Facelift Surgery

Facelift surgery encompasses the following procedures:

Lower Face and Neck Lift
Midface and Cheek Rejuvenation
Fat Transfer

Undoubtedly, the most powerful and resilient rejuvenation of the face and neck is accomplished through surgery. A lower face and neck lift restores youthfulness through careful repositioning of your natural facial volume. Excess skin is removed in a balanced fashion to create a natural esthetic that avoids an overdone appearance.

Volume loss from the midface is common and accentuates aging around the eyes. A midface lift repositions your existing facial soft tissue onto the cheekbones to restore vitality to this part of the face.

Fat taken from the abdomen and flanks is often injected in small amounts to permanently replace lost volume. This is done at the same time as the mid and lower facelift procedures to drastically improve the result.

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Learn About The Surgery

The Facelift Procedure

RESTORE VITALITY & YOUTHFULNESS

A natural and balanced appearance is restored to the aging face by repositioning and enhancing the natural facial volume along with removal of excess, sagging skin. Vertical bands, loose skin and fullness beneath the chin are also corrected to define the jaw and neckline. Facelift procedures are often combined with eyelid and brow procedures to achieve complete facial rejuvenation. The goal is to make you look younger and refreshed, not overdone.

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What to Expect

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Consultation

The facelift consultation focuses on creating a personalized treatment plan that addresses your goals and fulfills your expectations. With the knowledge that each individual is unique, non-surgical as well as surgical options will be discussed. Often, the chosen plan will combine both approaches. My goal is for you to have full confidence in your decision to make the change you have always imagined.

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Surgery

Surgery is performed at an accredited surgery center in Newport Beach, California, USA. Under the care of a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, general anesthesia (fully asleep) is used to ensure maximal comfort and safety.

The incisions for a lower face and neck lift are hidden in the natural contours of the ear and hairline. They gradually fade with time at which point they are nearly imperceptible. For adequate contouring of the neck, a small incision is made in the natural crease beneath the chin, which is also unnoticeable during daily conversation.

PRE-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

General Instructions

1. Stop all Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve, Fish Oil, Supplements with Omega 3, Ginger, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba and Turmeric – as these will thin the blood and complicate the surgery. You may take Tylenol as needed.
2. Medications – please notify us of any medications or supplements that you take regularly so that we may advise you appropriately.
3. Please fill all prescriptions prior to surgery so that they may be started immediately upon returning home.
4. Please no recreational drug use or smoking 4 weeks prior to and after the surgery.
5. Please have lab work completed 1-2 weeks prior to surgery.
6. Contact us immediately if you have any change in your health between your pre-operative visit and the surgery date.
7. Arrange for a driver to pick you up from the surgery center. Uber or Lyft are not acceptable. The driver does not have to remain onsite during surgery. they will be called when you are ready to be discharged from the recovery unit.
8. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety.
9. DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY.

Create a “Wish Picture”

Visualizing the volumetric breast change on your own body can be invaluable to the surgical planning process! The Mentor™ 3D Breast Simulator app will facilitate the creation of a “wish picture” prior to your pre-operative visit and works best for augmentation and/or lift procedures. Simply take three pictures as instructed and begin simulating the desired look of your new breasts. When finished, you can securely send your photos to us at info@donaldmowldsmd.com.

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Morning of Surgery

1. Take a shower using anti-bacterial soap – No lotions, hair products, powders, perfumes or makeup.
2. Wear loose comfortable clothing to the surgery center. We recommend wearing zip-up or button-up shirts and loose, comfortable pants.
3. Female patients will be given a urine pregnancy test at the surgery center.

We are here to help you through your recovery. Please do not hesitate to call our office.

Recovery

Patients are monitored overnight at the surgery center to ensure comfort and are discharged home the following morning. The procedure is generally well tolerated with minimal reported discomfort. Your sutures are removed painlessly in the office one week following the procedure. My patients are back to light activity the week following surgery.

POST-OPERATIVE GUIDANCE

General Instructions

1. Prescriptions provided at your pre-operative appointment should be filled prior to surgery and started when you arrive home. Take the first antibiotic dose at dinner time.
2. Please take a daily stool softener (e.g. Colace) or laxative (e.g. Senokot) while taking the pain medication. Stop if stools become loose.
3. Do not take Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve or herbal medications as these interfere with your blood’s ability to clot.
4. Bruising is a normal part of surgery. Over-the-counter Arnica can help expedite its resolution.
5. If you had eyelid surgery, you may temporarily have trouble closing your eyes while you sleep. Apply over the counter artificial tears before bed and as needed for irritation. Also, apply ice cold compresses to the eyes at 20-minute intervals for the first 24 hours following surgery.
6. Continue to remain hydrated following the surgery.
7. Resume your regular diet, there are no restrictions; however, soft foods may be more comfortable for the first couple of days. If you become nauseous, carbonated beverages and crackers may help settle the stomach. Zofran (Ondansetron) will be prescribed and can be taken as well.
8. Make sure you have a responsible adult stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following surgery – this is for your safety.
9. Do not remove the dressings. They will be removed at your first post-operative appointment. If they fall off prior to your first visit, please call the office to arrange an earlier visit.
10. DO NOT WEAR GLASSES OR SUNGLASSES UNITL CLEARED BY DR. MOWLDS.
11. You may wash your body from the neck down. Do not get your dressings wet.
12. Ambulate throughout the day to prevent blood clots in your legs.
13. Do not lift anything heavier than a purse and no pushing, pulling, exercise or any activity that may raise your blood pressure until cleared.
14. No smoking – this inhibits wound healing, causing undesirable complications.
15. Driving – Do not drive or perform any tasks that require coordination or judgement until cleared.
16. Please call the office if you experience fever, chills, increased pain, wound drainage or if you have any concerns. Our office hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-12pm. To reach me after hours, please call the office and follow the prompts.

Results

The results are intended to be long-lasting provided patients maintain a healthy lifestyle and adhere to a comprehensive skin care regimen.

FAQs

Am I too young for a facelift?

No two patients are the same and there is no minimum age for a facelift. The most important aspect to consider is the result you are trying to achieve and the magnitude of the correction required to achieve that goal. If there is appreciable overall facial skin laxity, non-surgical options will often disappoint.

Am I a candidate for a liquid facelift?

In 2018 I published an article along with colleague and friend Val Lambros, MD, which demonstrating that filler placed in the cheek does not result in a longitudinal “pull” on the lower face. As such, filler cannot be considered a reliable substitute for a surgical facelift.

What about non-surgical skin tightening devices?

Energy-based devices deliver heat to the skin and its underlying components, stimulating collagen remodeling and tightening. While these do produce a temporary and subtle improvement in perceived skin tightness, they do not “subtract” skin from the face. Patient’s intuitively understand this notion. These devices are a useful adjunct to a surgical facelift, however not a replacement.

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FACELIFT SURGERY

Receive an in-depth consultation where we will thoroughly review your goals to personalize a plan focused on a natural and aesthetic result. Dr. Donald S. Mowlds, MD is located in beautiful Newport Beach, CA but is also available via a virtual consultation for out-of-town patients.

Or Call 949.759.5539

Before & After

Stunning, natural results from patients.

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Facial Procedures

All procedures are done in a balanced and natural esthetic.

Face & Neck Lift

A lower face and neck lift restores youthfulness through careful repositioning of your natural facial volume. Excess skin is removed in a balanced fashion to create a natural esthetic that avoids an overdone appearance.

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Neck Liposculpture

Liposculpture uses various liposuction techniques to address the excess fat tissue of the neck, jowls and chin to provide an enhanced contour. The targeted approach that liposuction affords is unparalleled and results in customized contouring of the neck and jaw. Mild skin laxity is also improved during the healing process following liposuction.

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Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)

A surgical as well as non-surgical rhinoplasty “nose job” should be performed in harmony with the patient’s existing facial contours and ethnicity, creating the most natural result. We will devise a comprehensive plan that balances the objectives with your natural facial features in order to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result.

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Chin Augmentation

The chin is the centerpiece of the lower face and as such conveys excess or deficiency in this area. A chin augmentation utilizes a small silicone implant placed through a discrete incision to create a more balanced profile and structure to the jaw and lower face.

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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Excess skin and fat naturally accumulate in the eyelid as we age. Commonly referred to as bagginess, patients are uniformly displeased with the aged and fatigued look that this extra tissue conveys.

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Brow Lift

Eyebrow lifts reposition the eyebrows to the ideal location, refreshing the upper eye region. Brow lift surgery is often combined with upper eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, to achieve a maximal rejuvenation in this area.

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Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)

Ear rejuvenation aims to restore a natural, symmetric and aesthetic appearance to the ears. Abnormally shaped ears can be inherited at birth and cause distress throughout the adolescent years and beyond.

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Patient Reviews

Jessica T.

I am SO HAPPY with my new body!!

Dr. Mowlds replaced my breast implants and gave me a full tummy tuck. My scars are so minimal! The man has good hands! He took so much time to listen to me, care about my concerns and really understand the results I was hoping for. Can I just say, THIS MAN DELIVERED!! He actually gave me better results than I was hoping for. Finally a man who keeps his word! Hahahaha! His assistant, Mallory, also took so much time with me, checked in, listened, always responded to my messages right away and was just so sweet!! Two of my friends have also gone to him for breast augmentation because of how pleased I am with my experience and results. Thank you, Dr. Mowlds, for my reconstructed body-ody!! It’s amazing now bc of your skill and artistic craftsmanship!

Jessica T.

Andrea R.

I loved that Dr. Mowlds treated me like a friend who he wanted to have the best experience and results possible

Dr. Mowlds is the absolute BEST at what he does. I had a botched breast augmentation, which was causing me serious health concerns, chronic chest and back pain. I was extremely nervous as I didn’t think my issue could be resolved, let’s just say my breasts needed a lot of work. He is a true artist in his field, and my breasts are proof of that. Dr. Mowlds was professional, warm, knowledgeable, talented, and great at listening to my concerns and helping me understand everything along the way. I have already recommended a few of my girlfriends to go see him.

Andrea R.

Nicole K.

Dr. Mowlds is a phenomenal surgeon and I feel so blessed to have had him do my surgery!!

I had symmastia breast reconstructive surgery done by Dr. Mowlds. I had lived the last 15 years with my breasts looking like a “uni-boob.” I felt so self conscious for many years. I also breast fed 2 kids so I had a lot of rippling and loss of saline in my old implants. Dr. Mowlds was extremely honest, caring and helpful with making the decision to fix my breasts. He listened to exactly what I wanted and his staff was absolutely amazing!! In order to reconstruct my breasts he used galaflex absorbable mesh to separate my breasts and make them normal again. I went with silicone implants this time and could not be happier with my results. Everyday I feel so thankful I can look in the mirror and feel normal. Dr. Mowlds is the ABSOLUTE BEST SURGEON!!

Nicole K.

Kinda H.

I have seen a number of surgeons around the world and Dr. Mowlds is by far THE BEST

I am absolutely thrilled with my results! Not only is he knowledgeable and meticulous, he’s a great listener. As a result, he put a thoughtful and innovative plan together for my case that no other surgeon had considered before and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Very little pain post surgery and he put me at ease from start to finish. Mallory, his office manager, is also wonderful and was always available to answer my questions. I highly recommended him and his team.

Kinda H.

Ulyana F.

Dr. Mowlds’ work and meticulous attention to detail is exceptional!

5 stars is not enough for Dr. Mowlds and his team! Dr. Mowlds is a highly qualified and skilled cosmetic surgeon. Mallory the patient coordinator is always so helpful and pleasant. Brittany the PA is professional and very sweet. From the consult to the post-op appointments, I always feel like I am Dr. Mowlds’ only patient. His professionalism, knowledge, expertise, bedside manner, kindness, attentiveness along with my results are all beyond my highest expectations.

Ulyana F.

Abigail S.

After a virtual consultation, I knew Dr. Mowlds was the right choice
After consulting with numerous plastic surgeons I decided on Dr. Mowlds for my c-section scar revision and Renuvion skin tightening. I had 3 emergency c-sections that had left me with a terrible looking scar. The added bonus was that he has the Renuvion skin tightening machine which is the gold standard in skin tightening and I am amazed at my results just 3 weeks out. I am so happy with my decision and would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds for any cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

Abigail S.

Merdith V.

Dr. Mowlds is very meticulous, gentle, honest and has good, conservative taste

Dr. Mowlds was extremely professional and made me feel very comfortable in what would typically be a very nervous, uncertain situation around needles. He took his time and was very patient answering all my questions. I’ve been seeing him for Botox, lip + laser treatments and will not go to anyone else. So grateful to have found him!

Merdith V.

Scarlett A.

Dr. Mowlds made me feel so much more confident and the results were more than I could have ever hoped for

He did liposuction under my neck to get rid of my double chin and define my jawline. It was the best decision I have ever made. The surgery was easy and recovery was smooth. Dr. Mowlds checks up on his patients every 2-3 weeks to make sure the results are perfect. Highly recommend this surgery and Dr. Mowlds!!

Scarlett A.

Samira H.

Dr. Mowlds was very personable, informative, and a great listener

I met Dr. Mowlds for the first time back in April of 2023 and knew right away that I could trust him with my procedures. He made me feel at ease and catered to exactly what I was looking for. His staff was very friendly, always available and would respond to my questions very quickly before and after my surgery. My surgery was a complete success. I am very happy with the results and I would highly recommend Dr. Mowlds to all my family and friends. Truly an exceptional experience! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 🥰❤️🙏🏻

Samira H.

Daisy M.

Dr. Mowlds is by far the BEST to say the least

I’m glad I came across him. His staff is AMAZING, always a phone call or text away pre and post op. I had gone to several consults in which they didn’t make me comfortable or confident to choose them. Dr. Mowlds and I met. I explained to him my complicated case, my concerns and showed him what he had to fix. He shared his thoughts, knowledge and was up for the challenge. He was very detailed in his explanations and sure did deliver. I have no regrets picking him as my surgeon. HE IS THE BEST!

Daisy M.

Melanie M.

It is quite evident Dr. Mowlds takes a lot of pride in the work that he performs!

Dr. Mowlds and his staff provided me with outstanding and professional healthcare. He always treated me with kindness and respect during our patient visits. I underwent an extensive back surgery and was not only concerned with the physical results, but additionally, the functional results of an extensive surgical closure. I am so grateful my neurosurgeon recommended and works in collaboration with Dr Mowlds. I am extremely pleased with the aesthetic results of my surgery and would not hesitate to recommend this professional practice.

Melanie M.