Facial Rejuvenation
Creating Facial Harmony in Bellevue, WA
“Facial rejuvenation” is a broad term that refers to any procedure or application that improves your facial appearance. It can reverse the effects of facial aging or produce a desired cosmetic improvement. It may address one component of the face, such as treating sun damage or improving skin quality and texture. Some procedures are designed to shape and enhance facial features, such as the cheekbones or jawline, to create improved facial balance or facial harmony.
- Rediscover What Makes You Feel Like You (Or Better!)
- Understanding Facial Aging
- Creating Facial Harmony
- Lasers and Treatments for Skin Maintenance
- Chemical Peels
- Hydrafacial™ and Medical-Grade Skincare
- Injectable Treatments
- Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
- Deep Plane Facelift
- Short Scar Facelift, Neck Lift, and Endoscopic Midface Lift
- Eyelid Surgery
- Brow Lift
- Fat Grafting
- Lip Lift
- What’s Next?
- Learn More About Facial Rejuvenation in Bellevue, WA
Rediscover What Makes You Feel Like You (Or Better!)
Often, non-surgical and surgical procedures are used in combination. Surgical rejuvenation can “tuck” heavy upper eyelid skin, lift and shape the eyebrows, lift or shorten a heavy lip, or correct bags in the lower eyelid. Skin treatments can produce younger-looking, healthier skin.
At David Stephens, MD Plastic Surgery | Aesthetics, facial rejuvenation is never a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Whether it is skincare, a non-surgical procedure, or surgical rejuvenation, we will design a customized, curated program that improves facial harmony and natural beauty. This can be a cutting-edge, minimally invasive solution, such as fat grafting or Renuva® to naturally enhance facial contours, microneedling or Forever Young BBL™ to maintain skin quality, laser treatments for skin texture, or peels for improved skin discoloration. Perhaps you need BOTOX® Cosmetic for deep forehead frown lines, facial contouring procedures, or injections to achieve a more defined jaw contour.
Maybe you’re noticing more extensive changes in your appearance, including sagging skin, volume loss, AND deepening lines—it is time to consider a full facial surgical rejuvenation including a facelift, brow lift, and eyelid surgery. Or perhaps you require an advanced surgical procedure such as a deep plane facelift or neck lift. Dr. David Stephens and his talented staff provide state-of-the-art procedures at any point in your life when you need expert care.
For a guide of common treatments typically based on your age, we recommend that you explore our Natural Aging Strategies Guide to learn more treatment insights.
Understanding Facial Aging
Facial aging doesn’t happen overnight. It actually begins in your late twenties with the beginning of facial fat loss.
Facial aging is more than skin deep. As we age, several key changes take place across multiple layers of the face:
- Skin: We lose over 60 percent of our collagen as we age. Over time, the skin becomes thinner and loses its elastin and collagen fibers, which give it strength and elasticity. Because of this, it is more prone to lines and sagging. The subcutaneous fibrous network of connective tissue below the skin also weakens due to collagen loss, resulting in skin sagging.
- Fat: Superficial fat resorbs throughout the face, resulting in the loss of the plump facial shape of our youth. The deeper fat compartments have been carefully studied, and these also atrophy, especially in the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes, exposing the eyelid bags. A good analogy is how the cushions of a couch flatten over time, resulting in the degradation of their original shape due to volume loss and worn-out material. Fat can also move due to the loss of supportive tissue. Also, the buccal fat in the jowl and neck may shift, requiring contouring procedures.
- Muscles and Ligaments: These components lose tone, resulting in reduced facial support.
- Bone: The underlying facial skeleton subtly resorbs over time, changing facial contours.
These changes also affect one another—for example, fat loss and receding bony structures can contribute to the severity of skin laxity. Together, these changes lead to features that appear tired, sunken, or slack, often before we feel ready to see them.
Creating Facial Harmony
Non-surgical Facial Rejuvenation
Non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures can dramatically enhance the face with minimal downtime. They can also enhance the results of a surgical procedure.
Newer devices and treatments have exploded over the past twenty years. Our office offers the most current and effective state-of-the-art treatments and techniques you will find anywhere in Bellevue. Dr. Stephens has carefully researched and curated a selection of effective non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments that are high-impact and typically require minimal downtime.
Perhaps you are seeing the signs of early aging, or maybe you want to do early maintenance or “prejuvenate.” The treatments listed below are effective whether you are a first-time patient, seeking to extend the results of surgery, or looking for improvements in your skin or facial structure with minimal downtime.
Lasers and Treatments for Skin Maintenance
At David Stephens, MD Plastic Surgery | Aesthetics, we have the most current and proven state-of-the-art treatments for your face, including:
The Sciton® Forever Young BBL™ & BBL® HERO™
This photofacial system is hands down the most popular and effective device in the skincare market; it’s the go-to in high-end practices around the country and the world. It is truly a minimally invasive system with minimal downtime (your skin may be a bit red when you finish) that has revolutionized skin rejuvenation. Most people will first need correction of sun damage, age spots, or other issues, such as rosacea, typically in a series of four to six treatments. After these baseline treatments, both Forever Young BBL™ and BBL® HERO™ can push back the clock on skin aging with maintenance skin rejuvenation treatments. Forever Young BBL™ is a gentle approach to rejuvenation, while BBL® HERO™ is a faster, more powerful version that can treat larger areas of the body.
