If you’re considering a facelift or any kind of facial surgery, you want the best.
After all, your face is how you present yourself to the world, it’s your signature, your calling card, and perhaps most importantly, it’s the face that your friends and family know and love.
Which is why you want the board certified and experienced plastic surgeon who understands how to work with you to achieve the natural-looking and long-lasting results you desire.
While facial aging is a natural process, you want to do it gracefully, and present your best face to the world at any age or point in your life.
And with the expertise of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, you can do exactly that.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Calvert
See Dr. Calvert in Beverly Hills and learn more about how he can reach your aesthetic goals.
What is a Beverly Hills Facelift?
What does getting a facelift surgery entail?
A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing the visible signs of aging in the face and neck.
The procedure involves tightening and lifting the facial skin and underlying tissues to create a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Facelifts typically tighten sagging or loose skin around the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
This procedure can also help improve the appearance of the jowls (the drooping skin along the jawline) and remove excess fat in the neck and under the chin.
A facelift can also address deep creases, wrinkles, or folds in the skin around the nose and mouth (the nasolabial folds) and under the eyes (the tear troughs).
Why would you consider getting this procedure?
A facelift can minimize signs of facial aging, rejuvenate your face and neck with smoother, more youthful contours, and even boost your confidence by aligning your outer appearance with your inner attitude and spirit.
Types Of Facelifts
There are various types of facelifts with different areas of focus and depth.
Starting with your initial consultation, your surgeon will work closely with you to select and customize the most suitable procedure or combination of procedures to achieve your desired results.
Deep Plane Facelifts
A deep plane facelift addresses aging in the underlying layers of tissue along with the more superficial layers of skin on your face, smoothing and tightening for a more youthful glow.
It addresses how previously tight skin becomes looser and may begin to droop or hang over time, along with other issues like wrinkles, sunken, or deep folds and lines.
By treating these issues in the deep planes or the underlying layers of tissue along with the more superficial layers of skin on your face, a deep plane facelift can make your overall appearance more vibrant and refreshed, enhancing your face — and your confidence — in the long term.
“The Natural Facelift”
Dr. Jay Calvert has pioneered a facial rejuvenation procedure which leaves patients with their desired rejuvenated, natural results and natural beauty.
His signature “Natural Facelift” is a combination of the lower face and neck lift and an endoscopic midface lift, which lifts the lateral brow (the tail of the brow) or brow lift.
The lower face is addressed with a sub-SMAS/deep plane approach which eliminates the jowls, cleans the jawline, and mitigates the heavy look of an aged face.
Traditional Facelifts
This is a comprehensive procedure addressing the entire face and neck.
It is what people tend to think of when they refer to a facelift and often requires the most extensive recovery time — but can also provide the most dramatic results.
Mid Facelifts
This type of facelift targets the middle portion of the face, particularly the cheeks.
If this is the area you are most concerned about, a mid facelift offers a less invasive way to improve the appearance of sagging skin and tighten the contours of the cheeks and middle of the face for a refreshed, youthful appearance.
SMAS Facelift Surgery
A SMAS facelift, or superficial musculo-aponeurotic system facelift, is a specialized type of facelift that focuses on both the skin and the underlying SMAS layer, which is a network of muscles and connective tissue beneath the skin.
This technique provides more natural and long-lasting results compared to a traditional facelift that only addresses the skin.
Secondary Or Revision Facelifts
A revision facelift, also known as a secondary facelift, is a surgical procedure performed on patients who have previously undergone a facelift but are dissatisfied with the results or have experienced changes over time that require correction.
This procedure aims to refine, correct, or enhance the results of the initial facelift.
Patients who have received facelifts over 5 to 10 years ago may opt for a secondary facelift to address new signs of aging or further enhance their appearance.
Mini-Facelifts Or Weekend Facelifts
A mini facelift surgery are shorter procedures are a less invasive version of a more traditional facelift that focuses on specific areas like the lower face and neck.
Often called a “weekend facelift” because you can get one and recover fairly quickly (e.g., over a long weekend) and patients have to take less time off work and away from their regular routines.
Non-Surgical Facelifts Or Liquid Facelifts
If you are looking for similar results to a facelift but are not ready to commit to a more invasive or permanent procedure, a liquid facelift using dermal fillers and treatments like Botox can be a good option.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
Determining whether you’re a good candidate for a facelift involves assessing several factors related to your overall health, skin condition, and personal goals.
If you are between the ages of 40 and 70 (give or take a few years depending on your unique health characteristics) with no or minimal underlying health conditions, and a non-smoker or willing to quit, you may be a good candidate.
Some younger patients may also be good facelift candidates if they have significant signs of aging.
While a facelift does tighten the skin, candidates need to have some degree of skin elasticity for the best results. Elasticity helps the skin conform to its new, improved contours after surgery.
