What are Nonsurgical Alternatives to a Facelift?

Not every patient is ready for this operation and for those patients, we offer our liquid facelift. Many different alternatives may be used depending on the age and preserving the appearance of the patient. We utilize all of 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 incorporating tretinoin (Retin-A) and hydroquinone or kojic acid Microdermabrasion Neurotoxins-Botox, Xeomin, Dysport Facial fillers Chemical peels Laser resurfacing

What Does a Facelift Treat?

It is important to understand both what the operation treats and what it 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 in between the eyebrows are 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?

Recently, facelift procedures that are performed under only local anesthesia and take about an hour to perform have become popular and very 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 there can be no longevity of the results from the procedure. 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 5 stars, while 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. Typically, most patients stop taking the medications about three days after the surgery.

How many appointments will I need?

Your first post-operative visit will be the day after surgery to remove your dressing and review post-operative care instructions. The next visit will be approximately one week after surgery to remove your sutures. You will then follow-up up one month after your facelift and usually every three to six months for the first year after your surgery to ensure adequate healing.

How long until I see results?

You will see visible changes immediately after their Facelift procedure, but keep in mind that you will still be very bruised and swollen during the first few weeks of facial surgery and recovery. On average, our patients begin to feel and see the most dramatic results of their cosmetic surgery at around the six-week mark. If you follow the instructions we provide for you, it will help increase the chance for better and longer-lasting results.

Are facelift results permanent?

Although a facelift helps an individual revitalize the facial appearance and reduce or eliminate visible signs of aging in the face, 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! Our Newport Beach Facelift patients will often have other facial enhancements commonly combined with their procedure, such as a Brow Lift or Rhinoplasty , for a better profile and youthful facial appearance. Even some non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX , injectable Dermal Fillers , or Laser Skin Resurfacing can be used to achieve a more youthful appearance and can be performed in the same setting if requested. If you have any aesthetic goals or aspirations, please let us know during your consultation and Dr. Sundine will be able to help you find the best options with his expert recommendations.

Can I get a Neck Lift independently of a Facelift?

A neck lift is sometimes performed independently of a facelift. In certain instances, a neck lift incision is made beneath the chin and extends from the lower part of the front of the ear and 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 dealing with sagging muscles in the neck region benefit from neck lift surgery performed on its own. Dr. Sundine is happy to meet with a patient to determine if a neck lift, facelift, or both surgeries can help him or her 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 hematoma 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 will be able to provide you with a ride to and from the facility, as well as 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?

For patients who work in sedentary jobs, two weeks should be enough time to look presentable at work. Some patients have some visible swelling and residual bruising at the end of two weeks. This is usually not noticeable by others but if you feel sensitive, a three-week window would be better. 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 get back to your normal routine. Many of our patients can return to their standard workout around six and eight weeks post-surgery. If you are healing at a relatively slow pace, 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 sorts 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. To rejuvenate the eyes, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) is needed. 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 eye lift at the same time. 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 might want to 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 important to make sure you 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 that is not easily obtained by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which demonstrates a high level of training and education, necessary for optimal results and patient satisfaction.

Facelift Newport Beach | Best Orange County Facelift

Facelift

Introduction

A good facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, can easily reverse signs of facial aging. Faces in their forties and fifties start to show the effects of gravity – more lines, less facial muscle tone, and sagging jowls. A facelift leaves your face looking refreshed, healthy, and younger. In fact, it can make you look and feel five to ten years younger – no wonder it’s the most famous procedure in plastic surgery. Dr. Michael J. Sundine strives to deliver the best facelift Newport Beach has to offer.

out of beach -- woman --Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Sundine

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Before + After Photo Gallery

A plastic surgeon Orange County patients trust to provide excellent care and beautiful, natural-looking results. While beauty is more than skin deep, the decision to enhance your appearance, whether subtle or dramatic, can boost your self-confidence and positively impact every area of your life.

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What is Facelift?

In its simplest terms, it’s an aesthetic plastic surgery designed to combat the aging process and restore a more youthful appearance to a patient. Its essential elements include repositioning of deeper tissues and tightening of the skin of the face and neck. In reality, an isolated facelift (only that single procedure) is rarely performed. More commonly, a facelift is performed in conjunction with a neck lift procedure.

The aging face is characterized by loss of elasticity of the skin with laxity of the deep tissues and some loss of volume in certain areas of the face. The appearance changes from the heart-shaped face of youth to a boxier and more hardened look.

Patients who are good candidates for a rhytidectomy typically have started to develop laxity of the skin of the cheeks and neck, along with wrinkles. The creases that run from the base of the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial creases) begin to deepen. The corners of the mouth become downturned, which in women causes lipstick to leak out of the corners of the mouth.

