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Facelift in Irvine, CA

Expert Surgeons
4.9 Google Rating
Serving Orange County Since 2012

About Facelift

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a time-tested surgical procedure that lifts and firms sagging facial tissues to restore smoother cheeks, a defined jawline, and a youthful profile. Ideal for women and men who feel their outward appearance no longer reflects their energy, a facelift can address lax skin, jowls, and deep folds in one comprehensive treatment. By repositioning underlying structures rather than simply tightening skin, our surgeons create natural, long-lasting improvements that help you look like a refreshed version of yourself. Patients often report renewed self-confidence in both social and professional settings after recovery.

Procedure Quick Facts

Duration of Procedure:
2-3 hours
Anesthesia:
General anesthesia or deep IV sedation
Recovery:
Back to routine in 7-10 days, swelling continues to improve over several weeks
Results Duration:
Long-lasting, typically 10 years or more
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What is Facelift

A facelift, formally known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions the deeper tissues of the mid and lower face while removing excess skin. By addressing the structural layers—not just the surface—the operation restores youthful contours to the cheeks, smooths nasolabial folds, and tightens lax skin along the jawline and neck. Incisions are artfully placed around the ears and within the hairline so resulting scars are discreet. The outcome is a refreshed, natural look rather than an over-pulled appearance.

What Facelift Can Do for You

If you're considering a facelift, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step. Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.
  • Comprehensive Rejuvenation
    A facelift treats sagging skin, muscle laxity, and displaced fat in a single procedure, creating harmony from the midface to the jawline.
  • Natural-Looking Outcomes
    By elevating underlying tissues instead of simply tightening skin, our surgeons avoid the "wind-swept" look and maintain authentic facial expressions.
  • Minimal, Well-Concealed Scarring
    Curved incisions follow the natural contours around the ears and hairline, making scars difficult to detect once healed.
  • Narcotic-Free Recovery Approach
    Proactive pain management with medications like Celebrex and Gabapentin helps most patients control discomfort with over-the-counter options only.
  • Shorter Surgical Time & Swift Return Home
    Our refined technique typically takes 2-3 hours, allowing you to return home about an hour after surgery without drains or catheters.
  • Long-Term Boost in Self-Confidence
    Patients often feel more vibrant, professional, and socially engaged knowing their outer appearance finally mirrors their inner vitality.

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.

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Key Benefits of Facelift

Repositions deep facial tissues to restore youthful cheek fullness and jawline definition
Removes excess sagging skin, reducing jowls and smoothing deep facial folds effectively
Strategically placed incisions hide scars within the hairline and natural ear contours for discretion
Provides long-lasting facial rejuvenation results that typically endure for a decade or longer
Why We're Different

Types of Facelift

Facelift surgery is never one-size-fits-all. Our surgeons offer several proven approaches and will recommend the best option based on your anatomy, aging pattern, and downtime preferences.

Traditional (SMAS) Facelift

This gold-standard technique lifts the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer, tightening muscles and repositioning fat before removing extra skin. Ideal for moderate to advanced sagging in the cheeks, jowls, and neck, it yields the most dramatic, long-lasting improvement.

Mini Facelift

Using shorter incisions mainly around the ear, a mini facelift targets early jowls and mild skin laxity with less downtime. It is well-suited for younger patients or those seeking a subtle refresh without a full facelift’s recovery commitment.

Facelift with Neck Lift Extension

For patients bothered by platysmal banding and neck laxity, combining a facelift with a neck lift addresses the entire lower face and neck in one surgery, ensuring seamless contours from face to décolletage.

Not sure which option is right for you?

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Meet your Facelift surgeons

Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein are board-certified plastic surgeons known for blending surgical precision with an artistic eye. They have extensive experience in advanced facelift techniques that create natural, individualized rejuvenation while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.

Why Choose South Coast Plastic Surgery for Your Facelift?

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

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A Customized Approach to Face Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch

No two faces age identically, which is why every facelift we perform is bespoke. Your treatment plan takes into account skin quality, skeletal structure, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic so that the final look feels authentically you.

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. 

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Concierge-Level Patient Care

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored to your unique goals from the moment you walk in.

Our surgeon will also assess individual factors such as skin elasticity, bone structure, and facial fat distribution, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.

Am I a good candidate for Facelift?

The best candidates are healthy individuals who notice facial sagging and want a long-term solution. Your consultation will determine whether facelift surgery—or a different approach—can safely achieve your goals.
In good overall physical health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
Non-smoker or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery
Realistic expectations about recovery and results
Visible midface or lower face laxity such as jowls or deep folds
Stable weight and commitment to healthy lifestyle
No active skin infections or uncontrolled acne in the treatment area
Ability to take 1-2 weeks off for initial recovery

Help us understand your unique goals & concerns.

This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.

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Your Facelift Journey and Recovery

From your first consultation to your final results, you’re guided through every stage of your journey with personalized support, automated instructions, and 24/7 access to your care team. This is your journey, we just make it easier. 

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 facelift is the right solution for your concerns.

During your consultation, your surgeon will:

  • Review your medical history and current medications
  • Examine skin quality, muscle tone, and fat distribution
  • Discuss desired changes and show before-and-after examples
  • Explain surgical techniques, incision placement, and anesthesia
  • Outline recovery timeline, risks, and follow-up schedule

Together, you'll create a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.

The Facelift Procedure

You’ll arrive at our accredited surgical facility, where anesthesia is administered to ensure complete comfort throughout the operation.

