Category: Facelifts

Choosing to undergo a facelift requires careful consideration. You want to look more youthful and refreshed, but in a subtle way that doesn’t look “overdone.” A facelift addresses sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls in the midface, lower face, and neck. But what about treating signs of aging on other parts of your face? If you’re considering a facelift, you might be thinking about enhancing your results by including additional facial procedures like eyelid surgery or a brow lift. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the complementary procedures you can add to your facelift to ensure balanced, gorgeous results.

Table of Contents

• • Benefits of Combining Other Facial Procedures With a Facelift
  • What Surgical Procedures Can I Combine with My Facelift?
    • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
    • Endoscopic Brow Lift
    • Forehead Lift
  • Can I Add Non-surgical Procedures to My Facelift?
    • Sciton® Laser
    • Laser Resurfacing
    • BOTOX® Cosmetic
    • Injectable Fillers
  • Learn More About Facelifts in Orange County

Benefits of Combining Other Facial Procedures With a Facelift

Combining facial cosmetic surgeries offers several advantages. From an aesthetic standpoint, adding other procedures can help ensure a balanced and harmonious appearance, both after surgery and as you continue to age. For example, while a facelift smooths your lower face and neck, it doesn’t address the upper face, where you might need to lift sagging eyelids or boost a heavy brow.

Combining facial procedures also offers practical benefits, including:

• • • One recovery period instead of multiple
    • Lower overall costs due to shared facility and anesthesia fees
    • More dramatic results, since multiple facial areas are addressed simultaneously

What Surgical Procedures Can I Combine with My Facelift?

Dr. Robert Wald offers the following options for surgical procedures that will pair well with your facelift:

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

As you age, your eyelids begin to sag, and you may have excess skin, puffiness, and even issues with your vision. Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, targets the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, helping to remove and reposition excess skin and fat. When combined with a facelift, an eyelid lift makes you look more rested, with a smoother under-eye area that transitions seamlessly into your newly rejuvenated lower face.

Endoscopic Brow Lift

If you have deep lines and creases on your forehead, and non-surgical treatments like BOTOX® Cosmetic are no longer doing the job, a brow lift may be the answer. A brow lift is a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and an endoscope (a thin camera) to elevate your brow and reduce forehead furrows. It’s an ideal option for a sagging brow or deep frown lines that make you look perpetually grouchy. Pairing a brow lift with a facelift enhances facial symmetry by addressing the upper third of your face.

Forehead Lift

Like a brow lift, a forehead lift focuses on lifting the entire forehead and brow area. Dr. Wald performs forehead lifts endoscopically and often recommends it for patients with more significant skin laxity. When performed alongside a facelift, it reduces forehead wrinkles and gives you a more alert appearance.

Can I Add Non-surgical Procedures to My Facelift?

Absolutely. Many patients choose to enhance their facelift results with non-surgical cosmetic treatments. These procedures can address skin texture and damage, smooth remaining fine lines, and help maintain your facelift results. At The Aesthetic Institute, we offer the following options for non-surgical facial rejuvenation:

Sciton® Laser

The Sciton® laser uses broadband light (BBL) or fractional laser technology to target sun damage, uneven skin tone, and fine lines, improving your overall skin quality.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing uses precise, targeted light beams to remove layers of damaged skin and stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin, improving texture and reducing the visibility of scars or deep wrinkles.

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles created by repetitive facial movements, like frown lines and crow’s feet. If you’re not quite ready for a brow lift, BOTOX® Cosmetic is an excellent alternative.

Injectable Fillers

Dermal fillers can restore volume in areas not typically addressed by a facelift, such as the cheeks, lips, and under-eye hollows, adding softness and youthful contour to your newly lifted appearance.

Learn More About Facelifts in Orange County

Combining other facial procedures—whether surgical or non-surgical—with your facelift is a perfect way to achieve comprehensive results. Dr. Robert Wald is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with the expertise and experience to rejuvenate and restore a more youthful yet natural-looking appearance. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Wald and discover what a facelift and complementary procedures can do to boost your confidence, call The Aesthetic Institute today at (714) 312-3549 or complete the online contact form.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at 7:21 am and is filed under Facelifts. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Undergoing a facelift is a significant decision, and most patients want to know how long they can expect their results to last. While a facelift can provide dramatic, long-lasting improvements to your appearance, it’s important to understand that the benefits are not immune to the natural aging process and are, therefore, not permanent.

Here’s what you need to know about how long facelift surgery results can last and how to care for your skin to prolong the benefits.

4 Min Read:

What to Expect from Your Facelift Results Over Time

Facelift surgery can offer beautiful, youthful-looking results, but these changes are not indefinite. On average, facelift results can last anywhere from 7 to 10 years. Some patients may see their results last even longer, while others may experience a need for a touch-up sooner, depending on a variety of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and the type of facelift procedure performed (i.e., a SMAS, mini, or deep plane facelift).

