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Your Face, Lifted!

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging on the face and neck. The procedure may be customized to meet the requirements of your skin laxity and shifting fat pockets due to age. A facelift can also be combined with other aesthetic treatments, such as a brow lift, neck lift, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty.

The underlying structures and skin of your face are lifted and tightened during the procedure, reducing wrinkles and making you appear younger. If you are thinking about a facelift, you are not alone.

Facelift surgery was the third most often performed cosmetic surgery in 2020, with over 230,000 patients treated.

At Esthetica Center for Cosmetic SurgeryDr. Wael Kouli is a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs his facelifts to meet the goals of each patient skillfully. Dr. Kouli will use his expertise and experience to create a surgical plan that meets your aesthetic goals and uses the most advanced techniques available to minimize scarring.

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Before and After Photos

All About the Facelift

UV rays, air pollution, weight fluctuations, and time – they all take a toll on our skin. As a result, muscles weaken and its underlying structure deteriorates, resulting in sagging skin that lacks elasticity. A facelift can give you a more youthful look by removing excess skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. With various surgical techniques available, Dr. Wael Kouli will discuss with you which one is most appropriate to address your deepest skin concerns.

Many factors influence the choice of rejuvenation techniques, including:

  • Your facial structure and unique anatomy
  • The severity of changes brought on by age and other factors
  • The condition of your skin

A facelift corrects the lower third of the face and the top of the neck, while a mini facelift addresses the lower face and uses shorter incisions. An extended facelift addresses the midface, as well as the jawline. Your demands determine your treatment options and must first be discussed during a consultation with Dr. Kouli.

Traditional Facelift

The most common facial rejuvenation procedure, the facelift, is still the “gold standard” for correcting sagging jowls, nasolabial folds (smile lines), and marionette lines (puppet lines). The first facelifts, introduced in the early 1900s, only removed excessive tissue along the hairline. Then, in the 20s, the subcutaneous layer became an area of focus and the preferred facelift technique. Since then, the methods and techniques have continued to improve. Today, surgeons like Dr. Kouli have a deep understanding of facial anatomy and how best to manipulate the underlying elements of the face for the best results.

Extended Facelift

With an Extended Facelift, Dr. Kouli can lift and tighten the facial tissue and muscles to a greater degree than a standard Facelift. In addition, the incisions may span farther along the temple, which helps correct more advanced facial aging by reversing the appearance of nasolabial folds, volume loss in the cheeks, and crow’s feet.

Mini Facelift

A Mini Facelift tightens the skin of the lower face to restore a smooth, youthful appearance. If you have moderate facial aging and good skin elasticity, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. In addition, the Mini Facelift is minimally invasive, so it has a shorter recovery time and minimal post-procedure discomfort or numbness.

Optimize Your Facelift

Dr. Kouli can further customize and optimize your facelift procedure by including Facial Fat Transfer, which benefits patients with hollow or sunken cheeks. In addition, this procedure can help to rebalance the rest of your features.

Many patients combine a facelift with other facial rejuvenation procedures, such as Eyelid Surgery or Brow Lift, to achieve a complete and natural-looking result.

The best way to learn more about your facial rejuvenation options is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kouli. He will examine your face, skin, and underlying bone structure to determine which procedure or combination of approaches will best meet your goals. Call (858) 367-7514 in Del Mar(619) 836-1682 in Coronado, or (949) 989-6075 in Newport today to schedule your consultation.

What are the Benefits of a Facelift?

A facelift provides various functional and cosmetic benefits that can last for years. The procedure can help to:

  • Diminish the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and creases
  • Tighten sagging skin on the face and neck
  • Improve the appearance of jowls
  • Restore a youthful facial contour
  • Enhance self-confidence and quality of life

Dr. Kouli’s primary focus is to reverse the most apparent signs of aging so his patients feel better about their appearance. His techniques are precise and use the latest technology to create results that look more natural.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for a Facelift?

Both men and women undergo facelift procedures, so if you have the old-fashioned idea that a facelift is for older ladies, think again. In 2020 alone, over 18,000 facelifts were performed on men in the U.S. [1]

Modern techniques eliminate the “pulled” or wind-blow effect, so patients can look 5, 10, or 15 years younger without anyone knowing they’ve had work done. Even men!

The ideal candidate for facelift surgery is a non-smoking adult in good physical and mental health. Most patients are over 40, but there is no hard and fast rule. If you feel that your appearance would benefit from a facelift, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kouli to learn more.

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Personal Consultation

During your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Kouli, he will examine your physical health and general well-being to confirm that you are a suitable candidate for surgery. He’ll also evaluate your skin type and elasticity and advise you on the best procedures to meet your cosmetic goals.

Dr. Kouli will explain the different types of facelifts available and answer any questions you have so you feel confident in your decision. Then, after you and Dr. Kouli have devised a treatment strategy together, we will give you step-by-step pre and post-surgical instructions to ensure a simple and successful surgery and recovery.

To learn more about facelift surgery and to find out if you are a good candidate, contact our office today to schedule a personal consultation. Patients in San Diego and the surrounding areas can call (858) 367-7514 in Del Mar(619) 836-1682 in Coronado, or (949) 989-6075 in Newport.

