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What is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce loose skin and produce a smoother, younger appearance. It helps smooth folds and wrinkles, address jowls, remove excess fat, and tighten loose skin. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, upper lip lift, and fat grafting for full facial rejuvenation.

Patient Testimonial

Jawline Filler

I visited Dr. Hassanzadeh to enhance my jawline, and she suggested a bit of filler – it was exactly what I needed. Now, two weeks later, I’m absolutely OBSESSED with the results. The change is subtle yet powerful, giving me that perfectly “snatched” jawline I was hoping for.

Dr. Hassanzadeh is also a total sweetheart! She makes you feel welcome and is incredibly knowledgeable about facial aesthetics. While I’m not quite ready for surgery, I’ve seen her surgical work, and I would trust her 1000% with my face when the time comes. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a change, whether surgical or non-surgical!

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

When you have a facelift done with Dr. Hassanzadeh, you can expect a vast array of benefits, including the following:

  • Achieve a more youthful appearance: A facelift can take over a decade off your appearance.
  • Improve facial and neck contours: A facelift can also add definition to the face by reducing jowls, removing excess skin and fat, and smoothing skin.
  • Long-lasting results: While the results aren’t permanent, you can expect to turn back the clock indefinitely, meaning your face will always look younger than without the surgery. 
  • Minimal scarring: Because incisions are typically placed behind the ears, scars will be almost invisible.

Traditional Facelift Procedure

As with most procedures, a facelift typically will begin with the administration of general anesthesia. This ensures your comfort throughout the surgery. From there, Dr. Hassanzadeh will make the appropriate incisions along the hairline and around the ears. From there, fat may be removed or resculpted, the deep investing layer around the muscles will be lifted, and skin and deeper tissues will be smoothed and redraped over your new facial contours in a natural way, with excess skin removed. The incisions will be closed, and you’ll be ready to start the recovery process.

A facelift generally takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Deep Plane Facelift Procedure

Dr. Hassanzadeh also offers a deep plane facelift for patients looking for more significant changes. During the procedure, the four ligaments that anchor the connective tissue, skin, and muscle are released, allowing the face to be reshaped and remodeled and create a more natural and dramatic improvement.

The procedure typically takes 3-5 hours to complete.

Facelift Recovery

After your facelift, you will likely have swelling, bruising, and numbness. This is completely normal and will subside within a few weeks. Dr. Hassanzadeh will prescribe pain medication to ensure you’re comfortable. You may also be given a compression garment to wear. You may have a small surgical drain placed that will be removed 1-2 days after surgery. You’ll also want to keep your head elevated when sitting and lying down, avoid smoking and drinking, and stay away from strenuous activities.

You’ll want to rest as much as possible, especially in the first few days. Most patients can return to work after 1 – 2 weeks, but it can depend on the type of job you have.

As for the final results, you will start to feel and look more like yourself after two to three months, with optimal results seen in 6 months – 1 year.

Who is a Candidate?

Ideal candidates for a facelift are typically patients who are in generally good health, nonsmokers, those with realistic expectations, and those with good skin elasticity but also sagging skin, jowls, and lines and wrinkles.

Schedule a Consultation

Put your best face forward with a facelift with Dr. Tania Hassanzadeh! With her warm, compassionate care and expertise, you could not be in better hands. To learn more about this procedure or to schedule a consultation today, call our Beverly Hills office or message us via our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts

Does a facelift make you look younger?

Absolutely! The goal of a well-done facelift is to restore your youthful features in the most natural way possible. Dr. H loves seeing photos of her patients from prior years to set a surgical goal.

How do I prepare for a facelift?

As for any surgery, the biggest risks factors are smoking and drinking. These must be avoided. Having a postprocedure plan is also crucial, be it staying at an aftercare or having family/friends help you for the first 1-2 days.

How do I reduce swelling in my face?

Compression, avoiding anti-inflammatory pain relievers, and time! Supplements that are very helpful are Arnica, Bromelain, and Vitamin K. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a favorite of Dr. Hs patients as well.

How do you take care of your face after a facelift?

The best things to do are to keep your head above your heart at all times--including elevating your head during sleep--wear your dressing as instructed, and keep your incisions meticulously clean. If you undergo laser resurfacing at the time of surgery, you should also follow the recommended skincare regimen.

How long is recovery from a facelift?

The majority of recovery after facelift takes place during the first 1-2 weeks. During this time you may walk, run errands, and light activities. Further improvements will continue for 6 months and up to 1 year.

How many times can you get a facelift?

While a facelift can be done more than once, for most patients, only 1 procedure will be needed. Age is the biggest determinant of whether a revision will needed. Patients who undergo surgery at a younger age may opt to fine-tune their results years (or decades) later.

Is a facelift permanent?

A facelift sets your clock back. As you continue to age, so will your face. However, you will always look younger and more refreshed than if you had NOT undergone the facelift.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Of course! It is actually better to combine certain rejuvenating procedures to enhance your results, as aging affects your entire face. Dr. H often recommends a brow reset, eyelid lift, and upper lip lift at the time of surgery for the best outcome. She will discuss her recommendations with you in depth during your customized consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Discover an even better you with the help of Dr. Hassanzadeh! Schedule a consultation today and start your journey toward looking and feeling your absolute best.  

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