You should also have realistic expectations about what a facelift can and cannot achieve.
While a facelift can significantly improve signs of aging, it won’t stop the aging process or create a completely different appearance.
It’s important that candidates have a positive mindset and are seeking the procedure for the right reasons, such as personal satisfaction rather than external pressures.
Being willing to follow post-surgery care instructions, including attending follow-up appointments and adhering to activity restrictions, is crucial for a successful recovery and optimal results.
In addition, you should understand that while scars from a facelift are generally well-hidden, they will be permanent and may take time to fade.
Not that if you have had previous facial surgeries, this may affect your candidacy.
Your surgeon will need to consider any existing scars or changes to your facial anatomy when planning the procedure.
.The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a facelift is to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Calvert.
He will assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, medical history, and personal goals to recommend the most appropriate procedure for you.
If you’re considering a facelift, preparing questions about what you can expect, the risks involved, and the likely outcome can help you make an informed decision during the consultation process.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Calvert
See Dr. Calvert in Beverly Hills and learn more about how he can reach your aesthetic goals.
What Happens During A Facelift?
Each patient and facelift operation is different and your surgeon will tailor the process to your individual needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
However, there are some common aspects and processes that every patient considering a facelift should be aware of and follow during their plastic surgery journey.
The Facelift Procedure
During a facelift, incisions are made around the hairline, near the temples, and sometimes extending around the ears and lower scalp.
Your surgeon then repositions the underlying tissue, removes excess skin, and may also remove or redistribute fat depending on your unique facial structure and goals.
Then the skin is re-draped over the newly contoured tissue surface, and your incisions are closed with sutures or skin adhesives.
Facelift Consultation
Your facelift journey begins with a consultation with your surgeon.
This is when the doctor will evaluate your facial structure, skin elasticity, and overall health to determine if you’re a good candidate for a facelift.
This meeting is also when you’ll discuss your goals, and the surgeon will explain what can realistically be achieved.
You should be prepared to provide a full medical history, including any medications, supplements, or conditions you have.
This consultation is also when your surgeon will make sure that you fully understand the facelift recovery process and any potential risks.
Facelift Pre-Op
Prior to getting a facelift, you should set yourself up for a successful recovery process.
Make sure that you plan adequate time off work and social commitments to recover after getting a facelift or any other procedure.
Your doctor will advise if you need blood work or other tests to ensure that you are in optimal health.
You may have to adjust your skincare routine or follow a specific regimen before your facelift, and avoid or limit sun exposure in the weeks before and following your facelift surgery.
If you smoke, you’ll likely be advised to stop at least several weeks before surgery, as smoking can impair healing.
Your surgeon may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen), and supplements that can increase bleeding risk.
You may be instructed to avoid alcohol for a certain period before the surgery.
Finally, you’ll have to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
By following these pre-op steps, you’ll be better prepared for the facelift procedure and recovery.
Facelift Surgery Day
During the night before and the day of your facelift surgery, you’ll likely need to fast (no food or drink) for a certain period before the procedure.
You’ll shower using antibacterial soap and wear loose, comfortable clothing to the clinic or place where the procedure is being performed.
Facelift Post-Op
After getting a facelift, following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is crucial for a smooth recovery and optimal results.
You’ll want to plan to rest for the first few days.
Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to reduce swelling.
If instructed by your surgeon, apply cold compresses to minimize swelling and bruising, as instructed by your surgeon.
Be aware that swelling and bruising are normal and can take several weeks to subside. Your face may appear swollen and feel tight initially, but that will also subside as time passes.
You may have bandages in place, and if so, follow your surgeon’s instructions for care and removal. Gently clean the incision sites with the recommended solution.
Apply any prescribed topical ointments to the incisions as directed and try to not touch or pick at the incision sites. Keep them dry unless instructed otherwise.
In regard to pain management, you should always take prescribed pain or oral pain medication as directed.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended, but avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as they can increase bleeding.
After your surgery, avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least 2-4 weeks. Protect your face from direct sun exposure, and wear sunscreen when outside.
The skin will be more sensitive to UV rays after surgery.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and stick to soft foods that are easy to chew, especially in the first few days.
Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption during the recovery period, as they can impede proper healing.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing process, remove stitches, and address any concerns.
By carefully following these post-op instructions, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible outcome from your facelift.
Facelift Incisions And Scarring
The incisions from your facelift are typically located around your hairline, near the temples, and around the ears and lower scalp.
This ensures that your hair will likely cover them in the future.
Following your surgeon’s guidelines for proper wound care, avoiding sun exposure, and carefully monitoring your incision sites and attending all follow-up appointments can help minimize the appearance of facelift scars.
The doctor may also recommend treatments to minimize scarring, such as silicone gels or sheets.
You should continue following a good skincare regimen to maintain the results of your facelift.
