The Natural Facelift in Newport Beach, CA

The triple SMAS plication represents the foundation of the natural facelift, a procedure described and developed more than 10 years ago in the leading journal, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. This technique folds the SMAS layer in 3 layers, a deep layer of tissue beneath the skin, rather than by aggressively elevating or stretching the skin. Consequently, it provides superior and more prolonged support to deep tissues without causing tension in the overlying skin. The result is a more natural and well-defined contour of the lower face and neck with excellent results that eliminate the excessive tension and unnatural results associated with previously described techniques of skin elevation and stretching.

The natural facelift restores definition by repositioning the SMAS layer beneath the skin. In contrast, conventional facelifts produce horizontal tension on the skin and often result in a tight, unnatural appearance. With repositioning of the deeper support rather than an increase in tension on the skin, this technique maintains natural facial expressions and produces results that appear rejuvenated, not surgically operated.

The ultimate goal of this technique is to appear completely natural. The natural facelift was specifically developed for patients who desire a true rejuvenation without concern about appearing overdone or artificially altered. Restoration of youthful contours with deep, supportive tissues rather than with tension of the skin leaves all natural expressions, smiles and movements completely undisturbed. The result is a more youthful, vibrant appearance with softened contours and renewed definition, but without any evidence of surgical treatment. Patients simply appear to be well rested, refreshed or healthier, and no one suspects that they have had a facelift.

The natural facelift is not performed under general anesthesia. Instead, it is performed under local anesthesia with twilight sedation, and general anesthesia is avoided. This provides excellent comfort and freedom from pain during the procedure and avoids most of the risks associated with full anesthesia, including greater downtime, drowsiness and complications of anesthesia. In addition, it results in a more rapid, efficient recovery and allows an earlier return to routine activities. Patients find it particularly reassuring to achieve substantial, structural rejuvenation in a lighter, safer degree of sedation, and experience a significantly less stressful surgical experience than they had anticipated.

The procedure typically takes about three hours and is performed in Dr. Sadati's state-of-the-art, accredited surgical facility in Newport Beach. He makes discreet incisions around the ears to access and reposition the underlying facial muscles and supportive tissue, restoring structure without relying on excessive skin tension. The entire procedure is completed under local anesthesia with twilight sedation, keeping you comfortable, pain-free, and safe throughout, without the need for general anesthesia. This approach allows for precise, meticulous work while minimizing the risks and longer downtime often associated with going fully under.

Most patients resume normal activities within 7 to 10 days after an uncomplicated facelift. Because correction is achieved by mobilization of deep supporting tissues and not by aggressive skin traction, the morbidity associated with conventional techniques is avoided and is accompanied by minimal edema and discomfort throughout the period of healing. Progressive improvement in facial firmness, contour and definition becomes apparent with increasing duration of healing and with stabilization of tissues at their final positions. As a result, each patient received individualized care by the author to achieve an appearance of moderate, natural rejuvenation, and not of excessive or accelerated correction with obvious evidence of surgical intervention. This provided for a comfortable, uncomplicated course of healing.

Ideal patients have mild to moderate facial aging with moderate skin laxity, jowls, loss of definition of the jaw angle or early signs of neck laxity. This approach is particularly appropriate for patients who desire significant improvement of the lower face and neck without excessive or artificial results. The technique also is well suited for patients who are reluctant toward general anesthesia, because it is performed under local anesthesia with deep sedation and provides a rapid, comfortable recovery. Finally, during your consultation, Dr. Sadati will thoroughly assess your facial anatomy, quality of skin and aesthetic expectations to determine whether the natural facelift represents the optimal treatment for you or whether an alternative approach would be more appropriate. To compare structural options by maturity levels, see the Facelift by Age page.

The traditional facelift achieves rejuvenation of the lower face and neck by folding and tightening the SMAS layer to correct jowls and mild laxity of the lower face. However, because the deeper retaining ligaments are not released, it does not correct midface laxity or restore lost volume of the cheeks. In contrast, the preservation deep plane facelift directly releases and repositions these deeper facial structures to provide simultaneous correction of the lower face, midface and jawline for a more complete, aesthetically pleasing and long lasting result. Instead of neglecting the midface, it restores volume and contour of the entire face as an integrated unit. The technique best suited to your extent of aging and aesthetic expectations will be selected by Dr. Sadati. Check out full preservation metrics on the Preservation Facelift page.

Results are long lasting because this technique restores the deep supportive structures of the face (SMAS and underlying tissues), rather than primarily relying on superficial skin tightening that rapidly loses effect with time. Consequently, your improvement is highly resistant to the effects of gravity and aging. Further maintenance of optimal skin care, strict avoidance of sun exposure and preservation of a stable weight extend the duration of facial rejuvenation for many years. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Sadati will enable you to develop realistic expectations regarding the longevity of your results in relation to the quality of your skin, configuration of your bones and details of your facial anatomy. As a result, you will receive complete, individualized information about your expected results.