Is a Facelift Procedure Painful?

Your facelift is performed under general anesthesia, so you should be very comfortable throughout your procedure. Most of our Tampa Bay area and Dunedin facelift patients can expect to experience mild discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with temporarily prescribed pain medication from Dr. Buck. Our post-operative team will also provide you with directions to follow that will help alleviate any discomfort or pain during your recovery.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Typically, one surgical appointment and multiple follow-up visits at our Dunedin practice for our team to monitor your recovery results.

How Long Until I See Results?

The initial results appear as swelling subsides within 2-3 weeks, and the final results are visible after 6-12 months.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Incisions are carefully placed to minimize visible scarring, typically hidden in natural contours like the ears or hairline.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Facelift?

Light activity can resume after two weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4-6 weeks.

Can I Combine a Facelift With Other Procedures?

Yes, a facelift in Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area is commonly paired with other popular facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery, neck lifts , and dermal fillers , all of which can be performed at Dunedin Plastic Surgery. No matter your aesthetic goals, Dr. Jennifer Buck will work closely with you to determine the best plastic surgery procedure to make your dreams a reality.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Facelift?

While rare, potential risks include infection, scarring, or asymmetry. This can be minimized by choosing a skilled surgeon like Dr. Buck.

How Do I Find the Best Tampa Facelift Plastic Surgeon Near Me?

To find the best facelift surgeon in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and the greater Tampa Bay, FL area, look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in improving the signs of facial aging. Review before-and-after photos, read patient reviews, and schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and evaluate their approach. Choose a surgeon who prioritizes safety, uses modern techniques, and makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Tampa Bay, FL

Facelift

Introduction

Overview of a Facelift

Are you noticing signs of aging, like sagging skin, deep lines, or loss of facial contour? Sometimes, we need a little help maintaining our youthful glow, and that’s okay! A facelift may be the perfect solution for restoring your fresh, vibrant look. At Dunedin Plastic Surgery, we specialize in modern facelift techniques designed to enhance your natural beauty so you feel confident and radiant at every age. It’s subtle changes that make the biggest difference.

Dunedin Plastic Surgery is conveniently located to provide facelift surgery to patients in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and the greater Tampa Bay, FL area.

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What is a Facelift?

A facelift, sometimes referred to as a “rhytidectomy,” is a cosmetic procedure that lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues to rejuvenate the face and neck. This surgery addresses the common signs of aging that many of us experience, such as drooping skin, deep folds, and jowls, and aims to restore smoother, more youthful contours. By removing excess skin and repositioning deeper tissues, a facelift can take years off your appearance while preserving your unique features.

Dr. Buck performs a variety of facial rejuvenation techniques that can improve skin laxity, improve appearance, and reignite confidence.

A mini-facelift is ideal for individuals who want to address moderate signs of aging without undergoing a full, invasive facelift. This procedure specifically targets the lower jawline and neck area, tightening the skin and underlying tissues to smooth out sagging and restore a more youthful, defined contour. The results are often subtle yet impactful, offering a refreshed appearance without dramatic changes.
One of the biggest advantages of a mini-facelift is its less invasive nature, making it a great option for those who may not yet need or want a full facelift but are seeking noticeable improvement.
Additionally, a mini-facelift’s recovery time is considerably shorter than traditional facelift surgery, with many patients resuming normal activities within just a few days to a week. This has made the procedure increasingly popular, especially among younger patients who are looking to address early signs of aging or seeking preventative care to maintain their youthful appearance.
The mini-facelift allows for a more gradual, natural rejuvenation, giving patients the option to refresh their look with minimal disruption to their lifestyle.

This more advanced technique is designed to address more pronounced signs of aging, such as significant sagging and deep nasolabial folds, by targeting the deeper layers of the face.

Using a combination of specialized injectables or advanced contouring methods, the deep plane facelift technique lifts and restores the face’s underlying structures, providing a more lifted, youthful look that lasts longer than traditional non-surgical options. What sets a deep plane facelift apart from a traditional facelift is its ability to deliver natural-looking results without the “overly pulled” appearance that was often associated with older facelift techniques.

The focus of the deep plane facelift procedure is on enhancing the face’s natural contours, creating a subtle yet effective rejuvenation that restores volume, tightens the skin, and smooths out wrinkles, all while maintaining facial expression and movement. This approach has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers patients a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance without the need for invasive surgery or the risks and recovery time that come with it.

The results look more youthful and appear more harmonious and balanced with the patient’s overall facial features, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more refined, rejuvenated look.

Liquid facelifts are an excellent option for individuals looking to rejuvenate their appearance without the commitment and downtime of traditional surgery.

By strategically using cosmetic injectables like dermal fillers and BOTOX, this non-surgical technique can provide a noticeable lift to the face, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles while also restoring lost volume to areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, and along the jawline. The procedure is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, allowing for subtle, natural-looking results that enhance the face’s overall structure and youthful contours.

Additionally, liquid facelifts are a popular choice for those addressing the early signs of aging, as they can help prevent further sagging and volume loss before more invasive treatments are needed. With little to no downtime and results that typically last several months, liquid facelifts offer a convenient and effective way to maintain a refreshed, youthful appearance.

- A mini-facelift is ideal for individuals who want to address moderate signs of aging without undergoing a full, invasive facelift. This procedure specifically targets the lower jawline and neck area, tightening the skin and underlying tissues to smooth out sagging and restore a more youthful, defined contour. The results are often subtle yet impactful, offering a refreshed appearance without dramatic changes.
- One of the biggest advantages of a mini-facelift is its less invasive nature, making it a great option for those who may not yet need or want a full facelift but are seeking noticeable improvement.
- Additionally, a mini-facelift’s recovery time is considerably shorter than traditional facelift surgery, with many patients resuming normal activities within just a few days to a week. This has made the procedure increasingly popular, especially among younger patients who are looking to address early signs of aging or seeking preventative care to maintain their youthful appearance.
- The mini-facelift allows for a more gradual, natural rejuvenation, giving patients the option to refresh their look with minimal disruption to their lifestyle.
- This more advanced technique is designed to address more pronounced signs of aging, such as significant sagging and deep nasolabial folds, by targeting the deeper layers of the face.
  
  Using a combination of specialized injectables or advanced contouring methods, the deep plane facelift technique lifts and restores the face’s underlying structures, providing a more lifted, youthful look that lasts longer than traditional non-surgical options. What sets a deep plane facelift apart from a traditional facelift is its ability to deliver natural-looking results without the “overly pulled” appearance that was often associated with older facelift techniques.
  
  The focus of the deep plane facelift procedure is on enhancing the face’s natural contours, creating a subtle yet effective rejuvenation that restores volume, tightens the skin, and smooths out wrinkles, all while maintaining facial expression and movement. This approach has become increasingly popular in recent years, as it offers patients a refreshed, rejuvenated appearance without the need for invasive surgery or the risks and recovery time that come with it.
  
  The results look more youthful and appear more harmonious and balanced with the patient’s overall facial features, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more refined, rejuvenated look.
- Liquid facelifts are an excellent option for individuals looking to rejuvenate their appearance without the commitment and downtime of traditional surgery.
  
  By strategically using cosmetic injectables like dermal fillers and BOTOX, this non-surgical technique can provide a noticeable lift to the face, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles while also restoring lost volume to areas like the cheeks, under the eyes, and along the jawline. The procedure is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, allowing for subtle, natural-looking results that enhance the face’s overall structure and youthful contours.
  
  Additionally, liquid facelifts are a popular choice for those addressing the early signs of aging, as they can help prevent further sagging and volume loss before more invasive treatments are needed. With little to no downtime and results that typically last several months, liquid facelifts offer a convenient and effective way to maintain a refreshed, youthful appearance.

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

There are a plethora of benefits to facelifts, which is why it is such a popular cosmetic procedure. Some of these benefits include:

Tightened and smoother skin.
Reduced wrinkles and fine lines.
Restored facial contours and definition.
Enhanced confidence and youthful appearance.
Long-lasting results (if you take the surgical route).
Better skin elasticity and strength.
Improved neck mobility.
Mental health and well-being.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Facelift?

Candidacy for a facelift in Tampa Bay depends on one’s skin condition, overall health, and personal goals. If you feel you have one or more of these factors, you may be a good candidate for a facelift:

Sagging skin around the face and neck.
Deep folds or wrinkles.
Jowls or loss of jawline definition.

Additionally, patients who are in good health overall, don’t smoke, and go into the procedure with realistic expectations regarding the results will often see the most optimized outcome for their goals. Facelifts are not a “one-size-fits-all” procedure; Dr. Buck will work with you to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

What’s the first step?

