmokers, in overall good health, and maintain a positive outlook with realistic expectations regarding the procedure. Other characteristics that make a good candidate for a Tampa Facelift:

Are committed to good skincare
Are dissatisfied with their facial appearance
Have flexible skin
Have sagging facial tissues (i.e. deep wrinkles, jowls, double chin)
Are near desired target weight
Understand the procedure, recovery time, and risks

What’s the First Step?

The first step to getting facial plastic surgery in Tampa with Dr. Bhat is to book your initial consultation. In order to get the most out of your facelift cost and procedure details, you will want to prepare your questions ahead of time and do a bit of research.

When you come in for your appointment, you will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Bhat who will go over your medical history, the appearance you would like to achieve, and other pertinent medical information. After a physical examination, she will craft a surgical plan that she believes will produce the best results and once you both are in agreement, our Patient Coordinator will help coordinate a date for surgery.

We will also provide detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions to best help you prepare and recover from your surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift

On the day of your Facelift surgery, you will first be administered general anesthesia to make your experience more tolerable.

Once in the surgical suite, Dr. Bhat will begin making an incision near the temple, just above and in front of the ear. It will continue under the earlobe and follow the back of your ear, blending into the hairline. The skin is gently lifted as she repositions and tightens the underlying muscles and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incisions are placed where they will fall in a natural crease of the skin to appear camouflaged.

After trimming the excess skin, Dr. Bhat closes the incisions with fine sutures. This creates precise, thin scars that should heal imperceptibly. Depending on the extent of the surgery and the number of additional procedures, the process can take four to six hours.

Following the surgery, Dr. Bhat will apply a gentle compression dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made and prevent any collection of fluid. You will also have one to two surgical drains to promote the egress of any excess fluid

Facelift Surgery Recovery

You will receive detailed postoperative instructions and see Dr. Bhat in the office one to two days following your surgery, and at regular intervals after that. She will remove your drains once the amount of fluid being collected falls below a certain number.

While you should be doing light activity daily to prevent any blood clots, you should refrain from any strenuous physical activity for six weeks. You should be able to return to work within 10 – 14 days, depending on how you are healing and how you are feeling, as well as the type of work you do. There will still be some swelling and bruising present, but it will get better over time and can usually be well disguised with a good application of makeup. Once the incisions have healed, they will be concealed within your hairline and the natural contours of your face for a natural, rejuvenated, refreshed appearance.

How Much Does Facelift Cost in Tampa, FL?

The average cost of a facelift in Tampa Bay, FL typically starts at $6,000 and can range up to $20,200. Factors such as anesthesia costs, surgeon fees, and the extent of the procedure can influence the final price. The best way to get the most accurate cost will be to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhat. During your consultation, our patient coordinator will provide a detailed quote tailored to your specific needs.

Why Choose Dr. Bhat?

If you’re interested in Facelift surgery in Tampa, look no further than Deepa Bhat, M.D. at Ravive Plastic Surgery. Using a perfect blend of expertise, artistry, and personalized care, Dr. Bhat’s exceptional skills and extensive training make her the go-to expert for achieving a more rejuvenated and natural-looking facial appearance.

As one of the few aesthetic plastic surgeons in Florida who is fellowship-trained, Dr. Bhat pays meticulous attention to detail. In order to achieve her fellowship certification, an additional year of cosmetic surgery training was required following her previous seven years of residency and training. She knows that subtlety is key when it comes to facial plastic surgery, so she aims to achieve results that enhance your natural beauty without having an “overworked” look. With her expertise, she’ll help you achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance that still looks like you. Get ready to unleash your true beauty and embrace a new confidence level with Dr. Bhat by your side.

Schedule Your Consultation

Just because you’re getting older, there’s no need to let it show! For your Facelift consultation in Tampa, use our website or call our office today! Our team at Ravive Plastic Surgery is looking forward to speaking with you!

