A Preventive Approach to Facial Aging

Facial aging doesn’t happen overnight. For many patients, the earliest changes appear as subtle laxity, softening of definition, or a face that simply doesn’t look as rested or vibrant as it once did.

Vertical Prevent® was developed for patients who are beginning to notice these changes and want to address them before more advanced aging sets in. The goal is not transformation, but preservation: maintaining facial harmony, structure, and identity while staying ahead of the aging curve.

What Is Vertical Prevent?

Vertical Prevent is a proprietary facial rejuvenation procedure created by Dr. Amir Karam to address early structural changes in the face. While it shares foundational principles with more advanced lifting techniques, it is intentionally designed for patients who are not yet ready for a full Vertical Restore.

Rather than treating one area in isolation, Vertical Prevent addresses the face as a connected whole, supporting balance, symmetry, and natural expression.

The procedure focuses on four key zones where early aging tends to appear:

  • The outer brow
  • The midface
  • The jawline
  • The neck

By addressing these areas together, Vertical Prevent helps preserve youthful facial proportions without creating an overcorrected or “worked-on” look.

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Dr.Karam helping a patient

How Vertical Prevent Works

As the face ages, the underlying support structures—particularly the fascia and ligaments—begin to loosen and descend. This creates early sagging, softening, and lengthening of the face.

Vertical Prevent works by gently restoring these deeper structures toward their original position. Rather than relying on skin tension alone, the approach prioritizes structural support, allowing the skin to re-drape naturally. Because the correction is subtle and structural, results are designed to look refreshed, familiar, and understated, never tight or artificial.

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Designed for Natural, Early Intervention Results

Vertical Prevent is not about dramatic change. It is about maintaining what already looks like you. Patients typically describe their results as looking more rested, more defined, and more like themselves, just earlier in time. The procedure is fully customized based on anatomy, degree of laxity, and long-term goals. This approach is especially well-suited for patients who want to avoid staged procedures, excessive fillers, or short-term fixes that don’t address the underlying cause of aging.

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Vertical Prevent vs. Traditional Facelift

Traditional facelifts often focus on tightening the lower face horizontally, sometimes requiring additional procedures to address the brow or neck separately. Even when combined, these approaches may not fully account for facial balance as a whole. Vertical Prevent differs in several key ways:

  • The lift is vertically oriented, aligning with the natural direction of aging
  • Structural support is prioritized over skin tension
  • Multiple facial zones are addressed together for harmony
  • Results are designed to look preventive, not corrective

The outcome is a refreshed appearance that doesn’t signal surgery—and doesn’t disrupt facial identity.

Dr.Karam doing surgery

Vertical Prevent® Facial Rejuvenation by Dr. Amir Karam

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What Results Can You Expect?

While individual outcomes vary, most patients appear noticeably refreshed and subtly younger, often by several years, without obvious signs of intervention. The intent is not to turn back decades, but to slow visible aging in a meaningful, natural way, preserving facial character as time moves forward.

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KaramMD® Journal: A Weekly Journal on Aging Well“In my weekly journal, I explain facial aging, skin quality, and long-term vitality. The journal is purely educational. There's no selling, just clarity.”

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Recovery and Anesthesia

Vertical Prevent® is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation, supporting safety, comfort, and a smoother recovery. The procedure is performed entirely by Dr. Amir Karam, without the involvement of a surgical fellow or physician assistant, allowing for controlled technique and meticulous closure. 

Most patients return to normal activities within 10–14 days, with swelling continuing to improve over the following weeks. Because the procedure is less extensive than advanced lifting techniques, recovery is typically well tolerated.

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Support Long-Term Outcomes With the KaramMD Trifecta

Developed to complement surgical care, the KaramMD Trifecta brings together physician-selected skincare, regenerative support, and biologic optimization to reinforce healing and tissue quality after Vertical Prevent. This integrated approach is designed to help results remain stable, balanced, and natural as the face continues to change over time.

