There are three common areas that clients may notice change as they age. The first is the mid-face, an area that is gradually depleted of its fat volume, leaving a hollow-looking appearance in its wake. Second, the areas around the nasolabial folds begins to droop and sag, giving the face a tired, sinking aesthetic. Lastly, the jawline begins to develop jowls.
Today’s advanced techniques offer a facelift that is subtle, nuanced and rejuvenating. One of the main goals we have for our clients is to avoid the previous pitfalls of tightened or “pulled” look that used to plague the plastic surgery community. Dr. Lee believes that a facelift should help to illuminate your natural, innate and age-appropriate beauty.
A facelift can address the following areas:
Browse Dr. Lee’s before and after gallery, as a glimpse of what’s in store for you.
Dr. Lee will examine your face during your confidential Los Angeles consultation and will create a customized approach that honors your needs as well as your unique anatomical structures.
Mini facelift
This procedure is appropriate for those seeking minimal changes with little downtime or recovery. It addresses the wrinkles and folds in the lower third of the face, with inconspicuous scarring behind the ears.
Full facelift
This is a comprehensive treatment for the upper, mid and lower face as well as the neck. Skin laxity is addressed, as is wrinkling, sagging, and excess fatty tissue beneath the chin.
Mid facelift
Like its name suggests, the mid facelift focuses on the middle of the face down to the chin. This may be an ideal treatment for younger clients who have preserved skin elasticity in the neck without submental fat buildup.
Neck lift
A neck lift is not the same thing as a facelift, but it is often necessary in order to provide a seamless result. A neck lift addresses the double chin, the bands in the neck and may also be helpful in tightening the jowls.
“I was fortunate that a plastic surgeon of Dr. Michelle Lee's caliber took on my case. She was extremely patient and caring, which went a long way to calm my fears. She provided my family and I all the information we needed. Thank you Dr. Lee.”
The key to creating a natural-looking facelift outcome is a combination of skill, artistry and the proper techniques. Dr. Lee combines these three tiers to deliver beautiful, nuanced outcomes that are tailored to your unique facial structures. She is careful to minimize scarring, hiding your incisions within the natural folds of the ear and within the hairline where they go unnoticed.
During surgery, Dr. Lee will address the SMAS muscles (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) to correct the underlying layers of the face that gradually collapse as we age. These deep muscles provide a scaffolding to support the cheeks, midface, jawline and upper neck. By tightening the internal framework of the face, Dr. Lee is able to create a more youthful aesthetic that appears seamless. When a SMAS facelift is performed, the results tend to last longer than with an ordinary facelift procedure.
During your treatment, Dr. Lee will create small incisions in the areas that require lifting. She will release three layers of skin, manipulating the SMAS muscles in order to effect a taut, smooth surface. Excess fat, skin and tissue are removed and sutures are applied. Some clients report that recovery is more expedient after a SMAS facelift.
