Facelift Surgery
What is a facelift?
A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves advanced, visible signs of aging on the face and neck.
Why the Simoni Facelift?
The Simoni Facelift was designed by Dr. Payman Simoni to improve loose neck and facial skin, laxity in the jowl area and cheeks that have lost volume–all without the need for major anesthesia. This was created to answer the need for a technique that did not produce a pulled or unnatural result. And unlike other procedures that require general anesthesia, the Simoni Facelift surgery uses only local anesthesia. This means it takes less time for the procedure and less recovery time. The overall experience is much more comfortable for patients and produces excellent results, all in just one hour.
The Simoni Facelift can address the following issues and more:
- Slack muscle tone in the face
- Sagging in the cheeks
- Droopy jowls
- Smile lines or nasolabial folds
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Under eye bags
What does a mini facelift or full facelift do?
While aging takes its toll on the body in many ways, aging is by far the most visible in the face. The effects of gravity plus sun damage that accumulates over a person’s lifetime result in skin that gradually becomes more coarse. The youthful layer of fatty tissue that maintains a supple appearance also diminishes. As the skin loosens, men and women may also lose the facial definition in their cheekbones and jawline that are traditional markers of youth.
Because a mini and full facelift do not include improvements or alterations to the nose, please do mention to Dr. Simoni if you'd like to schedule rhinoplastic surgery as well.
Causes of Facial Aging
As gravity takes its toll, sagging skin over the cheeks, jaw and neck generally make people look tired or depressed no matter what time of day it is or what mood they are actually experiencing. By addressing the facial sagging that causes these unwanted characteristics, the Simoni lift can offer a more youthful and rested appearance. The procedure does not change your facial shape or structure–it can simply make you look years younger.
How is the Simoni Facelift done?
To undergo a facelift, only local anesthesia will be required. The Simoni Facelift uses this relatively painless local injection of an anesthetic mixed with epinephrine, which numbs the face. Avoiding major anesthesia eliminates some of the risk of the procedure and allows the patient to return home immediately after the surgery. Dr. Simoni in Beverly Hills is calm and confident throughout the procedure and helps his patients feel the same so they are relaxed and comfortable.
Before Surgery
Prior to the procedure, you will receive an evaluation of the quality of your skin, the degree of looseness at the jawline and the angle between the neck and the chin. Results depend on several factors including the elasticity of the skin and any damage it may have sustained over time, from factors such as sun, environmental pollution or other trauma. Additional procedures may be required to correct some of these issues.
During Surgery
The Simoni lift removes the excess fat and skin from the neck and face through expertly mapped incisions that begin in the hairline and extend down in front of and up behind the ear. Dr. Simoni repositions and reinforces underlying facial structures and drooping muscles, fat and skin.
Ideal Candidate
This procedure is ideal for those who wish to address skin laxity of the face and neck and receive contouring in areas of the face that may have protruding pockets of fat.
Facelift Recovery
By avoiding general anesthesia with the Simoni Facelift, all of the body’s regular functions continue uninterrupted. This can assist in the healing process and reduce swelling and bruising. You will also avoid the nausea and disorientation that usually accompany general anesthesia.
Down Time
Most patients are able to go out in public with makeup a few days after surgery, though the healing rate and bruising varies from patient to patient. It is essential to limit your regular activities for at least several days. Those with office jobs generally return to work 4 to 7 days after surgery.
It is normal to experience decreased sensation of the face for about a month, which will gradually return to normal. You may feel some small bumps under the skin but these will not be visible. Scars from your facelift will be red at first and will gradually fade until they are no longer noticeable.
Rare Complications
Complications after surgery are rare but may include bleeding and infection. A hematoma is a rare condition that occasionally occurs after surgery where a pocket of blood and other fluid develops under the skin. This is normally addressed by removing a few sutures and draining the fluid. Manageable discomfort is normal and can be controlled with pain medication. Intense pain is a sign that you should call your surgeon to address any issues that may have arisen.
How long can I expect the results of a facelift to last?
The aging process continues to progress after you receive a Simoni Facelift. The good news is that results can be expected to last 10 to 15 years. There is actually some degree of laxity in all facial skin, which is an aspect that must be preserved to avoid looking too tight. Other factors that may influence the aging process and the length of time your results will last are genetics, age, ethnicity, stress, general health and nutrition.
Simoni Facelift: Patented
The Simoni Facelift is a patented, minimally invasive procedure that is an excellent alternative to the traditional facelift. If you’d like the long-lasting results without undergoing major general anesthesia and its risks, this procedure is a great option.
Feel free to review our FAQ page and the before and after photo gallery. Contact our office at (310) 360-1360 with your questions about the Simoni Facelift or any other facial cosmetic procedures.
