As Seen On
You’ve done your research, you’ve had your consultation, and you’ve scheduled your Butterfly Facelift. Now the question is: what actually happens on the day? Most practices give vague answers about “a relaxing 2-hour treatment.” Here’s the real, detailed walkthrough.
The Day Before: Final Prep
- Skip retinol, glycolic acid, or any aggressive skincare actives for 48 hours
- Eat normally; stay well hydrated
- Avoid alcohol (it can mildly increase post-treatment redness)
- Skip blood-thinning supplements (fish oil, high-dose vitamin E, gingko) for the last 24 hours — only if your physician approves
- Lay out comfortable clothing for the morning
- Plan to arrive with clean, makeup-free skin if possible
The Morning of Treatment
- Eat a normal breakfast — you’ll be more comfortable
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (Tylenol or ibuprofen) 30-60 minutes before your appointment if you’re sensitive to discomfort
- Bring a water bottle
- Leave valuables at home; you won’t need them
- If you wear contact lenses, you can leave them in
- Wear easy-to-remove tops if your treatment includes neck or décolleté
Hour 0: Arrival
You’ll arrive at 3151 Airway Ave, Bldg K, Suite 106, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Free parking is available on-site. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to settle in.
You’ll be greeted, briefly review consent forms, and then be brought to the treatment room. We take baseline photos of your treatment areas — these become the “before” half of your same-day before-and-after comparison.
Hour 0:15 — Prep
Your skin is cleansed thoroughly. We may apply a topical numbing cream to treatment areas about 20 minutes before the first modality. You’ll relax in the treatment chair, which reclines to a comfortable position. Music is on, lighting is calm. You can absolutely doze through portions of treatment — many clients do.
Hour 0:45 — Modality 1: Focused Ultrasound (Ultherapy)
The first technology delivered is focused ultrasound (Ultherapy). Ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area. The Ultherapy applicator is moved over the skin, delivering controlled energy beneath the surface.
What you’ll feel: Warmth and brief pinprick sensations as energy reaches deeper tissue. The sensation moves with the applicator and stops when the applicator moves to the next area. Clients typically rate the sensation 4-6 out of 10.
Duration: Approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the areas treated.
Hour 1:30 — Modality 2: Radiofrequency Skin Tightening
After ultrasound, we transition to radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening. RF energy heats the deeper layers of skin to stimulate collagen production from a different angle.
What you’ll feel: Warm heat across the treated areas. Most clients find this portion of the session genuinely relaxing.
Duration: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
Hour 2:00 — Modality 3-5: Microneedling with AQ Growth Factors, Light Therapy
The remaining technologies are applied in sequence, each contributing a different collagen-stimulating effect. Microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the skin, followed by the application of AQ growth-factor serum to support the skin's natural rejuvenation process. Light therapy supports the cellular response. Collagen-stimulating topical actives are applied to lock in benefit.
What you’ll feel: Sensations range from gentle warmth to brief mild stinging during the microneedling portion. The cumulative discomfort across the full session averages 3-5 out of 10.
Hour 2:30 — Post-Treatment Photos and Walkthrough
We cleanse the treated areas, apply a calming serum, and take your “immediately after” photos. You’ll see your initial result side-by-side with your baseline. Most clients are surprised at the visible difference even before final results develop over weeks.
We review your aftercare instructions, answer any questions, and book any follow-up if applicable. Then you’re free to leave.
What You’ll Look Like Walking Out
You’ll likely have:
- Mild redness in treated areas (resolves within a few hours)
- Slightly warm-feeling skin (similar to mild sunburn warmth)
- Visible tightening and lifting (your initial result)
- Occasionally, mild swelling that resolves overnight
You can absolutely apply makeup, go to lunch, run errands, or return to work. There is no visible bandaging, no “obvious treatment” look. Most people who see you that day won’t notice anything unusual — they’ll just notice that you look refreshed.
The First 24 Hours After
- Drink water. Hydration supports the collagen response.
- Skip aggressive skincare. Keep your routine gentle for 24 hours.
- Wear sunscreen. Your skin will be slightly more sun-sensitive.
- Avoid intense workouts for the first evening. Light walking is fine.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated. Helps any swelling resolve faster.
- Eat normally. No restrictions.
Days 2-7
Most clients see continued tightening across the first week. You may experience:
- Mild tenderness when touching treated areas (resolves within a few days)
- Occasional small bruises in microneedled areas (uncommon, resolves within a week)
- Slight “tingling” as collagen begins to rebuild (normal and good)
Weeks 2-12: The Real Results Develop
This is where the magic happens. The collagen response triggered during your session begins to take hold, and your skin progressively tightens and lifts over the next 3 months. Many clients schedule their “reveal” photos around the 90-day mark when results are most dramatic.
What to Do If You Have Questions
You’ll receive contact information at the end of your session. We’re available for any post-treatment questions or concerns. Most clients have very few; the treatment itself is unusually low-maintenance.
See real results: full-face rejuvenation from a single 2.5-hour session — before & after photos »
Who Provides Your Treatment?
Your consultation and customized Butterfly Facelift® treatment are provided by James Hooper, founder and creator of the Butterfly Facelift®. James has decades of experience working with advanced wellness and aesthetic technologies. Newport Beach Skin Tightening operates with appropriate medical oversight, and every treatment is selected according to the client's needs, safety considerations, and suitability.