The Sciton® MOXI®
This is the latest technology from Sciton®. It treats all skin types, including those with darker skin, which was previously not possible with other laser technologies. It is the go-to treatment for preventing early aging skin and melasma. It is suitable for individuals with very sensitive skin or sun-sensitive skin. It smooths skin texture and evens out skin tone.
The Sciton® HALO®
This is the world’s first hybrid laser. It is minimally invasive with a short downtime. The treatment is effective in improving skin texture and fine lines and is often done as a series of treatment sessions. The treatment occurs under the skin surface by stimulating new collagen and elastic tissue production. It can reduce pore size and lipstick lines.
The Sciton® Contour TRL™
This system uses a tunable erbium laser to resurface your skin. There is no other laser or treatment that is superior to this for deep sun damage to the skin or deep lipstick lines. This laser treatment is limited to cases where a more aggressive laser treatment is needed, and it is highly effective.
The Sciton® ProFractional™ Laser
The ProFractional™ laser performs fractional resurfacing on only a portion of the skin while leaving the surrounding tissues intact. It is often used in combination with the Contour TRL™ laser or as a standalone. It is effective in treating acne scars.
The Sciton® MicroLaserPeel® and NanoLaserPeel®
The Contour TRL™ system can be set to do a very light peel to even out skin irregularities and smooth skin.
The SkinPen® Microneedling System
This is a very popular professional microneedling system for skin health and maintenance.
The InMode Morpheus8 System
This is a minimally invasive radiofrequency system that tightens skin. It is effective in improving jowls and neck laxity, especially when used with the InMode FaceTite™ device.
Embrace™
Embrace™ is an advanced, minimally invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that combines Morpheus8 with FaceTite™, which utilizes radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to reduce fat and tighten skin from beneath the surface. It’s often used as a “surgical lite” option.
Chemical Peels
Peels are used between laser treatments to maintain good skin tone. They are also very effective in treating acne when used in combination with good skincare products. They can be used to exfoliate the skin, reduce pigmentation, smooth roughness, and minimize fine lines.
Hydrafacial™ and Medical-Grade Skincare
We offer a full suite of supportive treatments, including Hydrafacial™ and other facials, skincare regimens, and personalized product recommendations to extend the results of in-office procedures.
We offer the highest-rated skincare product lines: Alastin Skincare®, ZO® Skin Health, and Epionce® Medical Skincare. These are specifically chosen by our aesthetician and staff to address your unique skin concerns.
Injectable Treatments
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Neuromodulators
BOTOX® Cosmetic and other injectable neuromodulators reduce dynamic wrinkles caused by muscle movement. They are traditionally used around the eye or “orbital” area—think crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown line between the eyebrows. They are very effective but usually require injections every three to four months. They can also be used to reduce lipstick lines and neck bands.
Uses:
- Preventative “prejuvenation” in the 20s–30s; used in smaller doses for early forehead lines
- Smoothing deeper lines in the 30+ age groups
Facial Fillers
Fillers such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® are formulated with different types of hyaluronic acid that can be used to address deeper lines and for facial sculpting. Collagen stimulators such as Sculptra® and RADIESSE® can restore overall facial volume.
Common areas:
- Cheekbone and under-eye areas; temples
- Lips and nasolabial folds
- Jawline and chin
Renuva®
Renuva® is a completely new development in facial sculpting. It is a new fat matrix product that stimulates the growth of your own natural fat. It is used primarily in areas of the cheekbones and face. It is placed in areas where you may want cheek contouring, facial fullness, or to fill out hollow temples. It can be used instead of traditional fat grafting as a fat substitute. It is also used to stimulate fat growth, filling out areas where you have no body fat, or if you prefer natural results over traditional fillers. It is also used in conjunction with fat grafting to improve results.
“I never rush surgery – It’s not about treating as many patients as possible in a day. I always take the time and focus needed to provide the best possible end result as well as a more comfortable recovery.”
Dr. Stephens
Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
Surgical procedures are often the most effective strategy for patients with moderate to advanced signs of aging or those seeking long-lasting results. Dr. Stephens performs these procedures with an emphasis on precision, artistry, discretion, and technical mastery.
Below are the core surgical options he offers:
Deep Plane Facelift
Dr. Stephens’ signature technique, the deep plane facelift, goes beyond surface lifting to reposition deeper facial structures. This allows for a more natural, long-lasting rejuvenation without the overly pulled look of more “mini” or superficial dissection techniques. Dr. Stephens will discuss whether this is the ideal procedure for you. He has been performing deep plane facial procedures throughout his career.
