A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a rejuvenating treatment that improves visible wrinkles, sagging skin, and contour changes on the face. Time, sun exposure, gravity, weight changes, and genetics affect our appearance. If you’re missing your youthful, well-contoured facial appearance and have become frustrated with a deflated, sagging complexion, you may be a good candidate for a facelift. This popular  plastic surgery treatment is designed to solve exactly these problems. During a facelift, a surgeon repositions the internal facial structures while eliminating loose skin and unflattering wrinkles. Dr. Michael J. Yoo performs advanced facelift techniques so that patients enjoy the very best, long-lasting results. To start the process, contact (424) 209-9925 (Beverly Hills) or (949) 861-3340 (Newport Beach).

Before and After Photos

Facelift & Neck Lift Before & After Patient #2437
Facelift & Neck Lift Before & After Patient #2437
Facelift & Neck Lift Before & After Patient #694
Facelift & Neck Lift Before & After Patient #694
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About Facelifts

In the early twentieth century, the first facelift was performed, and since then, it has undergone many improvements. Swedish plastic surgeon Dr. Tord Skoog is widely credited for developing the procedure that we know today. In 1974, he performed the treatment by lifting deeper layers of tissues known as the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), rather than just tightening the skin. [1] Initially, this method was rejected by the medical community, but as years passed, Dr. Skoog’s research was validated as more surgeons investigated this layer of tissue and the benefits of addressing it. Today, surgeons regularly and safely manipulate this crucial layer of tissue to provide effective, natural-looking results.

About Bilamellar High SMAS Facelifts

Dr. Yoo performs the bilamellar high SMAS facelift technique. This approach was developed to address signs of aging in the midface, upper cheeks, and around the eyes with a single surgical procedure. Other approaches to facelifts are unable to treat all of these areas at once, forcing patients to choose between a mid-face or mini facelift, or undergo multiple procedures. The bilamellar high SMAS facelift utilizes incisions made in the hairline and neck and that are strategically located slightly higher than those made for other facelift approaches. Another difference is that with this technique, the facial tissue and fat are elevated separately. [2][3] This allows each layer of tissue to be addressed individually. The SMAS can be repositioned in order to achieve a more comprehensive lift, and then the skin can be carefully redraped once the underlying adjustments have been made. Treating these layers separately avoids placing excess tension on any one layer, and an unnatural “wind-swept” or “pulled” appearance.  It also eliminates the risk of unwanted changes to the earlobes or scar complications that can occur when the skin is forced to support the sagging tissue alone.

Dr. Yoo’s approach to facelift surgeries creates a distinctive, refreshed facial appearance with long-term, precise results. By the end of the surgery, patients will also see: 

Benefits

Dr. Yoo’s approach to facelift surgeries creates a distinctive, refreshed facial appearance with long-term, precise results. By the end of the surgery, patients will also see: 

  • Eliminated creasing
  • Smoother, firmer skin texture 
  • Removal of lax, excess skin 
  • Improved appearance of jowls, and overall lifted appearance to the eye and cheek area 

Candidates

A facelift treatment helps patients looking to improve several of the most common signs of aging. Interested patients can visit our Southern California offices to learn from an experienced, caring, double board-certified plastic surgeon as to how the procedure will transform their appearance.

Eligible Facelift Patients

  • Are willing to stop using nicotine products in the months before and after surgery
  • Want to make beneficial yet sensible revisions to their facial aesthetic
  • Are self-conscious about moderate to severe wrinkles, sunken cheeks, and jowls
  • Are committed to devoting the time and effort needed for a successful recovery

Personal Consultation with Dr. Yoo

Your consultation with Dr. Michael J. Yoo is an excellent way to determine if your aesthetic goals can be achieved with a facelift. He’ll first take the time to understand your current circumstances by noting your medical information, including any past surgeries you may have had. Then, Dr. Yoo will examine your complexion, with particular attention paid to the severity of the wrinkles around the eyes, nose, and mouth. He also observe your skin laxity, lost volume, and the presence of jowls. Once he’s finished evaluating your case, he will walk you through the treatment plan he created for you. This individualized surgical and recovery outline will contain the best approach for you, whether just a facelift, or a combination of treatments to maximize the full potential of your results.

Contact Dr. Yoo and explore the possibilities of a refreshed, youthful appearance. To start the process, call (424) 209-9925 (Beverly Hills) or (949) 861-3340 (Newport Beach) for a consultation.

Preparation

Our staff will provide you with special instructions in order to prepare for your surgery. You will be able to look forward to a worry-free recovery after completing the following steps in the weeks leading up to your surgery. 

