Is a Facelift painful?

When undergoing Facelift surgery, you will be administered either general or local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Whilst individual experiences vary, patients generally complain of only minor discomfort in the first few days post-surgery so your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort. Taking prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers will also help you manage discomfort as your incisions heal.

What type of anesthesia is used for facelifts?

At Himmarshee, it is our preference to perform our facelifts under general anesthesia as it is the safest way to ensure the protection of the airway during surgery. A board-certified anesthesiologist will be responsible for delivering anesthesia and monitoring your medical care during the surgery. In rare cases which require a minimal approach, the surgery may be performed under local anesthesia. When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Moon or Dr. Scurci, they will be able to address any concerns you have regarding anesthesia.

How many appointments will I need?

Your surgeon will want to see you for your first post-operative a day or two after your facelift surgery to remove the drains and any dressing and observe your initial recovery, followed by another visit approximately one week after facelift surgery to remove the sutures. You will then need to follow up one month after surgery and usually every three to six months for the first year after your surgery to monitor your healing and satisfaction with the results.

How long until I see results?

Some patients may be able to see visible changes after their surgery, but there will also be bruising and swelling during the first few weeks post-surgery which affects the appearance. While recovery should only take about three weeks, most patients will require about six months to see their optimal facelift results. The best way to achieve optimal results is to follow our post-op instructions and attend your routine check-ups with your surgeon.

What is the fastest way to recover from a Facelift?

Everyone wants to have a healthy and successful recovery, but many patients also want a quick recovery. The only way to achieve the best results is Time and following your surgeon’s post-op instructions. That being said, there are ways to optimize your recovery process. Keep in mind that these suggestions will not guarantee a faster recovery, but will certainly help: Drink plenty of water. Elevate your head using two pillows when sleeping. Increase dietary protein intake. Keep the surgical incisions clean and dry. Protect the incisions from direct sunlight. Wear your chin strap as instructed

Can I combine a Facelift with other procedures?

Of course! Our Facelift patients at Himmarshee Plastic Surgery will combine their Facelift with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a Forehead Lift, Eyelid Surgery , or a Rhinoplasty for a better profile. In order to produce youthful, natural results dermal fillers or facial fat transfer can provide additional facial volume. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your entire face and address your concerns to produce a harmonious result.

Should I get a Facelift or Fillers?

This is a question that many patients ask. Dermal fillers can improve the volume lost during the natural aging process. There are limitations, however, to the results that dermal filler can achieve and its overuse can produce an unnatural appearance. A facelift can lift the facial tissue and skin correcting sagging skin, jowling, and wrinkles. A facelift also produces longer-lasting results than fillers. It’s very important to remember that cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal decision, so whether you’d like to pursue a surgical or non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci can candidly discuss and offer whichever option best suits your needs.

What are the risks associated with a Facelift?

As highly trained plastic surgeons, Dr. Savannah Moon & Dr. Stephanie Scurci take each surgery very seriously and strive to provide a safe recovery with stunning results for every patient. Keep in mind though, as with any kind of surgery, a facelift does have potential risks associated with it that we like our patients to be aware of. Some of these risks include: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Facial nerve injury with weakness Fluid accumulation Infection Hair loss Hematoma (collection of blood hematoma under the skin) Nerve injury Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Persistent pain Scarring While many of these side effects should heal on their own over time, if you do find yourself experiencing any long-lasting or unexpected reactions, please be sure to contact our office immediately.

Where are facelift incisions located?

This really will depend on the type of facelift you have, but to reduce the visibility of scars, your surgeon will conceal the incisions in the hairline and natural contours of your face and behind the ear.

Will a facelift make me look stretched?

No, our goal for a facelift is to provide realistic and natural-looking results. During the surgery, we take time to reposition the deep tissues so that the overlying skin is subtly and naturally lifted without producing a severe or “pulled back” appearance.

Can a Facelift improve sagging facial skin?

