As we mature, deep wrinkles, creases and sagging can make us look older than we feel, but a facelift lets you age on your own terms. In Beverly Hills, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi performs facelift surgery to help patients feel more comfortable and confident about their appearance. His advanced training and high level of expertise have made him one of California’s leading plastic surgeons, known for producing balanced yet refined results.
FACELIFT OVERVIEW
What It Is
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the face by reducing sagging skin, smoothing deep folds, and lifting the underlying facial tissues. It effectively addresses signs of aging in the mid to lower face and neck areas.
How We Do It
Dr. Hakimi performs facelifts with precision and artistry, tailoring each procedure to your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals. This procedure involves tightening the facial muscles, repositioning fat and tissue, and removing excess skin to turn the clock back on aging. A facelift can be combined with additional treatments, such as fat grafting or skin resurfacing, for comprehensive results.
Why You Want It
Choosing a facelift can significantly reverse the signs of aging, offering a more permanent and dramatic solution than nonsurgical treatments.
Recovery Time
Recovery from a facelift varies by individual but generally involves a short period of rest and limited activity to allow for healing. Most patients can expect to resume all normal activities after two to three weeks, with noticeable swelling and bruising diminishing within the first week.
THE ART OF THE FACELIFT
The appearance of your face can be affected by many factors, such as aging, gravity and sun damage. Men and women of different ages may seek facial rejuvenation to roll back the years and regain a youthful vitality. One of the most effective techniques for improving the visible signs of aging is the facelift, a surgical procedure that eliminates loose skin and tightens lax muscles to address concerns like wrinkles, sagging and jowls.
Beverly Hills plastic surgery Dr. Hakimi is renowned for his expertise in facelift surgery, offering a blend of technical skill and artistic insight you won’t find elsewhere. His approach is tailored to each patient, focusing on addressing your concerns while enhancing your unique features. You’ll look like you, only younger. Before each procedure, Dr. Hakimi will thoroughly assess your facial structure, skin quality, needs and aesthetic goals to craft a personalized treatment plan that aims to deliver a rejuvenated yet inherently natural look.
Facelift Reviews
BEVERLY HILLS FACELIFT WITH DR. HAKIMI
Every year, there seems to be a ‘new’ facelift™ procedure available from marketing-savvy providers. The Ponytail Lift. The Lifestyle Lift. The Auralyft. The reality is that most of these procedures are simply branded names for some of the most commonly used facelift techniques employed by plastic surgeons everywhere: the deep plane facelift, extended deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, low SMAS facelift, high SMAS facelift, skin-only facelift and composite facelift. The excessive branding of commonly used facelift techniques can make it difficult for most patients to understand the differences between them, even if they have a decent grasp of facial anatomy. Dr. Hakimi offers a more transparent approach.
Understanding different facelift techniques begins with knowing how they work. Most facelifts reverse the signs of aging by manipulating the SMAS, which can be thought of as a large, broad layer of muscle beneath the skin that contains all of the internal structures of the face. It extends from the neck to the scalp and encompasses the muscles that help you wink or smile, fibrous tissues and nerves. As we age, the SMAS loses its elasticity, so a facelift works by tightening this layer and trimming loose skin to restore a more youthful facial appearance.
DEEP PLANE FACELIFT
Dr. Hakimi prefers the deep plane facelift, as he strongly believes that it provides the best and longest-lasting results. During your procedure, he makes a small incision around the ear and into the hairline to lift the skin and access the SMAS layer. Then, he releases the SMAS from the underlying structures and brings it up to a more youthful position. Excess tissue is eliminated, the skin is redraped over the uplifted contours, and the incisions are closed.
The deep plane facelift primarily focuses on the lower face, improving the cheeks, jowls and jawline. If more extensive correction is needed below the jawline, you can combine your facelift with a neck lift for more comprehensive results. Since both the face and neck are affected by the signs of aging, this can help you achieve a more unified and wholly youthful appearance.
