EXPERT Facelift Surgeon in San Diego

Mini Face Lift & Full Face Lift Surgery

HAPPYNESS is our specialized treatment for facial aging

There’s nothing as significant as a human face. Nor as eloquent. We can never really know another person, except by our first glance at him or her. Because, in that glance, we know everything.

Renew the Aging Face with a Natural Comprehensive Restoration of Youthful Features by HAPPYNESS Facelift

Humans communicate by facial expression.  Lines, furrows, shadows, and subtle contours express emotions, sentiments, confidence, insecurity, intentions, and age.  Down-turned and deep lines or shadows indicate aging, fatigue, and sadness.  Upturned lines, angles, and shapes can be restored surgically, and communicate youth, energy, and happiness. Emojis are simple graphics of human sensibility and feeling.  Emoji icons are easily sketched, but only surgery can re-position and re-shape aging, sagging, frowning facial lines to an upturned pleasant and youthful appearance.  

Plastic surgery should adjust facial features naturally.

The best plastic surgery doesn’t look like surgery, it appears natural.  Over decades of adulthood, facial soft tissues descend gravitationally from youthful positions of attachment on the facial skeleton.  Progressive sagging changes facial shapes, angles, and directions of linear skin folding to point downward, and unintentionally indicate fatigue, loss of vitality, sadness, and other detrimental expressions.  Rejuvenation should restore youthful features.  By lifting sagging skin and soft tissue, nothing revives vibrant features and contours like a well-planned and performed facelift.  The best facelift procedure doesn’t look like a facelift at all, just natural, alert, happy, and pretty.  Although fat transfer and injectable fillers complement facelift, they are no substitute for surgery.  Fillers may change basic features of your appearance rather than maintain your identity and restore youth.  The misconception that aging is facial “volume loss” has been replaced by scientifically proven understanding that aging is mostly volume descent;  Brows, cheeks, upper lip, and neck soft tissue sag downward with age rather than “deflate.”

Facelifts are not one-size-fits-all.

Dr. Laverson personalizes his approach to facelift procedures. There are similarities in how adults age, and there are individual differences. Each facelift performed by Dr. Laverson will include both general elements and specific elements for an attractive natural look that’s unique to preserve your individual identity.

What is the HAPPYNESS Facelift?

HAPPYNESS describes  elements of our unique anti-aging treatment.  The results we offer for each patient include: H = HAPPY.  Our corner of lip lift creates a pleasant appearance.  A = AWAKE / ALERT.  Our levator advancement opens the upper eyelids.  P = PRETTY, which everyone must have after the procedure.  P = PERMANENT BOTOX, by removing squint muscles between the brows permanently.  Y = YOUTHFUL.  We only change aging features, not your identity features, so you still look like yourself, but younger.  N = NATURAL, not surgical.  We prefer natural over artificial, and avoid over-filled, over fat-grafted, over-puffed, over-stretched, over-tightened, over-shiny, over-surprised.  Nature did not make you that way, and we will not either.   E = ELEVATED and EXTRA.  Your brows, corners of your eyes, lower eyelids and cheeks, jawline, jowls, upper lip, and neck will all be lifted.  It’s comprehensive. Because everything ages over time, everything should be restored and elevated together.  Your parts should all be in harmony with one another.  Extra is for extras you may need for the best result like laser skin treatment, earlobe adjustments, implants, nose surgery, and any other additions.  S =  SLENDER.  Your neck ages with your face and sagging skin, muscle, and fat will all re remodeled to the slim neck you once likely had.  S = SCARLESS and SECRET.  Others should see YOU, not your  surgery or scars.  Scars are there, but not seen.  Your procedure is your secret.  We will not betray your secret by visible scars, a “lateral sweep” of cheek skin, or sci-fi avatar features that may belong on a computer generated image but not on your face.  You can trust us to keep your procedure a secret, and to help YOU keep it a secret.  The facelift should offer allure and youth.  Those who know you should tell you how fabulous you look, not look at you strangely asking, “What did you have done?”  

How long does the HAPPYNESS facelift last?

