Facelift
Facelift surgery (medically called a Rhytidectomy) is the gold-standard anti-aging procedure that can rejuvenate sagging skin in the cheeks and jawline, and neck, restoring definition while smoothing away lines, wrinkles, and creases. Dr. Miller's advanced deep plane lower facelift in Orange County ensures refined, elegant outcomes that make you look refreshed and rejuvenated, never frozen or unnatural.
Featured Facelift Patient Testimonials
A Special Anniversary Note …
“Today marks one year since my facelift. I could not be happier with the results. Below are two photos. The first was taken the morning of the surgery and the other very recently. The latter shows what a truly gifted surgeon Dr. Miller is. This was life-changing for me in the best of ways. It gives me added confidence to face the world every day and you can’t put a price on that.”
Turning back time...
One of our patients sent us this photo collage reflecting the age defying results achievable with a deep plane lower face/necklift (and laser resurfacing) by Dr. Miller. (Yes, this is indeed the same person, only refreshed!) Special techniques achieve special results!
What is a Facelift?
The term facelift can cause confusion because the term may have different meanings based on who you talk to. Traditionally, a facelift involves a surgical procedure that “lifts” and improves the cheeks and jawline. Therefore, a facelift does not address a patient’s eyebrow positions or excess eyelid skin or bags, even though they are part of your face.
At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Miller typically calls a facelift a “lower” facelift, so patients know precisely what areas are being addressed. Most patients over the age of 50 will also exhibit some degree of neck laxity or neck bands. In those cases, the lower facelift is combined with a neck lift, a so-called lower face-neck lift or lower facelift with neck lift.
So, how is a facelift different from a minilift? Unfortunately, the term minilift has even more definitions and surrounding confusion then the term facelift because of marketing and advertising. Further, one surgeon’s minilift may differ quite significantly from another surgeon in term of incisions, technique, and results. Therefore, a prospective patient would be advised that comparing one minilift to another minilift requires more research and information beyond the fancy sales presentation.
At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery, a minilift (mini facelift) is the same as a lower facelift (with no neck lift added), and is typically a good option for those with no neck laxity or bands. More information about minilifts by Dr. Miller can be found on our mini facelift page. Please note that the information on the remaining portions of this webpage concern Dr. Miller’s deep plane lower face-neck lifts.
Who is an ideal candidate for a traditional facelift?
Candidates for a deep plane lower facelift with neck lift in Orange County have frequently explored non-surgical options for addressing facial aging and have decided they are ready for more significant and long-lasting results. While some patients may be able to achieve temporary improvements using injectables and dermal fillers, these solutions cannot adequately address sagging facial skin and the underlying tissues. Some may have tried other treatments such as Ultherapy, Thermage or other costly procedures with little to no results. A surgical lower facelift in Orange County lifts drooping contours in the midface, tightens the underlying “muscle” groups, and improves definition in the jawline and neck, thereby comprehensively revitalizing your appearance and ensuring long-term, successful results. The surgery can rewind the clock by as much as 10 years or more.
Clients undergoing surgery should be mentally and physically healthy, non-smokers, free from any significant medical concerns such as uncontrolled hypertension or bleeding or clotting disorders, and in possession of realistic expectations for their results.
What can a facelift accomplish?
- Lifts sagging cheeks
- Corrects drooping jowls
- Removes redundant skin folds in the upper neck when combined with a neck lift
- Firms and tightens the underlying facial muscles (the SMAS/platysma layers)
- Improves definition in the jawline
- Smooths wrinkles, lines, and creases
Facelift surgery involves several important steps, outlined below:
- Anesthesia — At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Miller performs his lower facelift with neck lifts under a light general anesthesia, meaning you will not be awake during surgery and will feel no pain or discomfort. Our surgery center utilizes only board certified anesthesiologists, who are also M.D.’s.
- The incisions — Dr. Miller is well known for the hidden placement and the meticulous closure of his incisions. Dr. Miller will outline the incisions on you during your consultation. In short, incision length and placement will be created well within the hairline at the temples, behind the ears, in the lower scalp, and beneath the chin when a neck lift is also performed. Visit our photo gallery here to see, or not see, the meticulous incision techniques used by Dr. Miller, and learn more about facelift incisions and scars here.
- The procedure — All surgeries are performed in our accredited on site surgery center. During the procedure, Dr. Miller will use a “high-SMAS” deep plane technique to tighten and reposition the SMAS layer and remove any redundant and excess skin. Dr. Miller’s goals and results are always to achieve natural-looking changes that are tailored to your unique facial anatomy. Learn more about the differences in facelift techniques here.
- After surgery, all patients spend the night in our comfortable and safe overnight suite. You will have a private nurse (RN’s only) monitor you and ensure your comfort. Patients are discharged in the morning and then typically return on post-operative days three, seven, and ten, and are followed for months thereafter.
What can I expect from my facelift recovery?
All patients spend the night in our on-site private overnight suite with our nurse. In the morning, you will be released into the care of a friend or family member who will drive you home and assist you for the first 24 hours after surgery. Dr. Miller will ensure that you leave with a detailed aftercare plan that has instructions for wound care, sleeping, bathing, resuming exercise, and returning to work. He will provide prescription medications to help ease any postoperative pain or discomfort. Most patients take pain medication for 1 to 3 days.
