A facelift is a surgical procedure that restores a more youthful appearance by lifting and repositioning the skin and deeper tissues of the face. It improves sagging skin, jowls, and loss of definition in the jawline and neck.

What It Treats

• Sagging skin in the face and neck

• Jowls

• Deep facial folds

• Loss of facial shape and volume

A facelift is often combined with procedures like eyelid surgery, brow lift, or fat grafting for more complete results.

The Procedure

Facelift surgery is performed under anesthesia in an accredited operating room, usually as an outpatient procedure.

A deep plane facelift technique is commonly used. This method lifts the deeper facial structures rather than pulling the skin, creating more natural results and minimizing visible scarring.

During surgery:

• Underlying facial layers are lifted and repositioned

• Fat may be removed or added for better balance

• Skin is gently re draped, and excess is removed

• Incisions are placed in discreet areas

Recovery

• About 2 weeks of social downtime

• Back to most normal activities in 4–6 weeks

• Mild to moderate discomfort for a few days

• Final results develop over several months

Consultation

Treatment is tailored to each patient’s goals and anatomy. A consultation will help determine the best approach for you.

A procedure that refreshes the upper and/or lower eyelids to create a more rested, youthful appearance. It may be done alone or combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures. A brow lift is separate but can be added if needed.

Causes of Eye Aging

Aging around the eyes is caused by:

• Loose skin

• Loss of volume

• Tissue laxity

These changes can lead to:

• Heavy or droopy eyelids

• Puffiness or under-eye bags

• A tired appearance

Upper Eyelids Common concerns:

• Excess or drooping skin

• Heavy-looking eyelids

Treatment focuses on:

• Removing excess skin

• Preserving or restoring natural volume

• Creating a smooth, natural result

Lower Eyelids Common concerns:

• Under-eye bags

• Hollowness

• Loose tissue

Treatment may include:

• Repositioning or removing fat

• Tightening support structures

• Restoring cheek volume if needed

Recovery

• Outpatient procedure

• Recovery is usually smooth

• Temporary swelling, bruising, or dryness may occur and improve over time

Neck lifts are a group of procedures designed to remove excess or loose skin from the neck and improve neck contour.

Treatment Approaches

Depending on the patient’s anatomy and goals, a neck lift may be performed as:

• The lower portion of a facelift

• An anterior (front-of-neck) approach with internal tightening

• A direct removal of excess neck skin

Each treatment plan is customized after an individual evaluation.

Procedure Details

• Performed under anesthesia

• Done in an operating room setting

• Most procedures are outpatient surgeries

Recovery

• Usually requires minimal pain medication

• Most patients return to normal activities within about 2 weeks

• Final healing and results may continue to improve for up to 1 year

Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)

A forehead lift is a surgical procedure that raises the eyebrows and refreshes the upper face. It is often combined with procedures such as blepharoplasty or facelift surgery.

Procedure Options

A forehead lift may be performed:

• Endoscopically using 3–5 small incisions hidden in the hair

Procedure Details

• Performed under anesthesia

• Done in an operating room setting

Recovery

• Recovery typically takes 1–2 weeks

• Most patients experience minimal pain

• Mild headaches are common during the first 24 hours after surgery

Possible side effects may include:

• Bruising or swelling

• Temporary scalp numbness

Rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape of the nose by reshaping the underlying bone and cartilage. The skin then settles over the new structure to create the final appearance.

Skin thickness and skin type can affect results, and your surgeon will discuss how these factors may influence your outcome.

Commonly combined with a Septoplasty which corrects a deviated septum to improve breathing.

Procedure Details

• Performed under anesthesia in an operating room

• Usually outpatient surgery

• Nasal packing is generally not used

Support After Surgery

• Internal splints may be placed temporarily to support the septum

• An external splint may be used if nasal bones are reshaped

• External splints are typically removed at the first postoperative visit

Recovery

• Swelling is common

• Bruising may occur, especially if bone reshaping is performed

• Ice is recommended during the first 24–48 hours

A Mastopexy, is a procedure that raises and reshapes the breasts to create a more youthful position on the chest.

Procedure Details:

• The breast tissue is repositioned and supported in a natural anatomical position

• Dissolvable sutures and surgical mesh may be used for added support and longer-lasting lift

Common Incision Pattern:

The most common technique uses an anchor-shaped incision, which includes:

• Around the areola

• Along the breast crease

• A vertical incision connecting the two

Sensation and Function

In most cases:

• Nipple sensation remains normal

• Breast function is preserved

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase breast size or improve breast shape.

• Usually considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance companies

• Sometimes covered after breast cancer reconstruction to improve breast symmetry

Modern implants:

• Often contain cohesive gel (“gummy bear” implants)

• Gel is less likely to spread if the implant breaks

Implant Surface Types

• Smooth implants

• Textured implants

Each has different benefits and risks that a surgeon will explain.

Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia & Setting

• Requires anesthesia

• Performed in an operating room

Common Incision Locations

• Around the nipple (areola)

• Under the breast fold (inframammary fold)

• Through the armpit

Implant Placement Options

• Above the chest muscle

• Below the pectoralis major muscle

Types of Autogenous Breast Augmentation

• Using Your Own Tissue (Autogenous)

• This method uses tissue or fat from the patient’s own body.

• Flap transfer: Tissue is moved from another body area to the breast (Common during breast reconstruction surgery)

• Fat transfer (fat grafting):

  • Fat is removed from another area and injected into the breasts

  • Usually increases size by about one cup

  • Can be repeated for larger results

Advantages:

• Uses natural body tissue

• More natural feel

Limitations:

• Limited size increase

• May require multiple procedures

The best option depends on:

• Body anatomy

• Desired appearance

• Surgeon recommendation

A cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, and often tightens weakened or separated abdominal muscles.

Procedure Details:

• Lower abdominal incision

• Skin is then lifted through abdomen to repair muscles if necessary.

• Dissolvable sutures are used, and typically drains are not necessary

Combination Procedures:

• Typically is done in conjunction with Vaser Liposuction

Liposuction consists of using different cannulas to remove unwanted fat from different areas. Typically Dr. Shaheen specializes in using the VASER Liposuction Technique

VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance.

Procedure Description

During the procedure:

• A saline solution mixed with medications is infused into the treatment area.

• A specialized ultrasound probe emits sound-wave energy to loosen fat cells.

• The liquefied fat is gently suctioned out through thin cannulas.

Because the fat is emulsified first, VASER liposuction is often described as:

• more precise

• less traumatic to surrounding tissues,

• and useful for detailed body sculpting.

Common Treatment Areas

• Abdomen

• Flanks (“love handles”)

• Chest

• Back

• Arms

• Thighs

• Chin/neck

Potential Advantages

Compared with traditional liposuction, VASER may offer:

• smoother contouring,

• improved precision around muscles,

• reduced tissue trauma,

• less bruising/swelling in some patients,

• enhanced skin retraction in selected cases.