Facelifts and Facial Rejuvenation

The Creation of True Facial Beauty through Surgery

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon Dr. Hoefflin specializes in facelift surgery (also known as rhytidectomy). It is one of the most commonly requested procedures he performs on patients who travel from all over the world desiring surgical excellence and natural, youthful results. Known for his artistry, Dr. Hoefflin believes that true facial beauty can be achieved by bringing out the unique features of each individual patient.

Hereditary factors, personal lifestyle choices, and sun exposure all contribute to the aging process and the subsequent changes in our facial appearance. As we age, important structural facial fat is lost and descends in our face. This, together with the loss of elastic support in our skin can causes excessive wrinkling and sagging skin. This can create a tired or drawn-out appearance in our face. Combined with the very fine lines from excessive sun exposure, the aging process becomes revealed.

Early signs of aging in the upper face may include excessive forehead folds, drooping of the eyebrows, upper eyelid hooding, changes in our lower eyelid shape with excessive wrinkling and development of herniated fat. Early signs of aging in the lower face include: loss of fullness or definition in the mid-cheeks, loss of the normal jawline contour, excessive nasolabial folds, and obvious wrinkling of the skin in front of the ears. The central portion of the neck can demonstrate banding of muscles, while creepiness and looseness of the skin can be appreciated throughout the neck.

Advances in modern surgical techniques and a commitment to surgical excellence allow Dr. Hoefflin to create natural, youthful, and long-lasting facelift results with minimal downtime and swelling. Highly skilled surgical techniques are employed in the treatment of excessive loose skin, as well as improving the supportive tissues or “foundation” of true facial beauty. Dr. Hoefflin believes that the face should be treated as a whole, often requiring a combination of procedures to obtain true facial harmony. This can include eyelid lifts, brow lifts, neck rejuvenation, facial fat transfer, chemical peel, botox, or laser skin resurfacing procedures for even better results.

When is the “right” time to consider a facelift?

The time to consider a Los Angeles Facelift and its associated facial rejuvenation procedures is when the aging process becomes noticeable and bothersome to you. The average age of patients presenting for facelifts is typically in their forties and fifties. Facelift surgery does not "stop the clock" but can turn back the hands. After a facelift, most patients look seven to ten or more years younger. The aging process continues, but you will always look several years younger than you would have without surgery. The better you take care of yourself, the longer the results will last. Some patients are so pleased with the results that they will have the surgery repeated years down the line; others are satisfied with one procedure their entire life.

The Procedure

Dr. Hoefflin performs his facelift procedures in his fully equipped and highly credentialed Los Angeles plastic surgery facility. During the procedure, you are completely asleep under the care of a board certified anesthesiologist. Dr. Hoefflin performs specialized long-acting nerve blocks that provide his patients with minimal discomfort after their facelift surgery.

Incision lines are carried out in the hair bearing areas above the ear, inset into the ear behind the tragus, and lastly, curved on the back of the ear, and inset high into the hairline area. Dr. Hoefflin spends significant time closing all of his incisions personally, allowing the incisions to be quite inconspicuous once they heal.

After an individual analysis of your facial features, additional facial rejuvenation procedures such as a browlift (coronal lift), eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), necklift (cervicoplasty) may be performed. Facial implants may be used to augment or improve your facial bony structures. Chin or Cheek augmentation using soft silicone or silastic implants can further create a soft, natural, and youthful appearance. Likewise, any contour imperfections can be improved through facial fat grafting.

Although facelifts can be performed very quickly and shortcuts can be taken, Dr. Hoefflin believes that the best facelifts are those that are performed slowly and with great care. Dr. Hoefflin believes every patient out to be treated as an example of facial beauty for the next. If approved by Dr. Hoefflin, additional facial, breast, or body procedures may be performed at the same time as your facelift procedure.

What can I expect after the operation?

It is important that you be sufficiently prepared for your postoperative recovery period. During your initial consultation, we will provide you with customized literature that carefully answers all post-operative questions and alleviates any concerns. A particular degree of apprehension and anxiety prior to your surgery is normal. When the operation is performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon, your discomfort should be minimized. Dr. Hoefflin performs intra-operative nerve blocks at the beginning of your procedure that are long-lasting, and minimizes any discomfort. Most likely, you will have no pain due to the long-acting local anesthesia that was used. Patients typically state most of their discomfort is similar to a headache, and is controlled by medication.

Your healing is a gradual and predictable process. Bruising and swelling is minimized through Dr. Hoefflin’s rapid recovery program. Your bandages and drains are removed in our office after twenty-four hours, which allows you to then shower. Sutures are gradually removed within the first ten days. Antibiotics are typically administered for seven days.

After about two weeks you may apply gentle makeup, making you feel more comfortable. After three weeks you will look and feel confident enough to go out with friends again. Your face will feel completely "normal" in about ten to twelve weeks. Direct sun should be avoided for several weeks. Most patients are delighted with their new beautiful and youthful appearance.

How long will the results last?

Patients generally enjoy long-lasting results. The aging process continues, but you will always look several years younger than you would have without the surgery. The better you take care of yourself, the longer the results will last. You’re lifestyle decisions, skin type, hereditary factors and sun exposure all play vital roles in the aging process. Some patients are so pleased with the results that they will have the surgery repeated; others are satisfied with one procedure their whole life.

It is important that you work with the doctor to establish realistic appearance goals. Much like a beautiful painting or sculpture, its success is appreciated by understanding that the process is the artwork. It requires the collaboration of the surgeon and the patient. Dr. Hoefflin’s goals are to provide his patients with beautiful, consistent, and long-lasting results, while maintaining your safety.

To learn if you are a candidate for a facelift or other cosmetic surgical procedures, please call our office to arrange a consultation with Dr. Hoefflin.