Choosing to undergo a facelift is a personal decision; one that can restore confidence and harmony to your features when performed by the right hands. Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, MD FACS, an acclaimed plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, brings surgical mastery and artistic vision to every facelift. With decades of experience as an educator and patient advocate, he approaches each case with precision, integrity, and a commitment to natural-looking rejuvenation. Here are the essential questions to ask before your facelift consultation.
1. Are You Board-Certified and Experienced in Facelifts?
Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery confirms extensive training, testing, and adherence to the highest safety standards. Dr. Teitelbaum is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA, and past President of both ASERF and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, credentials that underscore his commitment to excellence. With decades of experience specializing exclusively in aesthetic plastic surgery, Dr. Teitelbaum has refined his technique to deliver consistently natural and harmonious results.
2. What Type of Facelift Technique Do You Recommend for Me?
Facelifts vary in depth and focus. The main techniques include:
- SMAS facelift: Targets sagging in the lower face and jawline.
- Deep plane facelift: Repositions deeper layers for more advanced aging.
- Mini facelift: Addresses early signs of laxity with shorter incisions and quicker recovery.
- Mid-facelift: Enhances cheek volume and reduces nasolabial folds.
The right approach depends on your facial anatomy, degree of aging, and desired outcome. Dr. Teitelbaum tailors every procedure to the individual, ensuring rejuvenation that refines rather than redefines the face. His philosophy emphasizes restraint and proportion, preserving the patient’s character while restoring youthful contours.
3. Where Will My Surgery Be Performed, and Who Will Administer Anesthesia?
Your surgical setting directly impacts your safety and comfort. Dr. Teitelbaum is a facelift surgeon in Santa Monica and performs facelifts in his private AAAHC-accredited surgical facility, working alongside a Harvard-trained anesthesiologist with 25 years of experience in plastic and cardiac anesthesia. This partnership allows for optimal safety, precise monitoring, and a smooth, comfortable recovery.
4. What Should I Expect During Recovery?
Knowing the recovery process helps patients prepare mentally and physically. Most resume light activity within a week, with swelling and bruising subsiding over the following two to three weeks. Dr. Teitelbaum and his team provide attentive, personalized care at every stage, including thorough follow-up visits to ensure comfort and healing progress.
Typical recovery milestones include:
- Light activity: Resumes within 7–10 days.
- Swelling and bruising: Fade within two to three weeks.
- Follow-up care: Comprehensive guidance and ongoing evaluation.
5. How Do You Ensure My Results Will Look Natural?
A facelift should never look obvious or overdone. Dr. Teitelbaum’s work is defined by aesthetic balance and subtle artistry. He carefully evaluates facial proportions, skin tone, and structural anatomy to achieve results that appear refreshed and timeless, never stretched or artificial. His deep understanding of both anatomy and aesthetics ensures harmony between technique and artistry.
Experience Timeless Artistry With Dr. Teitelbaum
Choosing a facelift surgeon is as much about trust as it is about artistry and skill. Dr. Teitelbaum, Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA and past President of ASERF, combines Harvard and UCLA training with decades of aesthetic expertise. If you’re considering a facelift in Los Angeles, schedule a consultation to experience his thoughtful, patient-centered approach and achieve results that celebrate your natural beauty with grace and precision.
