Artiste Lift™ Preservation Deep Plane Facelift
The Artiste Lift™ is Dr. Balikian’s signature facial rejuvenation procedure, blending his specialized expertise with the latest, most refined surgical techniques.
Redefining Facial Rejuvenation With Surgical Artistry
Dr. Richard Balikian is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon offering the Comprehensive Artiste Lift™. This signature facelift is a preservation deep plane facelift that elevates facial and neck structures with precision and minimal trauma, designed to restore youthful contours with results that look beautifully natural.
The Artiste Lift™ goes beyond traditional techniques by combining advanced surgical engineering with Dr. Balikian’s refined sense of artistry. Each procedure is highly individualized, taking into account your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Balikian creates subtle, sculpted changes that reflect your natural beauty, with less bruising, faster recovery, no drains, and incisions that are discreetly hidden and meticulously closed.
“As a surgeon, I realized it’s not just about following the technical steps, it’s about artistry. The Artiste Lift™ is about creating results with nuance, finesse, and brightness. It’s not supposed to look like surgery. It’s supposed to look like you, refreshed, elegant, and confident.”
– Dr. Balikian
What is the Artiste Lift™?
The Artiste Lift™ is a deep plane facelift combined with a vertical neck lift, designed to:
- Reposition sagging cheek pads
- Sharpen the neckline and jawline
- Soften deep facial folds
- Achieve all of the above with minimal disruption to the skin
This preservation-based approach lifts only in three small, targeted pockets: around each ear and under the chin. Unlike traditional facelifts that dissect broad areas of skin, the Artiste Lift leaves most skin attached to its underlying muscle. This reduces trauma, preserves the natural blood supply, and dramatically shortens recovery.
What Is the Comprehensive Artiste Lift™?
The Comprehensive Artiste Lift takes facial rejuvenation a step further. In addition to the preservation deep plane facelift and vertical neck lift, this enhanced procedure includes brow recontouring and eyelid rejuvenation when needed.
The goal is always the same: to make you look like yourself, rested, lifted, and elegant.
What Sets It Apart?
Traditional facelift vs. Artiste Lift™: Traditional facelifts often require lifting the skin from the ears to the cheeks and neck, disrupting the connection between skin and muscle. This causes more trauma, greater swelling, longer healing, and often requires drains.
The Artiste Lift™ does it differently:
- Uses a three-pocket approach
- Preserves skin-to-muscle connection
- Minimizes swelling and bruising
- Eliminates the need for drains
- Offers faster, more comfortable recovery
- Leaves behind natural-looking results and undetectable incisions
By lifting at the deep structural level, not just pulling the skin, Dr. Balikian restores youthful fullness to the midface, corrects jowling, and defines the jawline. With no skin tension, the results appear soft and natural, and the incision lines heal beautifully.
Thousands of Faces, Naturally Transformed
Where Are the Incisions?
Dr. Balikian takes meticulous care with incision placement:
- Under the chin – A small, curved incision allows for vertical neck lift access. This technique avoids the visible “double bubble” scar seen with straight incisions.
- Around the ears – Incisions begin at the hairline, trace the natural curve of the ear, and hide within creases. They do not extend behind the visible hairline, reducing the risk of pulled ear cartilage or visible distortion.
These incision lines are closed with precision and designed to become nearly invisible once healed.
Recovery & Aftercare
Dr. Balikian has refined not just the surgical technique, but the recovery process:
- No narcotics – Less medication means fewer side effects and faster healing.
- No drains or tight garments – Unlike traditional facelifts, the Artiste Lift doesn’t require bulky aftercare.
- Less swelling and bruising – Minimal skin disruption means you look like yourself sooner.
- Recovery support – Optional ELIXIR MD™ therapy, lymphatic massage, and hyperbaric oxygen can accelerate healing.
Every aspect of your recovery is designed with comfort in mind, from better sleep to better outcomes.
Precision, Artistry, and Technology for a Smoother Recovery
At Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer ELIXIR MD™, an advanced, FDA-cleared light therapy designed to support your body’s natural healing response after surgery. By using targeted wavelengths of light, this treatment helps minimize swelling and bruising, allowing for a smoother, faster recovery.
To optimize healing and comfort, Dr. Balikian may recommend incorporating ELIXIR MD™ into your post-operative care. Like every aspect of your surgical plan, this option will be customized to match your procedure and personal recovery goals.
