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Facelift

The Secret to a Rejuvenated Face That Looks Decades Younger

Natural, Long-Lasting Rejuvenation by Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva

There’s a quiet confidence that comes from looking as youthful as you feel.


At LEA Plastic Surgery, Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva helps patients reconnect with their natural beauty through the most advanced facelift technique available today — the deep plane facelift. This revolutionary new procedure restores youthful contours without sacrificing character, offering natural-looking results that are elegant, refined, and will last for many years to come.


Whether you’re new to facial procedures or have been considering one for years, LEA Plastic Surgery offers a concierge-level experience that supports you from consultation through recovery.

Why Choose a Deep Plane Facelift?

Unlike older facelift methods that lift only the skin, a deep plane facelift repositions the deeper muscular layer, producing more natural-looking and significantly longer-lasting results.

This advanced technique avoids the “pulled” appearance often seen in traditional facelifts by restoring the natural architecture of your face.

Benefits of the deep plane facelift include:

  • Natural-looking results that preserve facial expression
  • Enhanced definition of the jawline, cheeks, and neck
  • Longevity of 15+ years with proper care
  • Reduction in visible scarring with no tension on the skin

Dr. Ho Taghva is among a select group of US surgeons trained in this sophisticated technique. She combines technical mastery with an artistic eye to deliver results that are refined, balanced, and tailored to your facial anatomy.

Is a Facelift Right for You?

Facelift surgery may be a strong option if you’re noticing:

  • Sagging or hollow cheeks
  • Jowling along the jawline
  • Loose or crepey neck skin
  • Deep folds around the mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Volume loss or under-eye puffiness

While most facelift patients are in their 50s, 60s, or beyond, some in their 40s opt for a mini facelift to address early signs of aging. Dr. Ho Taghva also offers revision facelifts for patients who want to improve or refine the outcome of a previous procedure.

Facelift Before-and-After Pictures

What to Expect: Your Facelift Journey

Your Patient Care Coordinator will schedule an initial one-on-one consultation for you with Dr. Ho Taghva. During this initial meeting, the doctor will discuss your concerns, evaluate your facial anatomy, and determine whether a deep plane, mini, or traditional facelift best fits your personal goals. You’ll also review timelines, downtime expectations, and potential adjunct procedures such as eyelid or neck lift.

Facelifts are performed in our accredited Newport Beach surgical center. Incisions are discreetly placed around the ears and hairline. If needed, a neck lift or eyelid surgery can be performed at the same time for a more comprehensive result. Our patient-centered process ensures privacy, comfort, and safety throughout your experience.

In some cases, facial fat transfer may be recommended to restore lost volume around the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area, enhancing your overall result. The procedure typically lasts several hours, and you’ll go home the same day with detailed post-operative instructions.

You’ll be up and about within a week, with most swelling resolved in 2–3 weeks. Final results continue to improve over several months. For tips on managing bruising and swelling, visit our Facelift Recovery Guide or Bruising Tips After Facelift.

Most patients return to work and normal social activities within two weeks, though residual swelling may persist a bit longer. Following proper recovery protocols — including keeping your head elevated, avoiding strenuous activity, and using cold compresses — can help speed healing.

Expect a younger, refreshed version of yourself — without looking overdone. Deep plane facelift results typically last 15+ years. Many patients tell us their outcomes look so natural, friends assume they just returned from a restful vacation.

Patients also report a significant boost in self-confidence, whether it’s at work, in photos, or during social interactions. For long-term results, we may recommend ongoing skincare, sun protection, and complementary treatments like laser or RF tightening.

“I am now able to look people in the face and not be self conscious about how I look. My personal life and my professional career have flourished and I look forward to what the future may hold.”

Facelift patient

Alongside a facelift, many patients choose to get a neck lift or brow lift.

Mini Facelift vs. Full Facelift

Not every patient needs a full facelift to see meaningful results. A mini facelift offers a more subtle approach, ideal for earlier signs of aging.

Mini Deep Plane Facelift

Best for patients in their 40s to early 50s with mild to moderate sagging.

  • Targets early jowling and slight cheek descent
  • Shorter incisions are placed discreetly around the ears
  • Less downtime — many return to work in under 10 days
  • Natural lift without altering your facial identity

Full Deep Plane Facelift

Recommended for patients with more advanced signs of facial aging.

