Refined Results with Deep Plane Facelift
Experience natural facial rejuvenation through deep plane and preservation facelift methods.
Trust Your Face to a Double Board-Certified Surgeon
Choosing to have a facelift with Dr. Richard Balikian means placing your trust in a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon known for delivering natural, refined results. With a personalized approach and advanced techniques, Dr. Balikian helps patients restore youthful contours and rejuvenate their appearance with precision and care.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, medically known as a rhytidectomy, is a highly effective cosmetic surgery designed to reverse many of the most visible signs of facial aging. As we age, skin loses elasticity, facial fat shifts, and deeper tissues begin to sag, leading to features that may look tired, droopy, or less defined.
Facelifts are commonly performed to address:
- Loose, excess skin.
- Accumulated fat along the jawline or under the chin.
- Deep facial wrinkles such as marionette lines and nasolabial folds.
- Sagging tissues in the mid-to-lower face.
- Jowls and loss of jawline definition.
By carefully lifting and repositioning the underlying muscles and tissues, removing or redistributing fat, and excising excess skin, a facelift can dramatically rejuvenate your appearance. The result is a smoother, firmer, and more youthful look that still feels natural, not overdone.
“A facelift should never make you look different, just like a brighter, rested version of yourself.”
– Dr. Balikian
Types of Facelifts
Dr. Richard Balikian is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in facial rejuvenation. He is best known for his deep plane facelift techniques, a more advanced and lasting approach to lifting and reshaping the face by addressing deeper structural layers beneath the skin.
Every procedure is customized to the patient’s anatomy, aging pattern, and aesthetic goals.
Artiste Lift™ – Preservation Deep Plane Facelift
This is Dr. Balikian’s signature facelift, a refined version of the deep plane facelift that carefully repositions deep facial structures while preserving your unique beauty.
Unlike traditional facelifts that only tighten the skin or the SMAS layer, the Artiste Lift™ lifts the skin, SMAS, and retaining ligaments together in one unified, natural movement.
This approach allows for dramatic yet natural correction of jowls, nasolabial folds, and midface descent, without a pulled or artificial look. The result is a smooth, soft lift that looks natural both at rest and in motion.
Comprehensive Artiste Lift™
For patients seeking full facial rejuvenation, Dr. Balikian offers the Comprehensive Artiste Lift™. This includes the preservation deep plane facelift along with customized procedures such as:
- Four-point temporal brow lift
- Deep vertical neck lift
- Facial fat transfer
- Upper and lower eyelid surgery
Each procedure is performed with artistic precision, restoring brightness and youthful proportions across the entire face while maintaining a natural aesthetic.
Deep Plane Facelift
At the heart of Dr. Balikian’s facial rejuvenation philosophy is the deep plane facelift, a technique that lifts not just the skin but also the underlying muscular and ligamentous structures of the face. This allows for dramatic rejuvenation while avoiding the tight or “windblown” appearance associated with older facelift methods.
Unlike a SMAS-only facelift, the deep plane approach releases facial retaining ligaments and repositions the midface, cheeks, and jowls as a single unit. This deeper lift restores youthful volume and structure where it’s been lost, especially in the cheeks and lower face.
Dr. Balikian uses this technique as the core of his signature Artiste Lift™, offering:
- Smoother jawline and neckline
- Softened nasolabial folds
- Lifted cheeks with restored volume
- Natural-looking expressions in motion
Because the lift is performed beneath the superficial layers, the skin rests in a tension-free position, promoting better healing and a more natural appearance. The deep plane facelift is considered one of the most advanced and long-lasting facial rejuvenation techniques available today.
Deep Vertical Neck Lift
A signature part of many of Dr. Balikian’s facelifts, the Deep Vertical Neck Lift targets the deeper structures of the neck, including muscle bands (platysma), deep fat, and loose skin. This technique allows for vertical redraping and sculpting of the neck and jawline, creating a sharper, more youthful contour with lasting definition.
Dr. Balikian’s facelift techniques go beyond skin tightening. They are structural, anatomical, and artistic, designed to rejuvenate your appearance while preserving your natural character.
