Facelift
Key Takeaways
Facelift surgery reduces sagging skin, jowls, and neck laxity to create a more defined, youthful facial contour.
Modern dual-plane and deep plane techniques reposition deeper facial tissues for natural results that age in a balanced way.
Thoughtful preparation and structured aftercare support smoother recovery and longer-lasting outcomes.
Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with focused facial training helps improve precision and safety.
Mirror Plastic Surgery in Tampa Bay offers personalized facelift consultations with Dr. Akash; schedule your visit to review your options.
How a Facelift Addresses Facial Aging
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is a procedure that reduces visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Treatment can improve sagging skin, deep creases, jowls, and loose skin or excess fat under the chin and jaw. Facelift surgery can create measurable improvements in jowls, marionette lines, nasolabial folds, and neck-chin angle that remain evident at least five years after surgery.
Facelift results focus on restoring a smoother jawline, softening deep facial folds, and refreshing the overall facial appearance. Surgical facelifts address underlying structural changes from aging, while non-surgical treatments primarily offer temporary surface-level improvement.
Mirror Plastic Surgery emphasizes a dual-plane approach that combines elements of SMAS and deep plane facelifts. This technique treats both skin and deeper tissue layers to support natural-looking, longer-lasting results. The practice also offers targeted options such as the eXact midface lift and eXact neck lift for patients who have earlier or more localized signs of aging.
The practice follows a concierge-style model with extended, detailed consultations. Each visit focuses on safety, function, and then aesthetics, so your plan matches your anatomy and goals. Book an appointment with Dr. Akash to review whether facelift surgery is a good fit for your needs.
Meet Dr. Akash: Focused Expertise in Facelift Surgery
Dr. Akash is a Harvard-educated physician and Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon with specialized facial surgery training at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital (MEETH). His practice centers on facelift and facial rejuvenation using a dual-plane technique that aims for natural, functional, and balanced outcomes. Newsweek has recognized him on its list of America's Best Plastic Surgeons for facelift surgery.
His training includes a seven-year integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at Johns Hopkins University and an aesthetic fellowship at MEETH, with advanced instruction in current facelift and neck lift techniques. He also serves on advisory boards for companies such as Cypris Medical, which develops minimally invasive face and neck options, so his patients can benefit from evolving methods in aesthetic surgery.
Facelift Techniques That Support Natural Results
Facial aging reflects changes in skin elasticity, muscle tone, and fat position. These changes lead to jowls, deeper folds from the nose to the mouth, and a softer jawline. Facelift surgery repositions tissues to restore a more defined contour.
Deep plane facelift techniques work below the SMAS layer and release key facial ligaments for a more natural and durable lift. This approach focuses on lifting the midface and neck without creating a “pulled” look.
Traditional facelifts have often focused on skin-only tightening or more superficial SMAS work, which can lead to shorter-lasting or tighter-appearing results. Deep plane techniques reposition deeper support structures to create smoother transitions between the lower eyelids, cheeks, and jawline.
Mirror Plastic Surgery uses a dual-plane method that blends SMAS and deep plane concepts. This approach can:
Lift and support the midface and cheeks
Sharpen the jawline and reduce jowls
Smooth the neck and under-chin area
Release specific ligaments for a softer, natural contour
Dual-plane facelifts may involve addressing structures such as the zygomatic, masseteric, and mandibular cutaneous ligaments to refine results.
Patients with earlier or milder signs of aging may be candidates for eXact midface or neck lift procedures, which use smaller incisions and typically have shorter recovery. Ideal candidates are healthy non-smokers with visible facial or neck aging, realistic expectations, and an understanding of the recovery process. The most appropriate facelift technique depends on in-person assessment of skin quality, tissue thickness, and facial shape.
Facelift surgery can reduce perceived age by several years, with benefits that remain measurable at least five years after treatment. The goal is a refreshed version of your features rather than a different face.
How to Prepare for Facelift Surgery
Consultations at Mirror Plastic Surgery are structured to allow time for detailed evaluation. Dr. Akash reviews your medical history, examines your facial anatomy, and discusses your goals to design a specific plan for you.
