Natural Vertical Face Lift and Neck Rejuvenation

While there is no “one size fits all” answer as to the right time to consider facial rejuvenation surgery, there are some factors that patients should consider. Patients commonly choose to have facial surgery because they desire to correct specific areas of aging, need to maintain a youthful appearance for their career, or have an overarching desire to return to a more youthful appearance. No person is too old or too young to have facial rejuvenation surgery, but the results a patient can expect and the type of surgery that will be needed in order to achieve the best results does change as patients age. Having mini procedures, which are often less invasive, performed before aging becomes advanced helps patients maintain a more natural, youthful appearance. Many women today start considering facial rejuvenation procedures in their late 40s or early 50s.  

One common misconception about facelifts that many people believe is that the results of the procedure are permanent. Unfortunately, facelifts do not stop the aging process, but they can wind back the clock. The results of facelifts vary depending on the type of procedure that is performed, so patients may turn the clock back ten-plus years after the procedure. However, by the time they have aged another ten years, they will show a progression in age. Full facelifts are designed to address deeper structures of the face instead of just the signs of facial aging on the surface of the skin, and these procedures can provide results for approximately 10 to 15 years. Other procedures, such as those focusing on lifting the eyes, brows, and midface can also last between 10 and 15 years. Less invasive procedures that address only the skin are likely to last between five and ten years. 

Many patients are concerned that a full facelift (Rhytidectomy) will cause unnatural results and are more comfortable with the idea of resurfacing the facial skin with laser treatments or radiofrequency. This type of procedure does offer short-term results and can improve the appearance of skin by reducing sun damage and fine lines while achieving an element of tightening. However, the skin will not be tightened and lifted to the same extent as would occur with a facelift. Some patients choose to have a full face resurfacing performed at the same time as a facelift in order to maximize the results of the procedure. However, only a facelift can directly address the excess skin and aging of deeper facial structures as a result of natural creases from gravity and sun exposure that come with age on the cheeks. 

Everyone wants a facelift that looks natural, and concerns over an unnatural appearance following the procedure are among the biggest fears held by many patients. Dr. Applebaum prides himself on performing facelifts that look so natural and graceful that people on the street would never guess you’ve had plastic surgery at all. Dr. Applebaum prevents an unnatural appearance by lifting the deeper underlying SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) platysma muscle at the same time as the skin. This Smas facelift technique reliably delivers a natural appearance, well-hidden scars, and facial structures that appear normal, natural, and youthful. With nearly 30 years of experience performing facial rejuvenation surgery, you can count on Dr. Applebaum to deliver natural results that stand the test of time.

Please keep in mind, as with all surgeries, there may be a risk of some uncommon side effects and complications: These may include: swelling, bruising, and/or infection. However, individual results and experiences vary.  Any discomfort during this time can be managed with oral pain medication. General anesthesia is applied for patient comfort and safety.

A Beverly Hills facelift surgery is ideal for anyone looking for a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Applebaum offers this unique approach in beautiful and sunny Beverly Hills, California. Here’s what you need to know about this procedure and how to make it happen for you:

A Beverly Hills facelift surgery is a procedure that’s tailored to your unique needs. This is because not everyone experiences the same issues in the same locations. For instance, one person may need to address sagging skin under the eyes but not address sagging skin on the neck. 

At the same time, another person may need to address sagging skin on the neck and chin but may not need any work around the eyes. 

The overall goal of this surgery is to address excess and sagging skin from your face and neck areas, and experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. Applebaum are ready and willing to help develop a surgical plan that addresses your existing concerns and helps you achieve your goals. 

There are many benefits of a Beverly Hills facelift procedure, including: 

• Address skin issues caused by age, gravity, sun damage, smoking, stress, heredity, and even weight loss 
• A more youthful appearance thanks to reduced sagging, wrinkles, and fine lines on the face
• Increased confidence as a result of looking younger and feeling better

The decision to undergo facelift surgery is a very personal one where there is no “right” or “wrong” answer. Instead, the decision should be based on your feelings, needs, and goals. 

You may want to consider a facelift surgery if…

• You are in your 40s, 50s, or 60s 
• You have sagging skin on your face, including under your eyes, on your cheeks, and on your neck
• You have deep lines and wrinkles across your face
• You have excess skin or fat around your neck
• Your skin has still retained some degree of elasticity

There are risks involved in any surgical procedure, and facelifts are no exception. It’s important to understand the risks of any procedure before you make your decision to make sure that the benefits outweigh the risks. Here are some of the risks of facelift surgery that you should know about:

• Bleeding
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Facial nerve injury
• Facial weakness
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Numbness or changes in skin sensation
• Discomfort
• Poor wound healing
• Prolonged facial swelling
• Skin irregularities and discoloration
• Skin loss around incisions 
• Temporary or permanent hair loss around incisions
• Unfavorable scarring
  
  

The good news is that these complications are rare, and an experienced plastic surgeon can help you minimize the likelihood of these risks. 

Many patients are concerned about the recovery process after a facelift procedure. And while it’s natural to worry about post-operative pain and complications, you should know that following the instructions from your surgeon is the best way to ensure a smooth recovery process. 

While your post-operative instructions will vary based on your unique case, here are some guidelines that you can expect to follow: 

• Take your pain medications and antibiotics as directed to help manage pain and prevent infections. 
• Do not remove any bandages or drainage tubes from the surgical area until your post-operative appointment with your surgeon. 
• Do not apply any heat to the surgical areas on your face; instead, use cool compresses for pain and swelling as needed 
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling, and try not to put any pressure on your incision areas while sleeping
• Arrange for support from family members or friends for the first few days after your procedure. 
• Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous physical activity while you are recovering.
• However, you should also try to get out of bed and move around by taking gentle walks to get the blood flowing and promote a quicker recovery process. 
  
  

After about a week, you should start feeling a lot better. You should be able to stop taking your pain medications and resume many of your normal activities. After about two weeks, you should be able to return to work. However, keep in mind that it may take a few months for you to see the final results of your surgery.

While many surgeons offer your basic facelift surgery, only one surgeon offers a specialized Beverly Hills surgery — Dr. Applebaum. Dr. Applebaum has over 25 years of experience in plastic surgery based in his own practice located in Beverly Hills. He has established his own surgery center, “Four Thirty-Six Aesthetic Surgery Center,” to perform safe, outpatient plastic surgery procedures in a private, office-based setting.

Facelift surgery is a serious procedure that requires a qualified and experienced surgeon. Make sure that your surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Also, make sure that your surgeon has glowing reviews from satisfied patients.

Another good tactic is to check out their “before” and “after” results to see their work. Finally, you should set up consultations with your final contenders to see what they recommend, how they work, and how you feel.

The good news is that even if you’re not located in Beverly Hills, Dr. Applebaum offers both virtual and in-person consultations for facelift surgeries. So check out some more patient reviews, facelift photo results, and surgical techniques on our website!

Facelift Procedure Guide | The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery

Face-Lift | Mayo Clinic

Your Facelift Recovery Explained From Day 1 to Day 30 | American Society of Plastic Surgeons