As we age, our skin naturally loses its elasticity, leading to visible signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls. The desire to maintain a youthful appearance is common, especially in a city like Los Angeles, where the emphasis on beauty and aesthetics is prominent. Facelifts help restore facial contour, take years off a person’s appearance, and complement other cosmetic procedures people may consider nicely.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 120,000 individuals choose to undergo cosmetic facelifts each year. If you’re considering a facelift to rejuvenate your facial appearance, choosing the right surgeon is crucial to achieving natural-looking results. This article will guide you through what to look for in a facelift surgeon in Los Angeles, the different types of facelift procedures, and what you can expect during the process.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck. This kind of surgical procedure enhances the appearance of a person’s face by tightening the skin and underlying tissue. Facial plastic surgeons frequently also combine facelifts with other techniques, such as eyelid or brow lift surgery, for natural-looking results.
Some of the issues facelifts typically address include:
- Skin Laxity
- Deep Nasolabial Folds
- Jowls
- Double Chin
And other issues contributing to an aged appearance. By tightening the underlying facial tissue and removing excess skin, a facelift can restore a youthful contour to the face and neck.
Who is the Best Candidate for a Facelift?
The best facelift candidates are those with excess skin on their faces and neck. However, they should still have a certain amount of skin elasticity. Their skin can bounce back after the surgeon pulls it tight during their procedure.
Individuals who have lost substantial weight or have fragile skin may not be the best candidates for this procedure. This is one reason finding the best facelift surgeon in Los Angeles is essential. Your surgeon will schedule a consultation with you, where they will examine your facial features and allow you to ask questions to determine if you’re an appropriate candidate.
Before and After Patient Gallery
Tips on Choosing the Best Facelift Surgeon in Los Angeles
Choosing the right facelift surgeon is the most important decision in your journey to facial rejuvenation. Here are vital factors to consider:
1. Check Their Expertise
Before scheduling a consultation, anyone considering a facelift should look at the surgeon’s before-and-after photo galleries. This will offer a sense of the surgeon’s experience with performing facelifts. It will also help determine the surgeon’s “style” and whether or not it’s a good fit for what you’re hoping to achieve.
It’s important to remember that facelifts aren’t just about technical skill. They’re also about artistry. Anyone considering a facelift should consider this, assessing the surgeon’s previous work and results to determine whether they’re the best surgeon to achieve a particular look.
2. Ensure They’re A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Always ensure the Los Angeles facelift surgeon is board-certified through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) when considering a facelift procedure. This indicates they have undergone rigorous training and meet the high standards set by the ABPS. A board-certified plastic surgeon will have the expertise to perform complex procedures like facelifts and offer personalized care.
Additionally, board certification ensures the surgeon has completed the necessary education and training to perform facelift surgeries successfully. It also shows that the facelift surgeon is up to date on the latest standards and techniques.
3. Check The Surgeon’s Safety Record
When thinking about any surgical technique, safety should be your top priority. You should question the facelift surgeon about how they handle surgical complications and inquire about their protocols for infection control. It’s also a good idea to ask if the surgeon has American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) accreditation to ensure their facility complies with the national standards.
4. Interview and Ask Questions
When you arrive for your consultation with the facelift surgeon, you should take notes (written or mental) about the office. Be sure to ask specific questions and document the answers the surgeon provides.
Some helpful questions to ask may include:
- What is the Los Angeles facelift surgeon’s experience with the facelift procedure?
- Does the facelift surgeon specialize in facial plastic surgery?
- Will the surgeon provide before-and-after photos?
- How many times has the surgeon performed this particular procedure?
- Is this procedure suitable for the patient?
- Who will provide the anesthesia?
- Where does the procedure take place? Will it be performed in an accredited facility?
You should also note how friendly the personnel is, how clean the office is, and if the environment makes you feel comfortable. These are all important things when making such a significant decision.
5. Check Former Patient Satisfaction
As we mentioned earlier, it’s always a good idea to look at the photos of the Los Angeles facelift surgeons’ before-and-after results to provide a sense of the aesthetic outcome. Additionally, you can ask for references and testimonials from past facelift patients. Testimonials can be extremely beneficial to people considering cosmetic surgery to combat facial aging. These give you an idea of how other people have felt about their experiences with this particular surgeon or facility, which is valuable information during decision-making.
6. Inquire About the Surgery Facility
A person’s safety during a facelift procedure will depend mainly on the operating facility and the anesthetist. It’s always a good idea to look into accredited surgery facilities with essential life support systems.
A couple of things you can inquire about include:
- Ask the facelift surgeon where they perform the procedure and check the facility’s accreditation level. Check for AAAHC, AAAASF, IMQ, and JCAHO surgery facility certification or a different state medical board-approved accrediting body where the surgeon operates.