  • Addresses deeper folds, sagging cheeks, jawline, and neck
  • Provides comprehensive lifting of both skin and underlying muscle
  • Often combined with neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer
  • Results typically last 15 years or more

Dr. Ho Taghva will help you determine the best approach for your goals, anatomy, and timeline.

Facelift Recovery Timeline

Recovery after a deep plane facelift is manageable, especially with Dr. Ho Taghva’s gentle technique and thorough post-op guidance.

  • Day 1–3: Rest and relax. Most patients experience swelling and tightness, but minimal discomfort.
  • Day 7: Stitches removed. You’ll feel well enough for light activity.
  • Week 2: Most patients return to work and normal social events.
  • Months 1–3: Residual swelling fades. Results become more refined and visible.

1 Year: Full healing and final results are achieved, though you’ll look great long before.

Facelift Cost in Newport Beach

Facelift surgery is a long-term investment in how you feel and present yourself.

According to RealSelf, the average cost for a facelift in California is $16,883.

A mini facelift may cost substantially less, while combining with a neck lift, blepharoplasty, or fat transfer may increase the total fee.

Following your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed, itemized quote with your exact price and financing options.

A deep plane facelift can represent a substantial investment, but patients consistently report that their results feel “worth every penny,” not just for the aesthetic improvement, but for the renewed sense of confidence that comes with looking as vibrant as they feel.

Facelift Approaches Varying with Age

Focus: Early signs of aging like minimal sagging and fine lines.

Approach: Less invasive techniques, possibly mini facelifts or targeted treatments.

Goal: Maintain natural facial contours, and prevent early aging signs.

Focus: More pronounced sagging, deeper wrinkles, loss of volume.

Approach: Standard facelift techniques, addressing mid-face and jowls.

Goal: Restore youthful appearance, focus on mid-face rejuvenation.

Focus: Significant sagging, deep-set wrinkles, prominent jowls.

Approach: More extensive facelifts, possibly combined with neck lifts or other procedures.

Goal: Achieve a significant yet natural-looking lift, and enhance overall facial structure.

Skin Elasticity: Varies with age, influencing the choice of technique.

Healing Time: Older patients may require longer recovery periods.

Customization: Each facelift should be tailored to individual aging patterns and facial structures.

Why Patients Choose LEA Plastic Surgery

Dr. Ho Taghva is among the few US plastic surgeons trained in the advanced deep plane technique, delivering natural-looking outcomes that preserve expression while restoring youthful structure. 

She believes that cosmetic procedures should preserve and elevate your unique facial character, turning back the clock and revealing natural beauty in a way that looks effortless, not artificial.

At LEA Plastic Surgery, facial rejuvenation is approached with the precision of a surgical specialist and the eye of an artist. 

Patients also seek out Dr. Ho Taghva for the trust and care that define her patient relationships. From consultation to recovery, every detail is considered with intention, ensuring that your experience feels as refined as the results.

At LEA plastic surgery, every procedure is personalized, every visit thoughtfully guided, and every outcome shaped by a belief in subtle, elegant transformation. 

Whether it’s your first consultation or a revision procedure, you’re in the hands of a team that understands both the science and the soul of aesthetic care.

Why Choose Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva for Your Facelift Procedure?

Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva, a board-certified plastic surgeon with training from Brown University and USC, brings extensive experience to each procedure.

With experience living in both Hong Kong and the U.S., along with specialized training in Korea, she brings a broad perspective on beauty standards that she thoughtfully incorporates into her work.

As one of the few female plastic surgeons in her specialty, she’s a top choice for facial plastic surgery in the Los Angeles area. Her expertise in deep plane facelifts is especially notable, with fewer than 5% of surgeons able to perform this advanced technique.

As a mother of three, she understands the changes that come with aging and focuses on delivering natural, lasting results over trends.

With Dr. Ho Taghva, you get technical expertise paired with a personal touch, ensuring your facelift enhances your natural beauty in a way that feels authentic.

See other videos

Is Facelift Surgery Safe? Common Risks and Complications

While facelift results can be transformative, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva explains the possible side effects and complications of the procedure.