Patients start to develop creases from the corners of the mouth down to the chin-so-called marionette lines along with jowls. The neck skin becomes lax, and they develop bands of platysma muscle tissue The full facelift technique is designed to treat all of these aging changes.

Note: Be wary of heavily marketed procedures that promise to achieve in an hour over lunch with no downtime. These procedures cannot achieve any significant correction and will not produce a lasting result. A recent Consumer Affairs report from a study they conducted on one of the heavily marketed procedures reveals that the procedure had only a 2% full satisfaction rating with 5 stars, while the dissatisfaction percentage was 76%, earning only one star.

Facelift -- Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Sundine

What Are The Benefits

Of Facelift?

Some of the many benefits our Newport Beach patients have seen from their Facelift surgeries include:

Eliminates the double-chin
Gets rid of deep creases
Good for adults of any age
Helps you lose jowls (sagging, loose skin below the jawline)
Natural look
Reduces deep wrinkles
Improves facial sagging
Targets many signs of aging in one step
Tighter and more redefined face and neck
Works on both women and men

Who are the Best Candidates

For Facelift?

These procedures are typically performed on patients in their 50s and 60s, but there are no particular age restrictions to the procedure. The patient must be in good general overall health. Any underlying medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus should be under control. All patients require clearance from their primary care physician to make sure that it is safe for the patient to undergo the procedure.

Other good characteristics to have if you’d like to be a viable candidate for a Facelift in the Orange County area include:

Patients who have facial wrinkles and skin laxity
People who have developed deep nasolabial creases (the crease between the base of the nose and the corners of the mouth), downturned corners of their mouths, and marionette lines (the crease running downward from the corners of the mouth to the chin)
Patients who have developed jowls
People who have vertical bands in their necks or who have a poorly defined neckline
Patients who have a tired appearance
The patient must be in good general overall health. Any underlying medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus should be under control.

Facelift Basics

Many people still believe that these procedures don’t work and that having one makes you look plastic and unnatural. Others think they are only for the rich and famous or that the procedure needs to be repeated, over and over again. With advances in surgical techniques, the results of today’s lift procedures last a long time, anywhere from five to ten years. Many people have repeat procedures with great success. Surgeons have learned how to tighten not only the skin but the underlying muscle as well, and they also know how to remove excess fat from jowls, cheeks, and necks with liposuction.

Mini-facelift

A Mini-Facelift (also called Short Scar Facelift) is a slightly modified version of traditional facelift surgery and helps minimize loose skin around the lower portion of your face. Most plastic surgeons consider mini-facelifts to be less invasive and require less excessive skin removal than other facial surgeries.

During a mini-facelift procedure, Dr. Sundine will make discreet incisions behind your ears that are easily hidden once healed. Through this incision, your skin and facial muscles are carefully tightened and excess tissue is removed. Your incisions are then closed with a precision suturing technique that reduces tension on your skin and minimizes visible scarring.

This surgery usually lasts less than two hours. You can expect to experience some mild swelling and bruising, but a mini lift has a much less intense recovery when compared to traditional full facelift surgery.

Deep plane facelift

Widely considered to be a very invasive but effective technique, a Deep Plane Facelift produces the longest-lasting results, with many patients seeing results lasting up to 15 years. Patients will have a successful flattening of the nasolabial fold (a.k.a. the “Smile lines”) with an additional target to the mid-face region, reaching deep tissues and the deeper layers of your facial muscle.

After you’ve been administered intravenous sedation with local anesthesia, Dr. Sundine will mark the locations on your skin where he intends to make the incisions around the hairline and ears. Dr. Sundine will then tighten and secure the layer of connective tissue and underlying muscle beneath your skin, releasing strategic ligaments at a deeper level to lift and rejuvenate your appearance, as well as repositioning the underlying layer of muscle and tissue. Once finished, Dr. Sundine will carefully close the incisions.

During the initial three weeks of your recovery, there will be significant bruising, swelling, and discomfort. You will need to continuously wear a compression garment and neck support during the first few weeks, or until they are removed.

You will need to avoid working for the first two weeks so you can recover comfortably, and avoid any strenuous activity for six weeks. It is not uncommon to see ongoing swelling or bruising for longer than a year, but if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

woman laying down -- facelift -- Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Michael Sundine

What’s The First Step?

If you are looking into a Facelift in Newport Beach or the Orange County area, your first step is to schedule your consultation with Dr. Michael Sundine. When you come into our office for this appointment, you will be able to ask any questions you may have and have your face examined by Dr. Sundine. He will discuss the options available and techniques he will use, and if you agree with the direction he wants to go, he will create your surgical plan. Once your plan is made, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your procedure date.

