Which Facial Rejuvenation Procedure Is Right for Me?

As we age, it’s natural to notice changes in the face and neck, such as fine lines, sagging skin, puffiness around the eyes, or a loss of youthful contours. These concerns can be addressed through a variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures, but with so many options available, patients often ask: Which facial rejuvenation procedure is right for me?

At his Encino plastic surgery practice, board-certified plastic surgeon Andrew Cohen, MD helps patients in the Beverly Hills and Los Angeles areas by customizing treatment to address unique needs, aesthetic goals, and lifestyles. Whether you are seeking subtle improvements or a more dramatic transformation, the right facial procedure can help restore confidence and highlight your natural beauty. Below, we’ll explore some of the most popular options.

Facelift

A facelift is often considered the gold standard in facial rejuvenation because it addresses multiple signs of aging in the lower face and jawline. With age, skin elasticity diminishes, muscles loosen, and jowls or deep wrinkles may develop. A facelift targets these concerns by tightening underlying facial muscles, removing excess skin, and re-draping remaining tissue for a smoother and more youthful appearance.

Patients who may benefit most from a facelift often notice:

  • Sagging along the jawline (jowls)
  • Deep creases from the nose to the mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Loose skin in the lower face

This procedure can create long-lasting, natural-looking results, and can also be combined with other procedures, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery, for more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Neck Lift

While a facelift focuses primarily on the lower face, a neck lift is designed to restore definition to the chin, jawline, and neck. This procedure can be particularly effective for patients who are bothered by loose, sagging skin beneath the chin, vertical neck bands, or stubborn fat deposits that create the look of a “double chin.”

A neck lift often involves tightening the underlying platysma muscle, removing excess fat, and trimming away redundant skin to create a smoother, firmer profile. For many individuals, a neck lift can dramatically enhance overall facial harmony—sometimes even more than a facelift—because the neck is such a visible indicator of age.

Patients often choose to undergo a neck lift along with a facelift, but it can also be performed as a stand-alone procedure if the primary concern is aging in the neck rather than the face.

Eyelid Surgery

The eyes are one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Puffy lower eyelids, drooping upper eyelids, and under-eye bags can make you look tired, sad, or older than you feel. Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, can address these issues to create a more refreshed and revitalized appearance.

Upper eyelid surgery involves removing excess skin and fat that cause heaviness or hooding over the eyes, while lower eyelid surgery targets puffiness, bags, and wrinkles beneath the eyes. Depending on your needs, these procedures can be performed separately or together.

For patients seeking a subtle yet transformative improvement, eyelid surgery may be one of the most effective options. Recovery is generally shorter compared to a facelift or neck lift, and the results can make a significant difference in how rested and vibrant you appear.

Brow Lift

For patients who struggle with a heavy or sagging brow, forehead creases, or deep frown lines, a brow lift can open up the eye area and restore a more alert expression. This procedure lifts and repositions the brow to smooth forehead wrinkles and reduce the appearance of a furrowed or tired look.

A brow lift is often performed on its own or in combination with eyelid surgery to create a brighter, more refreshed appearance in the upper face.

Facial Fat Grafting

Volume loss is one of the hallmark signs of facial aging. Facial fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, uses your own natural fat harvested from another area of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, to restore youthful fullness to the face.

This procedure can:

  • Replenish hollowed cheeks or temples
  • Soften deep folds and wrinkles
  • Enhance overall facial contours

Since the fat used is your own, results often look very natural and can last for many years. Fat grafting can also be combined with a facelift, eyelid surgery, or brow lift for a more complete facial revitalization.

Cosmetic Injectables

Not everyone is ready—or needs—surgery to achieve their rejuvenation goals. Cosmetic injectables, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers, offer non-surgical alternatives with little to no downtime. 

  • BOTOX® Cosmetic works by relaxing the facial muscles that cause expression lines, such as forehead creases, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Results typically last three to six months.
  • Dermal fillers add volume to areas where it has been lost, such as the cheeks, lips, or under the eyes. They can also smooth out deep folds and restore youthful contours. Depending on the product used, results can last anywhere from six months to two years.

Injectables are generally ideal for patients who want subtle, temporary enhancements or who wish to “test drive” rejuvenation before committing to surgery. They can also serve as excellent maintenance treatments following surgical procedures.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

For patients whose main concerns are fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, or sun damage, CO2 laser treatment can dramatically improve skin quality and texture. This advanced laser technology removes damaged outer layers of skin while stimulating collagen production beneath the surface.

Benefits include:

  • Smoother, more even skin texture
  • Reduced wrinkles and age spots
  • Improved firmness and radiance

CO2 laser resurfacing can be performed as a stand-alone treatment or as a complement to surgical procedures, enhancing overall results by addressing both skin laxity and surface quality.

Choosing the Right Procedure for You

Deciding which facial rejuvenation procedure is best depends on several factors: 

  • Your main concerns, including wrinkles, sagging skin, under-eye bags, and volume loss
  • Your desired results, such as a subtle refresh or more dramatic revitalization
  • Your tolerance for downtime and recovery
  • Your long-term goals, whether that’s temporary or longer-lasting results

During a personalized consultation, Dr. Cohen carefully evaluates your facial structure, skin quality, and overall health before recommending the most appropriate treatment plan. In many cases, a combination approach, such as pairing a facelift with eyelid surgery, or combining injectables with a neck lift, may deliver the most balanced, natural-looking outcome. 

Rejuvenate with Confidence

Facial rejuvenation is not about changing who you are—it’s about helping you look as vibrant and youthful as you feel. Whether you’re ready for surgery or prefer the convenience of non-surgical treatments, Dr. Cohen offers a comprehensive range of options to suit your individual needs.

If you are considering facial rejuvenation, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cohen to discuss your goals and explore which procedure, or combination of procedures, is right for you.