Frequently Asked
Questions — Answered Clearly.

A traditional facelift primarily tightens the skin, sometimes with plication (folding) of the SMAS layer. A deep plane facelift releases the SMAS from its deeper attachments and repositions the entire layer as a composite unit, with the skin moving naturally with the deeper tissue. This produces more natural results that last significantly longer — typically 10 to 15 years versus 3 to 7 years for traditional techniques. Learn more about the procedure.

The procedure typically takes three to five hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and whether additional procedures — such as a neck lift, blepharoplasty, or fat transfer — are performed at the same time.

Not necessarily. Dr. Huq is one of the few surgeons in Canada who routinely offers deep plane facelifts under local anesthesia or TIVA (twilight sedation). He is the Guest Editor of an Elsevier textbook on local anesthesia in plastic surgery.

Local anesthesia eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia and typically results in a faster, more comfortable recovery. General anesthesia is also available for patients who prefer it — all cases are supported by Canadian board-certified FRCPC physician anesthesiologists.

The SMAS — Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System — is the layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin of the face. It is the layer that actually descends with age, pulling the overlying skin with it and creating jowls, deep folds, and midface hollowing. A deep plane facelift repositions this layer.

Yes. Dr. Huq frequently combines the deep plane facelift with a neck lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift, fat transfer, or chin augmentation. The combination is determined during your consultation based on your anatomy and goals.

Most patients take two weeks off from work and social activities. By the end of week two, the majority feel comfortable being seen in public. Most visible swelling resolves within the first month, with subtle improvements continuing over three to six months.

Operatively. A local anesthetic for a facelift is usually described as a brief stinging or burning sensation when the medication is first injected. People often compare it to a sharp pinching feeling from the needle followed by a burning or pressure sensation that lasts a few seconds — generally the “worst” part. The area then gradually becomes numb and heavy. Once the anesthetic takes effect, most patients mainly feel pressure, movement, or tugging during the procedure rather than pain. We use additional comfort measures during surgery, including Ativan and Nitrous Oxide.

Post-operatively. Most patients describe tightness and pressure rather than significant pain. Common sensations include tightness around the cheeks, jawline, neck, and behind the ears; tenderness or a bruised feeling; swelling and pressure; numbness or tingling in some areas; and mild burning, aching, or pulling sensations as healing progresses.

Pain is usually most noticeable during the first 24–72 hours, gradually improving over 1–2 weeks. Discomfort is well managed with prescribed medication and typically decreases substantially after the first few days. Patients who undergo the procedure under local anesthesia often report feeling more comfortable in the immediate post-operative period than those who have had general anesthesia.

Light walking is encouraged from day one. Gentle exercise can resume at three to four weeks. Vigorous activity — running, weight training, high-intensity workouts — is typically safe after six weeks with Dr. Huq’s clearance.

Short car trips are fine within a few days. Air travel is generally safe after two weeks, though Dr. Huq recommends staying accessible for follow-up appointments during the first two weeks. Out-of-town patients should plan to stay in the Niagara Falls area for at least two days post-surgery.

Results typically last 10 to 15 years. While the aging process continues after surgery, you will always look younger than you would have without the procedure. Many patients describe the result as turning back the clock by approximately a decade.

This is the defining advantage of the deep plane technique. Because the deeper structures are repositioned rather than the skin pulled, the result looks natural — not tight, windswept, or “done.” Patients typically receive compliments without anyone being able to identify what has changed.

Incisions are placed within the natural creases of the face and along the hairline. As they mature over the months following surgery, they fade to thin, flat lines that are very difficult to detect. Dr. Huq’s microsurgical training informs the precision of his incision placement and closure.

Most patients do not need a revision. The longevity of deep plane results — 10 to 15 years — means that many patients are satisfied with a single procedure. If a touch-up is desired years later, the options are discussed at that time.

At Niagara Plastic Surgery Centre, deep plane facelifts start at $20,000. This base quote is all-inclusive — surgeon’s fee, accredited facility fee, anesthesia, and all follow-up appointments. Adjuvant procedures performed alongside your facelift — such as fat grafting, liposuction, lip lift, and buccal fat removal — carry an additional charge for each. Comparable GTA quotes typically range from $50,000 to $100,000. See full pricing details.

Yes. NPSC offers flexible payment plans — biweekly or monthly payments with no interest and no administration fees. There is no third-party financing partner. All surgical procedures must be paid in full prior to treatment; our financing options help make the process more manageable and accessible. Learn about financing.

The consultation fee is $200, which is credited toward your procedure if you choose to proceed with surgery. A free consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator is also available prior to meeting with Dr. Huq.

Most patients are between 45 and 70, but candidacy is determined by anatomy rather than age. Some patients in their early 40s have anatomy that benefits from a deep plane approach. If your concerns are milder, the Optimum LIFT (OML — mini facelift) may be more appropriate.

There is no strict upper age limit. Patients in good health with well-managed medical conditions can be excellent candidates into their 70s. Dr. Huq evaluates each patient individually during consultation.

Yes. Approximately 10% of Dr. Huq’s cases are revisions of other surgeons’ work. A previous facelift does not disqualify you.

Yes. Dr. Huq requires patients to be non-smokers and prefers a minimum of two weeks smoke-free before surgery. Smoking constricts blood vessels and impairs healing, which directly affects surgical outcomes.

Dr. N. S. Huq personally performs every surgery at Niagara Plastic Surgery Centre. He is supported by qualified members of his team — including registered nurses, surgical assistants, and assistant surgeons — who help during portions of the operation. Your case stays with Dr. Huq from consultation through recovery. Learn more about Dr. Huq.

Yes. Niagara Plastic Surgery Centre is accredited by both the CPSO (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario) and Accreditation Canada. Dr. Huq has published an infection rate of less than 1% across more than 2,800 in-office surgeries.

The facility is fully equipped with emergency resuscitation equipment, including a crash cart, meeting or exceeding CPSO standards. When general anesthesia is performed, dantrolene is on site. Greater Niagara General Hospital is located half a block from the clinic.