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Facelift with Lifelong Lift™

Facelift Surgery At a Glance

  • Procedure: Outpatient, 5 – 6 hours
  • Anesthesia: General anesthesia
  • Recovery: One to two weeks of downtime, 6 to 12 months for all swelling to resolve
  • Cost: Starts at $30,000 – $40,000

Over time, our facial bones shrink. Also, the sun causes skin to lose elasticity, and gravity causes ligaments of the underlying soft tissues to stretch. As a result, the skin develops wrinkles, and gravity causes the muscle and fat overlying the facial skeleton to sag and droop, forming jowls and a double chin (loss of the horizontal, model-esque neck line). These changes can create discordance between how active people feel and what they see in the mirror. Therefore, people who are engaged in life often feel a desire to have a more youthful outer appearance that reflects their inner energy.

A facelift with the Lifelong Lift™ technique, developed by our board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Ali Sepehr, MD, can smooth out wrinkles and fine lines and take years off the appearance of your face. Please contact OC Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation for facelift surgery.

What is the Lifelong Lift™ Facelift?

A facelift, technically known as rhytidectomy, can affect one’s appearance as dramatically as any other operation—it is common to look anywhere from ten to twenty years younger after a facelift and neck lift. Facelift surgery can be an effective and safe procedure that reduces sagging and drooping in the lower half of the face by repositioning the underlying descended muscle and fat pads back to their original position. A facelift also reduces wrinkling by tailoring away excess skin. The greatest effect of a facelift is often seen in a much more defined jawline by decreasing jowling. The cheeks are also enhanced with a facelift. In contrast to short techniques, in which the effects of surgery often don’t last as long, the thorough and complete technique developed by Dr. Sepehr can have a very long-lasting outcome.

The Lifelong Lift™, a unique facelift procedure personally developed by Dr. Sepehr, is designed to yield incredibly enduring results by working on the deeper tissues of the face and neck. Using a multi-modal approach, Dr. Sepehr comprehensively addresses the facial structure to smooth pronounced facial lines, tighten sagging muscle and by extension the overlying skin, and minimize the look of jowls in the lower face. This extensive rejuvenation can preserve the outcome achieved with facelift surgery for longer than traditional techniques.

Dr. Sepehr would be happy to describe the Lifelong Lift™ procedure in greater detail upon a consultation. To see what can potentially be achieved with a facelift, please feel free to explore the before-and-after photos in our patient gallery.

Amazing and Talented Surgeon Dr. Ali Sepehr , I felt like my requests were heard but valued his opinion more than my own, his manner made me feel very comfortable with him. He did not rush during the procedure. He studied my face from all angles. The results are extremely satisfactory and very natural in appearance. I am very happy with my results. I highly recommend Dr. Sepehr .

Thank you

Lolla Dubai

July 15, 2017

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Who is a Candidate for a Facelift?

At your consultation, we will evaluate your facial bone structure, soft tissue covering, and skin. All of these factors, in conjunction with age, skin type, and ethnic background, impact the result of a face and neck lift. If you have extensive skin laxity in the neck, or a congregation of excess fat and redundant skin that may be preventing a well-defined neck profile, a neck lift is also available at our practice. The procedure can be combined with a facelift for a more complete cosmetic makeover.

You may be a good candidate for facelift surgery if:
  • You are a man or woman between the ages of 40 and 70
  • You desire significant facial rejuvenation with results that can last longer than non-surgical cosmetic enhancement and dermal fillers
  • You have excess skin and fat in the lower face and neck

What are the Benefits of a Facelift?

A skillfully performed facelift and neck lift can make patients look up to ten to twenty years younger than their actual age. When combined with good skincare and periodic facial rejuvenation treatments, a facelift can help achieve the highest caliber of facial rejuvenation. Depending on whether you opt to undergo a neck lift at the same time as your facelift, the procedure can:

  • Reduce jowls and resculpt the lower face
  • Better define the profile of the face and neck
  • Sharpen the jawline contour
  • Smooth wrinkles, banding, and skin laxity in the lower face and neck
  • Improve the appearance of lower facial creases, such as laugh lines and marionette lines

While there are many possibilities with regard to what a facelift can achieve, exploring our before-and-after photos can give you a more comprehensive understanding of what you can expect from the outcome of surgery. For some patients, jawline contouring can be an ideal complement to the facelift and neck lift procedure to further refine the contours of the lower face.