- Inquire about the anesthetist’s qualifications. For safety, the individual should look for either a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to administer their anesthesia.
7. Take Note of How the Facelift Surgeon and Personnel Make their Patients Feel
Facelift surgery is serious, and there can be curves in the path to your appearance. Feeling completely comfortable with your facelift surgeon and the surgeon’s support team is vital. You should choose a plastic surgeon you trust with your facelift results and safety.
You should ask yourself:
- Do you like spending time with this surgeon?
- Do you trust the surgeon to make the correct and safe recommendations for you and your unique situation?
- Do you feel comfortable asking the surgeon questions throughout your facelift process?
- Are you comfortable providing the surgeon with your habits and complete medical history?
You should always meet any potential facelift surgeon in person and have a thorough consultation about their expectations and goals. During this consultation, you should assess your personal experience with everyone in the office. Both the surgeon and staff should be attentive, professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, and pleasant.
You should feel confident and comfortable when you leave their appointment. Always trust your gut.
Types of Facelift Procedures
There are various types of facelift procedures available, each tailored to address specific concerns:
- Traditional Facelift: This procedure offers comprehensive facial rejuvenation, targeting the lower face, jawline, and neck. Incisions are typically made along the hairline and around the ears, allowing the surgeon to lift and reposition the deeper layers of facial tissue. This approach is ideal for individuals with significant skin laxity and those seeking dramatic results.
- Mini Facelift: A mini facelift is less invasive than a traditional facelift and focuses on the lower face and jawline. This procedure involves smaller incisions and best suits patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. The recovery time is shorter, and the results, while less dramatic, are still highly effective in achieving a refreshed appearance.
- Neck Lift: Often performed with a facelift, a neck lift addresses sagging skin and excess fat in the neck area, including the double chin. By tightening the skin and underlying muscles, a neck lift can enhance the overall facial appearance, creating a more defined jawline.
- Fat Transfer and Dermal Fillers: Aside from surgical procedures, non-surgical options like fat transfer and dermal fillers can complement a facelift. Fat transfer involves using your body’s fat to add volume to areas like the cheeks, while dermal fillers can smooth out wrinkles and restore lost collagen.
The Facelift Procedure
Understanding the facelift procedure can help you prepare mentally and physically. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
- Anesthesia: The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the surgery.
- Incisions: Depending on the type of facelift, incisions are made around the hairline, ears, and possibly under the chin. These incisions allow the surgeon to access the underlying facial tissue, remove excess skin, and reposition the deeper layers.
- Surgery Duration: A full facelift can take several hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and whether additional procedures, such as a neck lift or blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), are being performed.
- Recovery Time: After the procedure, you can expect some swelling and bruising, which will gradually subside. Most patients can return to normal activities within two to three weeks, although healing may take several months.
- Pain Medication and Aftercare: Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort during the initial recovery phase. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions ensures optimal results and minimizes complications.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up visits with your surgeon will allow them to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
Complementary Procedures
Many patients opt to combine their facelift with other procedures to enhance their overall results:
- Botox: Botox can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, particularly in the forehead and around the eyes, complementing the effects of a facelift.
- Liposuction: Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat from areas like the neck and jawline, further refining the contours of the face.
- Blepharoplasty: Eyelid surgery can address drooping eyelids and under-eye bags, completing the rejuvenation of the facial appearance.
Specials and Financing Options
At Wave Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Laser Center, we understand that cost is essential for many patients. To make your facial rejuvenation journey more affordable, we offer various specials and financing options. Our team will discuss available specials during your consultation and help you find a payment plan that fits your budget.
Why Choose Wave Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Laser Center?
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, California, Wave Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Laser Center is a leading destination for individuals seeking the best facelift in Los Angeles. Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons has extensive experience in facial rejuvenation procedures, including full facelifts, mini facelifts, and neck lifts. Our surgeons prioritize patient safety, comfort, and satisfaction, providing personalized treatment plans that cater to your unique needs.
Whether you’re considering a traditional facelift or exploring non-surgical options like dermal fillers and fat transfer, our goal is to help you achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results. With our state-of-the-art facilities, advanced facelift techniques, and commitment to excellence, Wave Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Laser Center is your trusted ally in the journey to a more youthful and confident you.
Best Facelift Surgeon in Los Angeles
A facelift performed by a certified plastic surgeon can help reverse the signs of aging and achieve a youthful, natural-looking appearance. At WAVE Plastic Surgery, individuals looking for the best facelift procedure can expect to meet only well-qualified surgeons. Our surgeons can perform numerous surgical and non-surgical facelift procedures.
At Wave Plastic Surgery, our experienced and personable plastic surgeons can help you achieve the youthful look you desire. If you’re looking for the best facelift surgeon in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Orange County, WAVE Plastic Surgery is for you.
Contact us at WAVE Plastic Surgery today to set up your personal consultation.
