As we age, all parts of our face start to sag as the skin starts losing its elasticity from loss of collagen and elastin; two important proteins in our skin. We also begin to lose volume not only from a loss of skin protein but also our fat begins to shrivel up and shrink in size.
A loss of these important subcutaneous (under skin) structures undermines our overlying skin, causing the sagging facial skin appearance that characterizes aging. Not all people age the same; some lose more volume than others while some have more vertical descending of their skin.
If you’re interested in learning more about a Neck Lift or a Facelift (Rhytidectomy), please contact Awaken Aesthetics to set up a consultation by calling (866) 519-2415 or by completing the form on this page. Awaken Aesthetics serves the Torrance & South Bay, CA areas.
Facelift/Neck Lift Details
SURGERY DETAILS
Incisions usually made along the ear and hair/hairline, with lifting of the deep facial tissues and removal of some skin.
LENGTH OF PROCEDURES
2-4 hours depending on the degree and level of correction required
ANESTHESIA
IV sedation or general anesthesia recommended due to length of procedure and overall comfort of experience.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?
Majority of swelling and bruising resolved in 2-3 weeks, with normal mild swelling that can take up to 3 months to resolve. Incisions usually slightly red for at least 4 weeks. Facial garments to be worn for 1-2 weeks
HOW SOON CAN I RETURN TO WORK?
Most patients can resume non-physical work in 2-3 days
HOW SOON CAN I RETURN TO MY
REGULAR EXERCISE ROUTINE?
No lifting more than 20 pounds, and avoid bending/straining for 1 week
WILL FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS BE NECESSARY?
Usually the day after surgery, and then 1,4, and 12 weeks after surgery
LENGTH OF CONSULTATION
60 minutes and complimentary
WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH A FACE AND NECK LIFT AND WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?
The face is often times described in “thirds”. The upper third of the aging face involves the forehead and eyelid region, the middle third comprising the upper cheek and lower eyelid region, and the lower third as the lower cheek/jowl/jaw region. Each third of the aging face is dealt with separately to restore a youthful appearance.
A facelift and neck lift targets the lower third as the lower cheek, jowl, and jawline of the face and neck region. Anything that will cause the skin to lose elasticity will hasten the process, including sun exposure, weight fluctuations, and heredity factors.
Patients with loose skin or “jowls” on the lower part of their face due to aging or sun damage or patients who have recently lost a good deal of weight and want to tighten the loose skin usually get facelifts to rectify the problem. Depending on the amount of loose tissue and skin to be tightened, a patient can be a candidate for either a full facelift or a mini facelift.
FACELIFT & MINI FACELIFT
A mini facelift involves making smaller incisions around the ear. A mini facelift is not quite as invasive as a traditional facelift as it involves smaller incisions and the use of tiny stitches. A full facelift incision would be more extensive, continue around the facial hairline and behind the ear and end about two inches from the middle-back of the neck.
Full facelifts separate the facial skin away from the underlying muscle and tissue and result in more recovery time. Ideal candidates for facelifts should be in good health and have a strong jaw and cheekbone structure, for a good foundation.
A facelift will not be able to successfully treat a “turkey neck,” which is loose skin attached to a drooping muscle underneath the chin. Loose skin beneath the chin and along the neck can cause deep wrinkling along the neck and the appearance of a “double chin.” Through neck lift surgery, We can effectively smooth out the wrinkles and restore the smooth slender contours of a youthful neck.
During a neck lift surgery, we get rid of stubborn fat deposits, smoothes and tightens the sheet of muscle that surrounds the structures of the neck, and snips away excess skin. A neck lift compliments the results achieved with a facelift so oftentimes the procedures are often performed together to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation of the lower third of the face.
WHAT PROCEDURES MAY BE COMBINED WITH A FACE LIFT?
During your consultation, We will assess the loss of volume and downward descent of your face. He will be able to evaluate whether additional volume enhancement is necessary as part of rejuvenating your face. This can be accomplished either with fat grafting or long-lasting fillers.
We are very careful about maintaining the balance of your facial features as to not over-accentuate one feature over the other. Natural beauty is ensuring a proportional balance in one’s facial features. Many patients elect to have their facelifts in concurrence with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery, cheek lift, and rhinoplasty as to recover from healing all at the same time.