Explore KaramMD Skin Products

Dr.Karam during surgery

One word to describe Dr. Karam is professionalism!

How welcome he made me feel since day one, when I was only looking for information, his bedside manners at the time of surgery, his energy, and his personality make me feel so secure in every singl...

How welcome he made me feel since day one, when I was only looking for information, his bedside manners at the time of surgery, his energy, and his personality make me feel so secure in every single visit before and after surgery. He always makes sure that all of my questions are answered, until this day, and I am 4 1/2 months out, I have no complaints, his work is ART, he is just AMAZING, and his hands are blessed! Until this day, I still follow and look at other doctors, and there is not one day I have felt any doubts. I truly believe I chose the BEST Face surgeon and would do it again and again.

Patient

Doctor Karam and his team are outstanding in every area.

From the first phone call I made to inquire about a Vertical Restore, every team member was professional, personable, genuine, prompt, and communicative. I have been in private business for more th...

From the first phone call I made to inquire about a Vertical Restore, every team member was professional, personable, genuine, prompt, and communicative. I have been in private business for more than 30 years. I understand how to build a team and I know a good team when I see one. Dr. Karam has succeeded on all fronts in creating an amazing team. I applaud his leadership. Embarking on this procedure can be daunting. Dr. Karam and his team made this journey very comfortable. I had the utmost confidence that I would receive amazing care and that the skills of Dr. Karam are the very best. Thank you, Dr. Karam. And thank you to your awesome team.

Patient

My surgery experience with Dr. Karam and his team was excellent.

My surgery experience with Dr. Karam and his team was excellent. I waited a year to have my surgery with him. He’s well worth the wait. I was hesitant to undergo surgery because of some of th...

My surgery experience with Dr. Karam and his team was excellent. I waited a year to have my surgery with him. He’s well worth the wait. I was hesitant to undergo surgery because of some of the results I’ve seen from less qualified surgeons who have not specialized in facial surgery only, and who do a horizontal lift instead of Dr. Karam’s vertical lift procedure. He and his team provided videos and support materials that answer questions both pre- and post-surgery (even a spreadsheet of significant events; who doesn’t love a spreadsheet!), and they are always available to answer questions and meet with you even over the weekend to ensure your easy progress in week 1 post-surgery. It’s an almost painless procedure, even when undergoing multiple procedures at once. I’m so happy to have chosen Dr. Karam and his team!

Patient

I had a full face rejuvenation with Dr. Karam and his team.

I turned 50 today. A little over one year ago, as a present to myself, I had a full face rejuvenation with Dr. Karam and his team. Based upon 18 months of research, I would only go to 4 facial plas...

I turned 50 today. A little over one year ago, as a present to myself, I had a full face rejuvenation with Dr. Karam and his team. Based upon 18 months of research, I would only go to 4 facial plastic surgeons in the world, and Dr. Karam is one of them. I consider the work I have done as an investment in myself. I had a full face fat transfer, upper and lower blepharoplasty, deep plane neck lift, and full face lift. I do not have movie star looks, but in my biased opinion, I can easily pass for 38 years old.

Patient

His signature Vertical Restore creates a natural, youthful look.

I did a lot of research before deciding on Dr. Karam for my procedures. It was a big decision to make and a big investment, but now I can say with complete honesty that it was the best decision and...

I did a lot of research before deciding on Dr. Karam for my procedures. It was a big decision to make and a big investment, but now I can say with complete honesty that it was the best decision and I have no regrets. I am so pleased with the outcome and how much more youthful I look. I look much more like how I always felt inside- younger, more vibrant- my face now matches my healthy and fit lifestyle. Dr Karam is so warm and caring- he listened to me and my concerns before the surgery. And his staff was really the icing on the cake- supportive, available by phone day or night, and nurturing in their office care. I especially must thank and give my appreciation to Tina, Taisha, and Taylor, who were my anchors in this new storm on day 1 after surgery and beyond, while my body tried to adjust and start to heal from surgery. Tina even wanted photo updates after I had returned home, and was so encouraging, positive, and reassuring. I can’t thank everyone enough and have such immense gratitude. Big hugs to them all and especially to Dr. Karam’s expertise and artistry. His signature Vertical Restore creates a natural, youthful look. Since returning to my life, no one has questioned, “Did you have a facelift?” The outcome is unlike any other “facelift” I have seen—really, I don’t even consider this a facelift- he is an artist, and our face is his canvas to create a work of art the world will gaze on and admire in our newfound youthful beauty.