Your Next Steps
Ready to take the next step? We’d love to welcome you to our office. Schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Balikian to:
- Discuss your goals one-on-one
- Review before-and-after photos of real patients
- Get clear answers to all your questions
- Explore financing and scheduling options
- Receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to you
Don’t wait to look as vibrant as you feel. Contact us today and start your journey toward a refreshed, confident you.
Trust Your Face to a Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Richard Balikian is a renowned facial plastic surgeon known for his dedication to patients throughout Southern California.
With more than two decades of experience and double board certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he brings together surgical precision and an artist’s eye.
Dr. Balikian is among a select group of specialists whose advanced training is devoted entirely to procedures of the face and neck.
Real Stories, Real Results
“My procedure went very well, I was in no discomfort during or after, and it was an extensive surgery. I never felt worried that I was making a mistake and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. I have no visible scars and everyone says I look 20 years younger when I was only hoping for 10!”
“Everyone I came in contact was friendly and helpful. Dr. Balikian did a great job. Very skilled. I am happy with the natural results that get better with each month of healing. Having a procedure done is scary yet exciting but I am so glad I chose to do it.”
“My first meeting with Dr. Balikian sealed the deal because of his confidence and explanation of the procedure. The surgery went well and the healing has gone wonderful. I believe I took 15 years off of my face. My friends and family also love the way I look.”
“Dr, Balikian and his whole team are extremely professional and concentrated on his patient’s comfort along with providing excellent care and access to information before and after procedures. They have amazing follow up care and are readily available for any questions or concerns.”
“I had 100% confidence in Richard Balikian, MD, he is a professional. His bedside manners are excellent as well as his nurses and office staff. He did an excellent job, very little pain and bruising. If I need anything else done in the future he is the Dr. that will do it.”
Artiste Lift™ FAQs
How long does the Artiste Lift™ procedure take?
The Artiste Lift™ typically takes 3–4 hours, depending on the complexity of your case and whether you’re combining it with additional procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid rejuvenation.
What other procedures can be performed with the Artiste Lift™?
The Artiste Lift™ can be combined with several complementary procedures to achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation and balance. These additional treatments are often performed during the same surgery to enhance overall results while minimizing downtime:
Commonly Combined Procedures with the Artiste Lift™:
- Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) – Addresses sagging upper eyelids, under-eye bags, and puffiness to refresh and open the eyes.
- Brow Lift – Smooths forehead lines, elevates drooping brows, and restores a more alert, youthful expression.
- Facial Fat Transfer – Restores lost volume in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes using your body’s own fat for a natural look.
- Lip Lift – Shortens the distance between the nose and upper lip to enhance lip shape and youthful facial proportions.
Will people be able to tell I had surgery?
No, this is one of the defining strengths of the Artiste Lift™. Because Dr. Balikian focuses on restoring natural facial structure without pulling the skin, the results are subtle, refined, and never look “done.” Most people will simply notice you look refreshed.
What’s the typical recovery time?
Thanks to the preservation-based technique, most patients feel presentable and confident in 10–14 days. Swelling and bruising are minimized, and the procedure requires no drains, no narcotics, and no bulky dressings.
What age is best for an Artiste Lift™?
Ideal candidates are typically in their 40s to 70s and experiencing facial aging, such as jowling, sagging skin, or deep folds. However, candidacy is based more on anatomy and goals than age alone.
How long do the results last?
The Artiste Lift™ provides long-lasting results that age gracefully over time. Many patients enjoy their refreshed look for 10 years or longer, especially when paired with healthy lifestyle habits and good skincare.
Is the procedure painful?
Discomfort is minimal. Most patients manage post-op recovery without the need for narcotics. Dr. Balikian’s precise, minimally disruptive technique reduces trauma and allows for a smoother healing process.
What makes Dr. Balikian’s technique different from other facelifts?
Unlike traditional facelifts that stretch or separate large areas of skin, the Artiste Lift™ uses a three-pocket preservation approach that avoids tension, preserves natural blood supply, and focuses on deep structural lifting. This results in less bruising, faster recovery, and more natural outcomes.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate?
If you’re bothered by sagging cheeks, jowls, or a softened jawline, and you want to look like yourself, just more refreshed, you may be a great candidate.
A consultation with Dr. Balikian will allow him to assess your anatomy and customize a plan that aligns with your goals.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon