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While injectables such as dermal fillers, Botox, and other nonsurgical procedures can stimulate collagen growth to fill in the face, the results are temporary when compared to a facelift. For patients looking to receive outstanding facelift results in Orange County, California, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Esmailian provides lasting and tasteful results.

What is a Facelift?

Over time, our skin succumbs to the effects of collagen loss, gravity, and a number of other factors that contribute to an aged appearance. A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a comprehensive approach that is used to treat the sagging skin and wrinkles that appear as we age.1 During a facelift at his facility in Orange County, Dr. Farbod Esmailian tightens underlying muscles and tissues, removes the excess skin, and drapes the remaining skin back over the face and neck.

A facelift can reverse the aging process and effectively handle a number of age-related cosmetic issues, including:

  • Loose skin in the face
  • Saggy cheeks
  • Deep creases in the eyelids and lower lip
  • Excess skin in the jowls
  • Loss of tone or definition in the neck
  • Vertical bands in the neck

A facelift is not done to treat superficial wrinkles or sun damage. This can be done with noninvasive procedures such as laser resurfacing. A facelift is done to produce a younger overall tone in the facial skin.

Benefits of a Facelift

  • Offers long-lasting results of a decade or more
  • Erases 10 to 15 years from the face
  • Effectively contours the jawline and neck
  • Can improve numerous areas of the face in a single surgery

Following your facelift with Dr. Esmailian at his facility in Orange County, the skin on your neck and face will appear firmer, smoother, and fresher.

While performing a facelift, Dr. Esmailian makes the incisions and places sutures behind the ear and along the hairline; consequently, his patients’ facelift scars are practically invisible.

Common Concerns a Facelift Can Address

With a facelift, Dr. Esmailian can address numerous issues, including:

  • Marionette lines
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Double chin
  • Jowls
  • Decreased or displaced facial fat
  • Deep creases in the eyelids
  • A sagging midface and/or jawline
  • Loose skin
  • Vertical bands and/or loss of tone in the neck
  • Hollowness beneath the eyes
  • Deep creases in the lower lip
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Preparing For Facelift Surgery

The first step to preparing for facelift surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Esmailian at his facility in Orange County. During this initial consultation, Dr. Esmailian will ask about your aesthetic goals and what you hope to achieve with a facelift. This is the time to ask any questions and share any concerns you may have. To ensure the best possible results, it’s important to be open and honest with Dr. Esmailian about your expectations and medical history.

YOUR FACELIFT CONSULTATION

In preparation for your facelift consultation, it's a good idea to gather several photos of yourself from 10 to 15 years ago. These photos can help Dr. Esmailian visualize your facial structure and serve as a reference point for discussing your desired outcome. Additionally, come prepared with a list of questions you might have about the procedure, recovery, and results.

At your consultation, Dr. Esmailian may also:

  • Take photographs for your medical records
  • Ask you to use a mirror to point out specific areas you’d like to improve
  • Evaluate your face and assess your skin's elasticity
  • Evaluate your overall health, including any risk factors or pre-existing medical conditions
  • Recommend a personalized course of treatment
  • Discuss potential outcomes, as well as any risks or complications associated with facelift surgery

FACELIFT PRE-OP INSTRUCTIONS

Once you've had your consultation and decided to move forward with surgery, Dr. Esmailian will provide you with detailed pre-operative instructions to help ensure a smooth experience. Here are some general tips to help you prepare for your facelift:

  1. Stop Smoking: If you are a smoker, it is essential to quit smoking at least four weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.
  2. Medications: Inform Dr. Esmailian of any medications, supplements, or vitamins you're taking. He may ask you to stop certain medications like blood thinners, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
  3. Plan for Recovery: Make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you during the first few days of your recovery. It’s also a good idea to prepare your home with necessities like extra pillows for head elevation, as this will help reduce swelling.
  4. Healthy Lifestyle: In the weeks leading up to your surgery, focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. This can help promote optimal healing post-surgery.
  5. Follow Pre-Surgical Instructions: Dr. Esmailian may give you specific instructions on when to stop eating and drinking before surgery, as well as guidelines for personal hygiene, such as avoiding skincare products or makeup on the day of the procedure.

By following these steps and Dr. Esmailian’s tailored recommendations, you’ll be well-prepared for your facelift surgery and recovery.