Emotional and Psychological Impacts of Facelift Surgery

Beyond the aesthetic improvements, patients who partner with a leading facial plastic surgeon to look and feel like themselves again also tend to experience positive effects in their confidence, well-being, and emotional health. The exact nature of the outcome depends on each person’s reasons for surgery, but notable benefits may include:

  • Improved confidence and emotional well-being: The ability to live life more authentically by feeling like yourself again after a facelift is among the most rewarding aspects of the procedure. This enhanced confidence and self-image can positively influence all aspects of one’s life, profession, and relationships.
  • Enhanced facial harmony: A facelift can provide results that are balanced, well-proportioned, and complementary to your surrounding facial features. This is especially true when a facelift is made part of a more comprehensive and inclusive RadiaLift.
  • Better social and interpersonal relationships: After a facelift, many patients feel more refreshed and at ease in social situations. This can give individuals the confidence to form stronger relationships, re-connect with old friends, and generally project more warmth and self-assurance in their daily lives.
  • Promotes other lifestyle and health improvements: Many men and women report that the enhancements achieved with facelift surgery encourage them to engage more readily in self-care, giving individuals the motivation to exercise more, adopt new hobbies, and generally live a more fulfilling and active lifestyle.

When under the care of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, a facelift can be a powerful catalyst for self-renewal. The procedure can create a positive feedback loop for the right patient(s), in which confidence inspires healthy choices and those decisions further boost confidence. By restoring a more youthful and authentic version of themselves, patients can rediscover the confidence, energy, and optimism that allow them to thrive.

How is the Facelift Procedure Performed?

A facelift typically takes between four to five hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure begins by making a well-hidden incision, camouflaged within the hairline and in natural skin creases around and behind the ear (no hair is shaved). The skin is elevated. The Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) is seen. The SMAS layer (strong underlying connective tissue fascia) is mobilized in the deep plane and repositioned back to its normal, youthful location. This tightening naturally exposes the redundant skin. The skin is redraped and the excess is tailored away. You will be happy to learn that with Dr. Sepehr’s newly developed technique, drains are no longer needed. The incisions are closed with fine sutures. The healed incisions should be virtually invisible.

Quick Facts

  • 4-5 Hour Procedure (when combined with a neck lift)
  • General Anesthesia
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What is Recovery From a Facelift Like?

You may choose to stay a day or two under the care of a recovery nurse for comfort. Whether you choose to stay with a nurse or recover at home, you will be seen in the office the second day after your facelift, when the dressings will be changed. Before you go home, you will have another supportive facial garment placed around the facial area. The mild discomfort and tight pressure sensation can be easily controlled with pain medication as needed. All stitches will be removed between the fifth and eighth post-operative day. Recovery time ranges from 1 to 3 weeks; however, on average after 2 weeks, others will not be able to tell you had surgery. Most swelling will have dissipated after six to eight weeks. Some unavoidable areas of numbness will gradually decrease. Intermittent bursts of tingling signal the progressive return of sensation as the nerves “reconnect and turn back on.” You will likely see significant results within the first few months after treatment, with the most optimal results of facelift surgery becoming apparent after one year. Careful adherence to pre-operative and post-operative instructions is necessary for optimal healing.

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What Will My Facelift Scars Look Like?

There are a few different techniques that can be used to revitalize your appearance and Dr. Sepehr will provide additional information about which one may be appropriate for you during your initial consultation. Regardless of the approach, he will place the incisions within the hairline and/or the natural folds around the ear to keep them well-hidden. The scars should be relatively inconspicuous once fully healed.

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How Long Will Results From a Facelift Last?