Thousands Transformed. Results That Look Naturally You.
Thousands have trusted Dr. Balikian to restore their facial harmony with expertly tailored procedures that lift the cheeks, define the jawline, smooth the neck, and refresh the eyes. The results look effortlessly natural and beautifully balanced.
A Smoother, Smarter Deep Plane Facelift Recovery
We know your time is valuable, and you want to heal quickly without compromising comfort or results. That’s why Dr. Balikian has refined the facelift recovery process to be as streamlined and stress-free as possible.
Here’s how our method stands apart:
- No Need for Narcotics – Our advanced techniques help minimize discomfort without relying on heavy pain medications, supporting a quicker, cleaner recovery.
- Drain-Free Healing – Say goodbye to surgical drains and bulky compression gear, our modern approach makes recovery simpler and more comfortable.
- Reduced Swelling and Bruising – With less post-operative inflammation, you’ll start to see results sooner and feel confident faster.
- Enhanced Healing Support – We offer optional therapies like ELIXIR MD™ light treatment, gentle lymphatic massage, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to accelerate your recovery.
- Comfort-Focused Care – From better sleep solutions to thoughtful post-op instructions, everything is designed to help you feel your best during healing.
Because recovering from a facelift or neck lift isn’t just about your appearance, it’s about regaining comfort, energy, and confidence with less downtime.
Accelerated Deep Plane Facelift Healing with ELIXIR MD™
Dr. Balikian goes the extra mile for his patients, offering ELIXIR MD™, an FDA-cleared light therapy that speeds healing, reduces swelling, and minimizes bruising.
Combined with his advanced techniques and attentive aftercare, it helps patients recover faster and more comfortably, with natural, confident results.
Complementary Procedures
To create the most natural and balanced facial rejuvenation, Dr. Balikian often combines a facelift with additional procedures that address volume loss, skin texture, and signs of aging around the eyes.
- Facial Fat Transfer – As we age, the face loses volume, like a grape turning into a raisin. While a facelift lifts and repositions tissue, fat transfer restores youthful fullness using your own fat, often from areas like the abdomen. Dr. Balikian frequently pairs this with facelifting to sculpt and soften the face with artistic precision, noting that a facelift rejuvenates, but fat adds beauty.
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing – A facelift improves sagging and some fine lines, but deeper wrinkles require resurfacing. Dr. Balikian often performs CO₂ laser treatment alongside facelift surgery to smooth the skin, stimulate collagen, and improve texture. Think of it as refinishing the surface, refining the skin without erasing its natural character.
- Eyelid Surgery – Heavy or sagging eyelids can make you look tired or older than you feel. When needed, upper or lower eyelid surgery is combined with a facelift to refresh the eyes and restore a more alert, rested appearance. Candidacy is determined during your consultation.
By thoughtfully combining these procedures, Dr. Balikian can address multiple dimensions of aging, lifting, filling, smoothing, and brightening the face for a refreshed yet natural look. These enhancements are often seamlessly integrated into his signature Artiste Lift™, a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation that blends precision, artistry, and customization for truly transformative results.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Facelift?
If you’re noticing sagging skin, deep creases, jowls, or a tired appearance in the lower face or neck, a facelift may be the right solution. Ideal candidates are in good physical and emotional health, have realistic expectations, and are non-smokers. This procedure is especially effective for addressing visible signs of aging caused by gravity, sun exposure, and genetics.
While a facelift lifts and tightens loose skin, it doesn’t fully address volume loss or surface wrinkles on its own. To achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation, Dr. Balikian may recommend combining your facelift with complementary treatments like fat transfer or laser resurfacing.
During your consultation, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Balikian will evaluate your features, review your health history, and listen closely to your goals. He’ll then create a customized treatment plan designed to deliver natural, balanced results, whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or a more dramatic transformation.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a highly respected facial plastic surgeon serving the San Diego area.
With over 20 years of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Balikian offers a unique combination of technical expertise and artistic vision.
He is part of an elite group of surgeons with extensive training focused exclusively on the face and neck.
What Patients Are Saying
“Dr. Balikian is absolutely wonderful. Amazing results, while treating his patients with care and respect. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Highly recommended.”