Patient

I totally trust his approach and recommendations

I had a Vertical Restore at age 65 with Dr. Amir Karam. It has been a little over a year, and I am delighted with the results. Some of my friends have not even noticed—I just look reste...

I had a Vertical Restore at age 65 with Dr. Amir Karam. It has been a little over a year, and I am delighted with the results. Some of my friends have not even noticed—I just look rested. Dr. Karam will provide you with all the information and supplements that you need to make the procedure and the recovery time as comfortable as possible. I usually bruise very easily, but with the supplements that were given to me prior to my procedure and afterwards, my bruises were gone within a week. I highly recommend Dr. Karam and would go back to him for anything I might want done in the future. I totally trust his approach and recommendations. You won't be disappointed!

F. M.

Dr. Karam is an incredibly talented Surgeon

I'm one month out from a Vertical Restore with Dr. Karam. Dr. Karam is an incredibly talented Surgeon. I can barely see my scars already. I also did a laser peel, and within 8 days, I was wea...

I'm one month out from a Vertical Restore with Dr. Karam. Dr. Karam is an incredibly talented Surgeon. I can barely see my scars already. I also did a laser peel, and within 8 days, I was wearing makeup and admiring my new jawline and neck. I'm 65 this month and so happy I chose him. He is the best there is. His staff is fun, caring, and kind. They made my entire experience so easy. I would not hesitate or even think about going anywhere else. Check out his Instagram account. He does all his content himself. Extremely informative, with many before and after photos. I decided on Dr. Karam after researching his Instagram and had made my decision before we had even met.

K. R.

I would highly recommend him to anyone

Dr. Karam is a great surgeon, a true artist, and a wonderful human being. He has done 2 procedures on me over the last 3 years, both with excellent results. His fat transfer and his lip lift ...

Dr. Karam is a great surgeon, a true artist, and a wonderful human being. He has done 2 procedures on me over the last 3 years, both with excellent results. His fat transfer and his lip lift technique are extraordinary. I wouldn't think of going to anyone else, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for the best.

J. S.
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Dr. Karam smiling with his hand touching his chin

Meet Dr. Amir Karam

Dr. Amir Karam is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in facial rejuvenation. Over decades of focused practice, he has refined a comprehensive philosophy centered on structural balance, identity preservation, and long-term outcomes.

Vertical Prevent was developed as part of that philosophy: to give patients a proactive option that respects facial anatomy and avoids unnecessary overtreatment. Every procedure is personally performed by Dr. Karam, with careful attention to detail, proportion, and natural expression.

Is Vertical Prevent Right for You?

Vertical Prevent may be appropriate if you are beginning to notice early facial aging and want to address it in a measured, strategic way, without committing to more extensive surgery. 

A consultation with Dr. Karam in San Diego allows for an individualized assessment and an honest discussion about whether Vertical Prevent or another approach best aligns with your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions Vertical Prevent

What is the typical recovery time?

Most patients feel comfortable returning to daily activities within 10–14 days.

How long does the procedure take?

Surgery typically lasts two to three hours, depending on customization.

What type of anesthesia is used?

Vertical Prevent is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation.

Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Karam

For patients interested in preserving their facial structure, balance, and identity before advanced aging occurs, Vertical Prevent offers a preventative option. Schedule a consultation for Vertical Prevent in San Diego to explore whether this approach is the right fit for you.

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