If you’re in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, or the greater Tampa Bay, FL, area and are curious to learn more about whether a facelift is right for you, your first step will be to set up a consultation with Dr. Buck at our Dunedin-based practice. During this visit, you and Dr. Buck will address your aesthetic goals, medical history, concerns, and any questions you have about the process and procedure. This is also a time for her to assess your facial structure, skin quality, and overall health to determine your starting point and the best treatment plan for you, whether it be surgical or injectables.

After you and Dr. Buck have determined the best option for your facial rejuvenation, the last step is to discuss pre-and post-operative instructions, what happens during the treatment or procedure, and finally, schedule the date of the facelift.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift Surgery

Cosmetic procedures can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you have never had one before. Our team will ensure you will feel as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process at our Dunedin center.

On the day of surgery, you’ll first be given general anesthesia for comfort. During the operation, Dr. Buck will make discreet incisions, typically hidden around the ears and hairline, to reposition underlying tissue, remove excess skin, and restore youthful contours. The procedure can take several hours, after which you’ll be monitored before you’re approved to go home and recover.

During your consultation, Dr. Buck will already discuss recovery care with you and reaffirm that you have everything you need before sending you on your way.

Facelift Recovery

Recovery from a facelift surgery typically takes about 2-3 weeks, although the full healing process can extend over several months. Immediately after the procedure, patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort, which are normal and gradually improve over time. During the first week, rest and proper care are crucial for minimizing these side effects and supporting optimal healing. Swelling typically peaks in the first few days, but by the end of the second week, most patients begin to notice a significant reduction, and many feel comfortable resuming lighter daily activities.

While it’s generally safe to return to non-strenuous tasks within two weeks, it’s important to avoid any high-impact or strenuous activities—such as vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over—for about 4-6 weeks after surgery. This allows the skin and underlying tissues to fully settle and heal, ensuring the best possible results without risking complications.
Adhere to Dr. Buck’s aftercare instructions to optimize your healing process and the long-term outcome of your procedure.

These instructions may include elevating your head while sleeping, avoiding direct sun exposure, applying prescribed medications or ointments, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. By carefully following these guidelines, you can help reduce the risk of complications, ensure your incisions heal well, and enjoy the full benefits of your refreshed rejuvenated appearance.

Patience is a key factor during recovery, so please understand your body’s healing process. Once fully recovered, you can enjoy natural-looking and lasting enhancements that will make you feel more confident in your appearance.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in the Tampa Bay Area?

The cost of a Facelift in Dunedin, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and the greater Tampa Bay, FL area will vary depending on which technique is used, the complexity of the procedure, and the experience level and expertise of the surgeon. In this area, you’ll typically see facelifts ranging from $8,000 to $15,000. Investing in a skilled, board-certified surgeon like Dr. Buck will ensure you receive safe and satisfying results. Anesthesia and facility fees will also be discussed during the consultation.

Why Choose Dr. Buck For a Facelift

Dr. Jennifer Buck is a board-certified surgeon at Dunedin Plastic Surgery who serves patients in the entire St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and greater Tampa Bay, FL, area. She is renowned for her expertise in specialized facelift techniques that generate natural-looking, youthful, and long-lasting results. She is a trusted name in Florida’s aesthetics community, with years of experience, a personalized and compassionate approach, and advanced training.

Facelift FAQ’S

Your facelift is performed under general anesthesia, so you should be very comfortable throughout your procedure. Most of our Tampa Bay area and Dunedin facelift patients can expect to experience mild discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with temporarily prescribed pain medication from Dr. Buck.

Our post-operative team will also provide you with directions to follow that will help alleviate any discomfort or pain during your recovery.
Yes, a facelift in Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area is commonly paired with other popular facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery, neck lifts, and dermal fillers, all of which can be performed at Dunedin Plastic Surgery.

No matter your aesthetic goals, Dr. Jennifer Buck will work closely with you to determine the best plastic surgery procedure to make your dreams a reality.
To find the best facelift surgeon in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and the greater Tampa Bay, FL area, look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in improving the signs of facial aging. Review before-and-after photos, read patient reviews, and schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and evaluate their approach. Choose a surgeon who prioritizes safety, uses modern techniques, and makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Schedule a Consultation

If you live in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, or the greater Tampa Bay, FL, area and are interested in learning if a facelift is right for you, fill out the form below to schedule your consultation at Dunedin Plastic Surgery.

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