“I was able to attend a family wedding just 10 weeks following the procedure. No scars were visible. I received the results I wanted. A refreshed, more youthful look.”
“Dr. Balikian is patient and takes the necessary time to empower his patients with the information they need to make I formed decisions. His approach is friendly patient centered and professional.”
“Received excellent professional care, treatment and service by highly qualified, amazing & kind Doctor and staff. I am still in the healing stages and very pleased with the results I am seeing.”
Deep Plane Facelift FAQs
How is a facelift performed?
A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging on the face and neck. It typically involves making incisions around the hairline, ears, and sometimes under the chin.
What can I expect during facelift recovery?
Facelift recovery with Dr. Balikian is designed to be as comfortable and streamlined as possible. Using advanced surgical techniques, he minimizes tissue trauma, which leads to reduced swelling and bruising compared to traditional methods. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth their recovery process is.
Pain is typically minimal, and most patients find they can manage discomfort without the need for narcotics. Unlike traditional facelifts, Dr. Balikian’s technique does not require surgical drains or tight compression garments, which helps make recovery more comfortable and less restrictive.
To further enhance healing, Dr. Balikian offers supportive treatments such as ELIXIR MD™ light therapy, lymphatic massage, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These optional add-ons help accelerate recovery by reducing swelling and promoting circulation, so you can look and feel better faster.
You’ll return for follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing. Most patients feel ready to return to social activities within 10 to 14 days, with continued improvement over the following weeks.
Dr. Balikian and his team are committed to supporting you through every step of your recovery, ensuring both your comfort and confidence as you heal.
Will a facelift leave scars?
Like any surgical procedure, a facelift does leave scars, but they are usually well-hidden and fade over time. Dr. Balikian makes incisions in discreet locations, such as along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin, to minimize visible scarring. With proper care and following post-operative instructions, scars typically become less noticeable. It’s important to protect the incisions from sun exposure and use recommended scar treatments to aid in the healing process.
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results are long-lasting, typically enduring for 10 to 15 years. However, the natural aging process continues, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skin type can affect the longevity of the results. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper skincare, sun protection, and avoid smoking. Some patients may opt for minor touch-up procedures or non-surgical treatments to maintain their rejuvenated appearance over time.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes, a facelift can be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance overall results. Common complementary procedures include eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, neck lift, and non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers or Botox.
What is the difference between a deep plane facelift and a regular facelift?
A traditional facelift typically lifts only the skin and sometimes the underlying SMAS layer. A deep plane facelift goes deeper, releasing and repositioning the facial ligaments and deeper tissues for more natural and longer-lasting results.
How long do deep plane facelifts last?
Results from a deep plane facelift can last 10 to 15 years, depending on your skin quality, aging process, and lifestyle. Because the lift occurs at a deeper level, the outcome tends to be more durable than skin-only techniques.
Does a deep plane facelift look natural?
Yes. The deep plane technique lifts facial structures in harmony with your natural anatomy, avoiding the overly tight or “pulled” look associated with older facelift methods.
Does a deep plane facelift include a neck lift?
Often, yes. Many deep plane facelifts are performed in combination with a deep vertical neck lift for seamless rejuvenation of the jawline and neck.
Is skin removed during a deep plane facelift?
Yes, excess skin is gently removed after the deeper tissues have been repositioned. This helps smooth the surface without putting tension on the skin, contributing to natural-looking results.
Is there a better procedure than the deep plane facelift?
While the deep plane facelift is widely considered the gold standard for facial rejuvenation, Dr. Balikian’s Artiste Lift™, a Preservation Deep Plane Facelift, offers an advanced evolution of the technique. The Artiste Lift™ achieves powerful, natural-looking results with less trauma and faster recovery.
For patients seeking the most refined approach to facial rejuvenation, this customized procedure may offer the highest level of artistry and longevity.
Can you tell if someone has had a facelift?
Not if it’s done well. The deep plane facelift is designed to refresh your appearance without making you look like a different person. The goal is for you to look rested, lifted, and naturally youthful, not “done.”
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
