Undergoing a Facelift Procedure: What to Expect

As we age, our facial features can change, and sometimes our appearance can appear older than the way we feel inside. Top Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Catherine Chang specializes in Deep Plane Facelifts, SMAS Facelifts, and Mini Facelifts that provide her patients with beautiful, natural-looking results. Dr. Chang believes that no two patients are alike and creates a bespoke treatment plan that addresses her patient’s specific needs and concerns.

To help answer some of your questions and concerns about undergoing a facelift procedure, we have compiled a list of the key information below.

What to Expect During Your Facelift Consultation

The first visit to see Dr. Catherine Chang is called the consultation. During this time you and Dr. Chang will discuss your goals for the procedure and any questions or concerns you may have. During your Beverly Hills facelift consultation, Dr. Chang will thoroughly examine the anatomy of your face and bone structure to determine the best procedures to help you achieve your desired results.

What Does a Facelift Procedure Entail?

The surgery begins with the use of general anesthesia. This will allow for the best surgical experience. A facelift is a surgical procedure that helps to improve telltale signs of aging in the face by repositioning the muscles and soft tissue and removing skin and fat. Muscles and other deep tissues may be lifted, tightened, or otherwise altered. During facelift surgery, Dr. Chang will make a small, thin incision that begins at the hairline and continues around the ear and behind the ear. A facelift procedure may also be performed with a complementary procedure such as a neck lift, brow lift, and eyelid lift surgery.

The majority of Dr. Chang’s patients experience little to no discomfort the day after their facelift surgery. Dr. Chang and her experienced concierge team at Privé Beverly Hills will provide you with specialized aftercare instructions to help you heal and look and feel your very best after surgery.

What Does Facelift Recovery Entail?

Following your facelift surgery in Beverly Hills, CA, you will awaken in the recovery room. There is often little to no discomfort immediately post-operatively. Dr. Chang has a team of board-certified anesthesiologists that she utilizes to ensure minimal nausea or discomfort. Should you experience any discomfort, the nursing staff will help to relieve the issue often through positional adjustments and occasionally with medications. Patients should expect a recovery period of around one to two weeks. You may experience some swelling and bruising during the first week. Typically pain medication is not required post-operatively however you will be prescribed pain medication should you need it at home.

By the second week, you should be able to venture out in public without any surgical signs and Dr. Chang’s patients can return to their normal day-to-day activities, including work. Dr. Chang also recommends that patients avoid any strenuous exercise for at least three weeks after their facelift procedure.

Dr. Chang has a specialized post-operative protocol for her patients to follow. Some of her tips help expedite recovery and achieve impeccable results. It is important to understand that recovery times can vary from patient to patient and are dependent on age, medical history, and other underlying genetic or medical factors.

What Facelift Patients Say:

“She is a beautiful person inside and out. She’s an amazing surgeon, and very professional. She did a fantastic job when I had face surgery. I received great results. I would recommend her for everything. The practice looks beautiful, the staff is so sweet and friendly, and everyone is very professional. I appreciate from the bottom of my heart everything they have done for me.”

“Dr. Catherine Chang changed my life. At 43, I, unfortunately, had aged prematurely in my lower face and neck and was so unhappy with my changing appearance. I had met with a couple of other surgeons but was too scared to trust them with such a big surgery. After a 30-minute consultation and seeing examples of her beautiful work I booked a lower facelift and neck lift without one ounce of hesitation. She is a true artist and I trusted her immediately. It is now almost a year later and I feel so happy every time I look in the mirror! Many of my friends have scheduled consultations with Dr. Chang based on my results and cannot believe how refreshed and natural I look. Even my hairdresser commented on my incisions 8 weeks after my surgery saying they were the most meticulous and hidden he had ever seen! Even he got her number! Also, after my surgery, Dr. Chang and her staff were so attentive and I felt beyond taken care of. Day or night they were there for me. I loved my results so much I booked the rhinoplasty I always thought about with her 10 months later and once again the results are incredible! I am in awe at how natural Dr. Chang’s results are and how I still look like myself, only better! My recent treatment was Morpheus8 and I am loving how great my skin is looking. Not only is Dr. Chang professionally incredible but she is also cool and sweet as can be and every office visit is a joy. I am so grateful I found Dr. Catherine Chang!”

“Dr. Catherine Chang is a masterful plastic surgeon! I cannot say enough about how happy I am with the results of my recent surgery! I have “cred” as they say because I’m in the business of medical aesthetics–a Registered Nurse in this field since the early 2000s. I have been extremely fortunate to work with legendary plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills. My approach to appearances is to look natural. So after a long process, I finally decided to have my lower face and neck restored to a more youthful look. My loose wrinkled neck screamed “Old Lady.” I asked Dr. Chang about the process, seeking reassurance. Dr. Chang was so patient and calm with me discussing her approach which, indeed, matched my aesthetics. Of course, it did, that’s why I wanted her to work on my face! So surgery happened and the results are FANTASTIC!!!! The experience was en pointe, the OR staff, the anesthesia, the nurses, the aftercare, and the stellar Dr. Chang!! Not a surprise that I’m thrilled! My neck is perfect, it has great definition and smoothness without being too “sharp”…. and my face is a younger ME! Dr. Chang’s work is so incredibly beautiful, especially looking in the mirror at the person I now recognize. Yes, I’m grateful and pleased!!!! Thank you Dr. Chang for restoring this face and neck!”

Schedule a Facelift Consultation with Dr. Chang

Dr. Catherine S. Chang is a top Beverly Hills board-certified facial plastic surgeon and facelift specialist. Her practice specializes in offering patients the most elegant, natural results possible. She is best known for meticulous attention to detail and hidden incisions that are virtually undetectable to the naked eye.

Dr. Chang utilizes the most advanced techniques in order to achieve long-lasting, natural results. She has dedicated her practice to facial plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation. During the consultation, Dr. Chang will have an open and honest discussion about what is possible and achievable for a natural and elegant result.