Is a Facelift procedure painful?

Your Facelift surgery will be virtually painless during your surgery thanks to the 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 tight 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 most patients will need to return for about three to six weeks for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Bhat. These appointments usually take place a week after surgery and again around every four weeks. You will always be advised when you should return after each check-up.

How long until I see results?

Visible results from a Facelift vary 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 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 such a popular facial rejuvenation treatment, but there is always the opportunity to treat other areas for a better, more rounded look. Some of our Facelift Tampa patients like to combine their surgery with eyelid surgery , chin implants , or rhinoplasty , but even dermal fillers can create a great profile and look. If you have any specific aesthetic goals in mind for your appearance, or if you’re open to the idea of 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 Hair loss (temporary or permanent) Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin) Infection Nerve injury Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Poor wound healing and skin loss Prolonged swelling Skin loss Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible, or produce irritation that requires removal. Unfavorable scarring Unsatisfactory results may include asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, and unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions. 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 good alternative to facelift surgery for some patients. These treatments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and enhance facial contours without surgery. However, the results of these procedures are typically temporary. They need to be repeated to maintain the desired effect. Alternatively, these non-surgical modalities can be used to enhance cosmetic surgery. There are many non-surgical alternatives to a facelift. These include dermal fillers , Botox , Xeomin , and Dysport . These treatments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, add volume to the face, and enhance facial contours without the need for surgery. Another popular treatment is a liquid facelift (non-surgical facelift), which uses dermal fillers and threads. Dr. Bhat can help you determine which treatments best suit your lax skin and needs.

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 board-certified, experienced, and has a good reputation in the community. You should also feel comfortable with the surgeon and their team and feel that they listen to your concerns and answer your questions thoroughly and professionally.

Can a Facelift Improve Sagging Skin & Facial Skin?

Facelift surgery is plastic surgery in which excess skin is removed, and the underlying facial muscles and soft tissues are tightened. Depending on the facelift techniques, Dr. Bhat will tighten the excess skin on the face and neck while removing excess skin there. The goal of the surgery is to promote the patient's beautiful 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. Facial wrinkles and an aging neck can often cause a "turkey neck" appearance. With a neck lift and facelift surgery, the face and neck are both positively impacted. Dr. Bhat has performed many facial rejuvenation procedures in her career and is widely respected in Tampa for her work in both facial plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.

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. Although it is possible to get the surgery, you'll need to consult with your facial plastic surgeon 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, and non-surgical treatments like BOTOX or Fillers .

What is facial fat grafting?

Fat grafting is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon takes 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 it can give the face a beautiful and natural look.

Facelift In Tampa, FL | Facelift Cost In Tampa Bay

Introduction

Introduction to Facelift

As you age, masking the signs of aging can become increasingly difficult. Many products available for facial aging can produce stunning results; however, there are times when cover-up just won’t cut it.

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. To learn more about the techniques that Dr. Deepa Bhat uses and how she can help you, please continue reading our guide to the procedure.

What is a Facelift?

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, 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 performed numerous facial plastic surgery and facelift procedures over the years. 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 midface’s superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), allowing for the treatment of key facial retaining ligaments and maximum mobilization of the underlying soft tissues. By placing tension only at the level of the fascia, the deep plane technique creates tension-free skin closure and ensures long-term results.

The deep plane technique can also address herniated buccal fat, which contributes to sagging jowls. 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 that is a variation of the full facelift and procedure but is a less invasive alternative to a traditional facelift. A mini facelift surgery 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 than 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 with considerable sagging in the mid-face and who 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
It gets rid of deep creases
Improve the appearance of the nasolabial folds
Produce natural results
Reduces smile lines
Restore lifted cheeks
Tightens up sagging skin

Who are the Best Candidates for Facelift Surgery?

The best facelift candidates should be nonsmokers, be 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
Dissatisfied with their facial appearance
Flexible skin
Has sagging facial tissues (i.e. deep wrinkles, jowls, double chin)
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. To get the most out of your facelift cost and procedure details, you will want to prepare your questions ahead of time and do some 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 details to make sure you are prepared. She will craft a surgical plan that he believes is best for you. If you agree with him, you will schedule your appointment with our patient coordinator, who will also give you some instructions for a full facelift recovery and good surgery.

