Dr Teotia 
Dr Teotia 
Dr Teotia 
What is Meant by an “Awake” Facelift?
An awake facelift is performed using local anesthesia with controlled sedation (ProNox anesthesia). Patients remain comfortable and relaxed while breathing on their own throughout the procedure. This approach allows facial rejuvenation to be performed safely in an accredited in-office setting for appropriately selected patients.
Key aspects of an awake facelift include:
- Local anesthesia with sedation instead of general anesthesia
- No breathing tube or airway instrumentation
- Performed in-office rather than a hospital setting
- A more gradual and physiologic recovery process
Female board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephanie Teotia offers awake facelift techniques for patients who want meaningful facial improvement without the added demands of general anesthesia.
Why Does Time Efficiency Matter when Choosing a Facelift Approach?
Time is an important consideration for many patients. Between professional responsibilities, family life, and personal commitments, extended surgery and recovery can feel disruptive.
With an awake facelift:
- Surgical time is typically shorter than traditional facelift surgery
- Procedures often last closer to two to three hours rather than four to six
- Recovery tends to be more predictable and manageable
- Patients often feel clearer and more alert sooner after surgery
Dr. Teotia values thoughtful, unhurried consultations and efficient surgical planning, allowing patients to make informed decisions without feeling rushed.
Why Does an Awake Facelift Not Require General Anesthesia?
An awake facelift is performed using local anesthetic combined with sedation, which numbs the treatment area while keeping patients calm and comfortable. This eliminates the need for full unconsciousness and airway support.
Avoiding general anesthesia may offer advantages such as:
- Reduced anesthesia-related risks
- Lower likelihood of post-operative nausea or grogginess
- Less physiologic stress on the body
- A smoother immediate recovery experience
For many patients, avoiding general anesthesia feels like a more measured and conservative approach to facial surgery.
How Does the Setting Differ from Hospital-Based Surgery?
Since general anesthesia is not required, awake facelifts can be performed in an accredited in-office surgical suite rather than a hospital or surgery center.
In-office surgery offers:
- A quieter, more private environment
- A familiar and consistent care team
- Reduced exposure to hospital-related stressors
- Streamlined scheduling and recovery
Many patients find the office setting more comfortable and less intimidating than a hospital-based experience.
During the procedure, you can listen to music of your choice. Pro-nox gas is also offered to relieve anxiety. Halfway through we take a break for lunch. A soup of your choice is provided. You may also take additional pain medication during this time. After surgery, you are closely monitored and staff assists you into a compression garment with ice.
Does an Awake Facelift Still Produce Noticeable Improvement?
Yes, when performed on the right candidate, an awake facelift can produce refined, natural-looking improvement. The goal is not to dramatically alter appearance, but to restore balance and softness in areas affected by aging.
Patients often notice:
- Improved jawline definition
- Softening of jowls
- Better neck contour
- A refreshed, more rested appearance
Rather than looking “done,” patients often hear that they look well, rested, or subtly refreshed.
How Does Recovery Differ from a Facelift Under General Anesthesia?
Recovery after an awake facelift is often easier for patients to navigate. While healing timelines vary, many patients report feeling more like themselves sooner.
Common recovery-related benefits include:
- Less post-operative fatigue
- Reduced need for strong pain medication
- Shorter time before resuming light activities
- Less lingering mental fog after surgery
These factors can make recovery feel less disruptive to daily life.
Is an Awake Facelift Appropriate for Every Patient?
No. An awake facelift is not the right choice for everyone. Candidacy depends on anatomy, goals, medical history, and the extent of correction needed.
Awake facelifts are often well suited for patients who:
- Have mild to moderate facial aging
- Want improvement without extensive reconstruction
- Prefer to avoid general anesthesia
- Are comfortable with an in-office surgical setting
Patients requiring more extensive correction may benefit from surgery under general anesthesia, which is discussed during consultation.
Why is the Surgeon–Patient Relationship Important?
Facial surgery is personal. Patients deserve thoughtful guidance, not pressure to pursue changes that do not align with their goals or values.
Dr. Teotia approaches facial rejuvenation as a partnership, emphasizing:
- Listening carefully to patient concerns
- Respecting individual definitions of beauty
- Offering recommendations without coercion
- Supporting patients in making informed, confident decisions
The goal is not to create a different face, but to help patients look like themselves at their best.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation
Throughout the Flower Mound, TX area, more and more patients are choosing Dr. Teotia and her awake facelift as their treatment of choice. Contact her caring staff today, at (214) 823-9652, to schedule your consultation.
