Facelift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, remains one of the most effective procedures for reversing visible signs of facial aging. By repositioning deeper facial tissues and removing excess skin, a facelift can dramatically improve sagging, jowls, and loss of jawline definition. However, many patients are surprised to notice crepey or thin, wrinkled skin around the mouth, lower cheeks, or under the eyes after surgery.
This does not mean the facelift “failed.” Instead, it highlights an important truth about facial rejuvenation: a facelift corrects laxity and sagging, not skin quality.
Dr. Kailash Narasimhan, a board-certified plastic surgeon serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area, frequently educates patients on how to address crepey skin after facelift surgery using non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments. When thoughtfully combined, these treatments can significantly enhance and extend facelift results.
Crepey skin describes skin that appears thin, fragile, finely wrinkled, and slightly loose, often compared to crepe paper. It commonly develops in areas where the skin is naturally thinner, such as:
Crepey skin is not the same as sagging skin. Even when facial tissues are lifted surgically, the surface texture of the skin may still show signs of aging.
As we age, the body produces less collagen and elastin—the structural proteins responsible for firmness, elasticity, and smoothness. A facelift repositions tissues but does not replace lost collagen.
Chronic UV exposure breaks down collagen fibers and accelerates skin thinning. Patients with a history of sun damage may notice crepey skin even after excellent surgical lifting.
Some individuals naturally have thinner skin, making crepiness more noticeable—particularly around the mouth and eyes.
Significant weight loss or advanced aging can further reduce fat and skin thickness, contributing to a crepey appearance.
A facelift addresses structure, not surface texture. That is why non-surgical skin treatments are often recommended as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan.
Yes. In fact, non-surgical treatments are often the best solution for crepey skin after facelift surgery. These treatments focus on stimulating collagen, improving elasticity, resurfacing damaged skin, and restoring hydration and volume—without additional incisions.
Dr. Narasimhan emphasizes that timing and treatment selection are critical. The goal is to complement surgery, not compete with it.
Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin using fine needles. This triggers the body’s natural wound-healing response, leading to increased collagen and elastin production.
Benefits for post-facelift patients:
Microneedling is often combined with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for enhanced results.
Laser resurfacing is one of the most effective treatments for crepey skin after facelift surgery. Fractionated lasers create microscopic treatment zones that stimulate collagen while leaving surrounding tissue intact.
Advantages include:
Dr. Narasimhan carefully selects laser type and depth based on the patient’s skin type, healing timeline, and facelift recovery stage.
Chemical peels exfoliate damaged outer skin layers, promoting cell turnover and collagen regeneration.
Types commonly used post-facelift:
Peels can significantly improve skin smoothness when used strategically and conservatively.
PRP uses the patient’s own blood to deliver growth factors directly into the skin.
PRP benefits include:
PRP is commonly paired with microneedling or laser treatments.
While fillers do not directly treat crepey skin, carefully placed hyaluronic acid fillers can improve the appearance by restoring volume and supporting overlying skin.
Best uses post-facelift:
Overfilling is avoided, as excessive volume can worsen skin texture.
Topical treatments play an essential long-term role in managing crepey skin.
Key ingredients include:
Consistent skincare helps maintain and extend in-office treatment results.
A facelift and non-surgical treatments address different layers of aging:
Facelift Surgery
Non-Surgical Treatments
Lifts sagging tissuesImproves skin texture
Defines jawline
Thickens thin skin
Corrects jowls
Reduces fine wrinkles
Long-lasting structure
Ongoing skin quality
Dr. Narasimhan’s philosophy is comprehensive facial rejuvenation—structure plus skin quality.
Timing is critical. Some treatments can be initiated within weeks of surgery, while others require more healing time.
Dr. Narasimhan customizes treatment timelines to:
No two patients experience aging—or healing—the same way. Factors that influence treatment selection include:
Patients in St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Clearwater benefit from Dr. Narasimhan’s individualized approach and surgical-level understanding of facial anatomy.
Crepey skin after facelift surgery is common—and highly treatable. While a facelift repositions and rejuvenates the face structurally, non-surgical treatments are essential for restoring skin quality, thickness, and elasticity.
With the right combination of microneedling, laser resurfacing, RF or ultrasound therapy, PRP, and medical-grade skincare, patients can achieve smoother, healthier, and more youthful skin that fully complements their facelift results.
Dr. Kailash Narasimhan’s expertise allows patients to enjoy comprehensive, natural-looking facial rejuvenation without unnecessary additional surgery.
If you are concerned about crepey skin after facelift surgery or are planning a facelift and want to optimize your results, contact Dr. Kailash Narasimhan today for a personalized consultation.
Serving St. Petersburg, Tampa, Clearwater, and the greater Tampa Bay area.
