What Can I Expect From Facelift Surgery?
At Daines Plastic Surgery, facelifts are one of the most popular surgical procedures, and it’s easy to see why. Facelifts allow you to turn the clock…
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Phone: (949) 209-1622
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
The Signature Facelift reflects Dr. Daines’ reputation as Orange County’s premier facelift specialist. This bespoke procedure goes beyond a traditional facelift, offering patients a harmonious and seamless transformation that restores confidence and celebrates individual beauty.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Daines uses his comprehensive knowledge of facial anatomy to address the specific concerns and goals of each facelift patient. He designs a customized surgical plan with your goals in mind, taking the time to fully understand your concerns and carefully examine your facial anatomy.
Depending on your needs, your Signature Facelift may include:

This is the foundation of most of Dr. Daines’ Signature Facelifts. Even as a standalone procedure, it produces comprehensive results that look effortless and last for years. Because this advanced technique addresses the underlying causes of facial aging rather than just pulling the skin taut, it avoids the telltale signs of facelift surgery that people often worry about, such as an overly tight and “windswept” appearance.
Early signs of facial aging often occur in the area around the eyes, which a facelift doesn’t address. Dr. Daines creates a refreshed, rested appearance by elevating drooping lids or eliminating under-eye bags.
A sagging brow can cast the eyes in shadow, creating the impression that you’re tired or upset. Paired with a deep plane facelift, a brow lift restores balance to the upper third of the face, helping you look as vibrant and renewed as you feel.
This is a key feature of the Signature Facelift, refining skin tone and texture by softening fine lines and smoothing the complexion.
Fat transfer, also called fat grafting, uses unwanted fat from another area of your body to restore facial volume. An alternative to fillers, fat transfer is particularly effective for restoring volume to the lower eyelids and cheeks, mouth and chin, as well as the forehead and temples.
“I interviewed three different facial plastic surgeons for my lower face and neck lift with laser. My dermatologist recommended Dr. Daines and I’m so glad he did. This was the best experience I could have hoped for. Dr. Daines is great. Funny, honest, a really nice guy and most important, listens to what you say. The office is beautiful and the staff is great. I was very apprehensive as there are a lot of questionable facelifts out there and many doctors from which to choose. I’m so happy with my new face and get so many compliments. You can’t go wrong with Dr. Daines.”
—Corrine R.
To better understand the difference between traditional facelift techniques and the Dr. Daines Signature Facelift, here’s a side-by-side comparison. This overview highlights why Dr. Daines’ approach provides refined, comprehensive, and lasting results.
| Aspect | Traditional Facelift | Dr. Daines Signature Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Treatment | Large areas of skin are separated and tightened, often placing tension on the surface. | Minimal skin dissection preserves blood flow, reduces complications, and supports smoother healing. |
| Technique | Primarily pulls skin horizontally, which can create a stretched, tight look. | Releases and repositions deeper retaining ligaments, lifting the face vertically for natural-looking balance. |
| Facial Contours | Risks tightness around the mouth, irregular contours, and “pulled” appearance. | Restores youthful midface, jawline, and neck definition without distorting features. |
| Comprehensiveness | Primarily improves the lower face and jawline. | Rejuvenates the midface, lower face, and neck while preserving fat pads and structural harmony. |
| Longevity | Results may fade sooner due to reliance on skin tightening. | Deeper repositioning creates results that are elegant and longer lasting. |
| Treatment Approach | Usually performed as a standalone procedure. | Often combined with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or CO₂ laser resurfacing for comprehensive renewal. |
“Dr. Daines is a consummate professional, talented, a perfectionist, and has a delightful bedside manner. He’s kind, supportive, and has an stress-relieving sense of humor. My facelift/necklift, forehead lift, buccal fat removal, and fat transfer were all I could hope for. The scars are invisible. I feel so much better about myself and look at least a decade younger. If you want a down-to-earth experience without some of the drama Newport Beach can provide, go see Dr. Daines, he’s a rare gem.”
—Dawne P.
Every Signature Facelift is designed with your goals in mind. During your consultation, Dr. Daines takes time to understand your concerns, carefully examine your facial anatomy, and recommend a tailored surgical plan.
The surgery itself is typically performed under anesthesia at our private surgical facility adjacent to our office. The surgery center is accredited by the Joint Commission and is held to the highest standards of safety and care. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Daines performs the procedure through discreet incisions around the ears and hairline, repositioning the underlying tissue for a revitalized, naturally lifted look. When combined with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or CO₂ laser resurfacing, the transformation is elevated to a full-face renewal.

While recovery varies depending on the exact procedures performed, many patients are pleasantly surprised to find that discomfort is minimal and well-tolerated with prescribed pain medication. Most patients can expect the following general timeline:
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the first several days. You’ll have your first follow-up visit with Dr. Daines to check your progress.
Bruising continues to fade, and swelling improves. Many patients feel comfortable resuming light activities, though strenuous exercise should still be avoided. Most women and men feel back to normal after 10 to 14 days and return to work or social settings.
Residual swelling continues to resolve, and incisions begin to heal more discreetly.
Results become more refined as tissues settle. Patients notice smoother contours, improved definition, and a refreshed appearance that still looks like themselves—just younger and more vibrant.
Healing is largely complete, with scars continuing to soften and fade. Final results reveal the lasting rejuvenation of the Signature Facelift.
Throughout recovery, Dr. Daines and his team provide detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident at every stage.

The cost of a Signature Facelift varies depending on your specific treatment plan, including which complementary procedures are included. During your consultation, Dr. Daines will provide a personalized estimate and review all options with transparency.
Because this procedure is designed around you, there is no one-size-fits-all price. Instead, you can expect an investment that reflects the artistry, expertise, and lasting results of an expert facelift surgeon dedicated solely to facial aesthetics.

When it comes to your face, experience isn’t optional; it’s essential. Dr. Steven M. Daines is double board-certified in facial plastic surgery and head and neck surgery, and he’s considered a top deep plane facelift surgeon in Orange County.
In addition to his experience and expertise, Dr. Daines has a down-to-earth demeanor that immediately helps patients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. With a warm, attentive approach and a commitment to personalized care, Dr. Daines takes time to understand your goals and design a custom surgical plan that reflects your vision and enhances your confidence.
He has dedicated his career to facial rejuvenation procedures, earning a reputation for achieving elegant, balanced results that never compromise facial expression or individuality.
If you are considering a facelift, Dr. Daines invites you to explore the Signature Facelift, a refined approach that restores youthful-looking contours while preserving your natural individuality. His expertise draws facelift patients from Irvine, Laguna Beach, Costa Mesa, and throughout Orange County.

Dr. Steven M. Daines, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, has carefully reviewed the information on this page to ensure accuracy and patient safety.