Schedule A Consultation

Facelift FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

Your Facelift surgery should be very comfortable, thanks to the general anesthesia, and your recovery process shouldn’t be too bad either. You will be temporarily prescribed some pain medications to help your initial recovery process, but many of our traditional facelift surgery patients have a pretty easy healing period. You may feel a little tightness at first, which can be uncomfortable for some, but Dr. Bhat will provide you with certain instructions that will make it easier for you.
Every patient will have a different Facelift recovery time, but usually, most patients will need to return after about three to six months for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Bhat. These appointments usually take place a few days after surgery a week after surgery, then again around every two to four weeks as necessary. You will always be advised when you should return after each check-up.
Visible results from a Facelift varies from patient to patient. Once the swelling and bruises dissipate over the first few weeks, you should be able to see an incredible difference from before your surgery. However, most patients won’t see their full results until about three to six months post-surgery. Once your face has settled into its natural resting position, you will be able to enjoy the results for an average of ten or more years.
A Facelift in Tampa is often combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures for a more balanced, rejuvenated look. Many of our Facelift Tampa patients combine their surgery with Eyelid Surgery, Brow Lift surgery, Lip Lift, and Facial Fat Grafting. If you have any specific aesthetic goals in mind for your appearance, or if you are interested in additional procedures, please let Dr. Bhat know during your facelift consultation and she will be more than happy to offer her expert recommendations.
Dr. Bhat takes her patient's health and safety very seriously, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects. Here are the ones that are associated with a full Facelift:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Fluid accumulation
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Poor wound healing and skin loss
- Prolonged swelling
- Unfavorable scarring
Most facelift patients find these side effects to be rare or temporary, if you experience any concerning or long-lasting reactions, please contact our office immediately.
Non-surgical procedures can be a great treatment for facial rejuvenation, but will never replace a traditional facelift in its ability to lift and tighten the face. These treatments can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They can also enhance facial contours without surgery. However, the results of these procedures are typically temporary. They need to be repeated to maintain the desired effect and can only offer a subtle enhancement compared to facelift surgery. Alternatively, these non-surgical modalities can be used to enhance cosmetic surgery. There are many non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation. These include dermal fillers, Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. These treatments can be used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, add volume to the face, and enhance facial contours without surgery. However, they will never be able to treat the face as robustly as a traditional surgical procedure.
Choosing the right surgeon for your Facelift in Tampa involves research and careful consideration. Look for a surgeon who is trained in plastic surgery, experienced, and has a good reputation in the community. You should also feel comfortable with the surgeon and their team and feel that they are listening to your concerns and answering your questions thoroughly and professionally.
Facelift surgery is a plastic surgery procedure in which excess skin is removed and underlying facial anatomy and soft tissues are tightened. Depending on the facelift techniques, Dr. Bhat will tighten the underlying structures of the face and the neck while removing excess skin there. The goal of the surgery is to enhance and re-establish the patient's natural contours.
Yes, a neck lift is often combined with facial plastic surgery which should pull back the neck contours and improve a double chin. Oftentimes, facial wrinkles and an aging neck can cause a "turkey neck" appearance. With a neck lift and facelift surgery, the face and neck are both positively impacted.
Facelift procedures are considered to be facial plastic surgery that falls under the facial rejuvenation umbrella, but it does not encompass it. Facial rejuvenation can also include other surgical procedures such as a Neck Lift or Brow Lift, but can also include non-surgical treatments like BOTOX or Fillers.
Fat grafting is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon will take fat from another area of the body and injects it into the face. With fat grafting, there is no neck reconstruction and no facelift incision. Facial fat grafting will not improve the neck, as it's not a neck lift, but can give a beautiful and natural look to the face.

I had my very first Botox and lip filler done by Dr. Deepa Bhat. She is very caring and is the sweetest. She made the process seamless and painless! I had no anxiety over what I’m going to look like after because I knew I was in great hands of an aesthetic plastic surgeon. I LOVE the natural results! I look more youthful and refreshed. I highly recommend her!

- Angela

Dr. Bhat is an amazing surgeon (and person)! I had an extended tummy tuck and lipo 360 and I have never been happier with the way I look. I healed without issue, my scar looks fantastic and most importantly, Dr. Bhat was there for me every step of the way. I would recommend Dr. Bhat to anybody looking to gain self confidence through surgery.

- Rachel

I had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Bhat for lip filler and botox and it was a wonderful experience. She walked in the room with a warm smile and instantly put me at ease. She was very attentive and I felt that she really listened to my goals and desired outcome. She was gentle and meticulous and my lips turned out absolutely beautiful! My botox was placed perfectly as well. She made the experience easy and enjoyable. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone and will be going to see her for my future cosmetic needs!

- Amanda

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