• Facelift
• Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
• Brow Lift
• Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
• Neck Lift

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Breast Augmentation and Lift
• Breast Reduction
• Breast Reconstruction
• Male Breast Reduction

• Liposuction
• Liposuction Alternatives
• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
• Body Lift
• Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
• Thigh Lift
• Mommy Makeover

• BOTOX® Cosmetic
• Dysport®
• Injectable Fillers
• LATISSE®
• Other Skin Services

Home | Face | Facelift

Orange County Facelift

Dr. Andrew Smith understands that there are many reasons why the skin on the face can begin to wrinkle and sag, including exposure to the sun, genetics, and the natural aging process. Over time the skin on the face and neck begins to sag and becomes loose, and folds and wrinkles become prominent around the chin, the jaw line and along the neck. In Orange County, a facelift from Dr. Smith can correct these concerns and restore a youthful look. With Dr. Smith's experience performing facial plastic surgery, you can expect to receive suggestions for treatment that are realistic and will provide you with a natural yet beautiful appearance.

Request a FREE surgical consultation with Dr. Smith, a board-certified plastic surgeon, to discuss your facelift options. You can also call our Irvine and Corona plastic surgery offices at 949.653.7000 .

• Free Surgical Consultation
• View Our Photo Gallery
• Check out our Current Specials
• Read Patient Testimonials

• Facelift
• Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
• Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
• Brow Lift
• Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
• Neck Lift

Dr. Smith performs face lifts to enhance your appearance by tightening the facial and neck muscles while removing areas of excess skin. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgeries such as blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), forehead lift, chin augmentation, and/or Orange County liposuction. These procedures can be performed any time after signs of aging appear in order to attain a more youthful appearance.

Candidates for Face Lift Surgery

In addition to discussing your anticipated results, Orange County face lift surgeon Dr. Smith will evaluate your medical history in order to determine your overall health and suitability for surgery. His objective is to create a natural, pleasing new look. During your initial consultation and again at your follow-up visit, photographs will be taken to determine the amount of improvement after surgery.

Preoperative Preparation

We will provide you with preoperative instructions that may include avoiding specific drugs containing aspirin as well as herbal medications for at least two weeks before surgery. These medications may thin the blood and cause excess bleeding. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to prevent infection following surgery. You may be instructed to shampoo your hair the night before surgery.

Face Lift Surgery

Dr. Smith performs a face lift in Orange County with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation (twilight sleep). Medication is administered prior to the procedure for comfort and relaxation. During the surgery, he will tighten the skin and the underlying muscle of the face and neck. The incisions are placed in the natural creases in front of the ear, hidden inside the hairline at the temple, and behind the ear ending in the hair of the scalp. Also during the procedure, loose skin is separated from underlying tissue and is pulled up and back. Sagging muscles and connective tissues are tightened as needed and in some cases, fatty deposits on the chin and neck are removed through liposuction. Dr. Smith uses small sutures to close the incisions.

A face lift may take up to five hours depending on whether any other procedures are performed at the same time. Most face lifts are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that a stay in the hospital is not needed. Some variations of the face lift use a smaller scar depending on the areas addressed as well as the amount of correction needed. These techniques are known by various names including short-scar face lift and MACS-lift.

Postoperative Care

Bandages that are applied to the area of surgery are then removed within a few days. Sutures are removed within the first five to ten days. In order to minimize scaring, Dr. Smith may remove the sutures in stages. Swelling and discoloration gradually decrease over the first two weeks, and scarring should fade quickly in the coming weeks and months. A tight feeling in the face will be present for several weeks and there may be slight changes in your hair pattern around the incision. Dr. Smith recommends that you avoid the sun for several weeks after surgery. Healing is gradual so you will not notice final results for up to 6 months. Improvement varies, depending on your initial condition, but most people who have had face lifts are pleased with their new, more youthful appearance.

Complications

All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups: those that can be seen in all operations, and those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main risk which is special for this operation and is very rare is damage to the facial or 7th nerve, which controls movement of the face. Talk with Dr. Smith for a complete explanation of risks and possible complications.

If you're ready to learn more about facelift surgery in Orange County, request a FREE surgical consultation with Dr. Smith. He will meet with you at our Corona or Irvine plastic surgery office and discuss your cosmetic goals and procedural options.