You may be fitted with a bandage around your face for the first night only, and this is typically removed before you go home the day after surgery. A small drain may be attached to escort excess fluids minimizing the risk of complications. Your follow-up appointments will be scheduled and Dr. Miller will continue to monitor your progress as recovery progresses. Never hesitate to call him should anything unexpected arise.
How long do results last?
The longevity of your results after a facelift in Orange County will depend on several factors, including your overall health, your skin quality, and your age. In general, a facelift will last around 10-15 years. Aging will continue, however, some patients may desire additional enhancement procedures in the future.
Combining a facelift with a neck lift
A neck lift can address submental fullness, vertical bands, and sagging skin. If a patient undergoes facelift surgery but does not address signs of aging in the neck, results may be less than comprehensive. By combining the procedures, a patient can experience enhanced youthfulness with seamless continuity. Undergoing a facelift in tandem with a neck lift can also reduce the overall recovery time and costs associated with the individual treatments. The lower face-neck lift procedure is the most common procedure performed for patients over 50 years old.
Complementary procedures
A lower facelift with neck lift can be well-combined with blepharoplasty and/or a brow lift to comprehensively revitalize both the lower and upper face simultaneously. Some patients will undergo a fat transfer procedure in tandem with their facelift to address a loss of volume in addition to sagging skin.
Facelift Incisions and scarring
Dr. Miller practices a unique and meticulous approach to his incisions that minimizes scarring. However, every time an incision is created, a scar will follow, but Dr. Miller takes the time to place his incisions that are unnoticeable and allows his patients to wear their hair up or in a ponytail without the scars showing. Learn more about Dr. Miller’s facelift incisions here.
Once your surgery is complete, there are several things you can do on your own to help your incisions heal in an optimal manner. As an example, abstaining from smoking and nicotine for 4-6 weeks before after a facelift will ensure a healthy immune system and blood flow that supports proper incision healing.
Choosing the best plastic surgeon for your facelift in Orange County
Dr. Timothy R. Miller, M.D. is a fellowship-trained, double board-certified, facial plastic surgeon who excels at the nuanced art of the facelift. His innovative, state-of-the-art techniques have been published in peer-reviewed journals and scientific literature, and he is a frequent contributor to panel discussions and symposiums on current topics in aesthetic medicine. Above all, Dr. Miller is a caring and compassionate provider who goes above and beyond to accomplish his patients’ goals, providing them with a renewed sense of confidence and peace of mind.
What is a non-surgical facelift?
A non-surgical facelift can be performed using a combination of injectables and dermal fillers. This procedure can help mitigate some of the early signs of aging, such as wrinkles, lines, and volume loss, but it cannot correct sagging skin to the degree that a surgical procedure can. What’s more, results with a non-surgical facelift typically only last 6-18 months, so it may not be cost-effective for certain patients. Dr. Miller can help you to explore all of your options for facial rejuvenation during your private consultation.
Today, more than ever, men are seeking facial rejuvenation.
Facelift FAQs
Will a facelift fix sagging jowls?
Yes, a facelift is the ideal solution for firming the jawline and tightening loose skin in the lower face.
When can I exercise after my facelift?
While gentle walks are encouraged early in your recovery, vigorous exercise should be postponed for 4-6 weeks, or as recommended by Dr. Miller.
What is the best age for a facelift?
There is no perfect age for a facelift. Patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are typically ideal candidates, although they can be younger or older than that.
How long does the procedure take?
Facelifts with no neck lift added will typically take 2-3 hours, but can take longer if additional procedures are undergone at the same time, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift.
When can I return to work?
Most patients can expect to return to work within 2-3 weeks, provided that their jobs are sedentary.
Is a facelift right for me?
The best way to determine your candidacy for a facelift in Orange County is to consult with Dr. Miller. Most patients will make good candidates, provided that they are healthy and have realistic expectations.
Is a facelift different for men and women?
Yes and no. Incision placement may be different for men and women and the doctor will need to consider the male’s thicker muscles and tissue in order to pursue a result that is natural-looking and seamless.
How should I sleep after a facelift?
You should sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated. This will help to reduce swelling and preserve your results as you heal.
Will it look like I had a facelift?
No! Dr. Miller’s artistry and precision ensure a result that appears natural and unforced. Friends, family, and co-workers will notice that you look rejuvenated and refreshed.
How can I reduce swelling?
Make sure to follow all of Dr. Miller’s postoperative instructions. Keep your head elevated when lying down. Other recommendations will be provided during your pre-operative visits.
Will my facelift reduce wrinkles?
While a facelift will help to smooth some lines and wrinkles, the procedure is often combined with dermal fillers and injectables to produce comprehensive age-defying results.
What are the risks of a facelift?
As with any surgery, there are inherent risks to be aware of. These include infection, bleeding, poor reactions to anesthesia, poor wound healing, hematoma, temporary numbness, injury to facial nerves, prolonged swelling, and changes in pigmentation, among others.