Facelift

Facelift surgery is generally well tolerated, and most patients describe post-operative discomfort as manageable rather than painful. Tightness, soreness, and swelling are expected during early recovery and can be effectively controlled with prescribed pain medication and supportive care.

Most facelifts are performed under intravenous sedation with local anesthesia. In more extensive cases, such as deep plane facelifts or when multiple procedures are performed, general anesthesia may be recommended.

The facelift process involves several carefully planned appointments. The first is a consultation, during which Dr. Batniji evaluates facial anatomy, discusses goals, and determines the most appropriate facelift technique.

The second appointment is the surgical procedure itself. After surgery, patients attend follow-up visits to monitor healing, remove sutures, and assess progress as swelling subsides. These post-operative appointments are essential to achieving long-term results.

Improvements from a facelift are visible immediately after surgery, as sagging tissue is repositioned and excess skin is removed, but swelling can temporarily obscure the final appearance.

As healing progresses over several weeks, facial contours become smoother, tighter, and more refined. Final results typically become apparent within two to three months, once swelling has fully resolved and tissues have settled naturally.

As one of the best facelift surgeons, Dr. Batniji is skilled at concealing incisions within the hairline and along the natural creases around the ears. You can help make scars less noticeable by taking precautions, such as avoiding unprotected sun exposure, which can darken them. In most cases, facelift scars heal flat and blend with the skin, so most people find them nearly invisible.

Light walking may be resumed within a few days after surgery to promote circulation. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, bending, and high-impact activities should be avoided for at least two to three weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. Returning to activity too soon can compromise results, so adherence to post-operative instructions is essential.

Facelifts allow patients to have additional procedures performed during the same surgical session, saving patients time and money. During your consultation, feel free to mention any additional procedures that may interest you; they may be included in the surgical session. Dr. Batniji can develop a multi-pronged approach to address your needs most effectively. The most common combinations include necklifts, blepharoplasty, and brow lifts.

Facelift surgery is considered safe when performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Nevertheless, as with any surgical procedure, certain risks exist and should be fully understood.

Common temporary side effects include swelling, bruising, tightness, numbness, and mild discomfort. These are expected during early recovery and typically resolve as healing progresses. Temporary changes in sensation around the ears or incision sites may also occur.

Less common risks include infection, hematoma (collection of blood beneath the skin), delayed healing, asymmetry, or visible scarring. In rare cases, nerve injury may occur, potentially affecting facial movement; however, this is uncommon and, when it does, is often temporary.

Choosing the right facelift surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make in your facial rejuvenation journey. Patients should seek a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience, a focus on the face, and a proven track record of natural-looking results.

Dr. Batniji’s dual board certification, decades of experience, and commitment to individualized care make him a trusted choice for facelift surgery in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills. Reviewing credentials, before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and scheduling a consultation are key steps in selecting a surgeon who aligns with your goals and expectations.

The removal of excess skin is permanent, and the recontouring of the underlying muscle often lasts for 10 to 15 years or more. It’s important to remember, though, that you will age normally following the procedure, so try to think of the surgery as more akin to turning back a clock than stopping the clock completely.

Non-surgical methods like laser skin tightening and injectable fillers can help rejuvenate your skin if you’re only experiencing early signs of aging, but there are no non-surgical options to contour the underlying structures or remove the excess skin that causes sagging and looseness.

Yes. The most commonly combined procedures with a facelift include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty (nose surgery), neck lifts, chin augmentation, and injectable fillers to add volume.

Swelling and bruising are common after a mini facelift in Beverly Hills. These issues are only temporary. To help address them, patients are encouraged to keep their heads elevated at all times during recovery. Application of ice packs as directed will also help reduce swelling and bruising.

The best way to decide between a mid facelift and our other facelift options is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Batniji. He will outline the techniques he can perform and recommend the best option for your facelift goals.