This is performed on an outpatient basis in a fully accredited outpatient surgery center. We recommend that patients go to an aftercare facility following the procedure for the first evening since the care is usually more than a spouse or friend can provide.

We can recommend recovery facilities or even home nursing care if you require this in the period around the operation.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift

The procedure is done at a plastic surgery center under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia. In our center, we only utilize board-certified anesthesiologists for our patients.

In our experience, no two rhytidectomies are the same, and the procedure is customized to the particular needs of the patient. Some components are the same in all of the patients. The procedure starts with making incisions in or at the hairline and around the ear. The incisions are designed for minimal visibility after the procedure.

The skin is then elevated from the underlying fat in the cheeks and the neck. Dr. Sundine will then elevate the underlying facial tissues called the SMAS to allow us to reposition the facial fat. The SMAS flap has several effects: it repositions the soft tissues back up over the cheekbones, it repositions the jowl back up into the cheek, it provides hammock support to the neck, it allows for less tension to be placed on the skin giving fine line scars, and it provides for longevity of the lift.

After the SMAS flap has been sewn into position, the neck can be addressed. If there is excess fat in the neck, it may be removed with liposuction or direct excision. If there are bands in the neck, the muscles responsible for the bands may be divided or sutured together. Two drains are placed, and the skin is then tailored and sutured back together. We do not use any bandages, because we are concerned that the pressure from the dressing may compromise the blood supply to the skin.

A facelift in Newport Beach takes four to five hours. If more extensive procedures are performed this may add additional time. In rare cases, it may be necessary to perform the procedure in multiple stages.

Facelift

Recovery

Patients go to the aftercare facility directly from the surgical center. They are observed overnight and then brought to the office the next afternoon. Patients generally only need minimal pain medication after their procedure, which Dr. Sundine will prescribe to you. In most patients, the drains are removed at that office visit.

You can expect to be back on your normal schedule in about a week, although sun exposure should be limited for several months after surgery. Your new face needs about three weeks to heal fully. Some small facelift scars are unavoidable, but they are normally completely hidden and continue to fade over time. There will be some bruising and swelling following the surgery. This is usually gone by about 10 days following the procedure. We advise patients to plan about two weeks of social downtime following the procedure. Patients can return to some light activity even on the first day following the operation. We encourage them to go for light walks. They may go up and downstairs. They may resume full activities at three weeks following the procedure.

We then typically see the patients on postoperative days 3, 5, 7, and 10. On postoperative day 7, the sutures around the ear are removed, and on postoperative day 10, the sutures at the hairline are removed.

Patients can expect some bruising and swelling following the procedure. Bruising is common in the areas near the outer corners of the eyes (because the skin is very thin in this area) and at the lowest point of dissection in the neck. The vast majority of the bruising is gone by about the 10th postoperative day.

For any post-operative problems, telephone: Dr. Sundine at 949-706-3100 (office)

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Newport Beach?

Financing

The cost of a Facelift in Newport Beach or Orange County can vary. During your consultation, Dr. Sundine will go over his recommendations and pricing. These procedures are cosmetic and are not covered by insurance.

Why Choose Dr. Sundine?

Michael J. Sundine, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P. is a renowned facial plastic surgeon, who offers a range of aesthetic procedures and reconstructive surgery options to help patients turn back the clock. In addition to specializing in facelift surgery, Dr. Sundine is a top Newport Beach rhinoplasty and chin augmentation surgeon. He also performs procedures for the upper facial features such as brow lift and eyelid surgery in Orange County.

As one of Newport Beach’s premiere facial plastic surgeons, Dr. Sundine was voted an Orange County “Physician of Excellence” by the Orange County Medical Association 17 times since he began practicing in Orange County. He has also been featured in Los Angeles Magazine as a Southern California Super Doctor for Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Sundine is currently board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Schedule A Consultation

Dr. Sundine is known by his patients as the Best Orange County Facelift surgeon. To schedule a consultation and learn more about this procedure, contact the office of Dr. Sundine today at 949-706-3100 and set up your appointment.

Facelift FAQs

Your procedure questions answered.

