Serving Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Seal Beach, Long Beach, Cypress, Cerritos, Lakewood, Huntington Beach, Irvine & Costa Mesa
Across Orange County and Greater Los Angeles, patients visit Ocean Plastic Surgery Center in Los Alamitos for tailored, high‑precision facial surgery that looks natural in motion and in photos.
1) Overview: What a Modern Facelift Really Does
A modern facelift restores a clean jawline, defined jowls/mandibular line, and a youthful neck angle by lifting the SMAS–platysma (the deep support layer), not just pulling skin. Our approach prioritizes natural results: we elevate deep tissues vertically, redrape skin without tension, and blend with facial fat transfer, CO₂ laser, or Renuvion when skin quality needs a boost.
2) Benefits
- Sharper jawline and cervicomental angle
- Softens nasolabial and marionette shadows via deep support repositioning
- Long‑lasting outcomes vs. skin‑only lifts
- Pairs seamlessly with neck lift, eyelids, brow lift, and fat transfer
- Natural expression preserved—never pulled
3) Who’s a Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you have visible jowls, neck bands, downward‑shifted cheek volume, or if injectables no longer help. Healthy non‑smokers (or those able to pause) at a stable weight do best.
4) Facelift Types We Offer
SMAS Plication/Imbrication
Reinforces and repositions the SMAS for durable contour and a refreshed jawline without over‑tightening the skin.
Mini (“Short‑Scar”) Facelift
Great for early laxity with faster social downtime and shorter incisions.
Neck Lift Add‑On
Platysmaplasty and subplatysmal contouring for bands/fullness when the neck contributes to heaviness.
Deep Plane Facelift
See dedicated page: maximizes midface/jowl elevation with ligament release and composite movement.
5) Incisions & Scar Strategy
Incisions are hidden around/inside the ear, behind the ear, and into the hairline; a small submental incision is used when neck work is added. We preserve the sideburn and design low‑tension closures. Scar care includes silicone therapy, SPF, and optional laser/microneedling.
6) Technique (Step by Step)
- Marking and vector planning
- Anesthesia for comfort and safety
- Skin elevation and SMAS/platysma lift tailored to your anatomy
- Precise hemostasis and conservative skin redrape (no tension)
- Layered closure and light dressings
7) Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–3: swelling/tightness; sleep elevated; short walks
- Week 1: sutures/staples out as indicated; camo makeup soon after
- Weeks 2–3: most bruising fades; light cardio returns
- Weeks 4–6: gradual full activity; results refine 3–6 months
8) Longevity & Maintenance
Many patients enjoy 10+ years of improvement. Aging continues, but good skincare, sun protection, and weight stability prolong results.
9) Risks & Safety
Hematoma, temporary nerve weakness, infection, healing challenges, asymmetry, and conspicuous scarring (uncommon). We mitigate with gentle handling and meticulous hemostasis.
10) Combining Procedures
Best‑in‑class results often pair facelift with neck lift, eyelids, brow lift, lip lift, and facial fat transfer; energy/laser resurfacing can be added for skin quality.
11) Cost & Financing
Cost depends on scope (mini vs. full + neck + adjuncts) and OR time. You’ll receive a clear written estimate and financing options.
12) Patient Journey
Consultation with photos/measurements → pre‑op optimization → procedure → structured recovery roadmap → photo follow‑ups.
FAQs
Will I still look like me?
Yes. Elevating your own deep tissues restores youthful vectors while preserving identity. Friends usually say you look rested and healthy.
Facelift vs. deep plane—how do I choose?
If midface descent and heavy folds dominate, deep plane often gives more vertical correction. If laxity is moderate, a well‑executed SMAS facelift can be ideal.
Can a facelift fix neck bands?
Yes when combined with platysmaplasty and, if needed, subplatysmal sculpting to sharpen the neck angle.
What about skin quality and pores?
Lifting repositions tissue but does not resurface skin; we often add CO₂ laser or Renuvion for texture and tone.
Is a mini facelift worth it?
For early laxity, minis offer shorter incisions and fast downtime. Advanced laxity benefits from full SMAS or deep plane for longevity.
How soon can I return to work?
Many desk workers are presentable at 10–14 days; plan 2–3 weeks if you want minimal visibility of bruising.
Will scars be visible?
We hide them in ear/hairline shadows and guide scar therapy. Most friends cannot find them once healed.
Can I combine eyelids or a brow lift?
Yes—upper/lower blepharoplasty and lateral/endoscopic brow lift enhance harmony around the eyes.
How painful is recovery?
More tightness/pressure than sharp pain. Oral meds and a clear activity plan keep you comfortable.
Do I need drains?
Case‑dependent; if used, they’re short‑term and removed early.
How long will numbness last?
Patchy numbness near ears/cheeks improves over weeks to months as nerves recover.
What if I’ve had fillers for years?
Filler can hide descent only so long; surgery restores lift and contour. We can dissolve displaced filler when helpful.
Deep Plane Facelift — Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills & Los Angeles, CA
Serving Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Seal Beach, Long Beach, Cypress, Cerritos, Lakewood, Huntington Beach, Irvine & Costa Mesa
Across Orange County and Greater Los Angeles, patients visit Ocean Plastic Surgery Center in Los Alamitos for tailored, high‑precision facial surgery that looks natural in motion and in photos.
1) What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A deep plane facelift releases retaining ligaments and lifts skin, SMAS, and malar fat as a unit. The composite, vertical movement improves the midface and nasolabial folds better than older skin‑tension lifts and delivers a soft, natural cheek‑to‑jaw sweep.
2) Ideal Candidates
Patients with heavier jowls, flat midface, and deep folds—or those wanting maximal natural lift without a pulled look.
3) Advantages
- Superior midface re‑suspension and fold improvement
- Less skin tension → softer edges
- Durable jawline/neck results when paired with platysmaplasty
4) Technique Overview
Selective ligament release, composite elevation, vertical vector tightening, and balanced skin redrape. Often combined with facial fat transfer to temples/cheeks for youthful convexities.
5) Incisions, Recovery, Risks
Incisions are similar to a full facelift. Social downtime is usually 2–3 weeks; refinement continues up to 6 months. Risks mirror standard facelift with emphasis on gentle dissection near facial nerve branches.
FAQs
Deep plane vs. SMAS: which ages better?
Both age well when executed correctly. Deep plane provides more midface lift; SMAS may be perfect for moderate laxity. Your anatomy decides.
Will I look over‑done?
No—the composite, vertical movement preserves expression. Patients look refreshed and elegant, not tight.
Is downtime longer than SMAS?
Comparable; cheek swelling can last slightly longer due to deeper release but improves steadily.
Can you fix deep nasolabial folds?
Deep plane improves the anatomic cause—descent/tethering. We can fine‑tune with micro‑fat if needed.
What about my neck?
We often add neck lift/platysmaplasty so the face and neck age in sync.
Can I combine with eyelids or laser?
Yes—deep plane + blepharoplasty and CO₂/RF energy is a high‑impact, single‑recovery plan.
What expectations are realistic?
Expect a youthful version of you—cleaner lines, uplifted cheek, defined jaw—while texture is addressed by skin adjuncts.
How soon for public events?
Plan 2–3 weeks; camouflage makeup can help sooner.
Nerve safety?
We honor anatomic zones; temporary weakness is uncommon and typically resolves.
Will scars show?
With thoughtful design and aftercare, they blend into hairline/ear shadows and are difficult to find when healed.