Contact the Doctor

Message

News & Events

See Dr.Azizzadeh featured on the Oprah Winfrey show

Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Azizzadeh is the author of the preeminent facial plastic surgery textbook "Master Techniques in Facial Rejuvenation", which is currently in second print. Surgical techniques are described in detail through text, photos, illustrations, and two comprehensive DVD's.

Read Chapters: One Ten

Available at Amazon.com

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Azizzadeh Course Director for Advances in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery October 25-26

More information

Liquid Facelift

In Beverly Hills and serving the Los Angeles area

Do I need a facelift?

Four components of the facial structure change as one ages: the skin, muscle, bone, and fat. Loss of elasticity in the skin and soft tissues, a loss of volume, reabsorbing of the bone and gravity are all signs of aging. A facelift does not solve all of the problems of aging such as age spots and surface texture changes. A variety of techniques are available to help with the aging process, the muscle contractions are relaxed.

Injectables can address:

• Lost fullness
• Expression lines
• Flattened or hollowed features

Recommended Treatment to Restore Volume:

Varying degrees of wrinkles and folds and different areas of the face can be addressed with the use of injectables in a facelift procedure. Plumping up facial volume and filling fine lines and wrinkles can be addressed by using dermal fillers. Expression-related creases are caused my muscle contractions; however, with the use of denervating agents such as Botox.

How it's done:

After an examination, we will draw up a treatment plan designed specifically for signs of aging and one's personal goals. Temporary fillers such as hyaluronic acid-based (Restylane and Juvderm) or collagen-based (CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast), as well as longer-lasting injectables like Radiesse, Artefille and Sculptra are all candidates that we may use. Botox is often used in conjunction with fillers to relax facial muscles that contribute to wrinkles and furrows. Injecting fillers at varying depths to fill creases creates a more youthful contours and appearance. Depending on the number of injections sites and the injectables used treatment can take as little as 30 minutes. Restylane and Juvderm fill lips and creases, CosmoDerm and CosmoPlast fill fine lines and thinner tissues, and Radiesse and Sculptra create new curves or fill deep crevices in facelift procedures.

What to expect:

Injectable facelift results are usually visible instantly; however, if Sculptra is used it can take up to three sessions to see improvement. Sessions are spaced about a month apart. Some of the initial plumping may be due to overfilling or swelling. It is common for multiple injection sites, but swelling and bruising may be experienced the first few days after treatment. To minimize swelling, patients leave with a pack of ice and are advised not to exercise for the first few hours to prevent an increase in heart rate or blood pressure. Patients should avoid vitamin E, anti-inflammatories, herbal supplements and other medications that promote bruising.

How long does it last?

Duration depends on which fillers were used in the facelift procedure and longevity is measured in months. Lasting results are highly variable; the patient may notice subtle changes in their own skin as the months pass. Collagen-based fillers last three to four months, hyaluronic acid-based fillers can last from six to 12 months, and semi-permanent injectables can last one to two years or more. Botox lasts from three to six months and may help temporary fillers to last longer by decreasing muscle action.

Risks:

In order to fine-tune results additional follow-up treatments may be necessary. Additional injections are required in the event of asymmetry. Grandulomas (little bumps that can be felt and sometimes seen, under the skin) may develop when longer-lasting particle-based fillers like Radiesse or Artefill are used.

Fat Transfer:

Fat transfer is a longer-lasting option in facelift procedures versus injectable fillers, which are for the most part, temporary. Liposuction is used to harvest fat from the hips or thighs. The fat is put in small syringes and then strategically re-injected to replace lost volume or reshape the face. Today's injection techniques allow doctors to place fat where significant amounts will survive. Fat is commonly injected in places such as: the hollows under the eyes, the midface, nasolabial folds, the lips, around the mouth, the jawline and beyond.

How long results last:

Facelift procedures utilizing fillers generally last four months to two years; fat injections are permanent.