Yes, improving sagging skin and the removal of excess skin is a primary goal of Facelift surgery. is a plastic surgery in which excess skin is removed and underlying facial anatomy and soft tissues are tightened. Depending on the facelift techniques, your surgeon will tighten the underlying structures of the face and the neck while removing excess skin there. The goal of the surgery is to enhance and re-establish the patient’s natural contours.

Can Facelift Surgery improve a double chin?

Yes, a Neck Lift is almost always combined with a facelift and will improve a double chin. A neck lift is performed through the facelift incision and extended back into the hairline. This allows the neck skin and underlying platysma muscle to be lifted and repositioned to treat a double chin, jowling, loose neck skin, and wrinkles. Post-operatively patients will note an improved jawline and neck contour with a natural slope to avoid a “tight” or “harsh” appearance.

Can I get a Facelift if I have a lot of facial fat?

It is possible to undergo a Facelift with a lot of facial fat, but you’ll need to consult with your surgeon first. It’s important to note that our facial rejuvenation surgery patients should be close to their ideal weight before getting a facelift surgery or any other procedure. Not only does being near your target weight potentially lead to less work being required, but it also allows you to enjoy the results for longer.

Facelift

In Fort Lauderdale

What is a Facelift
Who are the the best candidates?
What are the benefits?
What’s the first step?
What to expect?
Facelift recovery
What’s the cost?
FAQ’s

Introduction

Facelift

Facelift surgery, medically known as a Rhytidectomy, is a very popular facial rejuvenation surgical procedure that lifts your facial tissues to improve drooping facial skin, removing extra skin for a tighter, younger countenance. A facelift in Fort Lauderdale, FL is a cosmetic procedure often performed in conjunction with other facelift-adjacent procedures such as a neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty (nose job), facial fat grafting, or resurfacing chemical peel.

blonde woman smiling with hands on cheeks

What is a Facelift?

A facelift procedure is performed to improve the visual signs of aging and create an appearance that is smooth, soft, and defined. Committed to natural, long-lasting results, well-reputed and board-eligible plastic surgeons, Dr. Savannah Moon & Dr. Stephanie Scurci of Himmarshee Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL improve the visual appearance of the face by repositioning and resuspending the deep tissue to camouflage evidence of surgery.

Personalized to meet each client’s aesthetic goals, our surgeons at Himmarshee Plastic Surgery target each section of the face individually to create an overall look that is beautiful and refreshed.

Our surgeons specialize in facial plastic surgery. They underline their efforts to arrive at a harmonious facial anatomy of their clients to achieve the most natural, age-appropriate results possible.

The main goal of a facelift is to restore a more youthful contour to the face while maintaining your unique facial characteristics.

A Facelift addresses the mid-face (cheeks) and lower face restoring a more youthful cheek contour and refining the jawline. The aging process involves the descent of facial fat of the cheeks and jowls, which a facelift repositions. A perfect solution for sagging jowls and a hanging neck, this surgical procedure gives patients a visual appearance that is vibrant, youthful, and restored.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift utilizes a plane of dissection below the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) of the midface, allowing for the treatment of key facial retaining ligaments and maximum mobilization of the underlying muscles and soft tissues. By repositioning the deeper tissues, the procedure helps restore a youthful facial contour without requiring excessive tension on the skin avoiding a “pulled back” or overdone appearance. When tension on the skin is minimized, the appearance of the resulting scar is improved and more imperceptible. The technique also allows for better correction of the midface and nasolabial folds. Employing these techniques creates a more natural result that avoids the telltale “pulled back” appearance of a more traditional facelift. A deep plane facelift can produce dramatic, natural, and sustainable rejuvenation of the lower face and the midface

Secondary and Tertiary Facelift

The facelifts described above are considered primary facelifts. A facelift will give you a younger appearance, but the aging process will continue in the years following a primary facelift and some patients may desire a second (secondary) or third (tertiary) facelift. A subsequent facelift may be able to be performed through a minimal approach similar to a mini facelift. Secondary facelifts may also correct unsatisfactory scarring or ear malpositioning. The recovery from a secondary or tertiary facelift is usually no longer than for a primary facelift.