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The Facelift Procedure

A facelift is an outpatient surgical procedure typically done with general anesthesia, but in some cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be used. This will depend upon the complexity of the procedure, as well as your personal preference.

A facelift can be done using several different techniques, depending upon the patient’s desired result. During the consultation, one consideration will be which facelift technique is most appropriate for your needs. Dr. Esmailian may use one of the following techniques:

TRADITIONAL FACELIFT

During a traditional facelift or full facelift, Dr. Esmailian will make incisions on either side of your face. This gives him the ability to address every section of the face to create more youthful tones and better texture.

DEEP PLANE FACELIFT

A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique that involves repositioning not only the skin but also the underlying facial muscles and tissues to achieve a more natural and long-lasting result. Unlike traditional facelifts that focus on lifting the skin, the deep plane approach targets deeper structures of the face, such as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), allowing for more effective correction of sagging skin, jowls, and other signs of aging.

LIMITED INCISION FACELIFT

A limited-incision facelift, also known as a mini facelift, uses incisions in a similar place, but they are much shorter in length. This is usually done if there are specific problem areas in the face to be addressed.

NECK LIFT

A neck lift is done to handle sagging skin under the jaw or in the neck. Incisions are made behind the ears so Dr. Esmailian can remove excess skin and reposition the remaining skin. A facelift typically takes two to four hours, depending on the surgical technique.

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Before & After

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Facelift Recovery

Facelift patients can expect a recovery period of about two to three weeks following facial plastic surgery with Dr. Esmailian. During this time, facial tissues will heal, and some swelling and bruising are normal. Pain medication may be prescribed to manage discomfort in the initial days of recovery.2 It's essential to avoid strenuous activity for several weeks to support the healing process and achieve the best facelift results. As the swelling subsides, patients will begin to see more defined, natural-looking results that improve over time. Dr. Esmailian will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Dr. Esmailian
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Schedule a Consultation for Facelift Surgery

If you are interested in learning how a facelift with Dr. Esmailian at his facility in Orange County can assist you in achieving a more youthful appearance, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to meeting you.

FAQs About Facelift Surgery

Am I a good candidate for facelift surgery?

Can I combine any other procedures with a facelift?

How long is recovery after a facelift?

Does facelift surgery have any risks?

Am I a good candidate for facelift surgery?

Ideal candidates for facelift surgery with Dr. Esmailian are those seeking facial rejuvenation to address signs of facial aging, such as skin laxity and a tired appearance.3 If you feel your face no longer reflects the youthful look you desire or believe aging is impacting your confidence in social and professional settings, a facelift may be the right surgical option for you. Dr. Esmailian will evaluate your concerns and recommend the most appropriate approach to help restore a refreshed, natural appearance.

Can I combine any other procedures with a facelift?

Yes, you can combine other cosmetic surgery procedures with a facelift to enhance your results and achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Common procedures that complement a facelift include a brow lift to elevate sagging brows, eyelid surgery to address droopy lids or under-eye bags, and fat transfer with liposuction to contour specific areas of the face and neck. Additionally, non-surgical options like laser skin rejuvenation can be incorporated into your treatment plan to improve skin texture and tone, providing a more refreshed, youthful appearance. Dr. Esmailian will customize a treatment plan based on your unique needs and goals

How long is recovery after a facelift?

Recovery time after a facelift typically lasts about two to three weeks. During this period, patients can expect swelling and bruising to gradually subside, allowing the natural results to become more visible. While many individuals feel comfortable returning to normal activities within two weeks, Dr. Esmailian may recommend avoiding strenuous activities for a few more weeks to ensure optimal healing.

Does facelift surgery have any risks?

Yes, facelift surgery does carry some risks, as with any surgical procedure. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve injury, and unfavorable results. However, choosing a skilled, experienced facelift surgeon like Dr. Esmailian can significantly reduce these risks. He will thoroughly discuss all potential complications during your consultation and take steps to ensure your safety and optimal outcome.

1 Mayo Clinic. Face-lift. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/face-lift/about/pac-20394059. Accessed September 30, 2024.
2 ASPS. Facelift Recovery. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/recovery. Accessed September 30, 2024.
3 UCSF Health. Facelift. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/treatments/facelift. Accessed September 30, 2024.

Page updated: October 24, 2024

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