Face Lift FAQ
Dr. Houtan Chaboki is board-certified in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. To learn more about Northern Virginia and Washington, DC facelift surgery, request a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Chaboki online or call his office at 202-741-3409.
1. Where is Face Lift surgery performed?
2. What is recovery like after Face Lift surgery?
3. Will smoking affect my recovery after Face Lift surgery?
4. What health conditions threaten a successful recovery after Face Lift surgery?
5. How long is the procedure?
6. Will I need time off work after Face Lift surgery?
7. When can I resume regular exercise after Face Lift surgery?
8. Can I combine cosmetic face lift with other facial surgery?
9. How much time passes between the initial consultation and Face Lift surgery?
10. Does insurance cover Face Lift surgery?
1. Where is Face Lift surgery performed?
Dr. Chaboki practices facial plastic surgery at several DC area surgical facilities to accommodate his patients. Minor procedures with local anesthesia are performed in the DC office. Surgical procedures with IV (twilight) sedation or general anesthesia are performed at accredited facilities with a board-certified anesthesiologist.
- Georgetown University Medical Center
- The George Washington University Medical Center
- Sibley Memorial Hospital
- MedStar Surgery Center
2. What is recovery like after Face Lift surgery?
Downtime after cosmetic procedures may be a few hours to several days, depending on the specific procedure and areas treated. Office procedures are performed under local anesthesia, if any anesthesia is required. Surgical procedures are performed with either IV (twilight) sedation or general anesthesia and require a longer recovery period. Anesthesia normally wears off within the first 24 hours after surgery.
3. Will smoking affect my recovery after Face Lift surgery?
Smoking adversely affects your recovery. One may develop pneumonia, and treated areas don't heal as well or may become infected. The blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissues shrink up and prevent the necessary healing of the area. Patients must stop smoking for a minimum of two weeks prior to surgery to decrease the risk of these complications, and continue smoking cessation after the procedure.
4. What health conditions threaten a successful recovery after Face Lift surgery?
Dr. Chaboki performs a complete history and physical on all patients prior to undergoing cosmetic treatments. In Maryland, face lift surgery may usually be safely performed on many chronic, stable medical conditions. However, face lift surgery may be delayed or cancelled as needed for patient safety. Dr. Chaboki will work with his cosmetic patients to help find a safe, appropriate plastic surgery option for them.
5. How long is the procedure?
Surgical face lift in Maryland varies depending on the specific needs of the patient and surgery. Mini lifts or direct neck lifts are quick, while traditional full face lifts may take a few hours of precision surgery.
6. Will I need time off work after Face Lift surgery?
Most patients plan at least two weeks off from work. A longer period of recovery may be necessary for combined procedures.
7. When can I resume regular exercise after Face Lift surgery?
Strenuous activities or exercise after plastic surgery will increase the risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising, until an appropriate healing time has been allowed. This restriction during the recovery period varies based on the operation performed and patient's medical condition. Light activities, such as slow walking, may be performed soon after anesthesia. Heavy activity, such as aerobics, yoga, cycling, running, heavy lifting, or similar vigorous activities are allowed after 2 weeks from the procedure. Contact sports are generally allowed after 6 weeks from surgery.
8. Can I combine cosmetic face lift with other facial surgery?
Yes, it's generally preferred to combine procedures. First, by combining surgery, insurance may cover a portion of the procedure, and you may save money on fees. Secondly, tissue modified from one area may be used for another surgical area, such as fat transfer and face lifting. Lastly, the recovery process following surgery would only be once, and you minimize downtime by avoiding two separate procedures. Commonly combined procedures with face lift surgery include the following:
- Eyelid Surgery
- Brow Lift
- Fat Transfer
- Chemical Peel
- BOTOX® Cosmetic
9. How much time passes between the initial consultation and Face Lift surgery?
Generally, a minimum of 2 weeks are allowed from the consultation to prepare for surgery. Select procedures may be performed earlier. Non-surgical procedures may be performed at the same time as the initial consultation.
10. Does insurance cover Face Lift surgery?
Dr. Chaboki provides the finest in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery at affordable prices, and participates with most insurance plans. Plastic surgery covers a broad area of medicine, which includes both reconstructive procedures and cosmetic procedures. If your procedure is medically indicated, some portion of the cost may be covered. The office accepts insurance in applicable cases and will, if you wish, contact your insurance company to find out if your procedure will be covered. Insurance coverage varies greatly for patients, however, plastic surgery may be partially or fully covered.