The results of your facelift last for your entire life, provided you maintain it.  Facelift improves gravitational aging by lifting soft tissue, but skin quality MUST be preserved after anti-aging surgery for surface texture to stay fresh, and to match youthful contours re-established by surgery.  Skin maintenance  usually involves sun protection, The GOLD cream or other regular tretinoin based care, occasional facials, skin peels, laser, radiofrequency, or plasma based treatments, neuromodulator (e.g. Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®, or similar), filler (hyaluronic based and/or other) and avoiding environmental damage by tobacco and/or toxins.  After facelift, you still age, but you’ll ALWAYS show less aging features than if you not had a facelift.

Dr. Laverson performs the HAPPYNESS facelift procedure because it offers you the best result and the best value.

Your facial procedure depends on your situation and preferences.  Dr. Laverson’s advanced aesthetic insights and skilled execution generates longer lasting and more natural appearing results than ever before. During your consultation, Dr. Laverson will discuss your cosmetic goals and help you decide which procedure(s) is/are the best choice(s) for restoring your youthful face.

Will I look different than myself or pulled and stretched after face lift ?

NO, at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery you’ll look like yourself with younger features.  We incorporate techniques that improve the quality of aging skin (CO2 laser treatment, fat transfer, post surgical tretinoin), that lift and secure aging skin and connective tissue to a youthful elevated position (deep plane surgical approach, Piezo canthopexy and cheeklift fixation to bone, levator advancement, progressive tension fixation), that restore youthful energetic expression (lip lift and corner of lip lift, jowl removal) for restoration of youthful features, but your identity features that you’ve always had are not pulled, stretched, tightened, or plumped to change your basic proportions.  

What is a mini facelift?

For those who aren’t ready for a full, traditional facelift, the less-invasive mini facelift is a safe, quick recovery alternative. If you see mild to moderate wrinkling and loose skin on your face and neck or you’re developing incipient jowls and creases between your nose and the corners of your mouth, a mini facelift offers a more rested appearance, restores youthful tightness of your skin, and has preventive benefits by maintaining youthful features for years. 

Benefits of a mini facelift include:

Light anesthesia:

Mini facelifts are minimally invasive and require only light anesthesia.

Quicker recovery:

Mini facelifts only address the layer of tissue directly beneath the skin, which means recovery time is quicker than a full facelift, which targets deeper tissues

Less potential scarring:

Mini facelifts require shorter incisions, resulting in less scarring

Nice results:

Mini facelifts offer mini results, and are primarily preventive in nature, preserving existing youthful features before they age.  Wrinkles on the lower face are smoothed, and skin of the face is tightened.

What is a full facelift?

Full facelift—also known as a rhytidectomy—lifts and re-shapes the face and neck more dramatically and for a long lasting result.

Full facelifts improve all of the visible signs of gravitational aging in the face.

A full facelift corrects:

  • Sagging skin in the mid-face area
  • Deep creases along the nose to the corner of the mouth
  • Fallen or displaced fat and jowls
  • Loose skin and excess fat under the chin and jaw

Dr. Laverson restores an attractive facial shape and natural contours, specifically avoiding the dreaded pulled, stretched, windblown, tightened, distorted, artificial, surgically altered appearance common after historical and less sophisticated facelift procedures.

What’s the procedure for a facelift?

Every facelift procedure begins with a consultation. This important step gives you a chance to express your desires and concerns, ask questions, and learn more about the procedures available to you. The consultation is also a time for Dr. Laverson to learn more about you and your medical history, and evaluate your facial anatomy so he can customize a treatment plan to restore your natural, youthful appearance. A thorough consultation does more than just provide information—it prepares you for a positive experience, allowing you to go into your surgery with confidence about your choices and excitement about the results. 

On the day of your facelift surgery, once you are settled comfortably in the surgical suite, the procedure can begin. It will include:

  • Anesthesia – The anesthesia is administered to help keep you during your surgery. Dr. Laverson will discuss with you ahead of time whether intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is best for you. 
  • Surgical incisions – The exact surgical technique Dr. Laverson uses will depend on the specifics of your individual treatment plan. In general, the traditional facelift incision begins in the hairline at the temples, extends down around the front of the ear, and curves around the ear to end at the lower scalp. A mini facelift involves a series of small incisions within the hairline that extend from the temple to behind the ear.  Dr. Laverson’s skillful surgical techniques allow him to expertly place the incisions where they remain hidden within your hairline and your natural facial contours. 
  • The lift – Once the incisions are made, Dr. Laverson gently and precisely redistributes or removes excess fat, repositions underlying tissue, and lifts the deeper layers of muscle and tissue. Sutures are used to elevate the supporting layers. Finally, the skin is redraped and the excess skin trimmed for a sculpted, youthful appearance. 
  • Sutures – Dr. Laverson delicately places fine sutures to close the incisions and minimize scarring. 

