Watch this patient testimonial of two lovely sisters who came to PERK plastic surgery wanting to look as young as they feel!

What can a facelift accomplish?

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.

Why pursue a facelift?

A facelift can address the following areas:

Jowls around the mouth
Wrinkles around the face
Nasoabial folds (the creases that extend from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
Loose skin and fat underneath the neck

Facelift Before & Afters

Browse Dr. Lee’s before and after gallery, as a glimpse of what’s in store for you.

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A Self-Documented Facelift Journey

A timeline of what to expect during the postoperative healing process

1.5 weeks

This is the patient in the beginning of her healing process. She is experiencing initial swelling and bruising––which is expected to subside in the weeks to come!

3 weeks

This is the patient pictured at 3 weeks post-op. Here she is wearing makeup disguising residual bruising which is expected to fully fade a little after 1 month post-op. Initial swelling is still present, which is common during the early stages of the healing timeline.

1 month

Here you can see the last of the patient's residual bruising which is expected to subside soon. Her incision sites will continue to fade over time––becoming almost imperceivable at 1 year post-op!

3 months

Our lovely patient is now past the initial swelling and bruising phase. Depending on the individual, some residual swelling may persist; but like with any postoperative swelling, it is expected to fully resolve around 1 year post op. She is ecstatic with the results!

4 months

This is our gorgeous patient pictured at 4 months post-op. She absolutely loves her results! Any residual swelling continues to subside. We'll be checking in with her again around 6 months post-op.

How does Dr. Lee achieve a natural-looking facelift outcome?

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.

Who is a good candidate?

Clients should exhibit the following qualities:

Good emotional and physical health
Non-smoker
Free from any major medical issues
Good skin elasticity
Sound facial bone structure
Good blood pressure control
Realistic expectations

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“Dr. Lee is not only a great plastic surgeon but has the best bedside manner. I wanted a face lift for years but was so scared that I would not look like myself and look too pulled. I look rested and natural. I would recommend Dr. Lee to everyone who is wanting to look younger, brighter and more youthful but not overly done.”

An actual face lift patient of Dr. Michelle Lee’s

What are the different options for a facelift?

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.

Myths about facial plastic surgery - Debunked

MYTH: RECOVERY IS PAINFUL AND LONG

TRUTH: Facial rejuvenation patients typically find their surgery recovery to be overall much easier than expected. Most individuals will experience minor to moderate discomfort only during the first few days post-op, but severe pain is unusual. Patients can expect to be presentable at around 2 weeks and are cleared to return to work shortly after (with restrictions on strenuous activities until 1 month post-op).

MYTH: THERE’S A ‘RIGHT AGE’ FOR FACIAL REJUVENATION SURGERY

TRUTH: There is no perfect age for cosmetic surgery. Facial rejuvenation is personal and completely dependent on the needs and goals of each individual client. Some are ready for a face lift at age 35, while others choose to do it at 70. If you feel ready, then it’s the right time for you!

In our experience, patients undergoing plastic surgery at a younger age have more time to enjoy the outcome of their investment. Additionally, younger clients are typically in better health, lowering the risks of surgery. Likewise, younger skin is more elastic and allows the results of surgery to be even more natural and gratifying. However, rejuvenation at a later age can often be just as enjoyable.

MYTH: COSMETIC SURGERY RESULTS ARE TEMPORARY

TRUTH: Facial rejuvenation results do not have an expiration date. The best way to think about it is as if you are turning back the clock on your appearance by 10-20 years. The results are immediate and permanent, however, gravity and aging will naturally continue to take its toll. At age 90, you will always look much younger having had a face lift than if you hadn’t.

Why choose PERK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles?

Award-winning, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Unfaltering commitment to artistry, innovation and safety
Compassionate, inclusive practice environment
Modern, compassionate and inclusive practice environment
Friendly, knowledgeable support staff
Nuanced, natural looking facelift results
Customized approach
State-of-the-art technology and world-class equipment
Convenient Los Angeles location and concierge amenities

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Watch Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Michelle Lee on the Dr. 90210 TV Show on E!

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Natural Facelift Beverly Hills

What can a facelift accomplish?

Why pursue a facelift?

Facelift Before & Afters