The Art of Looking Effortlessly Refreshed

Subtle surgical artistry for a refreshed, refined appearance.

Facelift with an Artist’s Touch

Over time, the face undergoes subtle changes—skin loses elasticity, youthful volume diminishes, and definition in the jawline and neck begins to fade. When you’re ready to address these signs of aging, facelift surgery offers a refined, lasting solution.

At his Edina practice, Dr. Edward Szachowicz, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, approaches facelift surgery with the eye of an artist and the hands of a seasoned specialist. His techniques are designed not only to lift—but to sculpt, soften, and rejuvenate—bringing harmony back to your features with results that look beautifully natural.

This 59y/o woman had facial relaxation, but also showed extensive fat atrophy resulting in volume loss in her face. A facelift and necklift helped with the laxity, and fat grafting was performed in her cheeks, nasolabial folds, lips, and chin which added youthful volume.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is more than a lift—it’s a sculpted restoration of your natural features. At his Edina practice, Dr. Edward Szachowicz artfully rejuvenates the lower face and neck by repositioning deep tissues, refining the neck contour, and gently lifting the skin. His technique restores youthful definition without stretching or changing what makes you, you.

Is a Facelift right for you?

The best candidates for facelift surgery are in good health and want to maintain their natural appearance with subtle, long-lasting results. During your consultation, Dr. Szachowicz will assess important factors such as skin elasticity, facial volume, bone structure, and neck contour to determine the best approach for your unique features.

Many people start considering a facelift when the way they look no longer reflects how they feel—vibrant, confident, and full of life. While patients often explore this option in their 40s or 50s, excellent results can be achieved well into the 60s, 70s, and beyond.

Ultimately, it’s not about age—it’s about how you want to show up in the world, and whether you’re ready to look as good as you feel.

Procedures that Pair
Well with a Facelift

Facelift Results with Lasting Impact

See real results from Dr. Szachowicz’s skilled artistry. Our gallery showcases natural-looking facelifts and complementary facial rejuvenation procedures—refined enhancements that restore harmony, definition, and confidence.

Every result reflects a personalized approach—shaped by your unique features and goals. Expect refreshed contours, smoother skin, and subtle improvements that look like you—just more rested and refined.

This is a very active 55 y/o woman in a very competitive workplace. She has excellent skin tone and has been careful about the sun. She has noticed that her jawline was looking more square  and she noticed the skin of her neck was getting more lax. In the chin down position she noticed more fullness and loss of definition in her jawline. In addition to her deep plane facelift and deep necklift, she had some of her buccal fat reduced to help her face look less bottom heavy, and re-create an oval shape to her face.

What to Expect During Facelift Recovery

Healing is a crucial part of your facelift journey. Most patients return to regular activities within 10 to 14 days, with visible swelling and bruising continuing to fade over several weeks.

Dr. Szachowicz monitors your healing closely through follow-up visits and provides homeopathic arnica to support your recovery. While minimal or short-scar techniques may offer faster healing, Dr. Szachowicz prioritizes long-term, natural-looking results that last.

What Patients Say About Dr. Szachowicz

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Facelift FAQs

Hair-sparing incisions are carefully placed along the hairline—not in the scalp—to avoid permanent hair loss during a facelift. While some surgeons hide incisions within the scalp (removing hair in the process), Dr. Szachowicz believes in preserving your natural hairline.

This approach:

  • Maintains your hair density as you age
  • Gives you more freedom with hairstyles
  • Allows for future facelifts without scalp hair loss
  • Helps avoid an overly “wide” look caused by removing temple hair

Dr. Szachowicz customizes every incision to remove excess skin—especially in the neck—while protecting your hair and enhancing your natural beauty. During your consultation, he’ll walk you through his technique and show examples of typical healing.

Yes. Dr. Szachowicz uses a multi-step approach to minimize swelling and bruising after facelift surgery:

  • Before surgery, patients stop medications and supplements that increase bleeding, like aspirin, NSAIDs (Advil, Aleve), fish oils, and high doses of Vitamin E. Blood pressure is also monitored and managed carefully.
  • Arnica montana, a natural remedy, is started two days before surgery and continued for up to 3 weeks to reduce bruising and soreness. Arnica cream is also applied to the skin after surgery.
  • During and after surgery, blood pressure is closely controlled, a tissue sealant (fibrin glue) is used to reduce bruising, and a light compression bandage is applied to support healing.

This thoughtful protocol helps speed recovery and improves comfort during the healing process.

Facelift recovery happens in three phases—swelling, stiffness, then softening. Dr. Szachowicz supports this natural healing process with a structured aftercare plan that includes:

  • Follow-up visits to monitor progress and provide care.
  • Day 1: Dressing is removed, and a supportive garment is placed.
  • Days 3–5: Light and ultrasound therapies begin.
  • Days 7–10: Sutures are removed and makeup can be applied.
  • Week 4–6: Fraxel Restore laser sessions begin for scar healing.

Therapies include:

  • Arnica montana: Taken orally and applied as a cream to reduce bruising.
  • Light therapy & ultrasound: Help with circulation and tissue recovery.
  • Suction massage: Gently relieves post-surgical stiffness.
  • Fraxel laser: Included to improve incision lines—typically three sessions.
  • Advanced medical skincare: Prescription-grade products to maintain smooth, even-toned skin and extend the benefits of surgery.

This thoughtful, multi-step approach is designed to optimize healing, comfort, and lasting results.

Most people resume routine activities within 2–3 weeks after surgery. Here’s a general recovery timeline:

  • Days 1–5: Swelling is managed with light compression, ultrasound, light therapy, and Arnica cream.
  • Days 7–10: Sutures and clips are removed. You can use camouflage makeup and return to light daily tasks like driving or shopping.
  • Weeks 2–3: Bruising fades, and you can ease back into exercise like walking or using a treadmill.
  • After 3 weeks: More demanding activities like swimming or tennis can be resumed once neck stiffness improves.
  • After 1 month: You can get your hair styled, start Fraxel laser treatments for scar care, and begin a medical skincare routine.

Dr. Szachowicz emphasizes a thoughtful recovery plan to help you return to your life with renewed confidence.

Most patients describe the discomfort as mild and focused around the incision lines near the ears, with some neck tightness from the muscle work. This is usually well-managed with prescribed oral pain medication.
Additional comfort measures include:

  • Elevating your head
  • Using a cooling eye mask
  • Limiting movement after surgery

By the next day, your initial dressing is replaced with a lighter Lycra support garment, which most find more comfortable. Fat transfer or a brow lift performed at the same time may add some sensation (like forehead pressure or mild abdominal soreness), but overall, most patients feel more tired than in pain.

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