For many years, a facelift was like a problem child in the field of plastic surgery. No matter how hard the surgeons tried, the result was tight skin and a frozen face. Their patients were looking more like dolls than people. But now that image is changing, especially in Miami. Here, plastic surgery, and in particular a facelift, has matured into something more personalized.
At Revive Surgical Institute, their goal is to restore all the natural facial features to their facelift patients. Working toward this common aim are Dr. Morad Askari (voted America’s Best Plastic Surgeon in 2025) and Dr. David Gerth. Together, they help patients appear younger without that tight or “worked on” appearance.
Below, they share with us their insights on how modern facelift techniques are changing the very definition of this surgery. Besides, they explain why people strive for getting these natural-looking facelift results in Miami more than ever.
The New Meaning of a “Natural” Facelift
A “natural” facelift definition is no longer about patients wishing to look as young as possible with that tight and “frozen” skin. The trend is for having faces that suggest patients have simply had a restful weekend at a fancy spa. They want their appearance to say, “I’m in good health! And I look great because it’s the way I feel inside.”
Dr. Morad Askari says, “A natural facelift does not mean pulling the skin tight; it’s really about bringing back your facial harmony.” He explains, “When we work with the face’s deeper layers, the outcome remains so natural that even your husband or friends will notice nothing. You will look like you returned from Hawaii.”
According to Drs. Askari and Gerth, that saggy skin is only one aspect of facial aging. Many patients have also shifted volumes. Their facial muscles are dropping. Some may even suffer from changes in their overall facial framework. If surgeons just work on the facial “surface,” it can lead to results that either look too obvious or disappear too fast.
This way, today's facelifts concentrate on bettering the face's contours by working with its deeper structures. This approach allows surgeons to get that natural expression and results that age well over time. No more patients are looking obviously “overdone.”
Miami’s Role in Shaping Modern Facial Aesthetics
Miami is a little bit different from other US cities in terms of beauty and aesthetics. Both surgeons and patients are influenced by diverse communities living here. European norms, Latin American trends, global aesthetics of other countries…These are all the reasons why patients here are incredibly savvy.
What everyone is looking for in Miami when it comes to plastic surgery is high quality, safety, and harmony. And they can tell a mile away if something looks overdone. It is an environment that drives surgeons to keep improving their skills around the clock. For Drs. Askari and Gerth, working in Miami means reaching a higher bar. Natural results aren’t a bonus – they are a must.
Here, facelifts need to look good not just on those Instagram pictures. They are also important when people are moving, talking, or doing everyday things. This is also why awards such as being named America’s Best Plastic Surgeon 2025 by Newsweek carry real significance. Miami is a place where results are “on display” for everyone. So, surgical excellence has to be a permanent issue.
Technique vs. Surgical Judgement: What Matters More?
Today’s facelifts are not just a case of tightening the skin anymore. Advancements have led to new techniques that target the deeper layers of skin. They can help get results that couldn’t be achieved just a short time ago.
Let’s consider a deep-plane method. In non-medical terms, it allows surgeons to lift and reposition the underlying structures of your face, not just your skin. So, when performed well, you can get that dreamed “Hawaii” face. You will look refreshed, without losing any of your usual expressions. And these effects will last for a long time.
Dr. Morad Askari makes an interesting point: “Technique gives you the tools. But surgical judgment determines the total outcome. Any qualified surgeon must know how much to lift, where to release, and when to stop. This is what keeps results natural rather than overcorrected.”
In fact, both he and Dr. David Gerth feel there is still too much emphasis on facelift techniques alone. They say these should be seen as just one part of a broader approach to aging. Overcorrection remains one of the most significant risks in facial surgery – especially when there are trends to consider.
What Patients Often Misunderstand About Facelifts
The first myth is that a facelift is only for older individuals. However, everything depends on the patient’s facial anatomy and genetics. First, what surgeons do is analyze the person’s face, not just how many candles were on their last birthday cake. For some, it is advisable to have a facelift even in their 30s. Others might wait longer.
Recovery is another important point that embarrasses patients. Sure, there is downtime after any surgery. But these days, surgeons are much better at working around muscles (instead of cutting through them). So, any recovery is easier than it used to be. Most patients don’t want to disappear from their social life for months anyway. They just want friends to say, “Wow, you look well,” rather than: “What have you done?”
The third thing patients often do not take into account enough is what their surgeon believes in. Their philosophy, if you like. Of course, it is quite important that the person with the scalpel in hands has all the necessary training and qualifications. But they should also have that feeling about what to do and when to stop. Any qualified surgeon must understand when enough is plenty.
The Future of the Facelift
Facial plastic surgery is progressing. And the way it changes is quite promising since we do not see these frozen faces anymore. So, the future will be about improving the existing techniques. The next generation of facelifts will probably be about safety, quality, natural appearances, and personalization.
Dr. Morad Askari and David Gerth see themselves as part of this progressing field. By bringing together technical skills with a precise surgical vision, they believe that looking younger and refreshed is easier than ever. At Revive Surgical Institute, they want to help every patient who comes to them get their best facial appearance.
Miami is a place where lots of new beauty ideas start. Still, Drs. Askari and Gerth believe there’s room here, too, for more understated approaches. Their vision is that if you do something well, it does not have to be obvious. The most dramatic facial improvements should not be about doll faces. They must be about natural changes that no one can even notice.