Not every patient is ready for this operation and for those patients, we offer our liquid facelift. Many different alternatives may be used depending on the age and preserving the appearance of the patient. We utilize all of 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 incorporating tretinoin (Retin-A) and hydroquinone or kojic acid
- Microdermabrasion
- Neurotoxins-Botox, Xeomin, Dysport
- Facial fillers
- Chemical peels
- Laser resurfacing
It is important to understand both what the operation treats and what it 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.
Sagging of the eyebrows along with creases of the forehead and in between the eyebrows are 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.
Recently, facelift procedures that are performed under only local anesthesia and take about an hour to perform have become popular and very 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 there can be no longevity of the results from the procedure. 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 5 stars, while the dissatisfaction percentage was 76%, earning only one star.
Your first post-operative visit will be the day after surgery to remove your dressing and review post-operative care instructions. The next visit will be approximately one week after surgery to remove your sutures. You will then follow-up up one month after your facelift and usually every three to six months for the first year after your surgery to ensure adequate healing.
You will see visible changes immediately after their Facelift procedure, but keep in mind that you will still be very bruised and swollen during the first few weeks of facial surgery and recovery. On average, our patients begin to feel and see the most dramatic results of their cosmetic surgery at around the six-week mark. If you follow the instructions we provide for you, it will help increase the chance for better and longer-lasting results.
Although a facelift helps an individual revitalize the facial appearance and reduce or eliminate visible signs of aging in the face, 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.
Absolutely! Our Newport Beach Facelift patients will often have other facial enhancements commonly combined with their procedure, such as a Brow Lift or Rhinoplasty, for a better profile and youthful facial appearance. Even some non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX, injectable Dermal Fillers, or Laser Skin Resurfacing can be used to achieve a more youthful appearance and can be performed in the same setting if requested. If you have any aesthetic goals or aspirations, please let us know during your consultation and Dr. Sundine will be able to help you find the best options with his expert recommendations.
A neck lift is sometimes performed independently of a facelift. In certain instances, a neck lift incision is made beneath the chin and extends from the lower part of the front of the ear and 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 dealing with sagging muscles in the neck region benefit from neck lift surgery performed on its own. Dr. Sundine is happy to meet with a patient to determine if a neck lift, facelift, or both surgeries can help him or her achieve the best possible results.
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 hematoma 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
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 will be able to provide you with a ride to and from the facility, as well as a responsible adult who can spend the next day or two with you to assist you around the house.
For patients who work in sedentary jobs, two weeks should be enough time to look presentable at work. Some patients have some visible swelling and residual bruising at the end of two weeks. This is usually not noticeable by others but if you feel sensitive, a three-week window would be better. If your job is very strenuous, you may need more time to ensure healing is well underway.
The healing process is very important, but we also understand the desire to get back to your normal routine. Many of our patients can return to their standard workout around six and eight weeks post-surgery. If you are healing at a relatively slow pace, 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 sorts of workouts if your plastic surgeon approves.
Unfortunately, a Facelift will not directly address the eye area, but there is usually some residual improvement from the facelift. To rejuvenate the eyes, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) is needed. 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 eye lift at the same time. For dark circles, Dr. Sundine can also perform non-surgical fillers, such as Restylane®.
No matter what kind of surgery you have, it's always important to make sure you 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 that is not easily obtained by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which demonstrates a high level of training and education, necessary for optimal results and patient satisfaction.

Facelift 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 is not to turn their neck from side to side but to move their shoulders and neck as one unit. Avoid yawning, smiling is okay. Avoid chewing gum.
3. The patient is not to have a pillow behind the head but is to use a small pillow or towel rolled up and placed 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 frozen bag of peas covered with a towel to 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. Empty Jackson-Pratt plastic bulb drains at midnight and at 8:00 AM. Note the amount of drainage and restart 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 lips or the treated area at least four times daily until the area is completely healed.
12. Make sure that you 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. NO SMOKING or exposure to second-hand 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.

Real Patients

Real Reviews

What I really like about Dr. Sundine is his vast experience and training. I also like the fact he did not try to sell me other procedures. He is also very down to earth and easy to talk to. I am very satisfied with the results and I highly recommend him.

After much research and multiple visits to other surgeons, I knew right away that Dr. Sundine was the perfect choice for me. I felt completely confident in his ability from the first visit to the last. I have been singing his praises to all of my friends and will recommend him to anyone searching for a plastic surgeon. Thanks, Dr. Sundine

Dr. Sundine is an excellent plastic surgeon! I have been using his services for almost 5 years. If you want to look years younger and fully refreshed I highly recommend that you use his services. Patients walk out looking naturally gorgeous, not overdone like some of the women in Orange County!

Dr. Sundine is the best plastic surgeon. Dr. Sundine’s excellent skills and knowledge has made my surgery turn out so well. But more importantly, it made me feel better about myself. Again, thank you Dr. Sundine for all you have done for me. You are the best surgeon!

I gave Dr. Sundine the highest possible review in each category because he truly deserved the highest reviews on every level. I am a very well recognized lawyer on the West Coast. My firm has spent millions of dollars on television advertising in which I appear. I could not afford to have a bad facelift or even for people to notice I had a facelift at all. I interviewed many physicians including some of the “celebrity” physicians. Ultimately, I chose Dr. Sundine.

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