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 the aging process 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 when compared to a traditional facelift, and can be done using local anesthesia. Mini-facelifts are typically best for younger patients looking to preventively fight signs of aging.

Who Are The Best Candidates For A Facelift?

The best Facelift Fort Lauderdale candidates at Himmarshee Plastic Surgery should have some of the following characteristics:

Committed to good skincare
Dissatisfied with their facial appearance
Have sagging facial tissues (i.e. deep wrinkles, jowls, double chin)
Keep a positive attitude throughout the process
Maintain realistic expectations
Be at or close to their desired target weight and have a healthy lifestyle
Understand the procedure, recovery time, and risks
Non-smoker
No serious underlying medical conditions

What Are The Benefits Of A Facelift?

Our patients looking to address age-related sagging facial skin have seen huge benefits from their Facelift in Fort Lauderdale, FL

A more contoured jawline and improvement in jowls
Natural results for a more youthful appearance
Reduces and can eliminate deep creases, including nasolabial fold and marionette lines
Lifted cheeks
Overall tightening up of loose skin

First Steps

What’s the first step?

The first step in getting a facelift at Himmarshee Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL is to schedule a consultation at our clinic. On the day of your appointment, your surgeon, either Dr. Savannah Moon or Dr. Stephanie Scurci, will evaluate your individual needs, cosmetic goals, and your unique facial structure and features. She will physically examine your unique facial features, including skin quality, skin laxity, soft tissue, sagging jowls, and facial and neck muscles.

She will review your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate for facial surgery. A medical evaluation by your primary care provider will also help determine the optimal anesthetic and surgical approach.

If you are deemed a good candidate for a Facelift procedure, your surgeon will discuss what a surgical facelift involves, the pros and cons of the latest surgical techniques available, and which method would be best for you. She will also show you the options for incision placement and what you can expect from scarring.

Once you and your surgeon are satisfied with the direction of your procedure, she will create your custom procedure plan. Our Patient Coordinator will help schedule your surgical date and provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your surgery.

These tips may include stopping certain medications in the days leading up to the procedure, avoiding sun exposure, and keeping up a thorough skincare routine.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift Surgery

On the day of your Facelift surgery, you will first meet with your surgeon, who will discuss the details of your surgery. When you are comfortable and ready, you will be administered general anesthesia to make your experience as comfortable and painless as possible.

Once you are sedated, your surgeon will make an incision in front of your ear near your temples, continuing it under the earlobe towards the back of your ear, allowing it to blend in with your hairline. She will then gently lift the skin to tighten the underlying muscle and tissue, removing excess skin and excess fat, along the way.

The incisions will be placed along natural contours and within the hairline to conceal the appearance of scars post-healing. She will take your gender, ethnicity, and physical anatomy into consideration as she shapes your face. Once the deep tissue and facial muscles are repositioned and excess skin and excess fat deposits are excised, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures under minimal tension to create minimal scar tissue.

After your surgery, a dressing will be gently applied to protect the incisions. You may also have one surgical drain to promote the removal of excess fluid.

Depending on the complexity of the surgery and the number of additional surgical procedures done, the process can take from four to six hours.

Facelift Recovery

The recovery period for a facelift can vary depending on the extent and depth of the procedure. Immediately following your procedure, you’ll need to rest and allow your body to heal. The surgery is typically an outpatient procedure but since you are sedated, it is wise to bring a family member or friend to help drive you back home.

You will be sent home with one drain placed along your neck. Drains are necessary for the facelift procedure to minimize swelling, fluid collection, and bruising. They typically come out the following day at your first post-operative appointment.

