Excellence in Facial Rejuvenation
Facelift in Orange County, CA
Plastic surgery in Orange County, much like all around the country, is a topic that is both exciting and nerve-wracking for men and women considering plastic surgery. Let’s face it, with so many options, celebrity reports, trends, and information out there, along with the wrinkles, lines, and sagging skin we see in the mirror every day, it is an intriguing concept to turn back time. Newport Beach facial plastic surgery patients ask all the time why they should consider facelift surgery instead of facial fillers.
Facial fillers can last anywhere from three months to two years, but the results from facial plastic surgery can last more than ten years. Where facial fillers target wrinkles and sunken areas, a facelift can restore the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. Facial plastic surgery also removes excess skin, repositions underlying tissues of the face, and tightens muscles. All of these benefits are not possible with injections.
Facial plastic surgery patients should be aware that this is a major surgery and has a significant recovery period. Consultation with a Triple Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian is a must to determine the balance that is right for you when weighing risks vs. rewards. Call us today at (949) 515-0550 or complete our online form to meet with Dr. Sajjadian.
A Guide to Facelift
Table of Contents
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that restores a more youthful appearance to the lower two-thirds of the face and neck by repositioning underlying facial tissue, tightening muscle, and removing excess skin. Unlike fillers or non-surgical treatments, a facelift addresses sagging and laxity directly, with results that can last a decade or more.
Areas We Serve
Dr. Sajjadian’s practice is based in Newport Beach and welcomes facelift patients from throughout Orange County, including Costa Mesa, Irvine, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and surrounding communities.
What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?
- Long-Lasting Results: Facelift results commonly last 10 years or more, well beyond what injectables or non-surgical treatments can offer.
- Natural-Looking Rejuvenation: Because Dr. Sajjadian repositions underlying tissue rather than simply pulling skin tight, results look refreshed rather than “done.”
- Improved Contours: A facelift restores definition to the jawline, cheeks, and neck that non-surgical options can’t fully address.
- Reduced Jowling and Sagging: Excess skin and tissue laxity in the lower face are directly corrected, not just temporarily masked.
- Technique Options for Every Stage of Aging: From a mini facelift for early changes to a traditional facelift for more advanced correction, the approach is tailored to your anatomy.
How Does a Facelift Enhance More Than Your Appearance?
Many patients describe a facelift as restoring more than their appearance — it often renews their confidence in professional and social settings alike. Because the procedure addresses the underlying causes of an aged or tired look rather than masking them, results tend to feel like a genuine reflection of how patients already feel on the inside. Once healed, many patients maintain their results for years with occasional non-surgical touch-ups like Botox or fillers, rather than repeated surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Ali Sajjadian for a Facelift?
- Triple Board Certification: Sajjadian is triple board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology, and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — a combination that reflects comprehensive training in facial anatomy specifically.
- 30 Years of Facial Surgery Experience: With three decades performing facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Sajjadian tailors every facelift to the patient’s individual anatomy and goals.
- A Full Range of Technique Options: Rather than offering one default approach, Dr. Sajjadian evaluates each patient for the technique — traditional, endoscopic, short-scar, mini, or deep plane — best suited to their degree of aging.
- Compassionate, Patient-Centered Care: From consultation through recovery, patients consistently describe feeling heard and well cared for throughout the process.
- A Pioneer in Facial Aesthetic Surgery: Sajjadian lectures and trains other plastic surgeons on facial rejuvenation techniques, reflecting his standing among peers in the field.
- Commitment to Natural-Looking Results: Every facelift is planned to enhance — not alter — a patient’s natural features, avoiding the pulled or artificial look patients worry about most.
How Does a Facelift Work?
During a facelift, Dr. Sajjadian repositions the underlying facial tissue, tightens muscle as needed, and removes excess sagging skin through incisions typically concealed within the hairline and around the ear. The specific technique used depends on the degree of correction needed.
What Is a Traditional Facelift?
A traditional facelift addresses moderate to significant sagging in the lower face and neck through a more extensive incision, typically concealed within the hairline and around the ear. It offers the most comprehensive correction of the available techniques and is often recommended for patients with more advanced signs of aging.
What Is an Endoscopic Facelift?
An endoscopic facelift uses a small camera and minimal incisions to reposition facial tissue with less scarring and a shorter recovery than a traditional facelift. It’s best suited to patients with mild to moderate sagging who want meaningful improvement without the more extensive approach.
What Is a Short-Scar Facelift?
