California Lift in Irvine, CA
About California Lift (Mini Facelift)
Procedure Quick Facts
- Subtle Yet Noticeable Facial RejuvenationBy focusing on the mid-face, jawline, and upper neck, the California Lift smooths mild sagging and softens creases so you look refreshed—not different. Friends notice you look rested without knowing why.
- Shorter Incisions and Reduced ScarringThe technique uses a limited scar placed discreetly around the ear, minimizing visible marks and allowing hair to easily conceal healing areas.
- Faster Recovery and Less DowntimeMost patients feel ready for light social activities within a week, making this an appealing option for busy professionals or parents who cannot take extended time off.
- Enhanced Jawline DefinitionRepositioning drooping tissue tightens early jowls and restores a crisp jawline, contributing to a more youthful, balanced profile.
- Long-Lasting ImprovementBecause the deeper SMAS layer is lifted, results often last many years, aging naturally with you rather than reverting quickly.
- Boosted Self-ConfidenceLooking as vibrant on the outside as you feel on the inside can enhance self-esteem, professional presence, and enjoyment of social interactions.
California Lift (Mini Facelift) Videos
Watch our videos to see real patients results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.
Short-Scar SMAS Mini Facelift
Limited-Incision Neck Focus Lift
Extended Mini Facelift with Fat Transfer
California Lift (Mini Facelift) Before & After Pictures
See real results from our patients
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Beauty Inside-Out
We care for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every treatment is provided with warmth and exceptional care to help you feel confident and supported
Clear Expectations from the Start
Share your goals in detail before you even arrive using Adoreal's personalized assessment. Your specialist will understand exactly what you're hoping to achieve before your consultation begins, making your visit more focused and personal
Dedicated Follow-Up Support
Your care doesn't end when you leave our office. Our team provides personalized check-ins to monitor your results, answer any questions, and make sure you're completely satisfied with your outcome.
Precision & Artistry
Your treatment is performed by highly trained specialists
who understand facial anatomy at the deepest level. We combine technical precision with an artistic eye to enhance your natural beauty while keeping you looking like you
A Customized Approach to Face Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch
Your face tells your unique story. We listen first, then craft a surgical plan that enhances your natural beauty while aligning with your lifestyle and downtime needs.
Before your consultation, you can complete a brief personalized assessment from home, helping us understand your specific goals, concerns, and timeline. During your visit, we'll use advanced 3D imaging to show you a realistic preview of your potential results, giving you confidence and clarity in your decision.
State-of-the-Art Accredited Facility
This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored to your unique goals from the moment you walk in.
This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.
Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment
Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether California Lift is the right solution for your concerns.
During your consultation, your surgeon will:
- Discuss your specific areas of concern and desired outcomes
- Perform a detailed facial examination and skin assessment
- Explain surgical technique, incision placement, and anesthesia options
- Review your medical history and current medications
- Provide a personalized treatment and recovery plan
Together, you'll create a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.
The California Lift Procedure
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, keeping you comfortable and pain-free throughout.
During the procedure:
- Short, curved incisions are made around the ear within natural creases
- Underlying SMAS layer is elevated and repositioned for durable support
- Excess skin is trimmed without over-tightening to maintain natural movement
- Incisions are closed with fine, absorbable sutures and protected with dressings
A light compression garment may be placed to reduce swelling, and you’ll rest in our recovery suite before heading home the same day.
California Lift Recovery Timeline
Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.
Immediately after surgery
Mild tightness and numbness; head is wrapped in a gentle bandage to support tissues.
First few days
- Keep head elevated and apply cold compresses
- Take prescribed pain medication as needed
- Short, light walks to promote circulation
Weeks 1-2
- Bruising and swelling diminish significantly
- Return to non-strenuous work and social activities
- Follow-up appointment to remove sutures and assess healing
Weeks 3-4
- Resume light exercise with surgeon approval
- Incisions continue to mature and fade
You'll receive personalized post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Your California Lift Results
California Lift results are visible right away, though your face and neck will continue to refine as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Early results
A smoother jawline and reduced jowls are noticeable, though mild swelling or tightness may persist.
Following weeks
Swelling continues to subside, incision lines fade, and facial movement feels increasingly natural.
Final results
Around three to six months, tissues are fully healed, and you can enjoy lasting youthful contours that age naturally with you.
With proper care and healthy lifestyle habits, California Lift results can remain vibrant for many years, helping you feel confident and refreshed.
- Days 3 - 5
- Week 1 - 2
- Week 2 - 3
- Week 4 - 6
- Month 2 - 3
- Month 4 - 6
- Long time
California Lift Results and Safety Considerations
Understanding how surgical technique, anatomy, and healing affect California Lift results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.
Achieving Natural-Looking Results
Our surgeons focus on lifting deeper SMAS tissues rather than simply tightening skin, which prevents the overly pulled look and supports long-lasting results. They carefully evaluate your unique bone structure, skin elasticity, and facial fat distribution to determine the precise vectors of lift. Combining limited incisions with layered closure allows skin to redrape smoothly, maintaining authentic facial expressions. Open communication about your goals ensures the final outcome aligns with how you want to look—refreshed, rested, and unmistakably yourself.
Where Are the Incisions?
- Incisions are strategically placed within the natural curves of the ear and hairline for maximum concealment.
- Peri-tragal incision along the front of the ear
- Incisions are carefully planned to follow natural contours and are closed with precision to support proper healing and minimize long-term visibility.
Is Scarring a Concern?
All surgery involves scars, but mini facelift scars are typically short, thin, and hidden in creases. Their appearance improves steadily with proper care.
Scar Healing Timeline
- Weeks 1-2
Scars may appear red and slightly raised - Months 1-3
Scars typically soften and begin to flatten - Around 6 months
Noticeable fading often occurs - 1-2 years
Scars may continue to lighten and become less noticeable
Following post-operative instructions and recommended scar care plays an important role in how scars mature.
Understanding Risks and Safety
Understanding Risks and Safety
California Lift is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of.
- Bleeding or hematoma
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Temporary or prolonged numbness
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities
- Unfavorable scarring
Your surgeon will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful planning, surgical technique, and follow-up care.
Reducing Your Risk
Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe California Lift experience include:
- Thorough pre-operative evaluation
- Precise surgical planning tailored to your anatomy
- Surgery performed in a fully accredited facility
- Detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care
By choosing an experienced surgical team and following recovery guidelines closely, most patients heal well and are satisfied with their California Lift results.
The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.
Trusted by Our Community
4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County
Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.
Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !
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About the procedure
Recovery & Results
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