Facelift in Newport Beach

Facelift FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

• What are Nonsurgical Alternatives to a Facelift?

  Not every patient is ready for this operation; we offer our liquid facelift for those patients. Many different alternatives may be used depending on the patient's age and condition. We utilize these alternatives to obtain the best results for our patients. These facelift techniques may be used alone or in combination with another cosmetic procedure. Some of these alternatives include:

  • Skincare typically incorporates tretinoin (Retin-A) and hydroquinone or kojic acid.
  • Microneedling
  • BOTOX
  • Dermal fillers
  • Chemical peels
  • Laser resurfacing

• What Does a Facelift Treat?

  It is essential to understand what the operation treats and does not treat. It treats the area from the corner of the eyebrow to the base of the neck. The procedure has many wonderful effects on the face. The outer corners of the eyebrow can be elevated, and the crow’s feet can be softened and released. The soft tissues of the cheeks are repositioned back up onto the cheekbones, and the jowls are repositioned into the cheeks, restoring the heart-shaped face of youth. The bands of the neck can be addressed, and the neck skin can be tightened.

• What Does a Facelift Not Treat?

  Sagging of the eyebrows, along with creases of the forehead and between the eyebrows, is treated by a brow lift procedure (open or endoscopic). Bags of the upper and lower eyelids are treated with a blepharoplasty. Smoker’s lines require the addition of a chemical peel, laser resurfacing, or dermabrasion for improvement. Atrophy (thinning) of the lips requires the use of fillers or possibly even lip implants. The drooping of the nose will require a rhinoplasty.

• What About Lunch-Time Lifts, Lite Lifts, and Other Very Heavily Marketed Lifts?

  Facelift procedures that require only local anesthesia and take about an hour to perform have recently become popular and heavily marketed. However, there are several issues with these procedures.

  The procedures are only applicable to a small percentage of patients who may have some skin laxity but no laxity of the deep tissues. There is still downtime with bruising and swelling in the areas treated. The deep tissues are not treated with these minimal procedures, and the results from the procedure cannot be longevity-wise.

  The lack of longevity is a significant problem with the skin-only type of rhytidectomy. A recent Consumer Affairs report from a study they conducted on one of the heavily marketed lift procedures reveals that the procedure had only a 2% full satisfaction rating with five stars. The dissatisfaction percentage was 76%, earning only one star.

• Is a Facelift painful?

  The majority of our patients experience only mild pain or discomfort that is easily managed with oral pain medications. Most patients stop taking the medicines about three days after the surgery.

• How many appointments will I need?

  Your initial follow-up appointment will take place the day after your surgery, during which your dressing will be removed and post-operative care instructions will be reviewed. About a week later, you’ll return to have your sutures taken out. After that, you’ll typically come in for a one-month checkup and additional visits every three to six months during the first year to monitor your healing progress.

• How long until I see results?

  While you'll notice some immediate improvements after your facelift, it's normal to experience bruising and swelling in the first few weeks as your face heals. Most patients start to see the most significant and noticeable results around six weeks post-surgery. Carefully following our aftercare guidelines can help promote better healing and longer-lasting outcomes.

• Are facelift results permanent?

  Although a facelift helps an individual revitalize the facial appearance and reduce or eliminate visible signs of aging, it does not stop the natural aging process. Since each person ages differently, the amount of time that facelift results remain visible varies based on the patient. Most patients can enjoy the results of their facial rejuvenation surgery for around 10 - 15 years.

  Dr. Sundine helps his patients establish realistic treatment goals before a facelift procedure. He strives to help each facelift patient reap the benefits of a balanced, natural-looking facial appearance.

• Can I combine a Facelift with other procedures?

  Absolutely! Many of our facelift patients in Newport Beach choose to combine their procedure with other facial enhancements like a brow lift or rhinoplasty to achieve a more balanced, youthful look. Non-surgical options—such as BOTOX, dermal fillers, or laser skin resurfacing—can also complement your results and may be performed at the same time, if desired. If you have specific aesthetic goals in mind, be sure to share them during your consultation. Dr. Sundine will provide expert guidance to help you explore the best treatment options for your needs.

• Can I get a Neck Lift independently of a Facelift?

  A neck lift is sometimes performed independently of a facelift. In certain instances, an incision is made beneath the chin and extends from the lower part of the front of the ear into the hairline, or a combination of both techniques. Patients can then have the neck muscles tightened at the center or on both sides.

  Generally, patients with sagging muscles in the neck region benefit from neck lift surgery performed alone. Dr. Sundine is happy to meet with a patient to determine if a neck lift, facelift, or both surgeries can help them achieve the best possible results.

• What are the risks associated with a Facelift?

  As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sundine takes each surgery incredibly seriously and strives to provide a positive and safe recovery for every one of our patients; however, as with any surgical procedure, a Newport Beach Facelift can carry potential risks that we like every single patient to know.

  Some of these risks include:

  • Hematoma ( collection of blood under the skin)
  • Scarring
  • Nerve injury
  • Hair loss
  • Skin loss
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Facial nerve injury with weakness
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Infection
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • Persistent pain

• Does facial plastic surgery reduce sagging skin?

  Yes. Facelift patients see a tremendous improvement in sagging facial skin itself. During your facial rejuvenation cosmetic surgery, Dr. Sundine pulls your skin back and secures it to its new resting position, trimming off any excess skin.

• How do I prepare for a Facelift?

  Before your surgery, we will provide you with a list of tips and suggestions to follow that will help make your procedure and results as successful as possible.

  Some of these instructions will be to stop smoking at least a few weeks before your surgery, as well as avoid taking certain medications and consuming alcohol. We strongly recommend meal prepping and getting your prescription pain medication before surgery as well.