During the procedure:

  • Incisions are made along the ear creases and within the hairline
  • Skin is gently lifted to access the SMAS layer beneath
  • SMAS and deeper tissues are tightened and repositioned
  • Excess skin and fat are trimmed for a smooth contour

Incisions are closed with fine sutures, a light dressing is applied, and you’ll rest in recovery until you’re cleared to return home the same day.

Facelift Recovery Timeline

Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.

Immediately after surgery
You’ll leave the facility with a friend or family member and receive detailed home-care instructions.

First few days

  • Mild swelling, bruising, and tightness are expected
  •  Keep head elevated while resting and sleeping
  •  Most discomfort managed with over-the-counter medication

Weeks 1-2
  • Sutures are removed and bruising begins to fade
  • Light activities and desk work usually resume
  • Residual swelling continues to decrease each day

Weeks 3-4

  • Cleared for moderate exercise as healing allows
  • Makeup can camouflage any lingering bruises

You'll receive personalized post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.

Your Facelift Results

Facelift results are visible right away, though your face will continue to refine as swelling subsides and tissues settle.

Early results
A smoother jawline and lifted cheeks are noticeable as early swelling recedes.

Following weeks
Contours continue to sharpen, and incisions fade, revealing a natural, youthful appearance.

Final results
At around three to six months—once all swelling has resolved—you’ll appreciate the full, long-lasting transformation.

With proper care and healthy lifestyle habits, facelift results can last many years, helping you feel more confident every time you look in the mirror.

  • Days 3 - 5
  • Week 1 - 2
  • Week 2 - 3
  • Week 4 - 6

  • Month 2 - 3
  • Month 4 - 6
  • Long time
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Fat Grafting

Purified fat from another area of your body is injected into hollowed cheeks or temples to restore youthful volume and improve skin quality.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Fractional laser treatments can be performed after healing to improve skin tone, texture, and fine lines, complementing surgical lifting.

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Facelift Results and Safety Considerations

Understanding how surgical technique, anatomy, and healing affect facelift results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.

Achieving Natural-Looking Results

Our surgeons focus on repositioning the deeper SMAS layer rather than simply tightening surface skin. This approach restores youthful cheek fullness and jawline definition without a pulled appearance. Your unique bone structure, skin quality, and degree of volume loss guide every surgical decision, ensuring results that harmonize with your facial proportions. Clear communication of your aesthetic preferences during consultation further refines the plan and helps achieve an outcome that looks like you—only refreshed.

Where Are the Incisions?

  • In front of and behind the ear within its natural folds

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?

Any surgery leaves a scar, but meticulous closure techniques and diligent aftercare help scars fade to thin lines that are easy to conceal within hair or natural skin creases.

Scar Healing Timeline

As your body heals, scars will change gradually over time:

  • 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

Medical examination room with a treatment table covered in white sheets and various medical equipment against the walls.

Understanding Risks and Safety

Facelift 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.

Potential risks may include:

  • Bleeding or hematoma formation
  • Infection
  • Delayed wound healing
  • Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
  • Scarring or skin irregularities
  • Asymmetry or need for revision surgery

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 facelift 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 facelift results.

How Much does Facelift in Irvine, CA?

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.

Financing options available through:
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Trusted by Our Community

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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.

N. Snoozzz

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 !

Crystal Surmanian
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Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift

Everything you need to know about Facelift, explained by South Coast Plastic Surgery's experts

About the procedure

How is a facelift different from a mini facelift?
A traditional facelift addresses deeper tissues and a larger treatment area, while a mini facelift targets mild laxity with shorter incisions and slightly less downtime.
Will a facelift also treat my forehead wrinkles?
A facelift improves the mid and lower face. Forehead lines and brow ptosis are better addressed with a brow lift or injectable treatments, which can be combined if desired.
What type of anesthesia is used for facelift surgery?
Most facelifts are performed under general anesthesia or deep IV sedation so you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
How long will swelling and bruising last?
Swelling peaks within a few days and diminishes significantly over the first two weeks, while subtle swelling can persist for several weeks more.

Recovery & Results

When can I return to work after a facelift?
Most patients feel comfortable resuming desk work or light duties within 7-10 days, depending on individual healing.
How long do facelift results last?
Results typically last 10 years or longer, but natural aging continues. Maintaining healthy habits and sun protection helps prolong your outcome.
What are the most common risks of facelift surgery?
Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed healing, temporary numbness, and scarring. Serious complications are rare with experienced surgeons.
How do you minimize complications?
We conduct thorough pre-operative screening, operate in an accredited facility, and provide detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up visits.

Safety & Risks

Is facelift surgery covered by insurance?
Because it is considered cosmetic, facelift surgery is not covered by insurance plans.
Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. We partner with CareCredit and Cherry to provide convenient monthly financing options for qualified applicants.

When can I exercise after a facelift?
Light walking is encouraged immediately, but vigorous workouts should wait until 3-4 weeks post-op, or when your surgeon clears you.
How can I maintain my results?
Consistent sun protection, medical-grade skincare, and healthy lifestyle choices help preserve your results. Periodic non-surgical treatments can further enhance longevity.

Cost & Insurance

Is facelift surgery covered by insurance?
Because it is considered cosmetic, facelift surgery is not covered by insurance plans.
Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. We partner with CareCredit and Cherry to provide convenient monthly financing options for qualified applicants.

Lifestyle & Long-Term Care

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