A facelift is one of the most effective procedures available for facial rejuvenation. Yet, many people hesitate because they worry about looking “pulled,” “tight,” or “overdone.”

The truth is, with today’s advanced surgical techniques and an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, a facelift can subtly refresh your appearance to restore youthful contours without sacrificing the natural features that make you you. If you’ve been noticing sagging skin, jowls, or deep folds that skincare and non-surgical treatments can no longer address, a facelift may be the answer.

Triple board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ali Sajjadian in Newport Beach, CA, has built his reputation on creating results that look elegant, balanced, and refreshingly natural. Known for his meticulous technique and patient-centered care, Dr. Sajjadian helps men and women throughout Orange County rediscover confidence with facelifts designed to turn back the clock gracefully.

To explore your facelift options with Dr. Sajjadian, call (949) 515-0550 or schedule a consultation online today.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging facial tissues. It addresses common signs of aging such as:

• Jowls along the jawline
• Loose skin on the cheeks and lower face
• Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Drooping skin under the chin or neck

Unlike injectables or non-surgical treatments, a facelift repositions underlying muscle and tissue while removing excess skin. The result is a smoother, firmer, and more youthful facial contour that can last 10 years or more.

The Deep Plane Facelift: Advanced Rejuvenation

The deep plane facelift is considered the most advanced technique for achieving natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation. Unlike older methods that only tightened skin or addressed superficial layers, this approach repositions the deeper muscle and connective tissue to restore youthful contours.

By correcting sagging at its foundation, Dr. Sajjadian can smooth the jawline, elevate the cheeks, and soften deep folds without creating a tight or artificial look. Because it works at a deeper level, the deep plane facelift often delivers more comprehensive and durable results than traditional facelifts, especially in the midface and jawline.

The Key to a Natural Facelift Result

The best facelifts are not the ones people notice. They are the ones that make friends, family, and coworkers say: “You look rested. Did you go on vacation?”

So, what sets natural facelifts apart?

• Advanced Techniques: Modern facelifts use deeper lifting methods like the SMAS or deep plane facelift. These approaches lift the underlying structures rather than just tightening the skin, avoiding that “windblown” look.
• Attention to Facial Harmony: A skilled facelift surgeon considers the balance between the midface, jawline, and neck, ensuring all areas look refreshed together.
• Conservative Skin Removal: Removing too much skin creates tension and distortion. Today’s techniques remove just enough for smoothness without flattening natural contours.

Proven Benefits of a Facelift

Patients who undergo facelift surgery often share that the procedure provides benefits that extend beyond appearance:

• Restored Confidence: Looking like a younger version of yourself can renew self-esteem in both social and professional settings.
• Long-Lasting Results: Unlike temporary fillers or Botox, facelift improvements can last a decade or more.
• Comprehensive Rejuvenation: Treats sagging, folds, and laxity all at once.
• Natural Aging Progression: You’ll still continue to age naturally, but from a more youthful starting point.

For those who want an even more complete result, a facelift can be combined with related procedures like a neck lift or eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).

How Does a Facelift Work?

During a facelift, incisions are typically placed discreetly along the hairline and around the ears. Through these incisions, the surgeon:

• Lifts and repositions underlying facial muscles and tissues.
• Removes or redistributes fat for smoother contours.
• Excises excess skin and gently redrapes the remaining skin over the lifted structure.

The entire procedure can take 2 to 5 hours, depending on whether additional treatments are performed at the same time. Patients usually return home the same day.

Common Myths About Facelifts

Myth #1: Everyone will know I had surgery.
Reality: A properly performed facelift looks natural. People notice you look younger and more vibrant, not that you had surgery.

Myth #2: Facelifts are only for older patients.
Reality: Many patients in their 40s and 50s undergo facelifts to address early aging signs before they become more severe.

Myth #3: Facelifts are painful.
Reality: Most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort, easily managed with medication. Recovery is often easier than expected.

Good Candidates for a Facelift

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Notice sagging skin, deep folds, or jowls that non-surgical treatments no longer correct.
• Have good overall health and realistic expectations.
• Want to look refreshed without changing your fundamental features.
• Are bothered by an older or tired appearance that doesn’t match your energy level.

A consultation will help determine whether a facelift, a mini facelift, or another option (such as injectables or skin tightening treatments) is the right approach.

What Happens During Recovery

Facelift recovery is generally easier than many patients expect. You can anticipate:

• Week 1: Bruising and swelling peak, then begin to improve.
• Week 2: Most patients return to light activities and may feel comfortable appearing in public with makeup.
• Weeks 3-4: Swelling subsides, scars begin to fade, and results become more visible.
• After 1 Month: Most patients feel confident in social and professional settings.

Final results continue to refine over the next 3 to 6 months as tissues settle.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Newport Beach?

The cost of a facelift varies based on:

• The surgeon’s experience
• The complexity of the surgery (traditional facelift vs. mini facelift vs. deep plane facelift)
• Whether complementary procedures are performed at the same time

In general, patients can expect facelift costs to range from $12,000 to $25,000. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized estimate and financing options may be available.

Combining a Facelift with Other Treatments

For comprehensive rejuvenation, facelifts are often paired with complementary procedures:

• Neck Lift: Tightens loose skin and bands on the neck.
• Eyelid Surgery: Brightens tired or drooping eyes.
• Buccal Fat Removal: Reduces fullness in the lower cheeks to enhance facial definition.
• Laser Resurfacing or Chemical Peels: Improve skin texture, tone, and sun damage.

Dr. Sajjadian will help design a treatment plan that balances surgical and non-surgical options for the most natural outcome.

Facelift Maintenance

Although facelift results are long-lasting, you can extend your refreshed appearance by:

• Practicing diligent sun protection
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable weight
• Using medical-grade skincare

Considering touch-up treatments like Botox, fillers, or laser therapy as the years go by.

Does a Facelift Hurt?
Most patients report only mild discomfort after surgery. Pain medication helps manage the first few days, and most discomfort subsides quickly.

How Long do Facelift Results Last?
Results typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits.

Will There be Visible Scars?
Incisions are carefully hidden along the hairline and natural creases around the ears. Scars generally fade to near invisibility with time.

Why Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters

A natural facelift result depends heavily on your surgeon’s skill, artistry, and understanding of facial anatomy. Look for a surgeon who is:

• Board-certified in plastic surgery
• Experienced specifically in facial rejuvenation procedures
• Known for producing natural, balanced results
• Attentive to your goals, questions, and concerns

When you feel comfortable and confident with your surgeon, you’re more likely to achieve the outcome you envision. Dr. Ali Sajjadian is a triple board certified facial plastic surgeon who is renowned for his outstanding results and service.

Partner with Dr. Ali Sajjadian for Your Facelift in Orange County

If you’re ready to explore how a facelift can refresh your appearance without looking overdone, contact Dr. Ali Sajjadian today. Call (949) 515-0550 or fill out our online consultation form to begin your journey. We invite you to visit our facelift before and after photo gallery to see our real patients’ transformations. Also be sure to follow us on Instagram: @sajjadianplasticsurgery and @rhinoplastybysajjadian