  Finally, you will need to find a relative or friend who can provide you with a ride to and from the facility and a responsible adult who can spend the next day or two with you to assist you around the house.

• How much time off should I arrange?

  Two weeks should be enough time for patients who work in sedentary jobs to look presentable at work.

  Some patients have visible swelling and residual bruising at the end of two weeks. Others do not notice this, but a three-week window would be better if you feel sensitive.

  If your job is very strenuous, you may need more time to ensure healing is well underway.

• When can I workout again after a Facelift?

  The healing process is very important, but we also understand the desire to return to your routine. Many patients can return to their standard workouts around six to eight weeks after surgery.

  If you are healing relatively slowly, you might be asked to avoid working out for two more weeks. Once you have fully recovered, you can resume all sorts of physical activities. You can engage in all kinds of workouts if your plastic surgeon approves.

• Will a Facelift get rid of dark circles under my eyes?

  Unfortunately, a Facelift will not directly address the eye area, but there is usually some residual improvement from the facelift.

  Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) is needed to rejuvenate the eyes. An eyelid lift addresses sagging, excess fat deposits, and loose skin in both the upper and lower eyelids. It is very common for patients to have a facelift and an eyelift simultaneously.

  For dark circles, Dr. Sundine can also perform non-surgical fillers, such as Restylane®.

• What is the best age to get a Facelift?

  While there is no set age for a Facelift, the procedure is ideal for healthy patients in their 40s to 70s who display prominent signs of facial aging. Younger patients should consider our non-surgical options or a mini-facelift.

• Why should I choose a board-certified plastic surgeon?

  No matter what kind of surgery you have, it's always essential to have someone with the training, knowledge, skillset, and experience to provide you with the safest and best possible results. Board-certified plastic surgeons have earned a qualification not easily obtained by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, demonstrating a high level of training and education necessary for optimal results and patient satisfaction.

• How Do I Choose The Best Facelift Surgeon Near Me In Newport Beach?

  When searching for the best facelift surgeon in Newport Beach, several important factors to consider are: First, ensure the surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), demonstrating a high training level and adherence to safety standards. Next, look for extensive experience specifically in facial procedures, as expertise in general cosmetic surgery may not translate to the refined techniques required for facelifts.

  Review before-and-after photos to assess the surgeon’s aesthetic style and consistency. These images can give you a clear idea of the naturalness and quality of results you can expect. It’s also helpful to read patient reviews that speak not only to the outcomes but also to the overall experience, from consultation to post-operative care. A trustworthy surgeon will offer an informative, respectful consultation and personalize it to your needs. They should listen to your concerns and provide a detailed, customized plan based on your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.

  Dr. Michael Sundine meets all of these criteria and more. He is nationally recognized, highly experienced, and has contributed to the field through published textbook chapters on facelift techniques. Schedule your consultation today to learn why he is considered one of Southern California’s premier facelift specialists.

• Aftercare Instructions

  1. After surgery, go home and relax. Take your medications as directed. You will be given a prescription for pain medication (generally Vicodin), 24 hours of antibiotics (generally Keflex), and anti-nausea medication (Zofran). You may expect minor bruising around your eyes that may last 1-2 weeks.
  2. The patient should not turn their neck from side to side but move their shoulders and neck as one unit. Avoid yawning; smiling is okay. Avoid chewing gum.
  3. The patient should not have a pillow behind the head, but use a small pillow or a towel behind the neck. The chin angle should be greater than 90 degrees.
  4. The patient is not to eat in bed but may eat from a coffee table with one elbow on the knee.
  5. Diet: Liquid or soft diet with small bites for 10 days.
  6. Bathroom privileges with assistance. Remove area rugs. Keep floors clear.
  7. Ice-filled gloves or a frozen bag of peas covered with a towel to the eyelids and crow’s feet areas for 20 minutes every hour while awake.
  8. Send the patient to 1st post-operative appointment with ice gloves or a frozen bag of peas covered with a thin towel.
  9. An Empty Jackson-Pratt plastic bulb drains at midnight and 8:00 AM. Note the amount of drainage and restart the bulb suction.
  10. Shampoo hair after the drain is removed and continue shampooing as per the patient’s usual routine. You may use conditioner. It is not necessary to use the Betadine shampoo after surgery unless instructed to do so. Water may run over the incision sites, including the eyes. You may gently blow-dry the hair with low heat.
  11. If the patient has dermabrasion of the upper or lower lip, apply bacitracin ointment on the lips or the treated area at least four times daily until the area is completely healed.
  12. Do not become constipated from the pain medications. Take Colace (docusate sodium) twice daily—this is an over-the-counter medication.
  13. No driving for 10 days after the operation.
  14. Immediate postoperative follow-up appointments will generally be on days 1, 3, 5, 7, or 8, and 9 or 10 following the surgery.
  15. No hair tinting for three weeks after your surgery.
  16. Avoid strenuous activity or getting overheated. The patient may begin short walks on postoperative day 1 following the surgery. Do not smoke or expose yourself to secondhand smoke.
  17. After a facelift, you must apply sunscreen for at least 6 months when outside.
  18. If excess bleeding, fever, excess swelling, difficulty breathing, or any other distressing problem develops, call the doctor immediately.
  19. A copy of these discharge instructions is to be given to the patient by the post-op care nurse.
  20. The Post-op nurse for the 1st night must call Dr. Sundine at 9 PM to update the progress of the patient.
  21. If you wear eyeglasses, remove one earpiece to prevent any compromise to the blood supply of the skin flaps.