Facelift Procedures in Newport Beach, CA

Facelift techniques depend on the surgical plane addressed and the extent of aging to be corrected. The traditional facelift primarily tightens laxity of the skin and superficial fascia, with limited improvement in structural support. By contrast, a deep plane facelift provides significantly greater correction, because they elevate the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) by releasing the retaining ligaments as a single unit. The resulting corrections are substantially more complete and long lasting than those achieved with traditional techniques. Further refinements of the deep plane approach called preservation facelift include techniques of skin-sparing facelift that minimize tissue dissection to preserve vascular integrity and achieve vertical repositioning of deep structures, with faster healing and natural results. In addition, limited or early degrees of laxity are corrected with mini and mini deep-plane facelift techniques. These techniques are appropriate for minimal degrees of soft tissue laxity. Revisions of prior operations are accomplished with revision facelift techniques, and ethnic differences in patterns of bone structure, skin thickness and healing are accommodated with ethnic facelift techniques. Finally, procedures are adapted for men, women and various age groups, because patterns of tissue quality and degree of aging differ substantially among these groups. Learn more about customized age options on the Facelift by Age page.

The optimal facelift is based on multiple individual factors including age, underlying facial structure, degree of soft-tissue laxity and specific aesthetic goals. Young patients with minimal jowl formation or mild laxity generally respond well to a mini or mini deep plane facelift requiring minimal correction to restore contour. In contrast, extensive aging with severe facial folds, significant volume loss and/or marked cervical banding typically requires a preservation deep plane facelift to completely correct underlying structural abnormalities. Because each face evolves with unique patterns determined by genetic, skeletal, cutaneous and behavioral factors, we provide a complete, individualized evaluation of facial anatomy to develop a custom surgical plan, rather than applying a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to patient care. Discover the advanced technique available on the Preservation Facelift details page.

The traditional facelift lifts the skin and folds the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to reduce face and neck laxity with maximal tensioning of these layers. Although effective for mild aging, this approach depends in part on skin tension to achieve correction and results in relatively short longevity with potential development of an overly tense or "pulled" appearance. In contrast, the deep plane facelift releases the deep retaining ligaments and repositions the underlying facial structures including the SMAS and fat compartments as a single unit. Correction is achieved by elevating these deep tissues rather than by tightening the skin only, resulting in a more natural appearance and significantly prolonged longevity. In addition, tension at the level of the skin and incisions is markedly reduced, and the resulting appearance is significantly less artificial than with conventional techniques.

A mini facelift is a less extensive surgical approach to correct early signs of aging, including mild jowling, slight loss of definition of the jaw lines and mild laxity of the lower face. It requires smaller incisions primarily located in the area of the ear and involves less tissue dissection to provide a shorter recovery period of 1 to 2 weeks. As a result, it is particularly appropriate for patients in their early 40s who desire only minor correction before further signs of aging develop. In contrast, a full facelift corrects more severe degrees of laxity of the cheeks, lower face and the neck all at once by releasing the retaining facial ligaments and lifting the deeper tissue that cannot be adequately corrected with a mini facelift. This procedure requires more extensive dissection of tissues to achieve optimal and natural results. Ultimately, discussion with an experienced facial plastic surgeon remains the most reliable method for deciding whether a mini facelift will achieve the desired results or whether a full facelift procedure is necessary to obtain long term improvement.

The Natural Facelift is Dr. Sadati's technique that achieves truly natural, undetectable results with his published method of triple SMAS plication. This technique was developed decades ago by Dr. Sadati and reported in the leading journal of plastic and reconstructive surgery, resulted in three folds of the SMAS layer and represented one of the most effective and widely accepted techniques for SMAS-based facelifting currently available. Emphasis on tightening the SMAS tissue, rather than on the tension of the overlying skin, produced results that were perceived as refreshed and not operative. This is the best version of traditional facelift. Consequently, Dr. Sadati has achieved international recognition within the plastic surgery community. His technique has been studied, cited and adopted by surgeons throughout the world as a model for achievement of long-lasting, natural results based on plication technique. It should be noted that his current technique is Preservation Deep Plane Facelift which is an upgraded version of Natural Facelift. Check full details on the dedicated Natural Facelift page.

A vertical facelift elevates soft tissues upward rather than horizontally. This is particularly important because aging produces progressive downward displacement of tissues by the effects of gravity and loss of structural support. Correction of this degree of downward displacement along the same vertical axis of origin restores youthful volume and contour in a manner that appears natural for the face and not as an opposing force. The procedure is technically based on principles of deep plane facelift and temporal brow lift to achieve upward repositioning of tissues of the neck, mid and lower face and temporal region as a single, coordinated unit. This provides an elegant restoration of youthful contour that avoids the horizontally extended, "windswept" results achieved with older techniques and instead produces a mildly youthful, heart-shaped contour appropriate for all angles of observation.

The term derives from the Greek "rhytis," meaning wrinkle, and "ectomy," indicating surgical removal. Thus, rhytidectomy literally means "removal of wrinkles." Previously, the term reflected a narrower concept of facial aging and primarily concerned smoothing of superficial wrinkles. Now, however, it represents a far more comprehensive concept and simply describes what we refer to today as a facelift, i.e., a procedure that elevates not only the sagging skin, but also restores contour and achieves a youthful relationship between the lower face and neck. As a result, the terms rhytidectomy and facelift are used interchangeably in modern practice.

A revision facelift improves or enhances the results of a previous facelift to address residual laxity, asymmetry, an overly tight or "pulled" appearance, scarring or changes that have occurred since the original operation. Because the tissues have already been extensively modified, with resulting alterations in vascular supply, anatomical landmarks and scar formation, revision surgery is substantially more complex than a primary facelift. It requires an experienced, highly skilled facial plastic surgeon who fully understands the altered anatomy remaining from the original operation and can manage around it. Performance of revision surgery without these specialized skills results in a substantially increased risk of complications or unsatisfactory results. Selection of a surgeon with special experience in revision procedures is critical to achieving a safe and successful result.

Facelift procedures are individually designed to reflect patient anatomy and objectives, and thus represent a comprehensive treatment planning. Although the lower face, midface and neck are addressed with facelift surgery, complete harmonization of rejuvenation generally requires additional treatments of the facial structure. Combined procedures such as brow lift, eyelid lift, fat grafting, lip lift and laser resurfacing can be performed with facelift surgery to achieve an overall result appropriate for facial rejuvenation of facial aging beyond the lower face. Instead of producing an unbalanced result, all components are integrated to provide a holistic and harmonized result with meticulous adaptation of a combination of techniques.

The appropriate treatment depends on the extent of your aging changes and on your expectations. Non-surgical approaches rejuvenate early or mild changes with less downtime, but involve significant risks when overused or improperly performed to produce an excessively filled, puffy "pillow face," disappointing or transient results with thread lifts, and high-energy devices capable of destroying normal subcutaneous fat required for a natural appearance of volume. In contrast, surgical facelift remains the most effective and long-lasting treatment for moderate to severe loss of facial volume and for sagging of the mid and lower face. This treatment directly addresses the underlying pathology. Consulting with an expert facial plastic surgeon, you will receive an honest and experienced evaluation of the treatment approach that will provide the most natural and long-lasting results for your particular condition.