At Levesque Plastic Surgery, we've spent the last eight years perfecting the art of deep plane facelifts and neck lifts under local anesthesia. This approach offers significant benefits — increased safety compared to IV sedation or general anesthesia, along with a faster recovery. While it takes longer and limits us to one surgery per day, we take pride in dedicating our full attention to each patient and their aesthetic goals.
What Is a Deep Plane Facelift and Neck Lift?
A deep plane facelift targets the deeper structures of the face. The surgery involves:
- Repositioning facial fat — separating tissue layers and releasing retaining ligaments to lift and restore volume
- Tightening muscles — the superficial muscular layers are tightened for a natural, long-lasting result
- Skin rejuvenation — excess, wrinkled, or thinned skin is removed where appropriate
We often combine this with lip lifts, brow lifts, eyelid surgery, fat grafting, and/or CO2 laser resurfacing.
Why Don't All Surgeons Perform Facelifts Under Local Anesthesia?
- Expertise required: Effective nerve blocks for patient comfort take time and practice
- Time commitment: Administering blocks can take over an hour, reducing the number of procedures per day
- Financial considerations: Some surgeons own surgical centers and benefit from general anesthesia facility fees
- Patient interaction: Performing surgery on an awake patient may not appeal to every surgeon — though we find it an enjoyable part of the process
What to Expect Before Your Facelift
You'll meet personally with Dr. Levesque for a detailed one-hour consultation. A preoperative visit includes photos, consent forms, payment, and prescriptions. Medications prescribed in advance include:
- Oxycodone — for breakthrough pain, typically needed only the first evening
- Halcion (triazolam) — a mild sedative taken during the procedure to help you relax
- Zofran (ondansetron) — for nausea prevention
- Keflex (cephalexin) — antibiotic to prevent infection
- Gabapentin — for nerve-related discomfort
- Tylenol — for general pain relief
What Happens on Surgery Day?
- Arrive with your prescribed medications; we'll review the plan in detail
- Get comfortably positioned on the surgical bed; once medications take effect, numbing solution is injected
- Surgery begins and is typically completed in the early afternoon
- A responsible adult must drive you home — no Uber or Lyft
- You'll leave with a light neck bandage and gauze; a small amount of drainage is normal
Follow-Up Care
- 1–3 days post-surgery: First check for bleeding or skin health issues
- 1 week: Stitch removal; most patients are off prescription medications and comfortable with light makeup
- 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, annually: Follow-up visits, free of charge
Tips to Avoid a "Botched" Facelift
- Choose a qualified surgeon — look for board certification in plastic or facial reconstructive surgery
- Review before-and-after photos — a surgeon's portfolio speaks volumes about their expertise
- Consult multiple surgeons — comparing consultations clarifies who best aligns with your goals
- Set realistic expectations — filtered images and celebrity results may not reflect reality
How to Speed Up Recovery
- Rest — prioritize sleep and avoid strenuous activity
- Elevate — keeping your head elevated minimizes swelling
- Protect scars — use sunblock, silicone gels, and follow your surgeon's guidance
- Consider Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) — can reduce inflammation, improve mood, and accelerate healing
Ready to learn more? Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a refreshed, confident you.