Facelift surgery results can last many years if you take good care of your skin and avoid environmental damage. Dr. Sepehr’s Lifelong Lift™ technique is also designed to provide longer-lasting results than the traditional approach, the outcome lasting for 10 or even 15 years for some patients depending on genetics and protective post-operative habits. Occasional non-surgical maintenance may extend the benefits further, which we can discuss at your appointment. We can also advise you on how to preserve your results with recommendations for skin care products and services.

Patient Results

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View Our Gallery

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

The cost of your facelift will be unique to your treatment plan, the price generally varying according to your geographic location and the expertise of your facial plastic surgeon. Patient reviews from Realself.com list the average cost of a deep plane facelift near Newport Beach as $18,807, with the price ranging anywhere from $8,000 to $38,000 depending on the complexity of your procedure and whether a neck lift is performed simultaneously.

After Dr. Sepehr examines your anatomical landmarks and gains an understanding of your goals and needs in a consultation, our office will be able to provide you with a personalized quote. In addition to accepting several major payment methods, we also work with leading plastic surgery financing companies like CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending. These options offer qualified applicants a variety of flexible payment plans with low monthly installments to make the cost of a facelift more manageable.

Once approved, patients can select the most ideal plan to accommodate their budgetary needs. If you would like to learn more about our accepted modes of payment, please contact our practice for additional information.

The factors that will affect your cost estimate include:
  • The type of technique used
  • Whether your facelift was combined with other procedures
  • The extent of concerns addressed
  • The overall complexity of your procedure

Can I Get a Facelift Without Surgery?

While a surgical facelift remains the gold standard for facial rejuvenation, signs of aging can still be corrected with non-surgical options for an exceptionally natural-looking outcome as long as sagging and drooping has not created a heavy appearance to the jawline. Dr. Sepehr offers a liquid facelift for patients who cannot—or do not want to—undergo surgery, a treatment that uses various injectables to accentuate the youthful characteristics of your face.

Using a custom treatment plan tailored to your individual concerns, a combination of dermal fillers and/or BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, or DAXXIFY® injections can be administered to fill in and smooth pronounced facial creases, restore volume to hollow areas, and make the youthful contours of your face more visible. However, please keep in mind if you are already experiencing heaviness along the jawline, the usefulness of these techniques becomes more limited.  Although the results are not as extensive or long-lasting as the surgical Lifelong Lift™ technique, a liquid facelift can be utilized to renew your facial aesthetic with minimal downtime and topical anesthesia. Please inquire about a liquid facelift with Dr. Sepehr during a consultation if you are interested in his artistic non-surgical approach.

What is the Best Age for a Facelift?

The need for a facelift is usually determined less by age and more by the extent to which a patient exhibits loose facial musculature, sagging skin, and jowls. Dr. Sepehr has performed facelift surgery on men and women from a broad range of ages. He has found that there are some patients in their thirties who experience the indications for a facelift, while other individuals near middle age may not benefit from the procedure. Therefore, there is no ideal age to pursue facelift surgery and candidacy is decided based on whether a patient has the requisite findings and concerns.

Are There Any Facelift Alternatives?

A facelift can be a powerful treatment to reverse the effects of aging, but the procedure is limited to rejuvenating the lower two-thirds of the face. That said, wrinkles, sagging skin, and/or tissue laxity around the eyes and forehead can still be treated with other options from our practice, such as blepharoplasty and brow lift surgery, respectively. Eyelid surgery can smooth the skin around the eyes and treat puffiness as well as eyelid hooding, while a brow lift can rejuvenate sagging brows and improve forehead creases and hairline position/forehead length. If your concerns are more focused under the chin and around the neck, chin augmentation or a neck lift may be better solutions to attain younger-looking facial contours. Patients frequently combine procedures to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation for the same recovery period. Dr. Sepehr can advise you on a recommended treatment plan based on your unique concerns and goals.

