Facelift Orange County

Name: Facelift
Brand: Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery
Rating: 4.8 (323 reviews)

Facelift surgery (medically called a Rhytidectomy) is the gold-standard anti-aging procedure that can rejuvenate sagging skin in the cheeks and jawline, and neck, restoring definition while smoothing away lines, wrinkles, and creases. Dr. Miller's advanced deep plane lower facelift in Orange County ensures refined, elegant outcomes that make you look refreshed and rejuvenated, never frozen or unnatural.

Procedure Overview

What Is A Facelift?

At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Miller specifically terms it a "lower" facelift, ensuring clarity regarding the areas treated. Many patients over 50 also exhibit neck laxity or bands, leading to the combination of a lower facelift with a neck lift, known as a lower face-neck lift. Distinguishing a facelift in Orange County from a mini facelift can be challenging due to the various definitions and marketing tactics. Surgeons' techniques, incisions, and results may differ widely, so comparing mini lifts requires thorough research beyond promotional materials. At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery, a mini facelift (mini facelift) aligns with a lower facelift (excluding a neck lift), suitable for those without neck laxity or bands. More information on Dr. Miller's mini facelifts is available on our mini facelift page, while the rest of this webpage pertains to Dr. Miller's deep plane lower face-neck lifts.

Featured Facelift Patient Testimonials

facelift patient

A Special Anniversary Note …

“Today marks one year since my facelift. I could not be happier with the results. Below are two photos. The first was taken the morning of the surgery and the other very recently. The latter shows what a truly gifted surgeon Dr. Miller is. This was life-changing for me in the best of ways. It gives me added confidence to face the world every day and you can’t put a price on that.”

Turning back time...

One of our patients sent us this photo collage reflecting the age defying results achievable with a deep plane lower face/necklift (and laser resurfacing) by Dr. Miller. (Yes, this is indeed the same person, only refreshed!) Special techniques achieve special results!

woman with blonde hair with hand under her chin

Who Is An Ideal Candidate For A Traditional Facelift?

Individuals in Orange County often turn to a deep plane lower facelift with a neck lift after exploring non-surgical options for facial aging. While treatments like injectables and dermal fillers may offer temporary improvements, they can't adequately address sagging skin and underlying issues. In such cases, surgical lower facelifts in Orange County provide comprehensive rejuvenation, lifting midface contours, tightening muscle groups, and improving jawline and neck definition for long-lasting results, potentially rolling back the years by a decade or more. Candidates should be in good mental and physical health, non-smokers, without significant medical issues, and have realistic expectations for their outcomes.

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Dr. Miller performing Facelift surgery

What Can A Facelift Accomplish?

Lifts sagging cheeks
Corrects drooping jowls
Removes redundant skin folds in the upper neck when combined with a neck lift
Firms and tightens the underlying facial muscles (the SMAS/platysma layers)
Improves definition in the jawline
Smooths wrinkles, lines, and creases

Facelift Surgery Involves Serveral Important Steps Outlined Below:

Anesthesia — At Refreshed Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Miller performs his lower facelift with neck lifts under a light general anesthesia, meaning you will not be awake during surgery and will feel no pain or discomfort. Our surgery center utilizes only board certified anesthesiologists, who are also M.D.’s.
The incisions — Dr. Miller is well known for the hidden placement and the meticulous closure of his incisions. Dr. Miller will outline the incisions on you during your consultation. In short, incision length and placement will be created well within the hairline at the temples, behind the ears, in the lower scalp, and beneath the chin when a neck lift is also performed. Visit our photo gallery here to see, or not see, the meticulous incision techniques used by Dr. Miller, and learn more about facelift incisions and scars here.

The procedure — All surgeries are performed in our accredited on site surgery center. During the procedure, Dr. Miller will use a “high-SMAS” deep plane technique to tighten and reposition the SMAS layer and remove any redundant and excess skin. Dr. Miller’s goals and results are always to achieve natural-looking changes that are tailored to your unique facial anatomy. Learn more about the differences in facelift techniques here.
After surgery, all patients spend the night in our comfortable and safe overnight suite. You will have a private nurse (RN’s only) monitor you and ensure your comfort. Patients are discharged in the morning and then typically return on post-operative days three, seven, and ten, and are followed for months thereafter.

What Can I Expect During My Facelift Recovery?

All patients spend the night in our on-site private overnight suite with our nurse. In the morning, you will be released into the care of a friend or family member who will drive you home and assist you for the first 24 hours after surgery. Dr. Miller will ensure that you leave with a detailed aftercare plan that has instructions for wound care, sleeping, bathing, resuming exercise, and returning to work. He will provide prescription medications to help ease any postoperative pain or discomfort. Most patients take pain medication for 1 to 3 days. You may be fitted with a bandage around your face for the first night only, and this is typically removed before you go home the day after surgery. A small drain may be attached to escort excess fluids minimizing the risk of complications. Your follow-up appointments will be scheduled and Dr. Miller will continue to monitor your progress as recovery progresses. Never hesitate to call him should anything unexpected arise.

10 Tips for Facelift Recovery

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions: Adhere strictly to the post-operative care guidelines provided by your surgeon. This includes taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and following specific instructions related to wound care.
Rest and Elevation: To reduce swelling, keep your head elevated, even while sleeping. Use pillows to prop yourself up, and try to stay in a reclined position for the first few days after surgery.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods: Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can help speed healing. Focus on foods that are easy to eat and digest, especially in the first few days post-surgery.
Avoid Strenuous Activities: Refrain from heavy lifting or vigorous exercise until your surgeon gives you the all-clear. Keeping your blood pressure stable helps prevent complications such as bleeding or increased swelling.