Facelift Recovery Time
The recovery time from a facelift can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, the type of facelift procedure, and your individual response to the operation, but most patients can return to normal low-impact activities within two to four weeks, and back to working out and more within four to eight weeks.
Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal after surgery, but these symptoms will subside over time. If you have questions or concerns about the recovery time for a facelift, ask your surgeon.
Potential Risks And Complications Of A Facelift
While facelifts can provide significant aesthetic improvements, it’s crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and possible complications.
A thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will help you understand what to expect and determine if this procedure aligns with your goals and health status.
Some common issues after getting a facelift include mild to moderate bruising and swelling. This is normal after surgery and typically subside within a few weeks.
Some pain, tightness, and discomfort are common during the initial recovery period and can usually be managed with prescribed medications.
A temporary numbness or tingling in the face and neck area is common and often resolves within a few weeks or months. In some very uncommon cases, this numbness may be prolonged or permanent.
The incisions from a facelift can leave faint scars, but they are generally concealed within the hairline and natural contours of the face and ears.
Over time, scars usually fade and become less noticeable.
More serious complications like infection, hair loss or hairline distortion, nerve injuries, blood clots, anesthesia complications, and other problems can also occur, but these are extremely rare.
You can mitigate or avoid the likelihood of facelift complications by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle, and choosing a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.
What Can A Facelift Improve Or Treat?
Facial plastic surgery can significantly improve your facial aesthetics by addressing or treating many common signs of aging, such as wrinkles, saggy or loose skin, or a jawline that is not as firm or tight as it used to be.
Does A Facelift Tighten The Neck And Jowls?
If you have loose or sagging skin on your face, jawline, and neck, a facelift can help tighten these areas and remove or minimize the jowls.
Does A Facelift Include Removing Excess Skin?
Yes, a facelift may involve removing excess skin and fat from the neck and facial area.
Can A Facelift Fix A Double Chin?
A facelift is particularly effective for reducing or eliminating jowls (sagging skin along the jawline), which can reduce or minimize the appearance of a double chin.
Can A Facelift Fix Nasolabial Folds?
Pronounced wrinkles or deep folds, particularly around the nose, mouth, and chin (the nasolabial folds), often may be effectively treated with a facelift.
What Other Procedures Can Be Combined With A Facelift?
A facelift can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation or more dramatic results.
These procedures include but are not limited to eyelid surgery, brow lifts, or facial fat grafting.
Consult your surgeon to determine whether you can combine multiple procedures to achieve the results you desire.
The Benefits Of Getting A Facelift Beverly Hills
There are many benefits and reasons to get a facelift, many of which can be highly personal and unique to each patient.
However, there are some common benefits of facelift surgery that most patients desire, such as tightened skin, wrinkle reduction, and a brighter, more youthful appearance.
Facelifts are also known to offer more long-lasting results, since unlike non-surgical treatments, the results of a facelift are more permanent, often providing a younger appearance for 10 years or more.
This can lead to enhanced confidence, and many patients report a significant boost in self-confidence and self-esteem after a facelift, as they feel more satisfied with their appearance.
Modern facelift techniques enable your surgeon to achieve a more natural-looking result, avoiding the “overdone” look that was more common in older methods.
The doctor will customize your facelift procedure to address specific areas of concern, such as the lower face, neck, or mid-face, allowing for a more tailored approach.
These advanced techniques also minimize scarring, often placing incisions in natural creases or along the hairline, making scars less noticeable.
Overall, a facelift can help you look younger and more refreshed, which can have a major positive impact on your personal and professional life.
Finding The Right Plastic Surgeon For Your Facelift
Why should you choose Dr. Jay Calvert for your facelift or other plastic surgery procedure?
Dr. Calvert is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with practices in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach, California.
He performs all types of plastic surgery, but he focuses on rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, facelifts, and breast augmentation surgery in both Beverly Hills and Newport Beach.
He has pioneered many cutting-edge techniques, enabling his patients to get the best possible results.
Choosing him for your facelift or any other procedure ensures you’ll be receiving the highest standard of care and the most refined, natural looking results.
Facelift FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts
These are some of the more common questions that patients may have about getting a facelift or similar plastic surgery procedure. Feel free to reach out if you have more specific questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Calvert.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Facelift?
You should be able to resume normal activities within a few weeks of getting a facelift. Remember that healing takes time, and it may take several months to see the final results.
What’s more, it’s normal to experience an emotional rollercoaster during recovery. Talk to friends or family members who can provide emotional support.
Who Is A Good Candidate For A Successful Facelift?
Individuals that are between the approximate ages of 40 and 70, in good general health with a positive attitude and some amount of skin elasticity are good candidates for a successful facelift.
What Are The Benefits Of Getting A Facelift?
