As we age, it’s normal to notice subtle changes in the way our face and neck look. Skin becomes less elastic and more redundant, volume is lost and is pulled downward by gravity, and early sagging can make you appear tired or older than you feel. Many people start with non-surgical treatments to keep facial aging at bay, but there comes a point when these solutions simply aren’t enough. That’s when a facelift with Dr. Paul Daraei in Atlanta, GA may be the next step toward refreshed, long-lasting rejuvenation.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Facial Aging
The first signs of aging often develop gradually, making it difficult to pinpoint exactly when change begins. Some notice changes in their early 30s. Once into the 40s or 50s, you may notice one or more of the following:
- Jowls forming along the jawline that break up the jawline and create irregularity in an otherwise crisp and well defined jawline
- Loose or sagging skin beneath the chin and along the neck
- Loss of cheek volume that makes the midface appear hollowed
- Deepening nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth
- Banding or laxity across the neck
These natural changes occur as collagen and elastin production slows and the deeper facial structures lose support. While injectables and skin tightening treatments can help early on, the effects eventually become less noticeable as tissue descent progresses. At that point, surgical rejuvenation offers the most complete and lasting results.
When Non-Surgical Treatments Are No Longer Enough
If you’ve been relying on treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments, or heat based skin tightening, you might begin to feel that the improvements do not last. Most patients become disenchanted with these treatments, especially when trying to address areas of the face that require surgical management, such as the jowls, neck bands, and overall skin laxity. This is a common sign that the underlying structures of your face have shifted beyond what nonsurgical methods can correct. A facelift addresses these deeper layers, lifting and tightening the tissues to restore youthful definition rather than stretching the skin’s surface.
Two popular and highly effective facelift techniques are the deep plane facelift and the SMAS facelift. Dr. Daraei performs both, but the far majority of his facelifts are performed in an extended deep plane technique, where Dr. Daraei repositions the deeper muscle and connective tissue layers, creating a smooth and natural appearance that rejuvenates the midface, jawline, and neck. It’s not enough to just tighten the deeper muscular and connective tissue layers. Appropriate release of various connective ligaments and structures must be performed to allow the deeper layers to redraped naturally and as a unit. Dr. Daraei employs more basic SMAS techniques rarely and only if the patient’s anatomy and medical history are appropriate.
Questions to Help You Assess If You’re Ready
Choosing to move forward with a facelift is a highly personal decision. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right time, consider these questions:
- Do I notice sagging in my lower face or neck that isn’t improved by fillers or skin treatments?
- Have I reached a point where I want longer-lasting results rather than frequent touch-ups?
- Do I feel my outward appearance no longer reflects how young or energetic I feel inside?
- Am I emotionally and physically ready to commit to a short recovery for a meaningful transformation?
If you answered yes to several of these, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Daraei can help you better understand your options and what results you can realistically achieve. Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within two to three weeks, with continued improvement as swelling and healing progress.
Why Patients in Atlanta Choose Dr. Paul Daraei
Dr. Paul Daraei is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who blends advanced surgical expertise with a patient-focused approach. Dr. Daraei’s goal is to have a transparent and detailed discussion about your goals and to also discuss your specific anatomy so that you have a solid understanding of surgical techniques and how they help improve individual components of the face. Having trained and collaborated with leading surgeons worldwide, Dr. Daraei brings a deep understanding of facial anatomy and an artistic eye to every procedure. Whether through a deep plane or SMAS facelift, his goal is to create balanced, natural results that enhance each patient’s unique features without an overdone appearance.
Take the Next Step Toward a Refreshed Look
If you’re ready to explore how a facelift could help you look as vibrant as you feel, the first step is a personal consultation with Dr. Daraei. He will listen to your goals, evaluate your facial structure, and create a customized plan that matches your desired level of rejuvenation. To schedule your visit, fill out our online form today and discover what your next beautiful chapter can look like.
Dr. Paul Daraei is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon recognized for his exceptional skill, academic excellence, and leadership in the field of facial aesthetics. With advanced fellowship training and thousands of surgical cases completed at Emory University, he combines technical precision with an artist’s eye for natural results. As an affiliate professor and published author in leading medical journals, Dr. Daraei continues to advance the field through teaching, research, and innovation. His commitment to excellence and patient-centered care has established him as one of Atlanta’s most trusted authorities in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
