Facelift San Diego

Deep Plane Facelift:

A deep plane facelift is an advanced  facial rejuvenation technique done by repositioning the skin and the underlying facial muscles as a single unit. Dr. Kashaf, your cosmetic surgeon, will go completely beneath the SMAS (underlying facial muscles) to release deeper facial ligaments and elevate the muscles and fat pads back into a more youthful  position. This facelift technique addresses the deeper facial structure, so it requires exceptional precision and surgical expertise. Deep plane facelifts are typically done under general anesthesia or deep IV sedation for select cases. For this procedure final results will develop over 6-12 months. 

Benefits: 

• Results that blend more seamlessly with with your natural facial structure
• Eliminates the need for fillers or implants in the midface by restoring volume and support to the cheeks from within. 
• Longer-lasting results due to the deep plan technique working on the deeper supporting layers of the face, muscle and facial tissue, that do not stretch out the same way skin does. 

Traditional/ SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) Facelift:

A  traditional, or full, facelift procedure is done by lifting the skin and tightening the underlying muscles and tissues, and trimming away the excess skin. The most important step of the traditional facelift is tightening and repositioning the SMAS– The layer of muscle and connective tissue that supports the cheeks and mid-face. This supports the face naturally by tightening the foundation then draping the skin over the newly tightened foundation. This facial rejuvenation procedure primarily addresses the lower face, jawline, and often the neck. Traditional facelifts are ideal for those looking to smooth jowls and improve their jawline definition. A traditional facelift is done under general anesthesia or IV sedation with local ansthesia. This procedure technique yields results that will last 7-10 years. 

Mini Facelift:

A Mini Facelift, sometimes referred to as a “weekend lift,” is a less invasive procedure done to address the early signs of aging. This facial rejuvenation procedure is ideal for those with mild to moderate sagging in the cheeks and jowls (sagging, loose skin along the jawline). Dr. Kashaf, your cosmetic surgeon, will make small S-shaped incisions near the hairline and around the ears to lift and reposition the underlying facial tissues; excess skin is then removed and the incisions are closed. A mini facelift is done using local anesthesia with IV sedation (most common), local anesthesia alone, or general anesthesia. The recovery time for the “weekend lift” is between 7-14 days with final results forming over 2-3 months. 

Mid-Facelift:

A Mid-Facelift targets the ‘triangle” of the face– eyes, nose, and mouth. The goal of a mid-face lift is to elevate the cheeks and reduce hollowing in the under-eyes. During this procedure, Dr. Kashaf will tighten the muscles and manipulate the fat pads under the skin to lift sagging cheeks, soften smile lines, and even out under-eye hollows. This procedure will restore cheek volume, eliminate the “shadow” under the eyes, reduce nasolabial folds (smile lines), and overall improve facial balance and rejuvenate contours. Mid-facelifts typically will be done under general anesthesia or IV sedation depending on the technique used. The recovery time for a mid-facelift is between 2-3 weeks, with final results spanning over 2-6 months. 

Neck Lift:

A neck lift is its own procedure, but is commonly performed alongside a facelift. Using this technique, Dr. Kashaf will improve your jawline and the appearance of your neck by tightening loose skin and removing excess fat. A neck lift helps restore a smoother and more youthful-looking profile. Neck lift procedures will be done using general anesthesia if done with a facelift or local anesthetic with IV sedation if performed alone. 

First Week: During the first week following your face lift surgery you will experience swelling, bruising, and tightness in the face. You will also experience fatigue and numbness. A compression wrap or drain may be in place for the first 48hours and will be removed by your cosmetic surgeon. Sutures will often be removed in the first week by Day 7. 

Weeks 2–4: During weeks 2-4 the vast majority of bruising and swelling will be reduced. Patients typically feel comfortable returning to light, low-impact social interactions, errands, and desk-work by this time. At this stage, some residual tightness and numbness remain, but you will begin too see your sculpted contours emerge. 

One Month: By the first month 70-80% of the initial swelling should subside.  After being cleared by Dr. Kashaf, you will be able to slowly resume light daily activities and social interactions. Overly strenuous activities should still be avoided at this time. Your incisions should be protected from the sun and will have a pinkish hue to them. 

Three Months: In month three of recovery from your facelift the face will enter the “settling” phase. You will notice your facial contour and neckline become much more defined. Scars will still be fading at this stage and easy to conceal with makeup and hair. It is important to use SPF to prevent hyperpigmentation. 

Six Months: As you enter month six of your recovery you will be near your fully settled facial lift surgery result. At this stage, swelling should be completely gone and skin sensation is usually restored. Scars should be practically unnoticeable and incision lines faded. At 6-months you will have a final post-op consultation with Dr. Kashaf to review your final results. 

One Year: One year after your face lift, the results from the procedure will be established. Scars should appear as faint, thin lines and the deeper tissues of the face and neck will have stabilized completely.

After your facial lifting surgery you will see results that reverse the signs of aging by a decade or more. The results will naturally age with you from a new starting point. The core benefits will include: 

• Elimination of jowls and sagging 
• Wrinkle Reduction 
• Neck and Chin Definition
• Natural-looking results 
• Long-lasting results 

In order to maintain your results, follow a healthy skin-care routine, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday, avoid smoking, maintain a stable weight, and follow all of Dr. Kashaf’s postoperative recommendations.

Facial lifting surgery should be performed by a qualified, board-certified surgeon, such as Dr. Kasha for proper evaluation, surgical planning, and patient safety. 

Risks that are carried when undergoing a facial lifting procedure include: 

• Hematoma- Blood clots under the skin
• Nerve Injury- Facial weakness/numbness 
• Infection
• Skin Necrosis – Death of skin cells caused by a loss of local blood and oxygen supply

Dr. Kashaf and her team will provide every patient with a proper, personalized plan regarding preparation practices, what to expect during the procedure, and in-depth aftercare instructions intended to reduce risks.