Facelift

Experienced Port Moody plastic surgeon Dr. H. Ukani performs facelift surgery to help men and women from Surrey, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, and Vancouver, BC, and surrounding communities love the faces they see in the mirror. Lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity can be some of the earliest indicators of age. Although a facelift won’t make you look as you did 30 years ago, it can create age-appropriate, natural-looking results that enhance your own unique features.

If you’d like to learn more about how facelift surgery with Dr. Ukani can refresh and revitalize your face, request a consultation using our online form, or give the office a call at (604) 931-1893.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Although facelift surgery is highly effective at treating many visual signs of aging, it’s not appropriate for everybody. Good candidates for the surgery are healthy adults who would like to see long-term improvement in some or all of the following concerns:

• Loose skin or excess fat around the chin
• Lost muscle tone in the lower face and neck that creates the appearance of jowls
• Fat that has been displaced or moved over time
• Creases that run along the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, called nasolabial folds
• Creases below the eyes
• Sagging or skin laxity in the midface region

Facelift Surgery Alternatives

Some patients concerned about early signs of aging may not need surgery to address their concerns. Nonsurgical treatments such as BOTOX Cosmetic® or dermal filler injections minimize wrinkles in the lower face. Facelift surgery, though, produces more dramatic and comprehensive results that last for several years. During your consultation, Dr. Ukani carefully evaluates your skin’s tone and texture and your overall health and then works with you to develop a treatment plan that safely and effectively addresses each of your concerns.

Can You Combine Other Procedures With Facelift Surgery?

A facelift addresses signs of aging in the lower face, including jowls, sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds, and loose neck skin. Many patients combine a facelift with other surgical and nonsurgical procedures to comprehensively rejuvenate their faces. For example, eyelid surgery or cosmetic injectables can complement the results of a facelift by giving the eyes a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in British Columbia (BC)?

Facelifts are highly customized procedures; therefore, the cost at our Port Moody practice varies. You will receive a personalized quote during your consultation. In addition to cost, it’s important to consider a plastic surgeon’s training and experience. For optimal safety and natural-looking results, be sure to choose a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ukani, who is highly experienced in facelift surgery.

Dr. H. Ukani

Dr. H. Ukani’s extensive education and years of practical experience make him one of the foremost plastic surgeons in the Vancouver area. His ongoing training keeps him at the leading edge of both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, and he looks forward to helping you fulfill your aesthetic goals.

Credentials You Can Trust

Meet Dr. Ukani Request Your Consultation

Facelift Techniques and Options

Facelift surgery isn’t a one-size-fits-all procedure. Dr. Ukani chooses the facelift technique that is best suited for your unique needs. Those technique options include:

Traditional Facelift (Full Facelift)

A traditional facelift rejuvenates moderate to significant aging of the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. It’s the most popular procedure performed by Dr. Ukani, who is known for producing attractive, natural-looking results.

Mid-Facelift

A mid-facelift is very effective at tightening the skin around the cheeks. It can be a great option for people who want a more youthful appearance, prominent cheekbones, and brighter eyes but don’t want work done on their jawline and forehead.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is a less-invasive procedure designed to address early signs of aging of the lower face, jawline, and neck. It is sometimes called a short scar facelift because it involves smaller incisions. The recovery time is shorter, and the results do not last as long as those of a traditional facelift.

How Is Facelift Surgery Performed?

Dr. Ukani typically performs facelift surgery as an outpatient procedure, although, depending on the specifics of your surgery, it may require an overnight stay. It generally requires an incision beginning at the temples, running down the hairline and around the ears, and ending near the lower scalp. Once healed, this incision creates a discreet scar concealed by most hairstyles. Other incision options are available depending on your anatomy and goals. During your consultation, Dr. Ukani carefully explains his preferred technique and suggestions for your procedure, ensuring you fully understand the process and your likely results.

After making the incisions, Dr. Ukani removes or repositions underlying fat and tissue, creating smooth, youthful-looking facial contours. He then removes excess skin and redra[es the remaining skin for a toned appearance before closing the incisions.

Your Facelift Recovery Timeline

Although every patient’s recovery experience is unique, most need about 2 weeks of dedicated downtime. This timeline highlights what you can expect after your facelift surgery:

• Week 1: Swelling and bruising, especially near the incisions, are normal and typically peak during the first week. You’ll experience some discomfort during your initial week of recovery, which you can manage with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Even though getting enough rest is a priority, you should take brief walks periodically to boost circulation and prevent blood clots. You should carefully follow Dr. Ukani’s detailed, specific postoperative instructions for optimal healing.
• Week 2: After 2 weeks, most patients can return to work and nonstrenuous activities. The majority of swelling and bruising has subsided. If you wish, you can apply makeup to cover any residual bruising.
• Weeks 3-6: This is the home stretch of your recovery. You can resume most activities, including exercise. However, you should avoid direct sun exposure for at least 3 months, apply sunscreen daily, and maintain a good skincare regimen to minimize scarring and accelerate healing.

If you’re planning to attend a significant social event after getting a facelift, we recommend scheduling the procedure at least 2 to 3 months earlier to ensure you’ve fully recovered.

How Long Do the Results of a Facelift Last?

Although a facelift can create truly stunning results, it’s important to remember that it does not stop the aging process. Over the years, patients may notice skin laxity, wrinkles, and other signs of aging beginning to reappear. Although some patients may choose to undergo a second surgery, many people can maintain their results with periodic “touch-ups” with nonsurgical treatments, such as dermal fillers. Dr. Ukani evaluates each of his facelift patients as individuals, working with them to maintain their beautiful results for as long as possible.

Facelift FAQ

How do you sleep after a facelift?

Patients should keep their heads upright for several days, even during sleep, to facilitate good healing. For the first few nights, it’s important to sleep in a bed propped up with plenty of comfortable pillows or in a favourite recliner.

How long after a facelift will I look normal?

Most facelift patients feel comfortable in public within 2 to 3 weeks, although preliminary results are often visible after several days. Your final facelift results may take up to 6 weeks to become fully apparent.

How do I choose the best facelift surgeon for me?

Your choice of a plastic surgeon for a facelift is the most important decision you’ll make; you’re trusting the surgeon with your appearance. Checking their credentials is a good place to start. Are they certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada? Did they complete additional training after completing residency, such as elite fellowships? During your consultation, you should feel comfortable communicating honestly about your concerns and asking all of your questions.

What is the best age to get a facelift?

There is no “best” age for a facelift. However, if you’re concerned that your appearance doesn’t reflect your youthful energy, a facelift may be a good solution. It may occur in your late 40s or your 60s or 70s. The key is that you are in good overall health, regardless of age.

What’s a deep plane facelift, and is it better than a traditional facelift?

As its name implies, the deep plane facelift technique is more invasive than traditional facelift surgery. It’s not necessarily better than a traditional facelift, but it may be an appropriate approach for certain patients.

What type of facelift lasts the longest?

The results of a full facelift typically last longer than those of a mid-facelift or mini facelift. Regardless of the technique, however, you can extend the results of your facelift by diligently following good skincare habits that include limiting sun exposure, using quality sunscreen, and moisturizing your skin daily.

Is a liquid facelift really a viable alternative to surgery?

A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical procedure that combines BOTOX and filler injections to minimize early signs of aging. It won’t produce the same results as a surgical facelift. During your consultation, you can discuss your options with Dr. Ukani.