Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

433 N. Camden Drive | Suite 1170 | Beverly Hills, CA 90210 | 310-274-2763

18372 Clark Street, Suite 204 | Tarzana, CA 91356 | 818-343-3345

Procedures

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Board Certified - American Board of Plastic Surgery
 

Procedures

Facelift

A Facelift, also known as "Rhytidectomy", is a surgical procedure designed to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck.

Sagging in the midface creates a deep crease between the nose and the mouth that is known as the nasolabial fold. Sagging can also create a crease under the lower eyelid known as the tear trough, which may make the face look sad and tired. Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin may give a person of normal weight the classic double chin appearance.

A facelift is an individualized procedure that is designed to address various aspects of facial and neck aging based on the targeted area for correction. This procedure aims to restore the youthful contour of the midface and correct the laxity of the skin and underlying tissues in the lower face and neck. The result is a refreshed, natural and rejuvenated look of the facial skin and the underlying muscles.

Several traditional and newer techniques are available to address the aging face, such as:

  1. The traditional Facelift-SMAS, which addresses the sagging lateral face and the jaw line "jowls"
  2. The Neck Lift or "neck contouring", which targets skin tightening along with rearrangement of the underlying muscles
  3. The Limited Incision Facelift, where the incisions stop and remain hidden in the crease behind the ears instead of extending past the crease into the hair-bearing scalp
  4. The more modern procedure of the Midface Lift focuses on rejuvenating the midface alone when natural cheek fullness is desired and when the laxity of the lower face and neck skin is not a factor. The midface lift pulls the cheek skin and underlying structures in a vertical vector "up" totheir natural desired location and anchorsthem to strong structures around the eye to avoid any undesirable pulling effecton the lower eyelid. It can be performed safely with small incisions limited to the lower eyelid areas, with minimal recovery time, similar to lower eyelid rejuvenation. The midface lift will restore a natural look to thelower eyelids and anappealing fullness in the cheeks.

    The midface lift is often performed as the only rejuvenating procedure of the face on patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. It can also be performed in conjunction witha traditional facelift-SMAS and/or neck lift for total facial and neck rejuvenation in patients with skin laxity ofthe lower face and neck. The addition of the midface lift to the traditional facelift technique helps avoid or minimize the undesirable pulled look or lateral sweep appearance occasionally seen when a facelift alone is used to correct advanced facial aging.

Several procedures are sometimes performed in combination with a facelift, such as brow lift, eyelid surgery "Blepharoplasty" to rejuvenate aging eyes, and neck liposuction.

Who is the ideal candidate for facelift?

  1. Aging men and women who wish to reverse the effects of facial aging in the areas of the midface, the jowls, the lower face and/or the neck
  2. Healthy individuals who do not have a serious medical condition that may complicate their recovery
  3. Individuals who have a positive attitude with realistic goals and expectations of their desired improvement
  4. Patients who have previously had eyelid surgery without rejuvenating the midface
  5. Non-smokers

How can you prepare for your surgery?

  1. Avoid medications that may complicate surgery or recovery such as herbal supplements, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (Motrin, Advil, etc.).
  2. Arrange for transportation and care at home after surgery.
  3. Stop smoking at least 3 weeks before and after surgery (minimum of six weeks total).

How long does the surgery take?

  1. The surgery takes 3-5 hours depending on the techniques implemented and the correction needed.
  2. It is usually performed under general anesthesia.
  3. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.

What can you expect after Surgery?

  1. Bed-rest the first day with minimal short walks.
  2. Shower 2-3 days after surgery.
  3. The face will initially appear slightly swollen.
  4. The face and neck will assume theirfinal shape in about 8-12 weeks. The resolution of the residual edema and scar remodeling will normally take several months.
  5. You can expect to be very comfortable within 2-3 weeks.
  6. You can expect to be very comfortable after the first week for the midface lift
  7. Head elevation is essential to minimize temporary swelling shortly after surgery.

When can you resume your normal activities?

  1. Driving may be resumed in 2-3 weeks.
  2. Non-contact sports in 3-4 weeks.
  3. Contact sports in 6 weeks.
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