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
A point to keep in mind is that a facelift will not change the texture of the skin. Acne scars, age spots, fine lines and smoker creases will still remain even after a facelift. To combat these other issues, Dr. Liu recommends combining other treatments such as lasers or chemical peels to achieve a fully rejuvenated flawless appearance.
WHY CHOOSE AWAKEN AESTHETICS?
At Awaken Aesthetics, our surgeons have intensive subspecialty fellowship training in cosmetic surgery of the eyes and face that extends far past standard postgraduate surgical training. This is why Awaken Aesthetics surgeons were voted (Daily Breeze, BestofLA) one of the top Oculoplastic and cosmetic surgeons.
Awaken Aesthetics has a global patient base, attracting patients from all over the country and internationally. Oculoplastic surgeons have a background in eye surgery, arguably the most delicate of all surgeries as most procedures are performed under microscopes where micrometers of difference separates a disastrous outcome from an excellent result.
The facelift procedure is the crème de la crème of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Every detail of the procedure can yield a different result. That is why it is critical to select a surgeon accustomed to such fine surgical details. It is also important to pick a surgeon who has an artistic eye as the facelift procedure truly is crafted and created.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after the procedure. Discoloration is minimal. Majority of the swelling will generally improve over 5-7 days, but it will take several weeks for all the swelling to resolve.
Most individuals will be able to return to work and social activities within 10-14 days although some swelling will still be present.
The scars from the incisions are very well hidden around the ear and hairline. They can take several months before fading significantly.
I am interested! What do I do next?
If you are considering this procedure we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. During this visit, we will listen to your concerns and discuss your options. We will tell you whether you are a suitable candidate for this procedure and inform you of the potential risks of the procedure.
There is a great variety of patients’ faces and features and each procedure must be custom tailored for the patient to get the best possible result. As a facelift can change a person’s appearance, it is important to be properly evaluated to make sure that a person’s features still stay balanced and symmetric to their face.
You will also have a chance to view before and after photo albums of his patients who have undergone procedures similar to what you are considering.
If you’re interested in learning more about a Face or Neck lift, please contact Awaken Aesthetics to set up a consultation by calling (866) 522-1576 or by completing the form on this page. Awaken Aesthetics serves the Torrance & South Bay, CA areas.
MEET THE DOCTORS
Eric S. Ahn, MD
Eric S. Ahn, MD, MS specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the face, neck, and orbit, in addition to cosmetic surgery. He is also a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty care of disorders of the eye, eye socket, and periocular area.
Michelle Crosby, RN
Michelle Crosby, RN, specializes in cosmetic medicine with expertise in skin care, injectables, IPL, lasers, and body contouring. With over 20 years of skill and talent, she strives to provide only the best care for her patients along with a personalized and compassionate touch.
Consultations Are Available Now
If you would like to schedule an in-person consultation please fill out the form on this page and one of our knowledgeable medical staff members at Awaken Aesthetics will reach out to you promptly.
You can also call our Torrance, CA office directly to schedule: (866) 522-1576.
REVIEWS FROM AWAKEN AESTHETICS’ CLIENTS
“I will definitely be coming back!”
I went to Awaken Aesthetics to get lip filler done. I had an amazing experience with Ellen. She is honest and cares about giving you the best result. Included with your appointment is a follow up appointment to make sure everything is as it should be. I will definitely be coming back!
Caitlyn Corrado, Google Review
“10/10, I am so happy I made an
appointment!”
From the very first phone call I was met with a joyful and happy interaction. Making an appointment was so easy. Everyone is so nice. I have a sort of conservative type of beauty taste and awaken esthetics aligns with that perfectly. I was impressed with the knowledge and advice as well as the fact that my service wasn’t overdone. My treatment was painless (I can’t say it has been in the past with other providers). I have already referred a handful of people. 10/10, I am so happy I made an appointment!
Lauren Lubaczewski, Google Review
“Thank you all for a beautiful experience”
Awaken Aesthetics has definitely raised the bar. I came in for my appointment with a variety of ideas and concerns and Ellen and her team provided an experience that made me feel relaxed and informed. They took their time, she answered all of my questions and the attention to detail was honestly refreshing. Thank you all for a beautiful experience.
Jennifer Bill, Google Review