Touch-Up Treatments to Preserve Facelift Results

While Dr. Sepehr’s Lifelong Lift™ procedure can often outlast the results of standard facelift techniques, the natural aging process will inevitably continue after your surgery. Fortunately, facelift patients generally always appear younger and more refreshed when compared to individuals of the same age who did not undergo the procedure. If signs of sun damage and facial aging reappear, medical spa treatments can provide an excellent way to “touch-up” the outcome of your facelift and prolong your facial rejuvenation. Non-surgical options to maintain your results may include:

  • Laser Skin Resurfacing: To regenerate dull-looking skin and improve concerns such as wrinkles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and a rough skin texture, we often recommend laser skin resurfacing to achieve a healthier, more vibrant complexion. Our practice utilizes the state-of-the-art Lumenis UltraPulse™ and JOULE™ aesthetic lasers to optimize the treatment for your unique concerns, goals, and skin type.
  • Dermal Fillers: Volume deficits in the face, as well as a lack of fullness in your features, can be treated with injectables like JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® — two highly effective, volume-enhancing facial filler families that utilize hyaluronic acid (HA) as their main ingredient. As a substance that occurs naturally in your body and helps the skin maintain hydration, HA fillers have the power to smooth creases while plumping the lips, hands, cheeks, temples, and more.
  • Medical-Grade Skincare Products: In many cases, preventative skin maintenance via medical-grade products is key to delaying the appearance of facial aging. Dr. Sepehr offers many different formulations by celebrated skincare line SkinMedica® and can help you determine the best types of products for your needs.

These treatments are all available at our Newport Beach practice and performed in-office without the need for anesthesia. Our skincare products can even be purchased online to provide your everyday regimen with a powerful upgrade. If you’re unsure which product would provide the most benefits for your unique concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact OC Facial Plastic Surgery for a skincare consultation with our aesthetic professionals.

What are the Risks of Facelift Surgery?

A facelift is considered a very predictable procedure with a proven record of patient safety, as well as a documented history of clinically-supported results. However, given that no surgical procedure is risk-free, a facelift comes with a chance of complications. The risks of a facelift are similar to those of other cosmetic procedures and include the potential for bleeding, negative reactions to anesthesia, infections, poor wound healing, nerve damage, changes in skin sensation, and fluid accumulation, among other possible complications. However, the likelihood of adverse side effects is greatly minimized when you select an experienced facial plastic surgeon to perform your procedure. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who is fellowship-trained and specializes exclusively in aesthetic facial enhancement, Dr. Sepehr has extensive knowledge on how to not only maximize patient safety, but also how to achieve the most impeccable, long-term surgical outcomes, giving your treatment the utmost efficacy.

Should I Get a Neck Lift With My Facelift?

A combination facelift plus neck lift is usually considered the most optimal treatment plan since the face and neck age together. This not only allows a higher degree of rejuvenation, but addressing both regions also can provide the most natural-looking, harmonious results. For these reasons, Dr. Sepehr typically performs both procedures simultaneously and rarely completes a facelift or a neck lift in isolation. A dual treatment plan gives Dr. Sepehr the opportunity to remove jowls, sagging neck skin, and descended tissue in the lower face all at once for a comprehensively smoother jawline and neck contour.
That said, each patient’s needs vary, and surgery is ultimately tailored to your unique desires. Dr. Sepehr will assess your features in person to determine whether you would benefit from a joint procedure. If you do not have excess fat, sagging, skin, or stretched musculature in the neck compromising a sleek contour, there is typically no need to add a neck lift to your facelift.

What is a RadiaLift?

When it comes to facial plastic surgery, the results possible with a RadiaLift — a more integrative and holistic method of lifting the facial tissues —are often unmatched. The RadiaLift procedure was personally developed by Dr. Sepehr to more cohesively address signs of facial aging. A RadiaLift seeks to restore support for the face and neck in the same manner in which the facial tissues age. Since the face tends to sag in a more rotational fashion, a RadiaLift resuspends lax tissue in multiple vectors. This can achieve rejuvenation that looks more natural and graceful when compared to simple vertical facelifts, which may show obvious signs of surgery. Rather than address one region of the face at a time in isolation, a RadiaLift approaches the entire face as a whole.

