Simple Lift Faqs

A. The surgery is performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area so you do not feel any pain. Intra-venous (I.V.) sedation is also provided to keep you relaxed and comfortable the entire time. The effects of the local anesthesia do not wear off for 6-10 hours, and afterwards most patients have little if any discomfort. Patients are given a prescription for pain medication in case they need it.

A. Every patient returns to the office the next day. Bandages are removed. Although it is different for each patient, in most cases there is minimal, if any bruising and swelling. Patients are encouraged to shower and shampoo their hair daily and to wear make-up. By the time they return for suture removal in 4-5 days, most patients have returned to their jobs.

A. Patients are seen the day after to remove the bandages and inspect the incisions. External sutures are removed in 4-5 days. Most patients are seen again 8-10 days after surgery, then variably 4-6 weeks and 4-6 months after surgery. Out of town patients can usually return home after the first week if everything is healing well.

A. For most patients, the results should last the same as a traditional Facelift. This varies with the patient’s age, skin quality, weight, ethnicity, etc. but, on average, the results should last years.

A. Most men and women in their 40’s or older can benefit from a SimpleLIFT. It is also an ideal procedure for those patients who have already had a traditional Facelift in the past. Although an ideal candidate is one in good health, because of the non-aggressive nature of the SimpleLIFT and because it is usually performed under local anesthesia, even patients with some medical conditions may be candidates, as long as those conditions are under good control and the patient is cleared for the surgery by their personal physician.

A. For most men and women a SimpleLIFT will provide the desired results. However, in those patients with necks complicated by excessive fat and/or very visible hanging muscle bands (“turkey gobbles”), excessive scarring and/or deformity from previous surgery or for patients who desire additional procedures such as eyelids or foreheads, the surgery becomes less “Simple” and more involved. In these situations, additional costs are incurred and some cases may even require the presence of an anesthesiologist for heavier sedation and occasionally general anesthesia.

A. An initial consultation with Dr. Palma is required, as well as a second Pre-surgical visit, at which time detailed pre-op and post-op instructions are discussed, photographs are taken and Dr. Palma performs a physical exam to get you ready for surgery. In most cases, simple blood tests are required which can be done by our office or your personal physician. For patients with medical conditions, clearance by their physician may be required. Aspirin, Ibuprofen and other medications that interfere with blood clotting cannot be taken for 2-3 weeks before surgery. Most patients take advantage of a specially priced Pre- and Post-op Package offered by our in-house Medical Aesthetician to help with skin preparation, lymphatic drainage and post-op concealing make-up.

A. Dr. Palma practices and is the Founder and Medical Director of Sunrise Intracoastal Plastic Surgery Center, conveniently located across the street from the Galleria Mall and walking distance to world famous Ft. Lauderdale beaches. The facility houses a full-service Surgery Center, nationally accredited by the AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities, Inc) and fully licensed and approved by the state of Florida. Most SimpleLIFTs are done in this facility. If a patient desires to have surgery done in a hospital, Dr. Palma has full surgical privileges at most of our excellent local hospitals.

A. Although the great majority of patients tolerate the procedure in comfort and painlessly under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, those who prefer it may have a Board Certified Anesthesiologist from one of our best local hospitals be present (at additional expense) for either general anesthesia (fully sleep) or heavy intravenous sedation (Monitored Anesthesia Control or M.A.C.).

A. Almost all patients can safely go home within 1-2 hours after surgery. If a patient prefers, the facility offers overnight stay for a nominal fee.

A. Because of the intravenous sedation patients cannot legally drive themselves home after surgery, so they must make arrangements for transportation beforehand. Once home, no special caretaker arrangements are required by most patients. Most patients have someone drive them back to the office the next morning.

A. Smoking significantly increases the risks of complications associated with any surgical procedure, and especially so with Facelifts of all types. All smokers are warned about these risks and strongly encouraged to stop smoking before surgery, or at the very least to significantly decrease the amount of smoking. Since the SimpleLIFT is less aggressive surgically than a traditional Facelift, the risks are theoretically less, but still very real.

A. There are risks associated with each and every surgery performed on human beings. With modern surgical techniques and equipment, serious risks are rare in the hands of qualified surgeons. Click here to view Dr. Palma’s training, qualifications and experience. Surgical risks associated specifically with the SimpleLIFT are discussed in detail with each patient at the Pre-surgical visit.

A. Absolutely yes! Usually, additional procedures add to the overall cost and recuperation, depending on their complexity and extent. The most common procedure added is Lip Rejuvenation (discussed elsewhere on this website) with injection of Fillers such as Restylane, Perlane, Juvaderm, etc. In patients with excess fat in the neck and/or visible neck muscle bands (“turkey gobbles”), correction of these problems can be easily added to the SimpleLIFT. Additionally, Upper and/or Lower Blepharoplasties (Eyelids) and Brow/Forehead lifts can be also added. In some instances, surgery in other areas of the body, such as breasts and abdomen can also be safely performed.

A. Dr. Palma will do 100% of the Pre-operative Consultation, Pre-operative examination and every step of the surgical procedure. He will also directly supervise all of the Post-operative care.

A. No. The lifting and tightening of the deep structures (muscle, fascia) is accomplished using the same time-tested techniques as the more surgically aggressive Facelifts. See "What is a SimpleLIFT" or "The SimpleLIFT Difference"

A. Our Office accepts all major Credit cards. Patients can also arrange their own financing through CareCredit.

Frequently Asked Questions