A short-scar facelift uses a shorter incision, typically limited to the area around the ear, to lift and tighten the lower face. It offers less correction than a traditional facelift but with a faster recovery and less visible scarring, making it a good option for patients with earlier signs of aging.
What Is a Mini Facelift?
A mini facelift is a less invasive option designed for patients with early jowling or mild lower-face laxity. It uses smaller incisions and targets a more limited area than a traditional facelift, with a correspondingly shorter recovery time.
Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift: What's the Difference?
A traditional facelift primarily lifts and tightens the skin, while a deep plane facelift repositions the deeper structural layer of the face (the SMAS) along with the skin. Patients with more advanced midface descent, jowling, or facial laxity are often better candidates for the deep plane approach, while those with earlier signs of aging may be well served by a traditional or more limited technique. Dr. Sajjadian will explain which option best fits your anatomy and goals during your consultation.
What Are the Limitations of a Facelift?
A facelift addresses sagging skin and tissue laxity in the lower face and neck, but it is not designed to correct sun damage, uneven pigmentation, or fine surface wrinkles — these respond better to skin resurfacing or non-surgical treatments. Patients whose primary concern is drooping brows or heavy upper eyelids may find that a brow lift or eyelid lift better targets those specific areas. A facelift also cannot stop the natural aging process, though it does reset the visible signs of aging so they progress from a more youthful starting point. Patients with more advanced midface descent or significant facial laxity may achieve more comprehensive, longer-lasting correction with a deep plane facelift instead.
Am I a Candidate for Facelift in Orange County?
Keep in mind that age is not a limitation. The average facelift patient is around 50, though candidates range from their 40s to their 80s depending on skin elasticity and health. Good candidates are in overall good health, have realistic expectations, and have some remaining skin elasticity. Non-smokers, or those willing to abstain from nicotine for several weeks before and after surgery, tend to heal more predictably. During your consultation, Dr. Sajjadian will evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, and goals to recommend the technique — traditional, endoscopic, short-scar, mini, or deep plane — best suited to you.
Expertise Meets Compassion
As a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sajjadian has helped thousands of patients reach their aesthetic goals using the most advanced techniques and upholding the highest quality of patient care. Voted as one of “America’s Top Physicians,” Dr. Sajjadian takes pride in educating his patients and achieving natural results.
What to Expect From Dr Sajjadian Facelift Surgery in Orange County CA?
While injectable fillers provide a temporary lift and correct the minor signs of aging like unwanted wrinkles and lines, an Orange County Facelift offers a long-term solution that delivers amazing results. As with any procedure, it is important to have a skilled and qualified plastic surgeon to perform this operation to prevent a “pulled” or surgically altered appearance.
In many cases, Dr. Sajjadian may recommend a less invasive procedure to promote fast recovery and less pain and bruising. With endoscopic facelifts, short-scar facelifts, and mini facelifts, patients in need of less correction can lessen the lengthy recovery and discomfort following a traditional Orange County Facelift, with great results. These procedures are also designed to minimize the incisions necessary to perform the procedure, by concealing them in the hairline, making potential scarring less visible.
Dr. Sajjadian may recommend combining an Orange County Facelift with other cosmetic surgeries. Procedures might include liposuction or facial implants to improve the overall contour of the face. Discuss your desired outcome with Dr. Sajjadian, and he will design a personalized plan for your procedure, and will inform you of any additional procedures that may be necessary to deliver on your expectations.
"Beautiful, a younger version"
"The experience was very positive"
I am so glad I have my self confidence back. I am so so happy with the result of my surgery and recommend Dr.Sajjadian to all of my friends and family.
Dr. Sajjadian is hands down the absolute best doctor & super sweet. The staff in his office are also super helpful & sweet. I’m so happy with my results and so grateful for Dr. Sajjadian.
What Can You Expect During Recovery After a Facelift?
Most patients experience swelling and bruising for 1–2 weeks, with continued improvement over the following weeks to months. Many return to light activity within 7–14 days, while more strenuous exercise is typically cleared around 4–6 weeks. Recovery time varies by technique — a mini or short-scar facelift generally involves a shorter downtime than a traditional facelift. Dr. Sajjadian provides personalized recovery guidance, including activity restrictions and follow-up care, to support a smooth healing process.
How Long Does Facelift Recovery Take?