It’s important to keep in mind that a RadiaLift usually consists of multiple facial procedures personally tailored to target your unique concerns. A facelift and neck lift are commonly included in a RadiaLift, along with blepharoplasty, chin implants, jawline contouring, and fillers when needed, among other techniques to achieve greater facial harmony.

Choosing a Facelift Surgeon

To avoid the tight, pulled, or unnatural look that can result when a facelift is performed incorrectly, it is pivotal to select an experienced facelift surgeon who is well-equipped to make your aesthetic goals a reality. While researching your options, you can get an idea of whether a prospective surgeon is the right fit for you by:

  • Researching credentials.

    Learn about a plastic surgeon’s educational background, board-certification, and where they received their training to gain an idea of their expertise. In general, choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to perform your facelift can ensure you are in the hands of a qualified facial specialist who has been extensively vetted by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

  • Learning about their expertise.

    It is often true that the more frequently a surgeon performs a facelift, the more adept they can be in tailoring the procedure to produce your desired final outcome. Find out whether a surgeon specializes in facelift surgery or has developed a cutting-edge technique that improves upon the traditional procedure. Such aptitude can increase the likelihood that you are under the care of someone who is proficient in working with the complex anatomy of the face.

  • Looking at before-and-after photos.

    The quality of your results will likely be the ultimate determinant of your overall satisfaction. Explore a plastic surgeon’s online patient gallery, or ask to see examples of previous facelift outcomes during a consultation. His or her portfolio can be an excellent indication of the type of results you can expect to achieve.

  • Reading testimonials.

    Online patient reviews can offer valuable insight into the level of care provided by a plastic surgeon, as well as the overall surgical experience offered at a given practice. Explore reviews from an array of platforms, such as Yelp, Realself, and Facebook, to attain a comprehensive understanding of patient satisfaction under a particular facial surgeon.

Once you find someone who meets your criteria, the next step is to schedule a consultation. This visit can be used as an opportunity to ask your potential surgeon any questions you may have about his or her training in person and determine how comfortable you feel in their care. Ultimately, make sure you choose a surgeon who keeps you well-informed about the procedure by answering all of your questions and concerns patiently and thoroughly.

Additional Facelift Surgery FAQs

We understand you may have many questions, and we would like to help. Dr. Sepehr has provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about facelift surgery to aid you in your research. If you would like to learn more, or if you’re ready to schedule a consultation, please contact our skilled medical team.

Is a facelift right for me?

Are you bothered by skin laxity and contour loss on your mid to lower face and jawline? Facelift surgery is designed to improve these concerns and provide long-lasting facial rejuvenation. Ideal candidates for this procedure will also be in good general health, be nonsmokers (or at least able to stop smoking for a period before and after surgery), and have reasonable expectations for the outcome. Dr. Sepehr will take the time to understand your needs and goals and provide a thorough overview of what can be accomplished. With his guidance, you can develop a customized treatment plan designed with your individual characteristics in mind.

Can a facelift smooth wrinkles?

The primary purpose of a facelift is to address skin laxity and loose muscles, not necessarily to smooth wrinkles and fine lines. Some deeper creases can be addressed; however, to achieve a natural-looking outcome, it’s best to avoid a stretched look in an attempt to artificially reduce the appearance of lines. If you have wrinkles you would like to soften, we can utilize dermal fillers, cosmetic injectables such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport® or DAXXIFY®, and facial laser skin resurfacing as part of a multi-modality treatment plan. By incorporating these techniques, you can obtain more comprehensive rejuvenation that still appears very natural.

When can I return to work?

Everyone recovers at their own unique rate, and we encourage you to listen to your body and proceed with caution. Most patients can return to their regular daily schedule after two weeks, with some individuals choosing to return after three weeks. Swelling, bruising, and numbness are common effects, and each of these should gradually subside as you heal. Additionally, you should avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least three to eight weeks. Dr. Sepehr will provide more information specific to your treatment plan during your follow-up visits.

Does a facelift differ for men versus women?