Dr. Laverson will give you specific post-operative instructions to help ensure a successful recovery and gorgeous results.   



Dr. Laverson answers Facelift Questions:

If you see sadness in your expression even when you’re not, if others ask why you’re tired when you’re not, or if you see advancing aging in your face and/or neck that you want to reverse, then schedule a no obligation consultation with Dr. Laverson.  Wrinkles, shadows, downturned lines, jowls, sagging skin and fat, or sagging neck skin can all be improved or completely corrected by a brief, safe, face lift procedure.  The key is to find a great surgeon, because not all face lifts are alike. Ideal candidates are typically:

  • Between the ages of 40 and 70
  • In good general health
  • Have realistic expectations (you will not look twenty years old again)

Mini facelift procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, using light anesthesia. Short incisions are hidden around your ears.   Tissue layers and neck muscles are repositioned more tightly, facial skin is re-draped and lifted, and excess skin is removed. The entire procedure lasts several hours, and the result is natural-looking, smooth, and more youthful.  Although you continue aging, results are permanent.  You’ll never look as old as you would have looked if you didn’t have the procedure.  

Full facelifts require general anesthesia. Once you are safely unconscious, a similar approach to your deep facial tissues is concealed around the ears and within your hair line.  These deeper tissues are surgically mobilized, advanced upward, and secured to deep immobile connective tissue of the face for a long lasting youthful correction.  Excess fat and skin are removed to accommodate this correction and to trim facial shape. 

Recovery from a facelift to most regular activities of daily living lasts two weeks.  Swelling and dense stiffness of the surgical area lasts much longer. Directly after your procedure, mild discomfort is managed with oral pain medication. Within several days, over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient. Three weeks or longer are recommended before strenuous exercise.  To preserve and extend the results of face lift, follow up appointments, good skin care, and ancillary anti-aging measures are recommended.  Aging progresses over years and is best managed by regular treatments over time for your beauty, your confidence, your success, and your quality of life.

Along the hairline behind the ears and in natural creases and boundaries of the ear, beneath the chin, in the hair, and other areas where they can be best concealed. Occasionally scars may be visible or troubling. This is most common among men with short hair and women who wear their hair up, wear it back, and/or people with thin or sparse hair. This is often known in advance, and Dr. Laverson plans the procedure accordingly, to avoid visible scar. Still, if it’s a problem, he will revise the scar in the office. This is a minor procedure, usually performed without surgeon’s fee.

Yes. Doing all three at once creates better harmony between all areas of the face. Since all areas of the face age together, it may be preferable to treat all areas simultaneously.

Everyone ages differently.  When you decide for facelift depends on your specific features and how you feel about your aging. Many prefer less aggressive surgery at a younger age to maintain a youthful appearance and prevent further aging.

Preparing for a facelift

As with other surgeries, it’s important to follow the surgeon’s pre-operative instructions and facelift preparation recommendations.  These preparation instructions may include:

  • Dr. Laverson may request some lab testing, such as bloodwork, mammogram, EKG or other diagnostic tests to clear you for cosmetic surgery.
  • You may need to adjust your medications prior to your surgery. Certain medications may affect your recovery or your response to the anesthesia. Be sure to inform Dr. Laverson of all the prescriptions, vitamins, over-the-counter medications, herbs, and other supplements you take. We may also recommend that you take certain supplements that promote healing and minimize scarring for a couple of weeks before your surgery. 
  • It’s important that you stop smoking three weeks to a month before your facelift, as it can complicate your recovery process and put you at greater risk of developing pneumonia. 
  • Maintaining a good skincare regimen prior to your surgery will not affect the outcome of your facelift, but it can help to maximize the impact by ensuring that your skin is radiant and beautiful. 

At Feel Beautiful, we’ll provide you with clear and specific instructions for preparing for your facelift. 