Keep in mind that the natural aging process continues after your surgery. While the procedure will provide a refreshed appearance by lifting and tightening the complexion, it doesn’t stop aging. Over time, your skin will continue to lose elasticity, and facial sagging may occur again.

Factors That Impact the Longevity of Your Facelift

Several factors influence how long your results will last, including:

• Age at the time of surgery: Younger patients often experience longer-lasting effects due to better skin elasticity. Older patients may notice a sooner return of looseness or sagging.
• Skin type and condition: Healthy, well-maintained skin generally ages more gradually and retains its firmness over time, helping to prolong the effects of surgery.
• Lifestyle choices: Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet can impair healing and accelerate aging, which may affect the outcome of your procedure.
• Sun exposure: Continuous exposure to the sun can cause damage, leading to premature aging and ultimately diminishing the benefits of the procedure.
• The type of facelift performed: The kind of procedure you choose, whether traditional, mini, or deep plane, will also impact how long the results of a facelift last. Results from a mini facelift tend to last 5 to 7 years, whereas a deep plane facelift can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.

How to Extend the Longevity of Your Facelift Results

There are several ways you can care for your skin after surgery to help your facelift effects last as long as possible. Here are some tips to follow:

Practice Healthy Skin Care Habits

• Use sunscreen regularly: Preventing UV damage is one of the most effective ways to prolong your results and protect your complexion overall. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 every day, even on cloudy days. Make sure to reapply as needed.
• Moisturize: Keep your face hydrated to prevent dryness and preserve a youthful appearance. You can ask your plastic surgeon or dermatologist for skin care recommendations to build a routine curated to your specific needs.
• Avoid harsh skin care products: Steer clear of products that could cause irritation, such as those with drying alcohols or strong fragrances. Gentle products will support healing and maintain a healthy appearance for years to come.

Stay Active and Healthy

• Exercise regularly: Staying physically active improves circulation and helps maintain a radiant, healthy appearance. Just be sure to avoid intense exercises too soon after surgery, as advised by your surgeon.
• Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports overall health. Foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, can aid in collagen production.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is vital for overall skin health, helping it remain plump and firm.

Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Smoking significantly accelerates the aging process and can limit blood flow to your skin, impairing healing and reducing the effectiveness of your facelift. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate your skin and negatively affect its appearance.

Follow Post-Surgery Care Instructions

After your facelift surgery, your surgeon will provide specific instructions to aid in the healing process. Following these instructions closely, including attending follow-up appointments, is necessary for achieving the best long-term results.

Is a Second Facelift Ever Needed?

A second procedure may be necessary to refresh or maintain results, especially if the natural aging process leads to new signs of sagging or skin laxity. While the initial surgery can turn back the clock by several years, it doesn’t stop aging entirely. The good news is that a touch-up procedure is an option if you feel your initial results are starting to fade.

Typically, this can be done 10 years or more after the first surgery. Your surgeon will assess your skin’s condition, facial structure, and aesthetic goals before recommending a follow-up procedure.

Explore Your Facelift Options in Orange County, CA

If you’re considering a facelift and wondering how long the results will last, it’s important to speak with a qualified, experienced surgeon to discuss your options. Dr. Robert Wald offers personalized consultations to help you determine the best procedure for achieving your desired outcome and maximizing longevity.

To schedule your consultation, call our office at (714) 312-3549 or contact us to learn more!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 8:00 am and is filed under Facelifts. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

One of the most common questions people ask is: What is the right age for a facelift? The answer varies depending on factors like a patient’s aesthetic and personal goals and skin elasticity. This blog will guide you through the best facelift options for every age group, as well as ways to get the most comprehensive results by combining procedures.

When Is the Best Time to Get a Facelift?

Facelift surgery, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to restore a youthful appearance by tightening sagging skin, reducing wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours. It works by lifting and repositioning the underlying facial muscles and tissues while removing excess skin, resulting in a smoother, firmer look. A facelift can address deep creases, jowls, and loss of skin elasticity caused by aging.

A facelift can benefit individuals at different stages of life. Here’s what to consider at each age:

In Your 30s

Most people in their 30s do not need a full facelift, but they may start noticing early signs of aging. Non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic can be effective for maintaining a youthful appearance by reducing fine lines and adding volume to areas that are beginning to lose elasticity. Mini facelifts are a viable option for some patients in this age range.

In Your 40s

Fine lines, wrinkles, and mild skin laxity become more noticeable in your 40s, making it an ideal time to consider facial rejuvenation. A mini facelift is a great option for those looking to refresh their appearance without undergoing a full facelift, as it targets early signs of aging with less invasive techniques and shorter recovery times.