Preparing For Your Facelift

Our patients must do several things to ensure a safe and comfortable operation and recovery. First and foremost, all patients must schedule a pre-operative consultation with Dr. Kouli to ensure that they are healthy enough for surgery and to go over any last-minute instructions.

  • Sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being, and can help your recovery, so get plenty of rest! [3]
  • It is recommended that you do not drink alcohol for at least two weeks leading up to surgery. [4]
  • Giving up smoking at least two weeks before and after surgery will help your recovery. [4]
  • Avoid taking any medications that can thin the blood or increase bleeding such as aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, or herbal supplements.
  • Have a friend or family member drive you home post-surgery, and plan for someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours immediately following.
  • Collect all of your doctor-prescribed medicine before the date of your operation.

Help yourself have a smooth recovery by preparing your home in advance. Make sure you have plenty of soft, comfortable pillows for propping yourself up and clearing your home of any obstacles in your path.

The Day Of Your Facelift

Plan to arrive at the surgery center or hospital at the designated time before your scheduled facelift. Once you arrive, our staff will help you get comfortable and prep you for surgery.

The type of anesthesia you’ll receive depends on your preferences, as well as the extent of surgery you need. Dr. Kouli will discuss your options before your surgery date.

Dr. Kouli’s procedures are based on your unique needs and the requirements of your case. He will determine the specifics of your surgery plan based on your particular situation and his professional opinion.

To get the most lifted, youthful appearance possible, Dr. Kouli may combine additional operations, such as chin augmentation or eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), with your standard facelift, mini facelift, or extended facelift to create the optimum lifted, youthful appearance.

The length of your surgery time depends on your specific condition and the type of facelift being performed. A standard facelift takes between two and four hours, while a mini facelift or extended facelift may less or more time respectively. During facelift surgery, Dr. Kouli will create incisions that travel from within the hairline of the sideburns, along the inner contours of the ears along the tragus, and around the earlobes, ending behind the ears. These are placed to conceal any scarring once healed. The skin and overlying tissues are separated and lifted, so that Dr. Kouli has access to tighten and reposition the fat and other facial tissues. The skin is then redraped with adequate, but not excessive tension, excess skin is trimmed away, and the incisions are closed.

After your surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will remain for several hours until you are ready to go home. We will closely monitor you to ensure you are comfortable and recovering properly.

Recovering From Your Facelift

Most people report excellent results following their facelift surgery and feel well enough to return to their job within a week or two of surgery.

You will need to wear a compression garment or bandage around your head for the first few days, which will help minimize swelling and support your new contours as you heal. You may also have some drainage tubes placed under your skin to help drain any excess blood or fluid. These will typically be removed within a day or two.

It is normal for your skin to feel tight at first, and you may experience some numbness, tingling, or burning sensations as the nerves begin to wake up; this will subside over time.

As you begin to feel better, we will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, what activities to avoid, and when you can expect to see your final results.

Results of Facelift Surgery

Most people feel great after their facelift is in the final stages of healing and are excited to show off their refreshed, youthful appearance to the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that it may take several months for all of the swelling to dissipate and for your incisions to fully heal.

Standard and extended facelifts give results that last for 10-15 years, whereas a mini facelift will keep you refreshed for an average of six years. Your results will look fresh and youthful and will only benefit further from a regular skincare routine and UV sun protection practices.

A Face Lift can create

  • A more sculpted and defined jawline.
  • A more well-defined neck and chin contour.
  • The smoother and taut appearance of your skin.
  • A more youthful look that can last for years to come.

The compliments you receive after your facelift surgery will help you feel as good as you look!

To learn more about Facelifts and to find out if you are a candidate, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kouli today.

Corresponding & Complimentary Procedures

Another excellent option Dr. Kouli offers his patients is something called FaceTite; this is a beautiful complementary procedure to the facelift once you have healed. FaceTite can further contour and tighten the skin of your face and neck for an even more youthful appearance.

We also offer fillers that can help to further improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss.

Whatever your cosmetic concerns, the team at Esthetica San Diego is here to help! Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kouli to learn more about Facelift surgery!

What is the Cost of a Facelift in San Diego, CA?

Esthetica’s fees are dependent on the specifics of your surgical plan. The type of facelift, targeted area, and degree of your facelift surgery are all factors that will influence the cost. You will get an accurate price breakdown after your consultation, during which Dr. Kouli will customize his surgical plan with you.

Call today! We look forward to working with you.

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References

Reviews

The office and procedure room were immaculate. Dr.Kouli and staff checked up on me often post.

Jennifer

I had an incredible experience at esthetica. Dr. Kouli is both personable and professional. Everyone in the office is friendly and aim to make you feel as comfortable as possible. I’d highly recommend their services.

Paige

I would recommend this office to anyone seeking a procedure. They answered any and all of my questions immediately. No matter how big or small.

Shellee

Dr. Kouli is the best!, best surgeon, best bedside manner, best follow up… just the best

Laura

I can’t say enough about dr. Kouli. He looked a my problem which was pretty bad and immediately knew that he could fix it.

Shellee