Facelift Procedure Videos

Face and Neck Lift Procedures San Diego

Dr. Laverson customizes each facelift depending on the patient’s individual goals.  Whether you’re looking mainly to lift jowls and tighten the neck or to lift and enhance your full face and neck, Dr. Laverson will perform the surgical techniques best suited to help achieve your desired results. In general, face and neck lift procedures include:

  • Full facelift – Depending on your specific needs, this may involve sculpting of the underlying facial tissues as well as a brow lift, eyelid lift, and neck lift
  • Mid-facelift – As described above, this traditional facelift procedure sculpts the entire face, eliminating jowls, sagging skin, and deep lines and folds. 
  • Mini facelift – This procedure corrects mild to moderate loose skin on the face and neck, restoring skin tightness and eliminating moderate folds and wrinkles. 
  • Neck lift – Performed in combination with other facelift techniques or on it’s own, the neck lift addresses loose hanging skin or fat, double chin, wrinkled sagging neck skin, vertical bands on the neck, heavy jowls, or other concerns in the area of the neck and chin. 

No matter which facelift procedure(s) Dr. Laverson performs, we know you’ll love your gorgeous results. 

LEARN MORE

Cat Eye Facelift
Best Age to Get a Facelift

Patient Reviews

Since my procedure, several people who don’t even know me have commented that I have a pretty face. That has never happened before Dr. Laverson.
SR
San Diego, CA
Before I decided to have my facelift, I read articles and books, watched television shows, and knew that the reason for having the surgery was for myself; To correct things I didn’t like when I looked in the mirror. There really wasn’t a lot – just those parentheses’ around my nose and mouth that seemed to be getting deeper and sagging more. I didn’t want to look thirty again – I just wanted to look good for sixty. I met with one plastic surgeon who began our consultation by listing the things he could “fix” while he was doing what I wanted. Apparently I was a mess. I thanked him and left. Aside from the fact that I didn’t feel that I should be seen in public, I really wasn’t looking forward to another consultation. Then we met with Dr. Steve Laverson and I knew immediately things would be different. Joanne and Jennifer in the front office set the tone – They are warm and welcoming. When the consultation began, Dr. Laverson asked what he could do for me. He wanted to know my expectations. He asked my husband if he felt comfortable with the procedures he was describing. He spent time explaining everything and made sure all our questions were answered. He is meticulous and that concern continues throughout all post-op visits. Obviously, what I wanted first and foremost was a competent surgeon – this was my face! What I got was so much more. An amazing surgeon who is truly gentle and compassionate. One who knows how to offer a suggestion. One who knew what I wanted and did his absolute best to make it happen and each time I look in the mirror I am truly grateful to him.
BL
LaCosta, CA
My name is Judith Holley and I am a 70 year old woman. On October 19, 2011, Dr. Laverson performed extensive plastic surgery on me. He estimated that the operation would take 5 hours and that is what I paid for. However, being the perfectionist and dedicated doctor that he is; he spent an additional 3-1/2 hours to ensure a successful result. As you can see from the before and after photos, Dr. Laverson is a miracle worker. He transformed a wrinkled and tired-looking old woman into a wrinkle-free and vibrant younger woman. Thanks to Dr. Laverson, I have a new lease on life.If you are looking for a plastic surgery who knows his stuff and cares about his patients, look no further because Dr. Laverson is your man. He will put a smile back on your face and delight in your happiness.
JH

Nobody wants to have surgery, but many choose Dr. Laverson because we support your best surgical experience and consistently produce naturally beautiful results.

We’re prepared, and our commitment aligns with yours: Your best result and your best experience.  These aren’t just words, they’re our philosophy and passion.  The reason many of our patients are past patients having new procedures is because we’ve earned their trust, and we will earn yours.  Plastic surgery is an investment of temporal (time), financial, and psychological resources. Only an excellent result justifies your investment.  Experience the Feel Beautiful difference.  Call (858) 295-4001 to schedule your no-obligation consultation.

Ask us now or book your consultation.
Contact Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter!
Subscribe
Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery

I am 18 years old

Get Your Free Guide
For more information about each of the body treatments Dr. Laverson offers, and for exclusive before and after photos, download your FREE guide!
Get Your Free Guide
For more information about each of the breast treatments Dr. Laverson offers, and for exclusive before and after photos, download your FREE guide!
Get Your Free Guide
For more information about each of the face treatments Dr. Laverson offers, and for exclusive before and after photos, download your FREE guide!