Why Choose Dr. Simoni?
Dr. Simoni is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon. He earned his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He has worked with some of the most eminent and innovative plastic surgeons, including Dr. Gaylon McCoulough, Dr. Jeffrey Klein, Dr. Russel Kridel and more.
He is a member of American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery; American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy; Triological Society and Long Island ENT Society.
Facelift Frequently Asked Questions
What are the various facelift options available?
The Simoni Facelift
Patients have different cosmetic requirements and may have limited time available for the recovery process. To satisfy these needs, Dr. Simoni developed a specialized technique which provides dramatic facial rejuvenation in just one hour. His technique is known as the Simoni Facelift which does not require general anesthesia yet dramatically improves looseness in the jowls and sagging in the mid face area.
This procedure is less invasive and requires less recovery time than a traditional full facelift. Patients with an upcoming event or who just want a faster result from facelift surgery may be able to achieve their goals with this innovative procedure.
Full or traditional facelift
A full or traditional facelift involves lifting the skin to access the underlying muscles and fatty deposits in the mid face area. The full facelift also addresses loose skin on the neck. The incision is longer, though well hidden, to allow the muscles to be lifted and tightened.
The procedure also removes or repositions fatty deposits to create youthful contours. This procedure addresses sagging skin that creates jowls and loose folds of skin in the neck. It is the most extensive procedure but has the best outcome for those who are experiencing advanced signs of aging.
Mini or mid-face lift
For those with minimal signs of aging, a mid facelift may be all that is needed. This procedure addresses the area of the face from the cheekbones down to the jawline. It is less invasive than a full facelift as the incisions are shorter still allowing access to deep facial tissue. This technique lifts the cheek area which eliminates the excess skin that creates jowls. A mid facelift will refine the jawline, lift the cheek area minimize the deeper folds beside the mouth.
Additional face rejuvenating procedures can be done during facelift surgery
Brow lift
A brow lift can be done alone or in addition to other facelift procedures. This is particularly good for those who have good elasticity and minimal signs of aging elsewhere on the face yet who have deep frown lines and horizontal wrinkling across the forehead. For some patients, Dr. Simoni finds that a brow lift will postpone the need for eyelid surgery if the excess skin over the eyes is caused by sagging forehead skin.
Neck lift
Neck lifts are seldom done alone but in some cases, the neck has aged far faster than the rest of the face. In this procedure, small incisions are made just behind the ear lobes and the underlying muscles are lifted and tightened.
Eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery, which addresses both sagging in the upper lid and bags under the eyes, is one of the most popular facial surgeries performed at Dr. Simoni’s Beverly Hills Center. When combined with a facelift, the results can be very dramatic. Eyelid surgery removes excess fatty tissue and sagging skin in the eyelid which creates a tired expression. Removing under eye fullness, or bags, is a big step to re-creating a youthful open eye.
How long before I can return to work and social activities?
There are many factors that determine the amount of time required to get through the first stages of healing. People heal at different rates depending on age, health, genetics and how well they are able to rest after surgery.
A full traditional facelift usually requires about 2 weeks for the initial swelling and bruising to diminish to a point where patients can expect to look presentable. Dr. Simoni is a perfectionist in his technique which contributes greatly to the ease of healing his patients enjoy. His gentle handling of delicate facial tissue creates less trauma to the area which results in less bruising and swelling.
The Simoni Facelift, a mid face lift or other less invasive techniques will require about a week before most people want to be seen in public.
When can I resume exercising?
Because it is important to allow the healing process to progress without surges in blood pressure, exercise, participating in team sports or returning to a strenuous job requires a longer recovery period. It is best to wait for 4 weeks for some activities.
Dr. Simoni provides specific recovery instructions for each patient according to their needs. It is best to follow these instructions to ensure you heal properly.
How painful is facelift surgery?
During the procedure, patients are kept comfortable either through general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation if desired. Following the surgery, patients are given medication to use over the first few days mainly to relieve discomfort caused by swelling. The sensation is reported as tightness and pressure. Over the counter medication is enough to relieve discomfort (do not use ibuprofen medication) as well as using ice packs as instructed by Dr. Simoni.
Is facelift surgery the right option for me?
Facelift surgery is a very popular rejuvenation procedure particularly among those who make their living in front of the camera. Having beautiful and natural results is a matter of choosing a surgeon who specializes in facial procedures; who has the experience and artistic perception to create a younger version of you.
Come in for an initial consultation with Dr. Simoni so that you can get your questions answered and then determine if facelift surgery is the right option for you. If you decide that a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedure is right for you, you will be in good hands. The decision is yours; the ability to help you achieve your goals is what sets him apart.