People opt for facelifts because they offer long-lasting ways to improve sagging skin, remove loose or excess skin and fat, and improve the appearance of deep creases in the skin.
During a facelift, sagging skin is lifted and tightened, reducing the appearance of jowls, deep creases, and loose skin around the neck.
A facelift can restore a more youthful contour to the cheeks, jawline, and neck, helping to redefine facial structure and enhance overall appearance.
Deep wrinkles and folds, particularly around the nose and mouth, can be smoothed out, giving the skin a more youthful and refreshed look.
What Risks Are Associated With Getting A Facelift?
A facelift, like any surgical procedure, comes with potential risks and complications. Understanding these risks is essential when considering the surgery. Some of the most common risks associated with a facelift include potential complications from anesthesia, a risk of infection, scarring, and bruising or swelling (in the short term).
There’s also a slight risk that the final outcome of a facelift may not meet your expectations, leading to dissatisfaction with the results. In some cases, revision surgery may be necessary to address issues like asymmetry, scarring, or other cosmetic procedures concerns.
To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to choose board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in facelift procedures. Additionally, following all pre-operative and post-operative care instructions can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
The results of most types of facelift surgery can last for several years or even up to a decade depending on your lifestyle choices, skin type and quality, and other factors, but the natural aging process will continue.
The results from a traditional facelift typically last between 7 to 10 years.
This duration can vary depending on factors like skin type, aging process, and adherence to post-operative care.
A deep plane or SMAS facelift, which involves lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of tissue, generally provides results that last about 10 to 15 years. This is due to its more comprehensive approach to addressing signs of aging.
Avoiding the sun and using non-surgical treatments like Botox, fillers, laser skin resurfacing or similar options can be used to maintain facelift results over time, address new signs of aging, and enhance your overall appearance.
For some patients, getting a facelift touch-up or minor revision surgery after several years can be a good option.
What Happens During A Facelift Operation?
During a facelift operation, your surgeon makes incisions around the ears and along the hairline to access and lift the underlying muscle and tissues of the face. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned and tightened for a smoother, more youthful appearance. Finally, the incisions are closed with sutures, and you will be taken to the recovery area to begin the healing process.
How Much Does A Facelift Cost?
The cost of a facelift depends on a variety of factors, including the type of facelift, if you are getting any other procedures at the same time, and the location and expertise of your surgeon.
To learn more about the costs of getting a facelift in Beverly Hills, contact our team to get started.
How Do I Find The Best Facelift Surgeon?
You can start here! Dr. Jay Calvert is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills who specializes in facelifts and related procedures.
Generally, seeking surgeons who are board certified in plastic surgery, who have stellar reviews, and offer before and after examples of the procedure you are seeking with the aesthetic you hope to achieve is the ideal way to find the best facelift surgeon for your needs and aesthetic goals.
Before getting a facelift, you will have a consultation with your surgeon where you can ask all your questions, see and share examples of aesthetics you hope to achieve, and ensure that you feel comfortable with the procedure in general.
How Old Should I Be For A Facelift?
Generally, the optimal age for facelift candidates are between the ages of 40 and 70. However, younger patients with significant signs of aging or older patients in good health may be appropriate candidates for facelifts.
How Much Younger Will I Look After A Facelift?
A facelift can significantly rejuvenate your appearance by tightening sagging skin, smoothing deep wrinkles, and redefining facial contours.
While the exact amount you’ll “look younger” is subjective and varies from person to person, many patients notice a reduction in visible signs of aging that can make them appear several years or even a decade younger. Factors such as your initial age, skin quality, and the extent of aging will influence the final outcome.
Will I Have Scars After A Facelift?
Any surgical procedure can result in scarring, but with proper post-op care and wound treatment you will likely have minimal scarring after a facelift. Moreover, your surgeon will place your incisions along the hairline or in similar areas where any scarring is likely to be hidden by your hair.
Can I Get Filler Or Injections After A Facelift?
Yes, you can get filler or injections like Botox after a facelift. Consult with your surgeon as to when you can get or resume getting these treatments.
Can I Work Out After A Facelift?
You can resume working out after a facelift once you are cleared for full physical activity, typically within 4 to 8 weeks after the procedure.
Are Facelifts Painful?
Facelifts are typically performed under general anesthesia. Any surgery generally results in some discomfort during the healing process, but your surgeon will offer pain management options and take steps to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
Do I Need To Lose Weight Before Getting A Facelift?
Being an optimal and healthy weight is desirable prior to getting any surgical procedure. If you are concerned about weight loss or gain potentially affecting the results of your facelift, ask your surgeon.
Before & After Facelift Pictures
See how Dr. Calvert’s patients look before and after their facelift procedures.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation
Interested in meeting Dr. Calvert to discuss getting a facelift surgery or other procedure?
Book a consultation or get in touch with his team here.