Facelift

A facelift is a comprehensive facial rejuvenation surgery designed to restore youthful contours by addressing sagging skin, deep facial folds, jowling, and loss of jawline definition. At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim performs customized facelift procedures using advanced techniques such as SMAS elevation and deep structural repositioning to achieve natural, long-lasting results. Rather than simply tightening skin, Dr. Kim focuses on restoring underlying facial support for balanced, refreshed outcomes. Each facelift is planned using detailed facial analysis to ensure results that look natural, harmonious, and age-appropriate.

Overview

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the face by correcting age-related changes in the lower face, midface, jawline, and neck. As the skin, fat, and connective tissues naturally lose elasticity over time, patients may develop jowls, deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines, facial laxity, and a blurred jawline. A facelift addresses these concerns at their structural source rather than relying on temporary or superficial solutions.

At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim approaches facelift surgery with an emphasis on artful precision, anatomical expertise, and natural facial balance. His technique goes beyond skin tightening by repositioning the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) and deeper facial layers to restore youthful contours while preserving the patient’s unique features. This approach allows for longer-lasting results and avoids the “pulled” or artificial appearance associated with outdated facelift methods.

Every facelift begins with a comprehensive consultation, allowing Dr. Kim to evaluate facial proportions, skin quality, fat distribution, and areas of structural descent. This detailed planning ensures a fully customized surgical strategy tailored to the patient’s anatomy, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals. Depending on individual needs, the procedure may be combined with neck lift surgery, eyelid surgery, fat transfer, or non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments for optimal facial harmony.

During the procedure, carefully placed incisions are made along the hairline and natural creases around the ears to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Kim then elevates and repositions underlying tissues, removes or redistributes excess fat, and redrapes the skin without tension. This layered approach enhances jawline definition, smooths facial folds, improves midface volume, and restores youthful facial structure while maintaining a soft, natural look.

Patients choose facelift surgery for its ability to deliver dramatic yet refined facial rejuvenation that cannot be achieved with injectables alone. With meticulous technique, advanced safety protocols, and individualized care, Dr. Kim consistently achieves results that enhance confidence while preserving authenticity.

Overview

Benefits & Candidates

Restores youthful jawline definition and facial contours

Reduces jowling, sagging skin, and deep facial folds

Achieves natural-looking, long-lasting facial rejuvenation

Improves midface volume and lower face balance

Enhances facial harmony without an over-tightened appearance

Customized surgical planning done by Dr. Kim

1. Individuals experiencing moderate to severe facial sagging or jowls

2. Patients with loss of jawline definition and facial laxity

3. Adults seeking long-lasting facial rejuvenation beyond injectables

4. Patients with realistic expectations and good overall health

The Process

  • Comprehensive Consultation
    In-depth facial analysis and personalized surgical planning by Dr. Kim.
  • Pre-Operative Preparation
    Surgical markings, anesthesia administration, and safety checks.
  • Strategic Incision Placement
    Incisions placed discreetly along the hairline and natural ear contours.
  • SMAS & Deep Tissue Repositioning
    Elevation and restructuring of underlying facial layers for long-lasting support.
  • Skin Redraping & Contouring
    Excess skin removal with tension-free closure to maintain natural appearance.
  • Layered Closure & Recovery Transition
    Precise suturing, dressing placement, and monitored recovery.
  • Recovery & Risks

    Facelift surgery is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon; however, as with any surgical treatment, it carries potential risks. Common temporary side effects include swelling, bruising, numbness, and mild discomfort, which are expected parts of the healing process. Less common risks may include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, or temporary nerve irritation. Dr. Kim minimizes these risks through meticulous surgical technique, advanced safety protocols, and thorough pre-operative screening.

    Recovery after a facelift is gradual and varies based on the extent of surgery and individual healing response. Most patients experience noticeable swelling and bruising during the first 1–2 weeks, with significant improvement by week three. Light activities may typically resume within 10–14 days, while more strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately 4–6 weeks.

    Post-operative care is a critical component of successful results. Patients receive detailed aftercare instructions, including how to manage swelling, proper incision care, and the use of compression garments if needed. Follow-up visits at CK Plastic Surgery allow Dr. Kim to closely monitor healing and ensure optimal outcomes.

    Final results continue to refine over several months as residual swelling resolves and tissues fully settle. When combined with proper skincare and healthy lifestyle habits, facelift results can last for many years.

    Real Results

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    Facelift

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How does a facelift improve facial aging concerns?

    A facelift improves visible aging by lifting deeper tissues and refining sagging skin. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim uses advanced techniques that enhance jawline definition and correct midface volume loss while maintaining natural proportions. This approach helps address concerns like deep smile lines, early jowling, and loose facial skin while preserving your unique features. Many patients searching for natural facelift results appreciate how our method supports long-term rejuvenation and promotes a refreshed look without the pulled appearance associated with outdated facelift techniques.

    What makes Dr. Charles Kim’s facelift approach unique?

    Dr. Charles Kim’s approach is unique because it combines deep-plane precision with patient-centered planning and advanced 3D imaging to map your facial structure. This ensures highly personalized results tailored to your anatomy. Patients who want a custom facelift often seek techniques that improve sagging cheeks, aging jawline tissues, and early neck laxity without looking overcorrected. Our method prioritizes balanced contours and addresses facial ligament support, improving the longevity of rejuvenation while keeping your expression natural.

    What recovery experience should facelift patients expect?

    Facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality. Many patients looking for long-lasting facelift results appreciate how deep-plane techniques preserve tissue support and slow visible aging. With careful maintenance, such as sun protection and skin treatments, your facial contours remain smoother and more defined. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim focuses on anatomical precision that enhances durability, helping your refreshed appearance age gracefully and naturally over time.

    Who is considered a good candidate for facelift surgery?

    A good candidate for facelift surgery is someone experiencing noticeable signs of facial aging, such as jowls, laxity in the lower face, or deep creases, yet still has good skin elasticity. People searching for help with lower face tightening or early neck aging often benefit greatly from this surgery. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim evaluates bone structure, tissue thickness, and skin quality to determine suitability, ensuring your desired improvements align with a safe and effective treatment plan.

    How long do facelift results typically last?

    Facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality. Many patients looking for long-lasting facelift results appreciate how deep-plane techniques preserve tissue support and slow visible aging. With careful maintenance, such as sun protection and skin treatments, your facial contours remain smoother and more defined. At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim focuses on anatomical precision that enhances durability, helping your refreshed appearance age gracefully and naturally over time.

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