In Your 50s and 60s

Deeper wrinkles, volume loss, and significant skin sagging often appear in your 50s and 60s, making a traditional facelift an excellent option. This procedure provides dramatic and long-lasting results by lifting and tightening the skin, restoring a firmer and more youthful look while addressing deep facial creases and sagging jowls.

In Your 70s and Beyond

As you enter your 70s and beyond, skin elasticity continues to decline, and deep creases may form. A traditional facelift can still be performed if you are in good health, and it can provide transformative improvements by tightening sagging skin and refining facial contours, helping to achieve a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance.

What Are My Facelift Options?

There are different types of facelifts to suit various needs and lifestyles. For example, a busy professional in their 40s looking for subtle rejuvenation might prefer a mini facelift with minimal downtime, while someone in their 60s seeking more dramatic results may opt for a traditional facelift.

Factors such as skin elasticity, recovery time, and desired results all play a role in deciding the best option. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Robert Wald can help you determine the most suitable procedure for your specific concerns.

Traditional Facelift

• Addresses deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss in the midface, jawline, and neck.
• Involves incisions around the hairline and behind the ears.
• Offers long-lasting, natural-looking results.

Mini Facelift

• Ideal for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity.
• Uses smaller incisions and requires less downtime than a traditional facelift.
• Great for those in their 40s and 50s who want subtle improvements.

In-Office Facelift Under Local Anesthesia

• A minimally invasive option performed under local anesthesia.
• Shorter recovery time compared to traditional facelift surgery.
• Provides a refreshed look with less downtime.

What Procedures Can You Combine With a Facelift?

For enhanced and comprehensive results, many patients choose to combine a facelift with other facial procedures.

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The surgery works by creating small incisions along the natural creases of the eyelids, allowing the surgeon to carefully remove or reposition tissue to create a smoother, more youthful look. The procedure:

• Reduces droopy eyelids and under-eye bags.
• Creates a more awake and youthful appearance.

Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)

A forehead lift, also known as a brow lift, is a procedure that lifts sagging brows and smooths forehead wrinkles to create a more youthful and refreshed look. The surgery involves making small incisions along the hairline to reposition the brow and tighten excess skin. The procedure:

• Lifts sagging brows and smoothens forehead wrinkles.
• Enhances the overall results of a facelift by creating a balanced, refreshed look.

Interested in a Facelift in Orange County, CA?

If you’re considering a facelift, Dr. Robert Wald can help you determine the best procedure for your needs. Call (714) 312-3549 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 4th, 2025 at 8:00 am and is filed under Facelifts. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

A facelift (also known as rhytidectomy surgery) is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce or eliminate visible signs of aging in your face and neck. Whether you want to tighten sagging skin, smooth deep wrinkles and folds, or restore a more youthful contour, a facelift can offer dramatic yet natural-looking results. However, one of the most important steps in your facelift journey is preparation. In this blog, we’ll go through some of the essential steps necessary to prepare for your facelift procedure so that you can enjoy a safe and healthy surgery and recovery.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate for facelift surgery. Some people may benefit from non-surgical options before undergoing invasive surgery. However, if you wish to address more severe signs of aging, a facelift is the answer. The best candidates for a facelift include men and women who are nonsmokers and in good overall health. You should also have good skin elasticity and realistic expectations for your results. Once you’ve had a consultation with Dr. Wald to determine if you’re a good candidate for a facelift, it’s time to prepare for your surgery!

Mentally Preparing for Facelift Surgery

As with any cosmetic surgery, facelift patients need to understand that while the procedure can do wonders for their confidence and turn back the clock on aging, having realistic expectations about the surgery and your results is essential. Some things you should consider before undergoing a facelift include:

Understanding the Limitations of the Procedure

A facelift can address wrinkles and sagging or excess skin, but only in the lower two-thirds of your face. If you have drooping eyelids or eyebrows, adding blepharoplasty (eye lift surgery) or a forehead lift to your facelift may be necessary to achieve comprehensive results. You may also undergo non-surgical skin resurfacing, BOTOX® Cosmetic, or injectable fillers to enhance your facelift results.

Scars Are Inevitable

As with any surgical procedure, scarring after a facelift is inevitable. However, the beauty of a facelift is that incisions are hidden in your hairline or behind your ears and will fade over time.

Be Patient as You Heal

Again, as with any surgery, it takes time to heal after a facelift. While you will see some immediate results, it will take a few months for all swelling and bruising to dissipate, so be patient and follow Dr. Wald’s post-op instructions to ensure the best outcome.

Facelift Results Require Maintenance

While facelift results typically last for as many as ten to fifteen years, the natural aging process will continue. Maintaining the results of your facelift means making good lifestyle choices (including avoiding smoking and following a healthy diet), adhering to an anti-aging skincare routine (including daily broad-spectrum SPF), and possibly undergoing non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments.