Facelift surgery is generally the same for both men and women, but distinctions in the facial anatomy and aesthetic conventions of men versus women may influence your procedure. Male facial features are often broader and sharper, while the faces of female patients are often softer, sleeker, and more narrow. This may cause male and female patients to have different goals for the outcome. Additionally, the beard line in men can also dictate a different placement for incisions. Dr. Sepehr will take these differences into account when performing a facelift to achieve a result that looks as natural as possible.

How long before I can exercise again after a facelift?

It’s generally recommended to wait two weeks after surgery to resume mild exercise and six to eight weeks to resume strenuous weight lifting, contact sports, and swimming, but this timeframe will vary somewhat from patient to patient. Your incisions should be fully healed, and swelling should be minimal. When Dr. Sepehr clears you for exercise, he advises starting with lighter workouts and easing into more intensive exercises to see how your body responds.

Does insurance cover a facelift?

Insurance usually doesn’t cover facelift surgery, but OC Facial Plastic Surgery does accept third-party financing from CareCredit® and Prosper® Healthcare Lending. The flexible payment plans offered by each company can allow qualified patients to pay for their facelift in low monthly installments, often with low interest rates. Please call our office if you have any questions about our accepted payment options or the application processes for financing.

How do I reduce swelling after facelift surgery?

Dr. Sepehr will give you detailed instructions on how to best reduce swelling and encourage the healing process. After surgery, he will advise that you keep your head elevated above heart level when lying down and sleeping to better regulate blood flow. Sticking to a healthy diet of nutritious fruits and vegetables (leafy greens), proteins, and vitamin- and antioxidant-rich foods can also help you heal faster after a facelift. This, in combination with avoiding salty foods and alcohol, can help ensure the smoothest possible recovery period. Dr. Sepehr may also provide instructions on lymphatic drainage massage starting about three weeks after your procedure. Please keep in mind that swelling after cosmetic surgery can last for six months to one year after your procedure; however, most swelling should subside within six weeks.

Can I naturally slow down facial aging?

While nothing will stop the natural aging process, you can age more gracefully by being proactive about the health and appearance of your skin. Applying daily sun protection is absolutely essential to help safeguard the skin against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Sun damage is not only a major cause of wrinkles and premature facial aging, but it can also result in hyperpigmentation and poor skin texture overall. Facials, chemical peels, microneedling, and other med spa services also offer effective, in-office treatments to address any existing damage and renew your complexion.

Will a facelift look obvious?

A well-executed facelift should simply allow you to look like a healthier, more rested, refreshed, and youthful version of yourself. In this respect, the results of a facelift can be very subtle and inconspicuous to outside observers. Modern facelift techniques have allowed the procedure to achieve outcomes that look more natural than ever. If the face appears tight, frozen, or “windswept” once healed from surgery, this is typically an indication of a poorly performed facelift. Always entrust your care to a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to help ensure you receive the best quality results from facelift surgery.

How can I prepare for facelift surgery?

If your procedure is being performed as an outpatient, you should arrange a ride to and from our surgical facility with a friend or loved one. You may also choose to stay overnight under the care of a recovery nurse — you and Dr. Sepehr will discuss the best course of action for your personal needs. We also encourage you to enlist help around the house for the first few days of your recovery, as plenty of rest is essential to your healing process. If you smoke, you will need to abstain for at least four weeks before and after your procedure. You may also be instructed to stop taking certain medications before surgery, such as herbal supplements, aspirin, and NSAIDs.

When will I feel normal after a facelift?

In general, it takes approximately two weeks for patients to feel well enough to return to non-strenuous work. At this point, others should not be able to tell you underwent surgery and any bruising should be minimal. It can take six weeks for the majority of swelling to subside, and many patients feel relatively normal between six to eight weeks. Depending on Dr. Sepehr’s assessment of your healing, you should also be able to exercise normally. It’s important to err on the side of caution during your recovery and not rush the body’s natural healing process.

Contact Us

Facelift procedures should be performed by a qualified surgeon. Please contact us to schedule a consultation for facelift surgery at our practice. Dr. Sepehr would also be happy to answer questions you have in regards to facelift surgery and/or any other procedures, like rhinoplasty and facial implants.

*Individual Results May Vary

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