Facelift and blepharoplasty are two separate facial procedures, but they are often discussed together since they address different areas of the face.
A facelift focuses on the lower face and neck, while a blepharoplasty targets the eyelids. It is possible for both procedures to be performed during the same operation, and there are a number of practical reasons why some patients choose this approach.
In this blog, we’ll look at how the procedures can work together, what to expect during combined surgery, and how recovery may be affected. If you have any questions about either procedure or a combined approach, you are also welcome to ask our team.
What do the procedures each focus on?
A facelift involves repositioning deeper tissues and tightening the skin of the lower face and neck. It addresses changes that affect the jawline, chin, and neck area.
Blepharoplasty is performed to modify the upper or lower eyelids. Upper eyelid surgery can involve removing excess skin or adjusting tissue, while lower eyelid surgery may target excess skin or small fat pads.
These procedures target different regions of the face, so combining them can address both lower facial and eyelid areas in one surgical session. That said, whether or not they can be performed together will depend on your overall health, the extent of the planned changes, and the anticipated operating time.
Why do some patients combine both procedures?
The most practical reason a facelift and blepharoplasty might be performed together is efficiency.
Having them in the same operation means only one period of anaesthesia and one recovery period, rather than undergoing two separate surgeries and recoveries. It can also allow your doctor to approach facial changes with a more comprehensive plan, ensuring that the adjustments in the lower face are in proportion with changes in the eye area.
However, combining procedures also extends the total time in surgery, which is why your doctor will assess whether it is suitable for each patient. Factors such as age, general health, and the complexity of the planned techniques all influence whether it’s recommended.
What can you expect during a combined surgery?
A facelift typically involves incisions placed around the ears and sometimes under the chin, depending on the areas being addressed. Your doctor works beneath the skin to adjust underlying tissues.
For blepharoplasty, upper eyelid incisions are generally made within the natural crease, while lower eyelid incisions can be placed just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid.
The overall operating time will vary depending on whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both are performed alongside the facelift.
What is recovery like after a combined procedure?
Patients combining both procedures will often find that the recovery timeline is extended slightly compared to having just one procedure, simply because more areas are healing at once.
Swelling and bruising are likely to appear in multiple areas of the face, and these can take a few weeks to gradually subside. In the first days after surgery, your doctor may recommend keeping the head elevated as much as possible to help reduce swelling. Cold compresses can be used around the eyes in the early stages, but care is needed not to place any pressure on incision sites.
You may also notice that swelling from the facelift can move downwards towards the neck over the first week or so, while swelling from eyelid surgery can shift slightly down the cheeks before fading.
It’s also common for the face to feel tight or firm in certain areas for a while after a facelift, especially around the jawline and neck. Similarly, eyelids may feel slightly numb or have a sensation of tightness during the early stages of healing. These sensations usually improve over time as tissues adapt.
What instructions will you need to follow after a combined surgery?
It’s important that patients avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending forward for the first couple of weeks after a combined procedure. Activities that raise blood pressure can worsen swelling or put tension on healing tissues, especially around the eyes. Light walking is usually encouraged once you feel able, as it can help promote circulation without stressing the face.
Sleeping in a slightly upright position, using extra pillows, can be helpful in the early stages to minimise swelling. You will also need to avoid rubbing or pressing around the eyes and be careful with any skincare products until your doctor confirms it’s fine to use them again.
For your procedure, you’ll receive recovery instructions that will be aligned with the extensiveness of the surgery. Your instructions will also be tailored to your needs to ensure that you’re taking the right steps to support your body.
What is discussed during a consultation?
When a facelift and blepharoplasty are considered together, your doctor will take into account the order of surgery, total anaesthetic time, and the amount of tissue adjustment required in each area.
The approach will also depend on whether upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both are planned, as this will affect both operating time and the extent of post-operative care.
Your doctor will also review your general health, any pre-existing eye conditions, and your medical history to make sure both procedures can be performed together. In some cases, it may be recommended to stage the surgeries separately, particularly if the planned adjustments are extensive.
Book a consultation with Dr Rastogi in his Double Bay, Sydney location
Dr Rastogi is an experienced cosmetic doctor in Double Bay, Sydney. He is a fellow and the President of ACCSM (Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine).
Dr Rastogi takes pride in providing his patients with a warm and understanding environment, each with his personal approach and by working with a supportive team. With a minimum of a two-hour comprehensive consultation, you’ll be able to communicate your needs and expectations for your chosen procedure.
If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact our team.
Read more about facelift:
- Dr Rastogi’s facelift surgery main page
- How much does face facelift (Meloplasty) cost?
- What is the difference between a SMAS facelift and a deep plane facelift?
- What is recovery from a deep plane facelift like?
- How many times can you get a facelift?
- What is the best facelift for over 60?
- Should I get a mini facelift or a full facelift?
- Does a facelift leave scars?
- Does a facelift change your smile?
Read more about blepharoplasty:
