Procedure Details

Minilifts are less invasive, less extensive procedures. While they often involve shorter recoveries and decreased bruising and swelling, they cannot achieve the same results of a traditional face or neck lift.

Dr. Ahn's patients generally experience very little pain after undergoing a facelift. However, there can be some discomfort and pain medication will be prescribed to help combat this.

Some tenderness and post-operative discomfort can be expected after chin implantation. Patients often experience a tight or stretched sensation. While this typically fades within a week, pain medication can be prescribed.

The incisions made for chin implantation will result in scars. When located on the inside of the mouth, there is no visible scarring. If the incision is made in the natural crease just under the chin, the resulting scar is typically imperceptible.

The incisions made for the facelift will result in scars. However, Dr. Ahn places three gently curved incisions along the natural contour of the ear as opposed to the traditional approach which involves long, straight incisions. These incisions are smaller and their curved nature makes them less noticeable to the naked eye. Once healed, the scars are usually barely noticeable.

Dr. Ahn begins the chin implantation procedure by making an incision in the natural crease line just below the chin or on the inside of the mouth where the lower lip and gum meet. He will then create a space for the implant by gently stretching the tissue. Once the implant is in place, fine sutures will be used to close the incision.

Dr. Ahn begins the facelift by making three gently curved incisions that follow the natural contour of the ear. These incisions are smaller than the traditional long, straight incisions and the curved lines are less noticeable to the naked eye than straight lines. Dr. Ahn will then lift the skin in order to tighten the underlying muscle, thus lifting the jowls and tightening the neck contour. The skin is then gently redraped, excess skin is trimmed, and the incisions are closed with fine sutures. A loose wrap is applied to the head and neck.

The facelift may take anywhere from two to four hours depending on the extent of the surgery.

Chin implants are made of a synthetic material and come in a variety of sizes and shapes which can be customized to the individual patient. They feel much like the natural tissue found normally in the chin.

The facelift does not stop the aging process or turn back the clock. Instead, the procedure restore a more healthy a youthful appearance to help your face look its best. The traditional facelift targets the lower face and neck area and will not affect the forehead, brow or eyes. These areas may be treated with browlift or eyelid lift.

The facelift is a plastic surgery procedure which can improve the appearance of jowls, extra skin, fat and vertical folds at the front of the neck. The procedure can rejuvenate the face and neck and restore a more healthy and youthful look to the overall facial appearance. The traditional facelift targets the lower face and neck area including jowls, excess skin and neck banding. This can be combined with a browlift and upper and lower eyelid lift for what some refer to as a complete facelift.

The mini facelift is a less invasive facelift technique which refreshes the lower face and improves the appearance of the jowls.

The mini necklift is a less invasive necklift technique which tightens excess neck skin and removes vertical necks bands.

Min-lifts are less invasive procedures which can be customized to the individual to address specific problem areas. There are both mini-facelifts and mini-necklifts. The mini-facelift is a procedure which can improve the jowls and lower face while the mini-necklift tightens excess neck skin and removes vertical neck bands. Minilifts are less extensive than traditional procedures and often involve shorter recoveries and decreased bruising and swelling.

Chin implantation is a procedure which can improve a weak or receding chin with the use of an implant. This surgery can create a more defined chin as well as better facial balance. Chin implantation is often performed in combination with rhinoplasty to achieve the best facial harmony. The chin may also be improve through submental liposuction. This procedure redefines the chin or neckline through the removal of excess fatty tissue.

The facelift may be performed with local anesthesia combined with a mild intravenous anesthesia or with general anesthesia.

Minilifts are usually performed with a combination of local anesthesia and mild sedation.

Patients may experience some discomfort after the facelift which can be controlled with pain medication. The dressing will be removed one day after surgery along with the drainage tube if used. Stitches are removed after seven to ten days. Some numbness may occur around the facial skin and ear for several weeks. Following Dr. Ahn's postoperative instructions will help to minimize bruising and swelling. Within seven to ten days, patients should have minimal discoloration. The recovery generally takes two to three weeks, though patients should allow at least four weeks before attending any important public engagements.

A dressing will be applied to the chin after your chin implantation surgery and this will be removed within two to three days. A liquid or soft food diet may need to be followed for the first few days as chewing may be limited. Any discomfort or tenderness that you experience can be alleviated with prescribed medications and will likely fade within a week's time.

Recovery after a minilift is generally less extensive than after a traditional face or neck lift. Total recovery times are usually about ten days to two weeks and bruising and swelling are typically decreased.

During the consultation for a facelift, Dr. Ahn will discuss the available treatment options, the benefits, the expected outcome and any alternatives. He will go over any questions or concerns that you may have and help you to make an informed decision by educating you about the facelift surgery. Dr. Ahn will also examine the structure of your face, jawline and neck as well as your skin texture, color and elasticity. Photographs will be taken so that the doctor can study your face and demonstrate the potential results of the facelift. Your medical history will be reviewed and individual risks assessed. Be sure to tell Dr. Ahn if you have any medical situations such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, blood clotting problems, and whether or not you smoke.

During a consultation for a minilift, Dr. Ahn will discuss the treatment options available to you including their benefits, the expected outcomes and any alternatives. He will help you to make an informed decision by educating you about the minilift and addressing any questions or concerns that you may have. Digital photography and computer imaging will be used to demonstrate the potential results of the minilift.

During the consultation for chin implantation, Dr. Ahn will discuss the available treatment options including the benefits, the expected outcomes, any alternatives, and new medical techniques for chin surgery. He will help you to decide on the type of surgery to meet your needs and recommend any supplementary surgery that may help to ensure the greatest improvement. Any questions or concerns that you have will be addressed. Digital photography and computer imaging cam be used to demonstrate your potential results.

The stitches are removed within seven to ten days after the facelift.

Dr. Ahn places three gently curved incisions along the natural contour of the ear. These incisions are smaller than the traditional long, straight ones. Furthermore, the curved nature of the incisions make them less noticeable to the naked eye so that, once healed, they can be barely noticeable.

Chin implantation involves a small incision which may be made either in the natural crease line just beneath the chin or on the inside of the mouth where the lower lip and gum meet.

Healthy individuals who are looking to improve the appearance of the lower face and neck, including jowls, excess skin and fat, and vertical neck folds, may be good candidates for a facelift. Patients should also be psychologically stable and have realistic expectations.

Minilifts are often ideal for younger patients looking to improve less extensive sagging of the lower face and jowls or less extensive loose skin and banding of the neck.

Individuals looking to improve a weak or receding chin may be good candidates for chin implantation. Submental liposuction may also be an option for those seeking better definition in the chin and neckline.