Getting a facelift is a major decision, but the recovery doesn’t have to be a drawn-out ordeal. At Athré Facial Plastics, patients are back to work and feeling like themselves in as little as seven days, not because we cut corners, but because we approach recovery with the same precision and thoughtfulness as the facelift procedure itself.
Dr. Raghu Athré, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and inventor of the 4D Facelift, combines smart surgical technique with ElixrMD light therapy to dramatically speed up recovery, reduce swelling, and help your skin heal from the inside out. This approach has made him one of the most sought-after facelift experts in Houston, TX.
ElixrMD is a non-invasive, FDA-approved light therapy device that accelerates healing after surgery by stimulating cell regeneration, reducing inflammation, and improving microcirculation. It's based on photobiomodulation—the science of using light to activate healing at the cellular level. ElixrMD works in tandem with deep plane facelift techniques to reduce trauma and boost soft tissue repair.
This isn't just a "nice-to-have." It's built into our facelift recovery protocol because it works—and it works exceptionally well.
Here’s how ElixrMD supports your recovery:
Combined with Dr. Athré’s advanced techniques, ElixrMD helps patients feel better, faster.
For patients undergoing more extensive procedures like a neck lift, brow lift, or upper lip lift, ElixrMD provides a safer experience by helping the body adapt to multiple healing demands at once. It's also increasingly used to complement chemical peel aftercare and improve facial harmony outcomes.
Our facelift recovery process doesn’t rely on guesswork—it’s a carefully structured plan based on real data, clinical outcomes, and decades of surgical experience. From facial harmony to restoring a youthful contour, every detail matters.
Preparation begins long before the procedure. Patients receive:
This “pre-hab” phase ensures the body is in the best shape possible before surgery.
All facelifts are performed under local anesthesia—a critical factor in reducing bruising and swelling. After surgery:
Light movement is encouraged. Walking and mild activity support lymphatic flow and help clear excess fluid from soft tissue.
Dr. Athré’s approach is different by design. Every decision—from anesthesia type to lymphatic massage instructions—is meant to speed recovery without compromising results.
What makes the difference:
If you’re planning a facelift, neck surgery, or combined facial plastic surgery like brow lift or chemical peel, ElixrMD is a key tool for rapid healing.
It’s ideal for:
It’s also well-suited for mobile number–based scheduling (we text you reminders) and integrates easily into all post-op care routines. We’ll confirm if ElixrMD is safe and appropriate for your skin during your consultation.
Patients concerned about soft tissue trauma, excess skin, or issues with healing can feel comfortable knowing that Dr. Athré’s technique and ElixrMD support each phase of the recovery process.
Even with the best facelift surgeon and post-op support, healing is a process. Most patients see steady improvements in swelling and skin tone by the end of week one, and more refined results by the end of week three. By six weeks, facial features settle and youthful definition returns. Long-term results continue evolving for several months.
If you’re combining a facelift with a neck lift or lip lift, timelines may vary slightly. We’ll guide you through every phase with clarity, follow-up appointments, and practical support.
Dr. Raghu Athré is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Houston, TX, known for pushing the boundaries of facial rejuvenation while never compromising safety or outcomes. As the inventor of the 4D Facelift and the first surgeon in Houston to integrate ElixrMD into routine post-op care, his expertise speaks through his results—and through his patients who are back to life in just a week.
If you're still unsure, check out Nikki’s facelift before-and-after photos and watch real patient testimonials. The results speak for themselves.
Healing well shouldn’t take forever, and it doesn’t have to. If you’re ready to experience the next evolution of facelift recovery with ElixrMD Houston, TX patients trust, book your consultation with Dr. Athré today. We’ll create a plan that fits your timeline, respects your appearance goals, and gets you glowing again in record time.
Not at all. Most patients describe it as relaxing.
Three sessions in the first week is standard. Additional sessions may be recommended based on your progress.
Yes. ElixirMD is safe for every skin tone and type.
ElixirMD itself is low-risk, but facelift surgery always carries risks. We'll go over everything in your consultation.
We’ll go over your full recovery plan—including ElixirMD pricing—during your consultation. No surprise fees.
Light workouts like walking or low-impact movement are typically approved by week three, depending on your healing.
