Facelift & Neck Lift

Turn back the clock with Dr. Kim's advanced deep plane facelift technique. Achieve natural, long-lasting rejuvenation that erases years without looking "done."

SURGERY TIME

3-5 Hours

ANESTHESIA

General

RECOVERY

2-3 Weeks

RESULTS

10-15 Years

A side profile of a woman touching her chin with her index finger, with white arrows indicating the direction of skin tightening on her jawline and neck.

Look Younger Without Looking "Done"

Aging affects us all—sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, loose neck skin, and loss of facial volume create a tired, older appearance that doesn't match how you feel inside. A facelift and neck lift can comprehensively address these concerns, restoring a more youthful, refreshed version of yourself.

Dr. Kim specializes in the advanced deep plane facelift technique, which lifts deeper facial structures for natural-looking, long-lasting results. Unlike older techniques that simply pulled skin tight (creating the "wind tunnel" look), the deep plane approach repositions underlying tissue for results that look completely natural—like you've simply turned back the clock 10-15 years.

Life-Changing Benefits

Comprehensive facial rejuvenation

Defined Jawline

Eliminate sagging jowls and restore the crisp jawline definition of your youth

Natural Appearance

Deep plane technique creates results that look naturally youthful, never pulled or artificial

Smooth, Tight Neck

Remove loose neck skin, tighten platysma bands, and eliminate the "turkey neck" appearance

Long-Lasting Results

Results typically last 10-15 years, significantly longer than traditional skin-only facelifts

Lifted Midface

Elevate sagging cheeks and soften deep nasolabial folds for more youthful contours

Restored Confidence

Look as young as you feel, with appearance that matches your energy and vitality

Facelift & Neck Lift Options

Dr. Kim's expertise in advanced techniques

Deep Plane Facelift with Neck Lift

Dr. Kim's Preferred Technique | Superior, Long-Lasting Results

The deep plane facelift represents the gold standard in facial rejuvenation. Unlike traditional techniques that primarily tighten skin, this advanced approach lifts and repositions the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer—the deeper support structure of your face. This creates natural-looking results that last significantly longer.

  • Deeper Dissection: Works beneath SMAS layer, not just superficial skin

  • Midface Lifting: Elevates sagging cheeks for youthful apple cheeks

  • Jowl Elimination: Effectively addresses sagging along jawline

  • Nasolabial Folds: Softens deep smile lines more effectively than traditional methods

  • Natural Appearance: Moves tissues as unit so face looks naturally youthful

  • Less Skin Tension: Minimal pulling on skin reduces "tight" appearance

  • Longer-Lasting: Results typically last 10-15 years vs. 5-7 for traditional

  • Better Blood Supply: Preserved blood supply promotes faster healing

  • Neck Rejuvenation: Includes comprehensive neck lift and platysma tightening

  • Hidden Incisions: Around ears and hairline, virtually invisible when healed

  • Fat Grafting Option: Can add volume to temples, cheeks, under-eyes

Traditional SMAS Facelift

Effective Alternative | Less Extensive

The traditional SMAS facelift tightens the SMAS layer using plication (folding and suturing) rather than deep plane dissection. While effective, it doesn't achieve the same degree of midface lifting as deep plane technique.

  • SMAS Plication: Tightens SMAS layer without releasing deeper attachments

  • Effective for Jowls: Good results for lower face and jawline

  • Less Midface Lift: Limited cheek elevation compared to deep plane

  • Shorter Surgery: Slightly shorter operating time than deep plane

  • Good Results: Still achieves significant improvement, just less comprehensive

  • Best For: Patients with primarily lower face/neck concerns, minimal midface sagging

Neck Lift

Focuses on Neck Only | Can Be Standalone

For patients primarily concerned with neck aging—loose skin, platysma bands, or excess fat—a neck lift can be performed alone without full facelift. Often combined with chin liposuction for optimal results.

  • Platysma Tightening: Tightens neck muscles to eliminate vertical bands

  • Excess Skin Removal: Removes loose, sagging neck skin

  • Submental Liposuction: Often includes chin/neck liposuction for definition

  • Crisp Jawline: Creates defined cervicomental angle (jaw-neck junction)

  • Hidden Incisions: Behind ears and under chin, well-concealed

  • Can Combine: With facelift for comprehensive rejuvenation

  • Best For: Younger patients (40s-50s) with primarily neck concerns

Mini Facelift (Limited Incision)

Less Invasive | Shorter Recovery | Limited Results

The mini facelift uses shorter incisions (limited to around ears) and addresses only lower face. Best for younger patients (late 40s-early 50s) with early signs of aging who don't yet need full facelift.

  • Shorter Incisions: Limited to area around ears, no scalp incisions

  • Less Extensive: Addresses lower face and jawline only

  • Shorter Recovery: 1-2 weeks vs. 2-3 weeks for full facelift

  • Limited Results: Doesn't lift midface or comprehensively address neck

  • Shorter-Lasting: Results last 5-7 years vs. 10-15 for deep plane

  • Best For: Prevention rather than correction, early aging signs only

Am I a Candidate for Facelift & Neck Lift?