Best for:
- Significant sagging of the midface, jawline, and neck
- Deep facial folds and volume descent
Benefits:
- Longer-lasting than traditional facelifts
- Natural, youthful contour without looking “done”
- Reshapes, not just lifts, the facial structures
Short Scar Facelift, Neck Lift, and Endoscopic Midface Lift
Not all patients desire, or would benefit from, a full facelift. The short scar facelift is ideal for younger individuals (often in their late 30s or 40s) who might be noticing early signs of aging, such as jowling or neck laxity. It involves smaller incisions and a more targeted lift.
Maybe you have a familial heavy neck where treatment of the deeper structures is necessary, but no work on the face is needed. The deep plane neck lift will definitively treat this issue, often using a short scar neck incision only.
Some patients may not need a traditional facelift but may be good candidates for a hidden-incision endoscopic midface lift, where there is loss of facial definition but excellent skin quality.
Best for:
- Early loose skin; less neck laxity or fullness
- Patients seeking a refreshed look without extensive surgery
Benefits:
- Smaller incisions, less downtime
- Ideal where there is early laxity
- Can be combined with fat grafting or eyelid surgery
Eyelid Surgery
Because we look at the central area of others’ faces, the eyes are often seen as the first area to show aging. As a highly mobile feature of the face with thinner tissues, the eyelids tend to experience extra skin laxity in the upper eyelids and the development of bags in the lower eyelids, often with loose, crepey skin. Upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) removes or repositions excess skin and fat to achieve a more alert, youthful, and rested appearance.
Upper Eyelid Surgery:
- Lifts sagging skin that crowds the lash line
- Helps restore a defined eyelid crease
Lower Eyelid Surgery:
- Reduces puffiness or “bags” beneath the eyes
- Can be combined with fat grafting or laser resurfacing
Note: Sometimes, the issue is the brow position being too low, not the eyelid. During a consultation, Dr. Stephens will assess whether a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or both are appropriate.
Brow Lift
A sagging brow can cause heaviness over the eyes and deepen forehead lines. A brow lift, or forehead lift, repositions the brow to a more youthful level, restoring expression and lightness to the upper face. A well done brow lift will ideally shape the brows and open up the outer eyelids to produce a softer, alert look.
Dr. Stephens’ Techniques:
- Endoscopic brow lift (minimally invasive) treats and lifts the whole forehead
- Lateral brow lift
- Combination with eyelid surgery, if suitable
Fat Grafting
Volume loss is one of the most underestimated aspects of facial aging. Fat grafting restores volume to the cheeks, under-eyes, temples, and jawline using your body’s own fat.
Best for:
- Midface deflation
- Hollow under-eyes
- Temple or jawline volume loss
Why fat instead of fillers?
- Long-lasting
- Natural texture and integration, since it’s your own tissue
- Pairs well with other procedures
Lip Lift
As we age, the upper lip often elongates and thins out, hiding the upper teeth and flattening the lip line. It is a subtle yet obvious sign of aging and is often overlooked when considering facial aging. A lip lift effectively shortens the space between the nose and lip (the philtrum), subtly enhancing the smile, filling out the lip, and restoring youthful balance.
Dr. Stephens’ Techniques:
- Hidden incision beneath the nose (“bullhorn” incision)
- Newer advanced techniques can raise the corners of the lip for a more balanced expression
Not sure what’s right for you? Our team can help you build a custom rejuvenation plan—whether it’s one treatment or a thoughtfully sequenced blend.
What’s Next?
You don’t have to know exactly what you need to address your goals. You just need to take the first step.
We welcome you to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Stephens and his team. During your visit, we’ll listen to your concerns, examine your facial anatomy, and guide you through the most effective options to refresh and revitalize your appearance.
Want to explore treatment ideas by age? Visit our Natural Aging Strategies Guide for tailored suggestions.
Learn More About Facial Rejuvenation in Bellevue, WA
Whether you’re looking for a gentle refresh or a more dramatic transformation, we’re here to help you look and feel like your best self, at every age. Dr. Stephens is a seasoned, board-certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing the most advanced techniques throughout his career.
Ready to get your personalized treatment plan? Call us today at (425) 455-0444, fill out our online contact form, or email us at info@stephensplasticsurgery.com.
Patient Testimonials
Dr. Stephens work is absolutely phenomenal. You will not find a better doctor on this side of the Mississippi. He has won multiple awards for a reason. I consider myself so blessed and so fortunate to have had my procedure done by Dr. Stephens.
I always tell people this is the best money I’ve ever spent. I couldn’t be more pleased! I always say picking the best doctor is the most important decision you will ever make, and there’s no one out there better than Dr. David Stephens.
Dr. Stephens took great care in determining what would be done, setting my expectations, and explaining the process. The nurse was kind, helpful, and attentive. The anesthesiologist was wonderful. The whole process was very smooth and painless.
The overall experience was amazing. There was a great amount of communication between the practice and myself leading up to the surgery and the entire surgical staff was an absolute pleasure. You feel comfortable from start to finish.