ACHIEVING THE BEST OUTCOME
Facial aging occurs partly due to the weakening of retaining ligaments in the face. These ligaments are an important underlying structure that anchors the skin and soft tissues to the bone, and when they weaken, the face can droop. A deep plane facelift "releases" these ligaments so the skin and tissues can be repositioned to create a firmer appearance. This addresses the root causes of aging for significant and long-lasting results.
However, Dr. Hakimi knows that it’s not so much the method but the skill of the surgeon that determines the beauty and longevity of your facelift results. As a highly trained and board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in private practice, Dr. Hakimi has a thorough understanding of facial anatomy and develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient. His goal is to identify your unique concerns and use the best technique for eliminating unwanted lines, wrinkles and sagging to help you defy the signs of aging.
YOUR FACELIFT RESULTS
A facelift with Dr. Hakimi treats a wide range of concerns to restore a more youthful appearance. His expert approach rejuvenates your features in a way that preserves your natural individuality and facial harmony, achieving results that are both significant and subtle.
After your surgery, you can expect the following:
- A lifted and more defined jawline
- Improved facial contours
- Removal of sagging skin
- Reduced jowling in the lower face
- Fewer lines, creases and facial wrinkles
While a facelift can’t stop the clock on aging, it can provide long-lasting results so you can enjoy a more youthful appearance for several years, with some effects enduring for a decade or more. You can maintain these results with a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, using sunscreen and practicing good skin care habits. Nonsurgical procedures like Botox or dermal fillers can also treat the appearance of wrinkles and volume loss as they appear.
FACELIFT RECOVERY
You may be a good candidate for facelift surgery if you have drooping skin, lines, and wrinkles on the upper, mid, or lower sections of your face. Whether you're 40 or 70, a facelift can address your concerns and help you achieve a firmer and more youthful appearance.
Dr. Hakimi will schedule a follow-up the day after your facelift, with additional appointments one and two weeks later to remove your sutures. Most patients are able to go back to work within 14 to 21 days, but this can vary depending on how your body heals — you may feel ready to return to normal activities sooner than expected. During your follow-ups, Dr. Hakimi will monitor your progress and provide you with more detailed recovery guidelines.
“My facelift was a success!! I had 2% bruising THAT'S IT. I'm told it's because Dr. Hakimi has a gentle hand when operating. I could have went back to work in one week. Bedside manner was the best. The doctor was very thorough and made sure I knew exactly what it would look like and he was spot on. I actually look better than I expected. I highly recommend him and his professional staff. The 1st night of course was uncomfortable but the pain medication worked well. This procedure was so easy and I LOOK FABULOUS.“
-Deb D
IS A FACELIFT RIGHT FOR ME?
You may be a good candidate for facelift surgery if you have drooping skin, lines, and wrinkles on your entire face or the upper, mid, or lower sections of your face. Whether you're 40 or 70, a facelift can address your concerns and help you achieve a firmer, tighter and more youthful appearance.
It is important to understand that age does not necessarily define the time in life to have a facelift. There are so many factors to consider and numerous facelift techniques available, depending on what needs to be addressed. Skin elasticity is one of the key elements in the planning process. Facelift patients should be in good physical health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations. Contact plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi at his Beverly Hills office for more information.
COMBINABLE PROCEDURES
A facelift is ideal for eliminating loose skin and tightening the facial muscles to restore a smoother, more youthful appearance. However, it doesn’t correct the volume loss that occurs with aging in the lips, cheeks, jawline or temples. To replenish lost volume, Dr. Hakimi may recommend fat injections or dermal fillers in these areas for more comprehensive results.
It’s also important to remember that there are a number of facelift options, depending on your needs. Some facelifts rejuvenate the upper area of the face, while others focus on the middle and lower. Furthermore, some techniques are slightly more invasive than others. It's very common for some to have a brow lift or injectables like Botox as part of their treatment plan.
REDEFINE YOUR AGE WITH A FACELIFT
A facelift can take years off your appearance and help you achieve a youthful, rejuvenated look. Dr. Hakimi is a highly trained, experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon who has a complete understanding of the complexity and delicate features of a facelift. His objective is to create natural results that are soft and beautiful. Men and women in Newport Beach, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills desiring a rejuvenated appearance should contact Hakimi Plastic Surgery for more information on how a facelift can help them achieve their goals. Get started today by calling us at 424-239-5201 or completing our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes facial aging?