  • Avoid tobacco and similar products because they will negatively impact your healing ability.
  • Go to the drug store and pick up the prescriptions we’ve ordered for you. 
  • Taper off your current medications, such as blood thinners or NSAIDs as instructed.
  • Arrange to take 1-2 weeks off of work to heal.
  • Entrust a caring friend or family member to drive you home after surgery.
  • Follow any fasting instructions to prepare you for surgery.

Patients can also prepare for their facelift surgery by reading more insightful information on what to expect for their facelift and necklift surgery.

Procedure

Once the effects of the general anesthesia have taken effect, your surgery will begin. Dr. Yoo will proceed with your bilamellar high SMAS facelift by carefully making two incisions that run along each ear and into the hairline of your sideburn area. [2] Then, he will separate and lift the layer of skin from the SMAS. Once he has access to this internal layer of tissue, he will place strategic incions to create an L-shaped flap that can be lifted upwards. Once sutured into its new position, jowls are smoothed, cheeks are heightened, and the eye area is rejuvenated. The skin is then carefully redraped, with any surplus skin being trimmed away before the incisions are sutured shut. [3] 

After each side of the face has been lifted to a natural looking and symmetrical effect, the surgery will be complete. Depending on what was discussed when designing your treatment plan, some patients may also recieve additional contouring with a facial fat transfer once the facelift is complete. Patients will be dressed in facelift compression dressings to help ease the swelling. [4] 

Recovery

Post-surgical symptoms will be the most noticeable for the first few days after surgery, so be sure to get as much rest as possible and follow after-care instructions for the duration of your recovery. After your surgery, you may feel moderate soreness, bruising, swelling, and tightness around the treatment area. You can manage these symptoms by taking the prescribed pain medication and keeping your head elevated when lying down. Most patients are able to switch to over-the-counter medication as these symptoms improve over the next few days. In two weeks, you should feel good enough to resume physically undemanding movements, including desk work, and within a month, you can start back to more strenuous activities. 

Results

You’ll see optimal results when the final traces of swelling have disappeared. Patients will enjoy smoother facial skin that and a younger complexion that they will be able to enjoy for years. In order to extend their results, patients are recommended to continue practicing a healthy lifestyle and good skin care.

We’re pleased we’ve made a positive impact on patients’ lives. Don’t forget to show off your new results when they come into full view. Tag us your radiant results on our Instagram page. 

Middle aged woman happy and looking great with her facelift.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Dr. Yoo may recommend other treatments that can significantly impact your overall appearance. 

Necklift

A neck lift removes saggin skin and contour irregularites caused by aging, changes in weight, or genetics. Once discreet incisions near the ears are made, the underlying muscles are tightened and repositioned, and excess skin is eliminated. In some cases, liposuction may be utilized to contour the neck. Ultimately, patients will see a dramatically younger appearance for their neck and jawline.

Eyelid Lift

An eyelid lift is a highly customized treatment that addresses signs of aging in the upper, lower, or both eyelids. This treatment makes well-concealed incisions in the natural eyelid creases so extra skin and fat can be removed to resolve hooding in the upper eye or under-eye bags in the lower eye.

Fat Transfer

Patients looking to add more filler to the face, lips, and cheeks without extensive surgery can do so with a fat transfer treatment. This streamlined treatment collects unwanted fat, which is then is processed and injected into the treatment site to provide better contours to areas lacking desired volume.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are a good choice for patients with minimal or moderate signs of aging in the face. When injected, the chemical compounds in these fillers facilitate collagen production and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. They’re also an effective way to add volume to cheeks or lips!

Cost of Facelift in Southern California

A facelift creates a highly customized outcome for each patient. Thus, the final price of a facelift will vary slightly for each patient. All associated costs will be explained fully at your initial consultation with Dr. Yoo. Or, you can call our offices ahead of time to receive an accurate quote.

References

  1. Barton, F. E., Jr. (2002). The “High SMAS” Face Lift Technique. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 22(5), 481–487. https://doi.org/10.1067/maj.2002.128628
  2. Marten, T. J. (2008). High SMAS Facelift: Combined Single Flap Lifting of the Jawline, Cheek, and Midface. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 35(4), 569–603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cps.2008.04.002
  3. Mani, M. (2016). Total Composite Flap Facelift and the Deep-Plane Transition Zone: A Critical Consideration in SMAS-Release Midface Lifting. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 36(5), 533–545. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjv250
  4. Sanan, A., & Most, S. P. (2018). Rhytidectomy (Face-Lift Surgery). JAMA, 320(22), 2387. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2018.17292