When discussing your medical history, we encourage you to be honest with Dr. Bhat. Being open and truthful with him reduces the potential for negative reactions and the safest and best possible results.

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 he repositions and tightens the underlying muscles and connective tissue. Some fat and excess skin may be removed. 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, the surgeon closes the incisions with fine sutures and/or metal clips. This permits precise surgery and avoids shaving hair in the incision sites. Depending on the extent of the surgery, the process can take two to four hours.

Following the surgery, the surgeon will apply a dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made. The actual placement of incisions varies from patient to patient and is dependent on the surgeon’s judgment of that patient.

Facelift Surgery Recovery

After your surgery, Dr. Bhat will loosely wrap your face, jawline, and upper neck with a bandage to minimize swelling and bruising. She may also temporarily leave small tubes in the incisions that help drain any excess blood or fluid that will collect as you heal. You will be held in our recovery room until Dr. Bhat releases you, at which point you will be able to go home for a more comfortable recovery.

You should be able to return to work within 10 – 14 days, depending on how you are healing and how you are feeling. 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 cost of a Facelift in Tampa is widely determined by the facial rejuvenation techniques that Dr. Bhat uses, the degree of change required to meet your desires, anesthesia fees, surgeon fees, and a few other factors. The best way to find out how much it will cost you is to come in for your initial consultation first. After Dr. Bhat can create your surgical plan, our Patient Coordinator will be able to show you the price breakdown for your procedure.

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 cosmetic plastic surgeons in Florida who is fellowship-trained, Dr. Bhat pays meticulous attention to detail. In order to obtain her fellowship, 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. Her expertise will 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 doesn’t mean you have to look it up! For your Facelift consultation in Tampa, use our website or call our office today! A friendly and helpful member of our team can’t wait to speak with you!

Schedule A Consultation

Facelift FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

Your Facelift surgery will be virtually painless during your surgery thanks to the 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 tight 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 most patients will need to return for about three to six weeks for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Bhat. These appointments usually take place a week after surgery and again around every four weeks. You will always be advised when you should return after each check-up.
Visible results from a Facelift vary 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 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 such a popular facial rejuvenation treatment, but there is always the opportunity to treat other areas for a better, more rounded look. Some of our Facelift Tampa patients like to combine their surgery with eyelid surgery, chin implants, or rhinoplasty, but even dermal fillers can create a great profile and look. If you have any specific aesthetic goals in mind for your appearance, or if you’re open to the idea of 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
- Hair loss (temporary or permanent)
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
- Infection
- Nerve injury
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Poor wound healing and skin loss
- Prolonged swelling
- Skin loss
- Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible, or produce irritation that requires removal.
- Unfavorable scarring
- Unsatisfactory results may include asymmetry, unsatisfactory surgical scar location, and unacceptable visible deformities at the ends of the incisions.
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 good alternative to facelift surgery for some patients. These treatments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and enhance facial contours without surgery. However, the results of these procedures are typically temporary. They need to be repeated to maintain the desired effect. Alternatively, these non-surgical modalities can be used to enhance cosmetic surgery.

There are many non-surgical alternatives to a facelift. These include dermal fillers, Botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. These treatments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, add volume to the face, and enhance facial contours without the need for surgery.

Another popular treatment is a liquid facelift (non-surgical facelift), which uses dermal fillers and threads. Dr. Bhat can help you determine which treatments best suit your lax skin and needs.
Choosing the right surgeon for your Facelift in Tampa involves research and careful consideration. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified, experienced, and has a good reputation in the community. You should also feel comfortable with the surgeon and their team and feel that they listen to your concerns and answer your questions thoroughly and professionally.
Facelift surgery is plastic surgery in which excess skin is removed, and the underlying facial muscles and soft tissues are tightened. Depending on the facelift techniques, Dr. Bhat will tighten the excess skin on the face and neck while removing excess skin there. The goal of the surgery is to promote the patient's beautiful 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. Facial wrinkles and an aging neck can often cause a "turkey neck" appearance. With a neck lift and facelift surgery, the face and neck are both positively impacted.

Dr. Bhat has performed many facial rejuvenation procedures in her career and is widely respected in Tampa for her work in both facial plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
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, and non-surgical treatments like BOTOX or Fillers.
Fat grafting is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon takes 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 it can give the face a beautiful and natural look.

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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