Facelifts in
Los Angeles
Expert Facelift Surgery with Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a transformative surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck. When performed by an expert facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley, a facelift can restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance while maintaining your natural features.
As we age, skin begins to lose elasticity, and facial tissues lose volume. These natural changes, combined with environmental factors and genetics, can lead to sagging skin, deepening folds, and jowls along the jawline. A facelift addresses these concerns by tightening underlying structures and redraping skin for a naturally rejuvenated look.
Before & After
Understanding Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery, technically known as rhytidectomy, is designed to reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and other telltale signs of aging, with the goal of improving the overall appearance of the face and jaw. The procedure focuses primarily on the lower face, including the jawline, jowls, and neck.
During facelift surgery, Dr. Rawnsley makes precise incisions, typically beginning in the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ear, and ending in the lower scalp. Through these incisions, he can reposition the deeper tissues beneath the skin and remove excess skin to smooth creases, eliminate jowling and sagging skin under the chin, and rejuvenate the face.
Unlike many surgeons who only address the skin layer, Dr. Rawnsley performs comprehensive facelifts that address all layers of facial aging, including:
- Skin laxity and wrinkles
- Descended fat pads and volume loss
- Weakened facial muscles
- Sagging neck tissues
Types of Facelift Procedures
Traditional Facelift
The most comprehensive approach, a traditional facelift addresses moderate to advanced aging throughout the mid-face, jawline, and neck. This technique repositions deeper tissues, removes excess skin, and often incorporates a neck lift for optimal rejuvenation.
Deep Plane Facelift
The deep plane facelift is considered the gold standard in facelift techniques. This advanced approach allows Dr. Rawnsley to release and reposition the deeper facial tissues as a single unit, creating the most natural and long-lasting results. The deep plane facelift is ideal for addressing significant sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
SMAS Facelift
This technique focuses on tightening the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS), a layer of tissue that covers the deeper structures of the face and neck. An SMAS facelift creates natural-looking results with less extensive surgery than a deep plane approach.
Mini Facelift
For patients with mild to moderate aging concerns primarily in the lower face, a mini facelift offers targeted rejuvenation with smaller incisions and quicker recovery time. This procedure is particularly effective for younger patients or those who want to proactively address early signs of aging.
Complementary Procedures
Neck Lift
Addresses sagging skin and muscle banding in the neck
Brow Lift
Elevates a drooping forehead to create a more alert, youthful appearance
Eyelid Surgery
Removes excess skin and fat from upper or lower eyelids
Fat Transfer
Restores volume to hollow facial areas using your own fat cells
The Facelift Procedure:
What to Expect
Your Consultation
During your facelift consultation at Rawnsley Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rawnsley will:
- Thoroughly evaluate your facial anatomy and signs of aging
- Listen carefully to your concerns and aesthetic goals
- Discuss the type of facelift that would best achieve your desired outcome
- Explain the procedure, including recovery timeline and expected results
- Answer all your questions about facelift surgery
Preparing for Surgery
Before your facelift procedure, Dr. Rawnsley and his team will provide comprehensive instructions to help you prepare. These may include:
- Adjusting certain medications
- Stopping smoking several weeks before surgery
- Arranging for someone to drive you home after your procedure
- Setting up a comfortable recovery space at home
The Surgery
Your facelift surgery will be performed at an accredited surgical facility. The procedure typically includes:
- Administration of anesthesia (either sedation or general anesthesia) for your comfort and safety
- Precise incisions placed within the natural contours of your face, typically beginning near the temples in the hairline, continuing around the ear, and ending in the lower scalp
- Careful lifting and repositioning of the underlying SMAS layer and facial muscles
- Removal of excess skin
- Fine sutures to close incisions in a way that minimizes visible scarring
The duration of facelift surgery varies depending on the specific techniques used and whether additional procedures are performed simultaneously, but typically ranges from 3-5 hours.
Recovery and Results
Following a facelift, patients can expect:
- Mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication
- Bruising and swelling, which are normal after a facelift and generally peak 2 days after surgery
- Removal of any drainage tubes the day after surgery
- Suture removal within 5-10 days
- Return to social activities within 10 to 14 days
- Continued improvement in appearance over several weeks after surgery as swelling subsides
- Full recovery with final results apparent after 2-3 months
Dr. Rawnsley's meticulous surgical techniques and comprehensive aftercare support ensure a smooth recovery process and optimal results.
Why Choose Dr. Rawnsley for Your Facelift
When considering a facelift, selecting the right surgeon is the most important decision you'll make. Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley offers:
- Specialized Expertise: As a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive training in facelift surgery, Dr. Rawnsley focuses exclusively on procedures for the face and neck.
- Academic Excellence: As the founder of the UCLA Facial Aesthetic Center and a Clinical Associate Professor at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, Dr. Rawnsley stays at the forefront of advanced facelift techniques.
- Comprehensive Approach: Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Dr. Rawnsley tailors each facelift to address your unique anatomy and concerns.
- Natural Results: Dr. Rawnsley's artistic eye and meticulous technique ensure results that look refreshed and youthful—never tight or "operated on."
- Revision Expertise: With specialized training in revision surgery, Dr. Rawnsley has helped many patients achieve the results they initially sought after unsatisfactory procedures elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Facelift Surgery
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation Today
If you're considering a facelift in Los Angeles, take the first step toward rejuvenation by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley. His expertise in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, combined with his artistic approach, ensures exceptional results that help you look as young as you feel.
Dr. Rawnsley performs all consultations and procedures personally, ensuring the highest level of care and attention to detail for each patient.