Undergoing a facelift is a transformative experience. When performed with precision and artistry, it can beautifully restore confidence. Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, MD FACS, an internationally respected plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, believes that informed patients achieve the most rewarding outcomes. Based on decades of experience, he shares what patients often wish they had known before their facelift. Here are the lessons that can help guide your own journey.

1. Subtlety Creates the Most Striking Results

Many patients are surprised to learn that the most impressive facelift results are often the most understated. The goal is not to look “different,” but refreshed, rested, and naturally youthful. Dr. Teitelbaum approaches each facelift as a work of art, refining contours and restoring balance without erasing individuality. His philosophy of restraint ensures results that look elegant and timeless.

2. Recovery Is Easier Than Most Expect

Though surgery may seem daunting, most patients are reassured by how manageable recovery proves to be. Discomfort is usually mild, and swelling subsides faster than expected with proper care. Dr. Teitelbaum and his experienced team provide detailed recovery guidance and attentive follow-up to ensure the process remains as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Typical recovery milestones include:

  • Light activity: Resumes within 7–10 days.
  • Swelling and bruising: Fade within two to three weeks.
  • Final results: Continue refining over several months, revealing a naturally rejuvenated appearance.

3. Your Surgeon’s Artistic Eye Matters as Much as Skill

Technical mastery is essential, but artistry defines the outcome. A facelift should harmonize with your features rather than follow trends. Dr. Teitelbaum’s extensive background as an educator and aesthetic innovator allows him to balance surgical precision with an artist’s sense of proportion and beauty. His goal is always to reveal your best self while maintaining your authentic character.

4. Choosing a Qualified, Ethical Surgeon Changes Everything

Not all surgeons are equally trained or experienced. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ensures adherence to the highest standards of safety and ethics. Dr. Teitelbaum is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at UCLA, and past President of both ASERF and the California Society of Plastic Surgeons. His credentials reflect a lifelong dedication to patient advocacy and surgical excellence. Once you’ve chosen the right surgeon, your consultation becomes the foundation for success.

5. The Consultation Is More Than a Conversation

Your consultation sets the stage for your surgical experience. It’s where you define your goals, discuss your health, and align expectations with your surgeon’s aesthetic vision. Dr. Teitelbaum takes time to understand each patient’s motivations and ideals, offering candid, thoughtful guidance about whether a facelift or a different approach will deliver the most harmonious result.

6. The Investment Extends Beyond the Procedure

A facelift is not just a physical transformation; it’s an investment in confidence and long-term well-being. Results typically last 10 to 15 years and continue to age gracefully. Preserving your results means adopting healthy habits, protecting your skin, and staying in touch with your surgeon to support lasting, natural beauty.
Experience the Artistry of Dr. Teitelbaum

Every facelift reflects a partnership between patient and surgeon. Under the care of Dr. Teitelbaum, Harvard and UCLA-trained, board-certified, and internationally regarded for his natural results, patients discover that rejuvenation is more than a procedure. It’s a reflection of expertise, ethics, and an unwavering dedication to natural beauty. If you’re considering a facelift in Los Angeles, schedule a consultation to experience how artistry and precision can restore your confidence with grace.


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