Face Lift

Why would I need a facelift?

You might be considering a facelift if the signs of aging are taking their toll.

The aging face often has a tired, drawn-out appearance. Gravitational changes and tissue volume loss produce significant bulges and irregularities from the junction of your eyelid and cheek down to your jawline.

During your extensive facelift consultation, Dr. Sasaki explains the effects of aging on your face and your options for improving your appearance. He provides you with realistic surgical and nonsurgical options.

With Dr. Sasaki's help, it's possible to achieve a natural, age-appropriate appearance that you can appreciate for many years to come. He uses innovative techniques that have become part of the standard for facelift surgery.

What does a full facelift involve?

Dr. Sasaki may recommend a complete facelift procedure for more mature patients who have drooping skin, cheek fat pad, and a sagging jawline.

Dr. Sasaki makes a short incision just under the hairs of your sideburn, follows the crease line in front of your upper ear, goes inside the well of your ear, and exits out along the front crease line of your ear lobe and extending behind the lobe. This incision must be precisely beveled to result in fine and hidden scars.

In 1995 Dr. Sasaki developed his own suture suspension technique (see S4- Sasaki Suture Suspension System) that he currently uses to elevate your cheek fat pad back to its usual location over your cheekbone. After completion of over 1000 satisfied patients, Dr. Sasaki has published a number of manuscripts on his unique suture system that has been taught to surgeons throughout the world. 

Dr. Sasaki elevates and tightens the deeper stable layer (superficial muscular aponeurotic system or SMAS) to address the prominent marionette fold extending from the corner of your mouth down to your mandible and jowl.

He may also suggest liposuction above and below your jawline to provide a more contoured and sculptured look. Lastly, Dr. Sasaki repositions your skin to give you a natural, rejuvenated appearance.

How long does facelift surgery take?

The complete procedure takes about three to five hours to perform. Your facelift takes place under general anesthesia in the hospital.

After your facelift surgery, you only have a minimal amount of swelling that typically resolves within three weeks. Since there are no dressings or drains, you may shower and wash your face daily after surgery. Dr. Sasaki takes out the few sutures in front of your ear within 10 days, and you can usually resume normal activities within six weeks.

In addition to possessing extensive skills and experience in facelift procedures, Dr. Sasaki demonstrates an exemplary bedside manner that puts his patients at ease throughout the process.

Are there noninvasive alternatives to facelifts?

There are several noninvasive alternatives to surgical facelifts that are usually for the younger patient who does not yet show more advanced signs of facial aging or for patients who feel that they are not ready for a more extensive surgical procedure. In these patients, Dr. Sasaki may suggest a minimally invasive skin tightening and lifting procedure with FDA-approved device (Ultherapy®) and increased volumization of deficient areas with FDA-approved dermal fillers for wrinkles and Voluma® XC for volume loss to cheeks. These procedures can create a temporary lifted look by restoring lost volume and adding youthful plumpness and structure under the skin. 

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC is especially helpful for age-related volume loss in the mid-face, though the result is shorter-lived than that of a surgical facelift. In selected patients, Dr. Sasaki may suggest a nonsurgical tightening and elevation of the face and neck using Ultherapy®.

The FDA-approved device, Ultherapy®, device precisely heats at the muscle and skin levels to promote collagen and elastin fibers, shortening and elevating mild-to-moderate sagging tissue in three months. This is suitable for prospective patients who desire a nonsurgical procedure or in post-facelift patients who desire further tightening without surgery.

Call Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center today to schedule a facelift consultation or book an appointment online.