Discover the best facelift options in Orange County. Learn the differences between mini, SMAS, deep plane, and the signature ContourLift — a preservation-style deep plane comprehensive facial rejuvenation
Modern Facelift Surgery: Tailored, Subtle, and Sophisticated
Facelift techniques have come a long way. Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all procedures that simply tighten the skin. Today’s facelifts are highly personalized, targeting the deeper structures of the face to restore youthful contour and balance.
As a facial plastic surgeon in Orange County, I offer a range of facelift techniques — each designed for specific stages of aging — including my signature ContourLift, a comprehensive, multi-layer approach that rejuvenates the face, neck, and skin in harmony.
1. SMAS Facelift
What It Is:
A traditional facelift that lifts and tightens the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS), the fibrous layer beneath the skin that provides facial support.
Ideal Candidates:
Men and women in their 40s–60s with moderate jowling and neck laxity. This is not an ideal facelift for individuals with thicker subcutaneous facial structures
Pros:
- Reliable, time-tested approach
- Improves jawline and lower face contour and neck
- Natural results when done with precision
Cons:
- Doesn’t fully address midface descent
- Recovery around 2–3 weeks
2. Mini Facelift
What It Is:
A smaller-incision facelift focused on early lower-face laxity and mild jowling.
Ideal Candidates:
Younger patients (late 30s–40s) or those seeking subtle rejuvenation.
Pros:
- Shorter incisions and downtime (7–10 days)
- Can be performed under local anesthesia
- Ideal for early aging changes
Cons:
- Does not address midface or neck in depth
- Results are less long-lasting than deeper lifts
3. SMASectomy Facelift
What It Is:
A technique that removes a strip of SMAS tissue and sutures the edges together, tightening the lower face efficiently.
Ideal Candidates:
Patients with thicker skin and heavier facial tissue (common in male patients).
Pros:
- Efficient and strong lower-face tightening
- Predictable, straightforward results
Cons:
- Less impact on the midface
- May not last as long as a deep plane lift
4. Deep Plane Facelift
What It Is:
This advanced technique works beneath the SMAS layer, releasing key facial ligaments and repositioning the deep tissue as a single unit. It restores the natural curve of the cheek and smooths nasolabial folds without tension on the skin.
Ideal Candidates:
Patients with moderate to advanced facial aging, particularly with midface and neck sagging.
Pros:
- Exceptional, natural results
- Long-lasting (often 10–15 years)
- Avoids the “pulled” look
Cons:
- Technically demanding procedure
- Recovery 2–3 weeks
5. The ContourLift — My Signature Facelift for Orange County Patients
What It Is:
The ContourLift is my signature, preservation-style deep plane face and neck lift that rejuvenates the face from the inside out. It’s a comprehensive procedure combining four synergistic techniques for complete rejuvenation:
- A) Preservation Deep Plane Face
Repositions facial and neck structures beneath the SMAS while releasing the natural ligament support and redrawing the tissues for smooth, long-lasting contour. ContourLift is a vertically positioned deep plane facelift which restores an aging face effectively and leaves no trace for anyone to know you had something done. - B) Deep Neck Lift
It targets the deeper structures of the neck that contribute to visible aging not just the skin or the thin platysma muscle. In our ContourLift procedure, this advanced technique addresses the underlying glands and deeper muscles that can stretch and droop over time, creating a smoother, more defined, and youthful neck contour. - C) Temporal Lift
A minimally invasive lift through small hairline incisions to refresh the outer brow and eyes without over-elevation. Many people become nervous about this procedure thinking it will over elevate their eyebrows and give them a “surprised look”. This procedure will subtly elevate the lateral brow and temporal area and it is only an adjunct to a flawless facelift. - D) Facial Fat Grafting
Restores lost volume in the cheeks, temples, and perioral area using your own fat for soft, natural fullness. Fat grafting in our practice is only for restoring the natural volume and never overfilled. - E) Sciton Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Precisely rejuvenates the skin surface, improving tone, texture, and fine lines for radiant, youthful skin.
Ideal Candidates:
Patients seeking comprehensive facial and neck rejuvenation in one procedure — addressing sagging, volume loss, and skin texture together.
Pros:
- Complete, multi-layer rejuvenation
- Natural and balanced results — not tight or overdone
- Long-lasting outcome due to deep structural correction
- One procedure instead of multiple staged treatments
Cons:
- Slightly longer surgical time due to combined techniques
- Requires advanced training and experience in deep plane anatomy
Choosing the Right Facelift for You
Every patient’s anatomy and goals are unique. During your consultation, I evaluate:
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Facial volume and soft-tissue descent
- Neck laxity and contour
- Desired recovery timeline and lifestyle
Whether you need a subtle mini lift or a comprehensive ContourLift, my goal is always the same — to help you look naturally refreshed, never “done.”
Why Patients in Orange County Choose the ContourLift
Orange County patients often want powerful yet natural rejuvenation — something elegant and enduring that fits an active lifestyle. The ContourLift was designed with that in mind. By combining a preservation-style deep plane lift with volume restoration and laser skin refinement, the ContourLift rejuvenates every layer of the face in one sophisticated, artful procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re considering a facelift in Orange County and want a natural, long-lasting result, I’d be happy to meet with you. Schedule your consultation today. We’ll discuss your anatomy, goals, and the techniques best suited to you — including whether you’re a candidate for my signature ContourLift.