During facelift recovery, you can expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days after the procedure. Your surgeon will provide a prescription for pain-reducing medication, in addition to detailed instructions on caring for the treated area, which includes keeping your head elevated as you sleep to reduce swelling and keep stitches secure.

Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for four weeks to allow the underlying tissues in your body to fully heal, however, you may walk and resume your daily activities.

The time it takes to return to work after a facelift surgery depends on the extent of the procedure and your healing journey. Most patients expect to take at least a week off work to recover from the procedure. For more complex facelift procedures or patients with physically demanding jobs, it may be necessary to take additional time off.

Facelift Cost

How Much Does Facelift Cost In Fort Lauderdale, FL

The cost of a Facelift in Fort Lauderdale, FL is widely determined by the facial rejuvenation techniques that Dr. Savannah Moon & Dr. Stephanie Scurci use and the degree and number of procedures necessary to meet your aesthetic goals. Further, it depends on anesthesia fees, surgeon’s fees, and a few other factors. The best way to find out how much it will cost for you is to come in for your initial consultation and let your surgeon create your surgical plan. Once made, our Patient Coordinator will be able to show you the price breakdown for your procedure.

Rediscover your true self

Why choose Himmarshee Plastic Surgery?

Himmarshee Plastic Surgery is a practice that prioritizes the individual aesthetic goals of each patient, striving to achieve natural, timeless, and refined surgical results.

Dr. Savannah Moon and Dr. Stephanie Scurci are both board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS). Following the completion of their comprehensive general surgery training, Dr. Savannah Moon and Dr. Stephanie Scurci went on to further specialize through a 3-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Florida, where they met and served as chief residents. In the course of their surgical training in South Florida, Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci were in an ideal location to perform a vast range and quantity of aesthetic surgeries, developing expertise across a broad spectrum of procedures. Both Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci are dedicated to achieving results that are subtle, elegant, and natural, tailored to each patient’s individual aesthetic aspirations.

Himmarshee Plastic Surgery boasts an on-site surgical suite committed to prioritizing safety and ensuring optimal patient care. Our surgical team includes a board-certified anesthesiologist and experienced nursing staff specializing in plastic surgery, providing a familiar and expert touch throughout your surgical journey. The on-site operating room not only provides convenience and accessibility but also guarantees privacy, a crucial element for our patients. All these factors align to make our on-site surgical suite a choice that combines safety, privacy, and convenience to create a concierge experience for our patients.

Patient Testimonials

“Huge thank you to Dr. Moon & Dr. Scurci for revitalizing my face. I could not be happier with the results and instant symmetry I left with. If you’re in the market for a natural refresh from an honest, and non-pushy professional, they are your girls!”

Google Review

“I would like to take the opportunity, time & effort to sincerely thank the entire staff of Himmarshee Plastic Surgery for their amazing concierge medical care both before, during and after my surgery but more importantly for again being fortunate & privileged enough to be under all of their trusted & well-trained minds and highly skilled hands for my neck & facelift procedure. As a prior rhinoplasty patient of Dr. Harry Moon, who is a true artisan and pure genius in the field of plastic surgery, I can proudly assure anyone without a single doubt in my mind that his talent, techniques and passion for successful & more importantly natural results have been handed down to his daughter, Dr. Savannah Moon & her practice partner, Dr. Stephanie Scurci.

Google Review

Facelift FAQ’S

When undergoing Facelift surgery, you will be administered either general or local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. Whilst individual experiences vary, patients generally complain of only minor discomfort in the first few days post-surgery so your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort.

