A facelift, also called a rhytidectomy, surgically tightens the face and neck areas. A facelift can make your skin appear smoother and years younger. Many individuals have strong reservations about the facelift procedure. In the early years of the procedure's rise and popularity, the results that a facelift provided could often be noticeably unnatural. Images of abnormally stretched or strained facial features come to mind. Now, however, the facelift procedure can provide amazingly natural-looking results. Current technology has vastly improved how the process is done, doing away with the preconceptions that having a facelift might have previously given.
The secret to a great facelift is a combination of several recent advances in the approaches and techniques used in other popular surgical procedures. In days past, there were no ideal methods for achieving natural-looking results from facelifts. The standard process involved tightening the skin by pulling it backward, causing it to tighten across the facial muscles and features.
This technique sometimes resulted in that fake "windblown" look that many commonly associate with a sub-par facelift procedure. Thankfully, time and advances in technology and medicine have given us a significantly better and more detailed understanding of treating the underlying causes of aesthetic facial issues and not just the symptoms. Now, the face can be lifted nearly vertically. This approach is ideal because aging and gravity pull the skin of the face downward, creating noticeable sagging, wrinkles, and folds. The goal is to repair and restore what gravity and time took away. This new facelift technique results in a more rested and youthful look.
The facelift procedure has been around for years and has been performed on countless patients to revitalize the appearance and reduce the most prominent aging symptoms on the face.
Medical advancements have drastically changed the facelift procedure, but the goal remains the same. Still, many people have misconceptions about what facelifts can and cannot do. We are committed to making sure our patients fully understand what we do so they can make the best decision for themselves. Dr. Ritu Chopra and the team at Plastic Surgery Institute strive to provide the best facelift Beverly Hills has to offer.
The face is divided into three segments: the upper face, the mid-face, and the lower face.
Wrinkles and folds on the forehead are often handled with tiny incisions that are well-hidden in the hairline. The skin will be gently loosened from the underlying tissue and lifted with the help of a scope, which is a wand with a camera lens running through it. We require that any patient interested in receiving a facelift from one of our world-renowned Beverly Hills Facelift surgeons have a consultation before scheduling surgery.
This provides the patient with the opportunity to discuss their reasons for wanting a facelift, what your goals are and allows them to ask any questions they may have. This also gives us the opportunity to clear up any misconceptions you may have regarding the procedure. The information gathered during your Beverly Hills facelift consultation, along with a thorough evaluation of your medical history and current health, is essential for determining what is "out of place" and how to fix it so that the results you receive meet your unique aesthetic needs.
The operation has improved so much because today's facelift is a composite operation, borrowing the best components of other surgical techniques. We now borrow techniques (like the tumescent technique from liposuction) to separate the tissues with minimal trauma to the cells and make the draining of fat from the body a much more comfortable and quicker process.
The Doctors at the Plastic Surgery Institute love what they do. If you want the highest quality of care from industry leaders who are as approachable as they are professional, you will find a perfect partner for your procedure at the Plastic Surgery Institute in Beverly Hills.
Dr. Ritu Chopra M.S, M.D. is a warm and caring surgeon whose skill in the operating room is unsurpassed. Dr. Chopra specializes in highly technical procedures like deep plane facelifts and breast restoration following cancer or trauma.
Dr. Andrew Ordon, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a global leader in plastic surgery and Emmy-nominated co-host of The Doctors. His experience and passion for innovation can be seen in each procedure performed at The Plastic Surgery Institute.
Dr. Nathaniel Villanueva, M.D. takes a holistic approach to plastic surgery. Dr. Villanueva helps find solutions that extend long after the initial procedure thanks to his innovative ability to integrate healing wellness practices into his treatment plans.
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A facelift can now be performed with fewer and smaller incisions and a lower impact on the patient's body, which results in a faster healing period. Often, tissue glue is used instead of, or in addition to, sutures to provide enhanced reinforcement during the healing period to ensure that the wound does not re-open or cause any complications.
The glue also allows the patient to be bandage free and return to an active life sooner. Most people just take a week off work, rather than the two or three weeks that used to be the norm due to the more intense impact of the traditional facelift. Any post-surgical marks are nearly unnoticeable, thanks to improved closure techniques.
Beverly Hills facelift surgeons Dr. Chopra and Dr. Villanueva perform facelifts using the SMAS technique. Typical facelifts only lift the top layer of facial tissue, giving patients the too-tight, "worked-on" appearance. But the SMAS technique lifts three layers of facial tissue at once, resulting in a more cohesive lift.
The SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) layer is a facial tissue layer below the subcutaneous fat layer and the surface skin layer. Because the SMAS layer has fibers connected to the other layers, lifting the SMAS layer also lifts the layers above it. This is essential for retaining your face's natural appearance, as it keeps the layers of tissue together as one cohesive unit. Another advantage to the SMAS facelift is the direction of its pull. Typical facelifts offer a backward pull, another contributor to the "worked-on" look. Although this approach did create a tighter-looking face, it disrupted the natural appearance of the skin. With a SMAS facelift, the pull vector is vertical – opposite to gravity's pull – leading to a beautiful, natural lift.
A SMAS facelift begins with either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. You'll be able to discuss these options with your plastic surgeon during a consultation.
Because you will receive a general anesthetic, it is crucial to refrain from eating or drinking anything before your surgery. Also, plan on wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Do not wear any makeup or jewelry. If you have any body piercings you are unable to remove, please let us know. After the anesthesia, incisions will be made to allow the surgeon to raise the area's skin layers upwards. If it's appropriate for your procedure and aesthetic goals, your surgeon may use an endoscope, a small tube with a camera, and a light, to get a better view of the underlying tissues.
Once the SMAS layer is lifted, excess drooping skin will be trimmed away from the face and neck. Liposuction may be used to take away fatty deposits, and the underlying muscles may be altered and trimmed. Once this facial recontour is complete, the remaining skin is redraped over the area. The incisions are then sealed. A bandage may be wrapped around the site, and drains may be inserted to safely remove excess fluids. In a day or two after the facelift surgery, you'll be able to come back in and get these bandages and drains removed.
As with any surgical procedure, you need to thoughtfully take care of yourself and carefully follow any post-procedure instructions. Keep your head elevated and have someone who can help you nearby for at least the first day. When sleeping, do your best to avoid sleeping on your side. Instead, lie on your back and consider using two pillows.
It is not uncommon for some patients to experience minor bleeding. This is usually the result of unnecessary and strenuous physical activity. If this occurs, simply place an ice compress, using mild pressure, on the affected area. For one to three weeks following your facelift, you'll need to stay home from work to allow the tissues to heal. It's best to avoid any activities that could cause strain and avoid extreme heat during the healing process.
You may have some temporary bruising and swelling. After your facelift Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Chopra will instruct you on how to deal with these. He may prescribe medication for pain and swelling. If not, you may use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
At the Plastic Surgery Institute, Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Ritu Chopra offers deep plane facelifts to provide our patients with the most effective plastic surgery techniques. Deep plane facelifts lift the deep plane tissues beneath your facial skin, while keeping the skin and muscles above intact. Deep plane facelifts do go deeper than other facelifts, but when done by skilled professionals like Dr. Chopra, they can offer dynamic, long lasting results without additional recovery times. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Chopra today to learn more about this exciting and long-lasting procedure.
Compared to traditional facelifts, deep plane facelifts offer:
We understand you may have additional questions regarding your facelift and are committed to helping you make a confident, fully informed decision about your treatment. To find out more about the procedure, contact the Plastic Surgery Institute and arrange a consultation with Dr. Chopra, one of the top facelift surgeons in Beverly Hills. We look forward to talking with you about your personal goals and expectations and how we can best serve you.
Here are some other frequently asked questions many people have regarding obtaining a facelift.
The results of your facelift can last for five to ten years. Some decide to have another facelift performed after several years, but most do not.
Many people rely on non-invasive treatments or over-the-counter treatments to maintain the youthful vibrancy of their skin. When those measures lose their effectiveness and you are left with loose or sagging skin, it may be time to consider a facelift.
Most of those who get a facelift do so between their 40's and 60's. But some experience great results with facelifts in their 70's and even in their 80's. The key is to be in good health with enough extra skin to make the procedure viable.
Sagging skin, excess fat, and loose muscle tissue are all part of getting older. These mild aesthetic issues can be made less visible with proper skin care and maintenance. As we continue to age, these issues can create a compounded problem that can only be treated through surgery. Jowls and a double chin may also occur due to the sagging of the skin and facial muscles. If you are noticing any of these issues, and , it may be time to consider a facelift.
Your facelift, when done correctly, will look natural. There will be a visible difference in your appearance. That is, after all, why you're undergoing the procedure. But your face will not look strained or stretched.
A facelift is designed to take off the years. Still, individual results will vary, and many factors play a role—your lifestyle, facial structure, and genetic profile factor into the effectiveness of your facelift.
You may experience varying degrees of pain, depending on your specific procedure. You can also expect some numbness that may last for several weeks after your procedure. This is perfectly normal.
In the time immediately after their facelift Beverly Hills patients will notice swelling and bruising. They may also experience stiffness. Under normal circumstances, these conditions will subside relatively quickly.
You should refrain from strenuous activity for several weeks after your facelift. We encourage you to discuss your specific concerns with us before scheduling your procedure.
No matter what brought you here, a visit with our doctors will bring out the best in you. Call us today to schedule your initial consultation, either in person or online.
465 North Roxbury Drive, Suite 1007, Beverly Hills, CA 90210