Are Facelift Results Permanent?

Facelift results don’t last forever. While they can make you look younger, aging naturally continues.

Newport Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva takes a holistic approach, suggesting regular exercise, healthy eating, and treatments like facials and chemical peels to maintain results.

Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: A Viable Alternative to Facelift Surgery?

Treatments like Thermage and laser therapy offer less invasive options for tightening and refreshing the skin without scars or downtime, perfect for those noticing early signs of aging but not ready for surgery.Dr. Ho Taghva’s Orange County patients are happy with the improvements and appreciate the chance to try

What is the best age to get a facelift

Dr. Ho Taghva says the best time for a facelift depends on how fast you age and what you want your face to look like. For most people, between 55 and 65 is a good age. By then, most women have gone through menopause and noticed some changes. Some people, however, might need a facelift sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift

How long does it take to recover from facelift surgery?

The recovery time is different for everyone, but the bruising and swelling should last only about two to three weeks. During this recovery process, you may not be ready to return to work, but you should feel much better after the first few days.u003cbru003eDuring the recovery period, Dr. Ho Taghva will provide close monitoring and checkups to ensure the best possible outcome. She will give you specific instructions on how to care for the area after surgery and may recommend certain medications or activities to aid in the healing process. Patients should follow her instructions closely to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

Will my post-surgery scars be visible?

A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon will minimize the appearance of facelift scars. By carefully placing incisions in discreet areas, such as beneath the hairline or behind the ears, the surgeon can effectively conceal any resulting scars. Following your post-operative instructions, including proper wound care, and avoiding strenuous activities also play a crucial role in preventing irregular scarring or infections. It is essential to choose an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in facelift procedures to ensure optimal results and a successful, minimally visible outcome. With the right surgeon and personalized treatment plan, you can achieve your desired youthful appearance with the natural-looking results you desire.

Do men and women receive different treatments?

Regardless of gender, the goal of a facelift is the same; however, the surgical approach varies. When aiming to restore a more youthful look, men and women typically have different expectations regarding how their specific facial characteristics will be treated by the procedure. Men usually show more interest in getting a detailed facial outline, such as a slender jawline. Women have the same wish for improved definition but generally want a subtler effect. The incision sites may also differ depending on the person’s gender. For males whose hairline is beginning to draw back, the cuts may be made in regions other than those generally applied in facelift surgery.

Are the results permanent? How long do the results last?

A full facelift provides dramatic results that can last up to 15 years, and it can help to slow down the facial aging process. The results of mini facelift surgery last between two to six years on average. By following a healthy lifestyle and a consistent skincare routine, the effects of facelift surgery can last many years. The aging process cannot be stopped, but a facelift can offer a kind of “reset” for your appearance. Facelift surgery can help you restore your youthful appearance, so it’s crucial to maintain the effects by eating a healthy diet, managing your weight, wearing sunscreen when outdoors, and following an effective skin care regimen.

What is the age reduction I can expect after a facelift?

People often find that a facelift gives them features that make them look 10–15 years younger, with the potential results enhanced with complementary surgeries like eyelid lifts and other facial enhancements to create an overall more youthful look.

What is a non-surgical facelift?

While there are no non-surgical options that can replicate the results of a surgical facelift, there are effective alternatives for patients with less severe facial aging or less sagging skin. Non-surgical “facelift” procedures include non-invasive techniques to address fine lines, deep creases, sunken cheeks, etc. Some of the available treatment options for people who are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery include:
Thread lifting
Vivace (microneedling enhanced with radiofrequency energy) with growth factors
Laser skin resurfacing
Liquid facelift with dermal fillers
Botox
Chemical peels

What facelift office is near me?

If you live near Newport Beach, CA, LEA Plastic Surgery offers upper blepharoplasty among its services, and is conveniently located at 20360 SW Birch Street Suite 180 Newport Beach, CA 92660

Schedule a Consultation

Ready to look like yourself again — only younger? Book a consultation with Dr. Ho Taghva today and learn if facelift surgery is right for you. Our team is happy to answer your questions, review financing options, and guide you through your next steps.

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Contact us

Call (949) 945-2168 today or submit the form below. We look forward to helping you reach your cosmetic surgery goals.

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