Keep Your Incisions Clean and Dry: Unless advised otherwise, keep your incision areas clean and dry. Follow your surgeon’s advice for showering and bathing.
Limit Exposure to Sunlight: Avoid direct sunlight on your face. Sun exposure can worsen swelling and may lead to more noticeable scars. If you need to go outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and use strong SPF sunscreen.
No Smoking: Smoking can significantly delay your healing process and increase the risk of complications. If you smoke, it's crucial to quit before your surgery and throughout your recovery period.
Manage Pain and Discomfort: Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor. If you experience unusual or severe pain, contact your surgeon immediately.
Stay Positive and Patient: Recovery can be challenging, and swelling and bruising might last a few weeks. Keep a positive outlook, and remember that the initial discomfort will improve your appearance and confidence.

Facelift Before & After Photos

View More Facelift Results

How Long Do Results Last?

The longevity of your results after a facelift in Orange County will depend on several factors, including your overall health, your skin quality, and your age. In general, a facelift will last around 10-15 years. Aging will continue, however, some patients may desire additional enhancement procedures in the future.

Combining A Facelift With A Neck Lift

A neck lift can address submental fullness, vertical bands, and sagging skin. If a patient undergoes facelift surgery but does not address signs of aging in the neck, results may be less than comprehensive. By combining the procedures, a patient can experience enhanced youthfulness with seamless continuity. Undergoing a facelift in tandem with a neck lift can also reduce the overall recovery time and costs associated with the individual treatments. The lower face-neck lift procedure is the most common procedure performed for patients over 50 years old.

Complementary Procedures

A lower facelift with neck lift can be well-combined with blepharoplasty and/or a brow lift to comprehensively revitalize both the lower and upper face simultaneously. Some patients will undergo a fat transfer procedure in tandem with their facelift to address a loss of volume in addition to sagging skin.

Facelift Incisions And Scarring

Dr. Miller practices a unique and meticulous approach to his incisions that minimizes scarring. However, every time an incision is created, a scar will follow, but Dr. Miller takes the time to place his incisions that are unnoticeable and allows his patients to wear their hair up or in a ponytail without the scars showing. Learn more about Dr. Miller’s facelift incisions here.

Once your surgery is complete, there are several things you can do on your own to help your incisions heal in an optimal manner. As an example, abstaining from smoking and nicotine for 4-6 weeks before after a facelift will ensure a healthy immune system and blood flow that supports proper incision healing.

Choosing The Best Plastic Surgeon For Your Facelift In Orange County

Dr. Timothy R. Miller, M.D. is a fellowship-trained, double board-certified, facial plastic surgeon who excels at the nuanced art of the facelift. His innovative, state-of-the-art techniques have been published in peer-reviewed journals and scientific literature, and he is a frequent contributor to panel discussions and symposiums on current topics in aesthetic medicine. Above all, Dr. Miller is a caring and compassionate provider who goes above and beyond to accomplish his patients’ goals, providing them with a renewed sense of confidence and peace of mind.

What Is A Non-Surgical Facelift?

A non-surgical facelift can be performed using a combination of injectables and dermal fillers. This procedure can help mitigate some of the early signs of aging, such as wrinkles, lines, and volume loss, but it cannot correct sagging skin to the degree that a surgical procedure can. What’s more, results with a non-surgical facelift typically only last 6-18 months, so it may not be cost-effective for certain patients. Dr. Miller can help you to explore all of your options for facial rejuvenation during your private consultation.

Facelift FAQs

Will a facelift fix sagging jowls?

Yes, a facelift is the ideal solution for firming the jawline and tightening loose skin in the lower face.

When can I exercise after my facelift?

While gentle walks are encouraged early in your recovery, vigorous exercise should be postponed for 4-6 weeks, or as recommended by Dr. Miller.

What is the best age for a facelift?

There is no perfect age for a facelift. Patients in their 40s, 50s, and 60s are typically ideal candidates, although they can be younger or older than that.

How long does the procedure take?

Facelifts with no neck lift added will typically take 2-3 hours, but can take longer if additional procedures are undergone at the same time, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift.

When can I return to work?

Most patients can expect to return to work within 2-3 weeks, provided that their jobs are sedentary.

Is a facelift right for me?

The best way to determine your candidacy for a facelift in Orange County is to consult with Dr. Miller. Most patients will make good candidates, provided that they are healthy and have realistic expectations.

Is a facelift different for men and women?

Yes and no. Incision placement may be different for men and women and the doctor will need to consider the male’s thicker muscles and tissue in order to pursue a result that is natural-looking and seamless.

How should I sleep after a facelift?

You should sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated. This will help to reduce swelling and preserve your results as you heal.

Will it look like I had a facelift?

No! Dr. Miller’s artistry and precision ensure a result that appears natural and unforced. Friends, family, and co-workers will notice that you look rejuvenated and refreshed.

How can I reduce swelling?

Make sure to follow all of Dr. Miller’s postoperative instructions. Keep your head elevated when lying down. Other recommendations will be provided during your pre-operative visits.

Will my facelift reduce wrinkles?

While a facelift will help to smooth some lines and wrinkles, the procedure is often combined with dermal fillers and/or laser surfacing to produce comprehensive age-defying results.

What are the risks of a facelift?

As with any surgery, there are inherent risks to be aware of. These include infection, bleeding, poor reactions to anesthesia, poor wound healing, hematoma, temporary numbness, injury to facial nerves, prolonged swelling, and changes in pigmentation, among others.