Taking prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers will also help you manage discomfort as your incisions heal.
At Himmarshee, it is our preference to perform our facelifts under general anesthesia as it is the safest way to ensure the protection of the airway during surgery. A board-certified anesthesiologist will be responsible for delivering anesthesia and monitoring your medical care during the surgery. In rare cases which require a minimal approach, the surgery may be performed under local anesthesia. When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Moon or Dr. Scurci, they will be able to address any concerns you have regarding anesthesia.
Your surgeon will want to see you for your first post-operative a day or two after your facelift surgery to remove the drains and any dressing and observe your initial recovery, followed by another visit approximately one week after facelift surgery to remove the sutures. You will then need to follow up one month after surgery and usually every three to six months for the first year after your surgery to monitor your healing and satisfaction with the results.
Some patients may be able to see visible changes after their surgery, but there will also be bruising and swelling during the first few weeks post-surgery which affects the appearance.
While recovery should only take about three weeks, most patients will require about six months to see their optimal facelift results.

The best way to achieve optimal results is to follow our post-op instructions and attend your routine check-ups with your surgeon.
Everyone wants to have a healthy and successful recovery, but many patients also want a quick recovery. The only way to achieve the best results is Time and following your surgeon’s post-op instructions. That being said, there are ways to optimize your recovery process. Keep in mind that these suggestions will not guarantee a faster recovery, but will certainly help:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Elevate your head using two pillows when sleeping.
- Increase dietary protein intake.
- Keep the surgical incisions clean and dry.
- Protect the incisions from direct sunlight.
- Wear your chin strap as instructed
Of course! Our Facelift patients at Himmarshee Plastic Surgery will combine their Facelift with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a Forehead Lift, Eyelid Surgery, or a Rhinoplasty for a better profile. In order to produce youthful, natural results dermal fillers or facial fat transfer can provide additional facial volume. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your entire face and address your concerns to produce a harmonious result.
This is a question that many patients ask. Dermal fillers can improve the volume lost during the natural aging process. There are limitations, however, to the results that dermal filler can achieve and its overuse can produce an unnatural appearance. A facelift can lift the facial tissue and skin correcting sagging skin, jowling, and wrinkles. A facelift also produces longer-lasting results than fillers. It’s very important to remember that cosmetic surgery is a deeply personal decision, so whether you’d like to pursue a surgical or non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Moon and Dr. Scurci can candidly discuss and offer whichever option best suits your needs.
As highly trained plastic surgeons, Dr. Savannah Moon & Dr. Stephanie Scurci take each surgery very seriously and strive to provide a safe recovery with stunning results for every patient. Keep in mind though, as with any kind of surgery, a facelift does have potential risks associated with it that we like our patients to be aware of.

Some of these risks include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Hair loss
- Hematoma (collection of blood hematoma under the skin)
- Nerve injury
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Persistent pain
- Scarring
While many of these side effects should heal on their own over time, if you do find yourself experiencing any long-lasting or unexpected reactions, please be sure to contact our office immediately.
Yes, improving sagging skin and the removal of excess skin is a primary goal of Facelift surgery. is a plastic surgery in which excess skin is removed and underlying facial anatomy and soft tissues are tightened. Depending on the facelift techniques, your surgeon will tighten the underlying structures of the face and the neck while removing excess skin there. The goal of the surgery is to enhance and re-establish the patient’s natural contours.
Yes, a Neck Lift is almost always combined with a facelift and will improve a double chin. A neck lift is performed through the facelift incision and extended back into the hairline. This allows the neck skin and underlying platysma muscle to be lifted and repositioned to treat a double chin, jowling, loose neck skin, and wrinkles. Post-operatively patients will note an improved jawline and neck contour with a natural slope to avoid a “tight” or “harsh” appearance.
It is possible to undergo a Facelift with a lot of facial fat, but you’ll need to consult with your surgeon first. It’s important to note that our facial rejuvenation surgery patients should be close to their ideal weight before getting a facelift surgery or any other procedure. Not only does being near your target weight potentially lead to less work being required, but it also allows you to enjoy the results for longer.

Schedule A Consultation

If you are in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and would like to improve your facial appearance cosmetically, a Facelift procedure at Himmarshee Plastic Surgery could be an excellent solution. To schedule your personal consultation, please contact our office or use our website to fill out a consultation request form. We look forward to taking the first step with you in achieving your desired aesthetic.