On days when treatments requiring medical oversight are provided, a medical director or nurse practitioner is present at our location. James Hooper is not a physician.
Located in the Heart of Orange County
You'll find Newport Beach Skin Tightening right in the heart of Orange County at 3151 Airway Ave, Bldg K, Suite 106, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 — an easy drive from Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach. If you've been searching for What to Expect on Your Butterfly Facelift Treatment Day: An Hour-by-Hour Guide near you, you're in exactly the right place.
Clients come to us from all over the county — Costa Mesa, Corona del Mar, Tustin, and the surrounding OC communities — and you may recognize our work from Dr. Oz, The Doctors, and LA Channel 11 News. Whenever you're ready, call 949-500-0719 and we'll help you book your free consultation.
Read video transcript
What did I do to it? You're a magician. Oh my God. Oh yeah, look at those dents right here. Look really close with, notice the dent right here. Yeah, that's nice. Oh my God, I could have never gotten rid of that. Straighten out the jawline, take away the extra fat around here. My neck looks fantastic. Wow. Thin out the nose. He's made everything tighter. My forehead's even, coloration is much more even. It's just all pulled back the way it should be. Are you happy? I'm ecstatic, thank you. My face is a lot thinner and a lot tighter, like a lot smoother. Get this, this is up, and like the marks underneath my eyes, the bags are much less, but this part is the best so far that I see. Like my face looks like it's been lifted. So what do you notice? Like the jawline looks more clear. Baby, good job or bad job? Good job. That's good. You like it? I love it. You see the jawline? Yeah. Do you like everything you see? Looks very tight. Very tight. Are you happy? Yeah.
What to Expect on Your Butterfly Facelift Treatment Day: An Hour-by-Hour Guide
An hour-by-hour walkthrough of your Butterfly Facelift treatment day at Newport Beach Skin Tightening — from arrival to walking out the door, plus exactly what to expect immediately after.
Before & After
Real Client Results
Actual Newport Beach Skin Tightening clients treated at our Costa Mesa practice. Results develop gradually as your own collagen rebuilds. Everyone's skin is different and results may vary.
Make it affordable, monthly
Every plan is tailored at your free consultation. Spread the cost into low monthly payments with our financing partners CareCredit and Cherry — applying with Cherry won't impact your credit score.
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What Our Clients Say
Hak S
July 2026
I definitely recommend James. I came to him because I was concerned about wrinkles, loose skin, and the visible signs of aging. He did the Mini Butterfly Facelift, which combines radio frequency microneedling, TriPollar, and Ultherapy to address those concerns. From the very beginning, he took the time to listen to my concerns, thoroughly, and create a treatment plan that was personalized to exceed my goals. I’ve been so happy with the results. My skin looks smoother, firmer, and more youthful. What impressed me most was the level of care and attention Jim brings to my appointment. He is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and detail oriented, and I can tell he genuinely enjoys helping his patients achieve the best possible results. I always felt comfortable asking questions because he took the time to explain everything clearly and made me feel confident throughout the entire process. His experience and dedication are evident in the quality of his work, and I’m so thankful I found him. I would wholeheartedly recommend Jim to anyone looking for someone who is skilled, professional, and truly cares about delivering beautiful, youthful looking results.
Steve Nitkin
June 2026
came here to Newport Beach Skin Tightening did the Butterfly Facelift James Hooper made my eyebags go away by 50% I was very happy at the verify facelift and my eyebags going. I would highly recommend this company.
Darla Orona
November 2025
This is a very beautiful and comfortable space. Jim did a fantastic job on my Butterfly Facelift. I’m extremely happy with the results and I’m looking forward to having a second procedure. I would highly recommend his services.
Reviews describe individual client experiences. Results and experiences vary. Review text is reproduced from the original source and reflects the reviewer’s own wording. James Hooper is not a physician.
Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive myself home?+
Yes. There is no sedation or anesthesia involved. You’re fully alert throughout the session.
Should I bring someone with me?+
Not necessary, but you’re welcome to bring a friend or family member. Many clients prefer to come alone and enjoy the quiet treatment time.
Will I be able to work the same day?+
Yes. Most clients return to work, even on the same afternoon. There’s no recovery period.
Can I wear makeup after?+
Yes. You can apply makeup immediately after if you choose. Most clients don’t feel the need.
Will I be sore the next day?+
Mild tenderness when pressing on the treated areas is common for 24-72 hours. It’s comparable to mild muscle soreness, not painful.
How soon can I exercise?+
Light walking is fine the same day. Intense workouts (high-intensity cardio, hot yoga, weight training) we recommend waiting 24-48 hours.
Want to dig deeper before your visit? Learn exactly how the Butterfly Facelift combines five technologies in one session, see real client results in our before-and-after photo gallery, and get answers to common questions in our Butterfly Facelift FAQ.
"I Feel Like a Transformation" — After Treatment One
Consultations are free and no-pressure — ask questions, see real results, and decide in your own time. Individual results vary.
Your Consultation Awaits
Ready to See Real Results?
Book a free, no-pressure consultation with James Hooper, creator of the Butterfly Facelift, at our Costa Mesa practice — and discover what real, natural-looking results can do for you.
A consultation does not guarantee candidacy or results. Individual experiences vary.