What is a facelift?

Facelift is a cosmetic procedure that expertly combats signs of aging. It involves carefully lifting and repositioning the facial tissues to create a rejuvenated appearance. Dr. Lee specializes in a wide array of facial rejuvenation techniques. She will tailor a customized approach to your specific goals and anatomy. Dr. Lee is known for her natural yet transformative facelifts.

Facelifts are typically performed on individuals experiencing sagging skin, deep wrinkles, jowls, and other signs of aging on their face and neck. During the procedure, Dr. Lee accesses the underlying facial tissues, lifting and repositioning them with utmost precision to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The lift relies on repositioning the deeper tissues and not just the skin. This is commonly referred to as a “deep plane” facelift.

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 begin to droop and sag, giving the face a tired, sinking aesthetic. Lastly, the jawline starts 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 a 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?

Patients looking for the best facelift in Beverly Hills typically want to 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 our 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.

What are the benefits of a facelift?

A facelift can restore a more youthful appearance to your face. This cosmetic procedure can tighten sagging skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve facial contours.

Some of the most notable facelift benefits include:

Improved self-confidence and self-esteem
A more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance
Long-lasting results that can help you look younger for years to come
Enhanced facial symmetry and balance
A more defined jawline and neck
Reduced signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin

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 for a facelift?

Clients looking for best facelift in Beverly Hills 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?

After Dr. Lee examines your face during your confidential Los Angeles consultation and creates a customized approach that honors your needs as well as your unique anatomical structures, she will also provide you with a detailed price estimate for a facelift or another recommended procedure.

Mini facelift

A mini facelift 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.

Deep plane facelift

The deep plane facelift targets the deeper layers of the face, specifically the muscles and tissues that support the facial structure. Unlike traditional facelift techniques that only address the surface-level skin and fat, the deep plane facelift repositions and lifts the deep facial tissues to create a more natural and long-lasting result. This technique is especially effective for correcting midface sagging and jowls, and improving facial contour and symmetry.

Revision facelift

A revision facelift is a secondary surgery performed to correct unsatisfactory results or complications from a previous facelift. This procedure requires carefully assessing the last surgery and a customized approach to achieve optimal results. A revision facelift aims to achieve a more natural and balanced appearance while minimizing the risk of further complications.

Thread Lift

A thread lift procedure involves placing temporary, absorbable sutures to create a subtle lift in areas of the face. Many consider a thread lift to be a nonsurgical facelift option. Thread lifts are best for clients with only mild skin laxity, those who are not surgical candidates, and those that are seeking a quicker or shorter-term solution. However, because a thread lift has its own heavy cost and risk, Dr. Lee has found clients to be much more satisfied with surgical options such as a face lift or neck lift.

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 for your facelift?

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 is a facelift?

What can a facelift accomplish?

Why pursue a facelift?

Facelift Before & Afters