Determining if facial rejuvenation surgery is right for you

You May Be a Good Candidate If:

  • You have sagging jowls or loss of jawline definition

  • Your neck shows loose skin, bands, or "turkey neck"

  • You have deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)

  • Your midface has descended creating tired appearance

  • You're bothered by marionette lines

  • You're typically 45-75 years old (though age varies)

  • You're in good overall health

  • You don't smoke or are willing to quit

  • You have realistic expectations about results and recovery

  • You can take 2-3 weeks off work for recovery

  • You want long-lasting, natural-looking results

You May Not Be a Candidate If:

  • You're too young (under 40) with minimal aging signs

  • You have unrealistic expectations

  • You smoke heavily and won't quit

  • You have uncontrolled medical conditions

  • You have blood clotting disorders

  • You cannot commit to 2-3 week recovery

  • You're looking for subtle improvement only (consider fillers/Botox)

  • You want to look drastically different vs. refreshed

  • You cannot follow post-operative instructions

  • You have poor skin quality (heavy sun damage, very thin)

Facelift & Neck Lift: Starting at $18,000

Deep Plane Facelift with Neck Lift

A woman with closed eyes and smooth skin touches her shoulder with her hand against a pink background.

This Includes:

  • Board-certified plastic surgeon with 25+ years experience

  • Deep plane facelift technique (Dr. Kim's specialty)

  • Comprehensive neck lift with platysma tightening

  • All surgical fees and anesthesia

  • Drain-free technique (no drains in most cases)

  • Accredited surgical facility

  • Post-operative care and follow-up visits

Variables Include:

  • Type of facelift (deep plane, traditional SMAS, mini)

  • Extent of neck work needed

  • Fat grafting for volume restoration (temples, cheeks, under-eyes)

  • Chin or neck liposuction

  • Brow lift if needed for upper face

  • Eyelid surgery for complete facial rejuvenation

Final investment depends on technique used and extent of facial rejuvenation needed.

Most patients invest $20,000-$28,000

Note: Mini facelift $12,000-$15,000. Neck lift alone $8,000-$12,000. Deep plane offers superior, longer-lasting results (10-15 years vs. 5-7 years) making it best value long-term.

Real Patient Results

See the natural, beautiful transformations Dr. Kim's patients have achieved

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Deep plane lifts deeper facial structures (SMAS and overlying tissues as one unit), creating more natural midface elevation and longer-lasting results (10-15 years). Traditional SMAS facelift uses plication (folding/tightening) technique which is effective for jowls and neck but provides less midface lift. Deep plane is more technically demanding but produces superior, more natural-looking results.

  • No. The deep plane technique avoids the "windswept" or overdone appearance because it lifts deeper structures rather than just pulling skin tight. Your face moves as a natural unit, expressions remain normal, and results look like a younger, refreshed version of yourself—not like a different person. The key is choosing an experienced surgeon who understands facial aesthetics and uses advanced techniques.

  • Most patients describe it as discomfort rather than pain. You'll feel tight, swollen, and numb (from anesthesia). Pain medication manages discomfort well. First 3-5 days are worst, then rapidly improves. Most patients stop prescription pain medication by day 5-7. The tightness and firmness gradually decrease over 2-3 months as tissues soften.

  • Most presentable (with makeup covering bruises) at 2 weeks. Return to desk work at 2-3 weeks, physical work at 4 weeks. Most comfortable socializing at 3-4 weeks when major swelling resolved. Some residual swelling and firmness persists for 3-6 months but not noticeable to others. Plan important events (weddings, reunions) at least 4-6 weeks post-surgery.

  • Incisions are strategically placed in natural creases around ears and hidden in hairline. Initially pink and visible, but fade significantly over 12-18 months to thin, pale lines that are virtually undetectable—even to hairstylists. Dr. Kim's meticulous closure technique minimizes scarring. Most patients can wear hair up or short hairstyles once healed without visible scars.

  • Age is less important than degree of aging. Most patients are 45-75, but some need it earlier (genetics, sun damage) and others later (aged well). Studies show patients who have facelifts in their late 40s-early 50s achieve better, longer-lasting results because tissues are still firm. "Too old" is rare if you're healthy—Dr. Kim has successfully performed facelifts on patients in their 70s and 80s.

  • Yes, frequently combined for comprehensive rejuvenation. Most common: facelift + neck lift + eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), facelift + brow lift, facelift + fat grafting for volume. Can also combine with laser resurfacing, chin implant, or lip lift. Combining procedures saves recovery time and overall cost. However, Dr. Kim limits total surgery time to 6-8 hours for safety.

  • That depends on your goals! Most patients want to look naturally refreshed without obvious signs of surgery. With proper technique, people will notice you look great—rested, refreshed, younger—but won't necessarily know you had surgery unless you tell them. The best facelifts are the ones nobody notices. You'll simply look like the best version of yourself.

Ready to Turn Back the Clock?

Schedule a consultation to discuss your facelift options with Dr. Kim

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