Facelift

Anesthesia will be administered during your facelift surgery to ensure a pain-free experience. While mild to moderate discomfort is common after the procedure, Dr. Vagotis can prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort.

Most patients find that Tylenol is sufficient for pain relief for the first couple of days after surgery. Keeping your head elevated can also help reduce swelling.

Local anesthesia is available for your procedure. We use a “twilight sleep” anesthetic that does not require intubation. You will not feel pain during your facelift.

After your surgery, you will return the following day for Dr. Vagotis to monitor your healing and remove any drains that may have been placed. She will then see you one week post-surgery to remove the sutures. After that, follow-up visits are typically scheduled at two months and six months to assess your progress and take photos of your healing.

Although patients may notice immediate changes right after their facelift procedure, bruising and swelling during the first few weeks can mask the final result. While most of the swelling subsides within about three weeks, it typically takes six to 12 months for patients to see the full, optimal results of their facelift.

Scarring from a facelift is typically minimal and strategically placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Dr. Vagotis utilizes advanced surgical techniques to ensure that incisions follow the natural contours of your face, blending seamlessly with the hairline, around the ears, and behind the ears. Over time, these scars fade significantly and often become virtually invisible.

In most cases:

• For a traditional facelift (SMAS or deep plane facelift): Incisions are placed at the hairline near the temples, extend around the ears, and may continue into the lower scalp. These scars are well-camouflaged by your hair and natural skin folds.
• For a mini facelift: Incisions are shorter and usually limited to the area around the ear and along the hairline, resulting in even less visible scarring.

Proper wound care, following post-operative instructions, and avoiding sun exposure during healing are all crucial to minimizing the appearance of scars. Dr. Vagotis may also recommend scar-reducing treatments or skincare products as needed.

Exercise is important, but after a facelift, your body needs time to heal properly. Overexertion too soon can increase swelling, prolong recovery, or even compromise your results.

Here’s a general timeline for resuming physical activity:

• Day 1–3: Rest is critical. Gentle walking around the house is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
• Week 1–2: Continue light activity only. Avoid bending over, lifting, or engaging in any activity that elevates your heart rate or blood pressure.
• Week 3–4: You may gradually resume moderate, non-strenuous activities such as brisk walking or stationary biking, with Dr. Vagotis’ approval.
• After Week 4: Most patients can return to full physical activity, including vigorous exercise, weightlifting, or high-impact workouts, after 4–6 weeks. Always get clearance at your follow-up appointment before resuming intense activity.

Listening to your body and following Dr. Vagotis’ personalized post-op guidance ensures a safe return to exercise and helps preserve your surgical results.

The appearance of scarring varies depending on the type of facelift. In a deep-plane facelift, scars are placed along the scalp’s hairline, hidden in the folds of the ear, and around the back of the ear into the hairline. For a mini-facelift, the scars are similarly positioned but are limited to the area in front of the ear and along the hairline. Initially, the scars will appear pink but will gradually fade to match the patient’s natural skin tone. Patients are advised to keep the incisions clean and dry, rest, stay hydrated, and follow all postoperative instructions to ensure the best possible healing outcome.

We understand the desire to return to your normal routine, but it’s crucial to prioritize rest during your recovery. Patients are encouraged to take gentle walks the day after surgery to help prevent blood clots. However, for the first two to three weeks, it is essential to avoid strenuous activities or anything that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. After three weeks, patients can resume heavy lifting and intense exercise without restrictions.

Of course! Many of our Grand Rapids facelift patients opt for additional procedures to address multiple issues during the same surgical appointment. Other procedures, such as facial liposuction, brow lift, eyelid surgery, facial implants, and rhinoplasty (nose reshaping), can be combined with a facelift to help achieve a more youthful appearance. 

Regardless of your aesthetic goals, please feel free to discuss them with Dr. Vagotis during your initial consultation. She will be able to provide recommendations tailored to your specific needs.

Some people who are unsure about getting a facelift may consider a neck lift first. A neck lift is a less invasive procedure that can yield great results and help you become more confident about facelift procedures in general. Find out more about the neck lift here.

Although Dr. Vagotis is an expert in facelift surgery, it’s essential to remember that a facelift is still a surgical procedure, and understanding the potential risks is crucial.

• Risks associated with anesthesia
• Bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac, and pulmonary complications
• Facial nerve injury leading to weakness
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Hair loss (risk minimized with Dr. Vagotis’ technique)
• Hematoma (blood collection under the skin)
• Numbness or changes in skin sensation
• Persistent pain
• Scarring

Although most of these side effects typically resolve on their own over time, patients should contact our office right away if they experience any persistent or unusual reactions.

Choosing the right facelift surgeon is a crucial decision. We recommend that patients research the surgeon’s board certifications, affiliations, and educational background. It’s also helpful to read reviews from other facelift patients in Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas. During your consultation, ask to see before-and-after photos of patients who have undergone the same procedure you’re considering to gain a better sense of the surgeon’s ability to achieve natural-looking results.

Lastly, we suggest scheduling an in-person consultation to assess the surgeon’s bedside manner. Your face and health are of utmost importance, and you have the final say in your decision. Take the time you need to make an informed and confident choice.

Very. Dr. Vagotis did a fellowship in Santa Ana, California, under renowned plastic surgeon Bruce Connell, whose technique was highly sought after and widely imitated but never duplicated. Dr. Connell is now deceased, and there aren’t a lot of other surgeons who have had the privilege or opportunity to study with Dr. Connell. Dr. Vagotis is the only practitioner in the state of Michigan who has used Dr. Connell’s surgical technique for long-lasting results in facial rejuvenation. She’s the go-to surgeon in Michigan for facelift procedures and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).