Swelling and bruising are typically most noticeable in the first few days, gradually improving over the first one to two weeks. Many patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activity and desk work within 1–2 weeks, with some residual tightness or bruising still present. Strenuous exercise is usually cleared around 4–6 weeks. Final results continue to refine over several months as any remaining swelling resolves. Recovery timelines vary by the specific technique used — less invasive approaches like a mini or short-scar facelift generally involve a faster return to normal activity than a traditional facelift.
Are There Any Safety Risks Associated with Facelift Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, a facelift carries some degree of risk, including infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related complications, and temporary numbness or asymmetry as tissues heal. Choosing a surgeon with extensive, specialized facial surgery training — such as Dr. Sajjadian’s triple board certification — along with an accredited surgical facility and careful adherence to pre- and post-operative instructions all help minimize these risks.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Orange County?
The cost of a facelift varies depending on the technique used, individual anatomy, surgical complexity, and whether complementary procedures are performed. Less invasive options such as a mini or short-scar facelift are typically priced lower than a traditional or deep plane facelift. A personalized quote is provided after your consultation with Dr. Sajjadian.
What Procedures Can You Combine with a Facelift?
Many patients pair their facelift with complementary procedures for more complete rejuvenation in a single recovery period. Popular combinations include a brow lift or eyelid surgery to refresh the upper face, a neck lift for more advanced neck concerns, and facial fat transfer or dermal fillers to restore volume a facelift alone can’t address. During your consultation, Dr. Sajjadian will help determine which combination — if any — best fits your goals.
What Is a Non-Surgical Stem Cell Facelift in Orange County?
A Non-Surgical Stem Cell Facelift provides an alternative to the traditional facelift, offering a short procedure and short recovery time in comparison. The procedure is typically done in just an hour and recovery time is shortened to weeks instead of months. A stem cell facelift will deliver a youthful, firm, and rejuvenated result.
The non-surgical stem cell facelift is done by harvesting fat cells from the lower abdomen area. The cells are then injected into the face to smooth out wrinkles and lines, while improving the overall look of the face. Fat cells are inherently loaded with stem cells and once injected, will quickly become facial fat cells. These renewed cells will then work to naturally regenerate your face, and erase any unwanted wrinkles or lines.
Dr. Sajjadian performed extensive research in fat cell biology and has presented keynote lectures on fat technology and stem cells at science and medical conventions world-wide. Previous patients have been absolutely delighted with their revitalized, more youthful appearance.
For more information about what Facelift options are best for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali Sajjadian today!
Noticiably Natural Results
FAQs: Orange County Facelift
A facelift primarily addresses the lower two-thirds of the face and neck, including jowls, nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, and loose neck skin.
A facelift is performed through incisions typically concealed within the hairline and around the ear. Dr. Sajjadian repositions the underlying facial tissue, tightens muscle as needed, and removes excess skin before redraping the remaining skin for a smoother, more youthful contour.
No. Facelift techniques vary based on the degree of sagging, skin quality, and patient goals — ranging from a mini or short-scar facelift for early aging to a traditional or deep plane facelift for more advanced correction.
Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 weeks and resume normal routines within several weeks, though full healing and final results can take a few months. Recovery time varies by technique and individual healing.
Fillers and neuromodulators like Botox can temporarily soften wrinkles, and a non-surgical stem cell facelift offers a shorter-recovery alternative — but neither delivers the same long-term correction of sagging skin and tissue as facelift surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery carries risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, and reactions to anesthesia. Dr. Sajjadian reviews your individual risk factors and how to minimize them during your consultation.
Facelift results commonly last 10 years or more, though longevity varies based on technique, skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle.
Many patients resume light daily activities within 1–2 weeks and more strenuous activity or exercise after 4–6 weeks, following Dr. Sajjadian’s individualized post-operative guidance.
A facelift primarily addresses sagging and laxity in the lower face and neck rather than fine lines or skin texture. Patients seeking improvement in surface wrinkles may benefit from complementary treatments such as laser resurfacing or chemical peels.
Yes — facelift surgery is frequently combined with a brow lift, eyelid surgery, neck lift, liposuction, or facial implants for a more comprehensive result.
Look for board certification (ideally in facial plastic surgery specifically), a surgeon who performs facelifts regularly, a portfolio of before-and-after results, and a consultation process that evaluates your individual anatomy rather than defaulting to one technique for every patient.
There is no strict age restriction. The average facelift patient is around 50, but candidates range from their 40s to their 80s depending on skin elasticity, health, and goals.
Yes. As the natural aging process continues, some patients choose a secondary or revision facelift years later to maintain their results.