An aging face is a result of three issues: skin damage, skin sagging, and/or volume loss. In order to achieve the best results and a youthful, aesthetically pleasing appearance, all three factors must be addressed. Therefore, we discuss a skin care regimen with all patients seeking facial rejuvenation. This is a very extensive topic that will be customized based on your skin tone, habits and lifestyle. If indicated, patients will be advised to add laser, chemical peels or neurotoxins to their surgical package for the best possible outcome.
What concerns can a facelift address?
A facelift can address numerous signs of aging depending on which type of procedure is performed. A few of the more known facelift methods include:
- Full Facelift: The full facelift generally puts an incision close to your hairline that extends down to the temples, reaching the base of your ears. The deeper layer of facial tissues and muscles are carefully tightened to produce a lifted look, which diminishes excessive loose skin and droopy features. A full facelift is reserved for men and women who show signs of significant aging. With this lift, many methods may be combined to get your ideal look.
- Mid-Facelift: The mid-facelift addresses the hollow and lax areas close to your cheekbones, as well as the upper jaw. The mid-facelift works well if you hope to improve the lower two-thirds of your face, including the cheeks and jowls.
- Lower Facelift: A lower facelift addresses your lower face, jawline, and neck, as well as jowls. It is less invasive with a quicker recovery period.
- Mini Facelift: When undergoing a mini facelift, a small incision is placed around your ears to lift your skin to a higher position, which affects your mouth and jawline. This technique creates subtle improvements that look beautiful and natural.
Can a facelift treat neck bands?
Neck bands are vertical, rope-like cords caused by contractions of the platysma muscle that appear on both sides of the neck and become more prominent with age. Neck bands are most noticeable when talking or clenching the jaw, but over the years, they become visible as the neck loses its protective layer of fat and the surrounding skin begins to droop or sag.
In the early stages of aging, neck bands can be treated with Botox. However, for those with more prominent or advanced neck bands, a neck lift can provide more lasting results by tightening the platysma muscle and eliminating loose skin. Fat can also be added to the area, depending on your needs. Most patients are able to enjoy a more youthful neck appearance for seven to 10 years. Sometimes, neck bands can reappear as the edges of the muscles “find” each other again, but they are usually much more diminished than before.
Will my facelift look natural?
Many patients worry that a facelift will make their skin look like they are in a wind tunnel. However, Dr. Hakimi prides himself on providing natural-looking results that make you appear as a more youthful version of yourself, never windswept or overdone. He listens to your needs and goals before creating your custom treatment plan to achieve the best outcome.
Should I sleep with my head elevated after a facelift?
In the days immediately after your facelift, Dr. Hakimi recommends sleeping with your head flat on a very thin pillow or on a shoulder roll so your neck is extended rather than elevated. In theory, sleeping with your head elevated allows gravity to pull lymphatic drainage down to reduce swelling, but once you fall asleep, the neck bends, preventing this from happening. When the neck is extended, swelling goes down faster and is more manageable.
What risks or side effects are associated with facelift surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries certain risks and potential side effects. It's important for patients to be fully informed before deciding to proceed. Some of the common risks associated with facelift surgery include swelling, bruising, scarring, nerve injury and infection. However, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Hakimi can help minimize the potential for complications.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of your facelift will depend on several factors, including the technique used. During your consultation, Dr. Hakimi will create a unique treatment plan to match your needs and goals. Once this is complete, our office manager can go over an estimate of the related fees.
To avoid unnatural-looking results, it's best to concentrate on finding an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Hakimi, instead of the lowest price. Hakimi Plastic Surgery can give you information on low-interest medical financing that will make your facelift easier to afford.
The Right Facelift for You
A facelift treatment can take years off your appearance and help give you a rejuvenated look. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of facelift choices to meet your unique goals. This procedure is meant to make you younger-looking but natural. For more information, get in touch with Dr. Hakimi's office in Beverly Hills, CA to set up your private consultation with Dr. Hakimi.