After scheduling surgery, you receive written pre-operative instructions. These often include:
Stopping certain medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk
Stopping smoking several weeks before and after surgery to support healing
Limiting alcohol intake and focusing on hydration and balanced nutrition
Completing any recommended lab work or medical clearances
Visits before surgery typically cover incision locations, anesthesia, and the recovery plan. The team also helps you plan transportation and support at home for the first few days. Timelines from consultation to surgery usually range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on scheduling and medical readiness. Book an appointment with Dr. Akash to start this planning process.
Facelift Recovery and Follow-Up
Most patients wake up with dressings and sometimes small drains, which usually come out within a few days. Instructions cover how to care for incisions, manage swelling, and use a compression garment if recommended.
Recovery commonly follows this timeline:
First week: Noticeable swelling, bruising, and tightness, generally managed with prescribed medication and head elevation.
Days 7–10: Many sutures or staples are removed; bruising begins to fade.
Weeks 2–4: Swelling and bruising improve; many patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities.
Months 1–3: Residual swelling settles, incision lines start to soften, and early results become clearer.
Months 6–12: Final contours and scars mature; numbness gradually improves.
Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending remain limited for several weeks to protect healing tissues. The practice schedules follow-up visits to monitor progress, answer questions, and fine-tune aftercare.
Common Facelift Misconceptions
Several myths can interfere with decision-making. Key clarifications include:
Goal of change: A well-planned facelift should help you look like a rested, younger version of yourself, not a different person.
“Pulled” appearance: Modern deep plane and dual-plane methods focus on repositioning deeper tissues instead of pulling the skin, which helps avoid an overly tight look.
Limits of non-surgical options: Injectables, lasers, and skin treatments can improve fine lines or subtle sagging, but do not replace the structural support of a surgical facelift for more advanced aging.
Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who regularly performs facelift procedures helps ensure realistic recommendations and careful planning from consultation through recovery.
Cost Considerations for Facelift Surgery in Tampa Bay
Pricing for facelift surgery varies based on anatomy, surgical plan, and whether additional procedures such as neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer are included. A personal consultation with Dr. Akash reviews these variables and provides a customized quote so you understand total expected costs, including facility and anesthesia fees.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation at Mirror Plastic Surgery
A structured, in-depth consultation offers the best way to understand which facelift technique fits your goals and health profile. Mirror Plastic Surgery provides individualized plans that prioritize safety, facial harmony, and results that age gracefully. Book an appointment with Dr. Akash to discuss your options and develop a tailored approach.
The practice is located at 780 4th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, and serves the broader Tampa Bay area. You can reach the team at 727-361-6515 or hello@mirrorplasticsurgery.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Procedures
How long do facelift results last?
Facelifts do not stop aging, but they reset visible signs of aging to an earlier point. Many patients enjoy noticeable improvement for 10 years or longer. Lifestyle, sun protection, and genetics influence how long results remain pronounced. Techniques that reposition deeper tissues, such as dual-plane and deep plane approaches, often age more naturally than skin-focused lifts.
Will I have noticeable scars after a facelift?
Incisions usually follow natural creases around the ear, within the hairline, and sometimes under the chin. With precise closure and consistent incision care, scars tend to fade and become less noticeable over time. Dr. Akash provides specific instructions and follow-up to support scar healing.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Facelift surgery is often combined with procedures such as eyelid surgery, brow lift, neck lift, fat transfer, or laser resurfacing. Combining treatments during one operation can improve overall facial balance and may reduce total downtime compared with staging procedures separately. Recommendations depend on your anatomy and goals.
What is the difference between a traditional facelift and a mini facelift?
A mini facelift generally uses shorter incisions and focuses on mild jowling and early lower-face laxity. A traditional or full facelift addresses more significant changes in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The dual-plane technique used by Dr. Akash can be adapted to function like a mini or more comprehensive lift based on your needs.
When can I return to work and social activities after a facelift?
Many patients feel comfortable returning to desk work within about 2–3 weeks, depending on bruising, swelling, and individual healing. Social events often feel more comfortable after 3–4 weeks. Higher-intensity exercise is usually delayed for 4–6 weeks or more. Your timeline is reviewed at each follow-up to ensure a safe return to activity.
*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person. Editorial content, before and after images, and patient testimonials do not constitute a guarantee of specific results.