A facelift can give you a more youthful and refreshed appearance; however, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Results will vary from person to person depending on your unique facial anatomy, skin condition, and whether or not you combine other aesthetic procedures with your facelift.

Other Facelift Preparations

Lifestyle Adjustments

Before facelift surgery, you’ll need to quit smoking, as it inhibits circulation and can delay healing. Typically, you’ll need to avoid nicotine for four to six weeks before and after your surgery. You should also avoid medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding, including aspirin, NSAIDs, blood thinning medications, Vitamin E, fish oil, and certain herbal supplements.

Prepare a Recovery Space at Home

After your facelift, you’ll need a comfortable area to rest and recuperate. Preparing your home in advance may include:

• Making sure you have ice packs, gauze, and prescription and over-the-counter pain medications close at hand
• Having soft, nutritious foods available (like soup and smoothies), as eating may be uncomfortable for the first few days
• Creating a comfortable area with enough pillows to elevate your head to help minimize swelling, as well as any books and electronics (including chargers) for entertainment
• Arranging for help transporting kids to and from activities, as well as any other daily tasks, as you’ll need to rest for the first few days after surgery

Make Sure You Have Everything Ready for the Day of Surgery

When you come in for your facelift, make sure you bring the following items with you:

• Photo ID
• Glasses and your contact lens case
• A pillow for the ride home (to keep your head elevated and comfortable)
• Comfortable clothing, like a loose-fitting, button-down shirt to wear home after surgery

Above all, make sure you have arranged for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery as you recover from general anesthesia.

Learn More About Facelift Surgery in Orange County, CA

If you’re ready to take the next step in facial rejuvenation, it’s time to explore the benefits of a facelift at The Aesthetic Institute in Orange County. Once you’ve determined that you’re a good candidate for a facelift, Dr. Wald will go over the specifics of the surgery with you, helping to set you up for a successful experience from consultation to recovery. To schedule a facelift consultation with Dr. Wald, call our office today at (714) 312-3549 or complete the online contact form.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 8:00 am and is filed under Facelifts. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Undergoing facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, can produce a significant change in your appearance and boost your confidence by removing excess loose skin, smoothing creases, correcting sagging jowls, and rejuvenating your face. One of the most essential factors in the success of your facelift is your recovery period, which may be daunting if you are unaware of what you should expect. Below is a timeline of what you can expect during your recuperation.

Your First Week of Recovery

Directly after your facelift surgery, you can expect to experience bruising, swelling, and redness. Feelings of discomfort or nausea may occur, which can be relieved by pain medication and rest. Some patients experience sensations of tingling, burning, tightness, tenderness, or numbness in their face, ears, and neck for the first week. Having a friend or loved one as your caregiver for the first one or two days is an excellent way to ensure a comfortable recovery. Drainage tubes and light surgical dressings may be applied after your surgery and will help reduce side effects. Keeping your head in an upright, elevated position is advised. After one or two days, patients should begin to gently walk to the restroom and around the house a few times every day, slowly adding more light activities. Your first week should be focused on relaxing and getting plenty of sleep.

After One Week

Swelling, bruising, and tightness should begin to subside at this point. Direct sun exposure should be prevented. Light activities are permitted, but strenuous activities should still wait until you have recovered further. Some of the other symptoms should also begin to dissipate after the first week.

After Two Weeks

Most symptoms should completely resolve at this point. Patients are cleared to begin laying in a reclined position, but sleeping flat on your back should still be avoided for another week or so.

After Six Weeks

All side effects should dissipate at this point, and scars begin to fade. It can take up to one year for scars to fully heal and become almost invisible. Regular activities can be resumed, including some exercising. Make sure to consult with your surgeon to see what activities are permitted.

Your Final Results

The outcome of your facelift surgery will be determined by your surgeon’s experience and skills, and your body’s recovery process. It can take up to 12 months for everything to heal and for your final results to become evident. Most patients look significantly younger with a smoother, refreshed facial appearance. Following your surgeon’s post-surgical care instructions, taking the time to rest and fully recover, and maintaining a positive outlook will increase your satisfaction with your facelift results. It is recommended that you use a quality skin care regimen to help maintain your results. In the future, non-surgical options for maintaining a youthful appearance can include injectable fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic to address sagging, loose skin, wrinkles, and hollowed areas of the face to replenish volume. INFINI™ radiofrequency (RF) microneedling can enhance skin quality and eliminate wrinkles and fine lines. Most facelift procedure results last up to ten years, and taking preventative measures can help prolong your results.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Wald or learn more about facelifts, call our office at (714) 312-3549 or fill out our online contact form.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 3rd, 2019 at 8:00 am and is filed under Facelifts. Both comments and pings are currently closed.