A facelift (Rhytidectomy) is a plastic surgery procedure that reverses the visible signs of aging on the face. Facelift surgery elevates the cheeks, removes the jowls, and defines the neck. By tightening sagging skin, plastic surgery can reduce the visibility of wrinkles and folds as well as reverse the effects of gravity.

How long does Facelift Surgery take?

The average duration of Facelift Surgery is 2 to 4 hours. Facelifts typically last a couple of hours but can be longer or shorter depending on specific circumstances.

Do Facelifts leave scars?

Incisions for a Facelift are hidden behind the hairline. They begin above the hairline at the temple and follow the natural line at the front of the ear and continue behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. Once the scars have softened and matured after a few months, they become almost imperceptible.

When can I return to work after a Facelift?

Most patients can return to work 2 weeks after a Facelift Surgery.

How do you know if you need a facelift?

You may need a facelift if you are not pleased with the signs of aging on your face and you are otherwise in good health. If you are bothered by sagging, excess skin in the face, and neck you may want to consult a plastic surgeon.

What's the best age for a Facelift?

The average facelift patients are in their 40’s and 50’s. However, some people opt to get Facelift surgery in their mid 30’s. A facelift can be successfully performed on a person in their 80’s if they are in good health.

How much younger will I look with a Facelift?

Facelifts can improve your face’s appearance by smoothing wrinkles and age lines. They can also help get rid of sagging skin and settled fat deposits. However, results vary depending on bone structure, genetics, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices. All of these factors determine how much younger someone will look after a Facelift.

Do Facelifts make you face look pulled back?

Facelifts remove excess fat and tighten muscles in the lower portion of the face and neck. When performed by an experienced Plastic Surgeon, the result will look natural. Facelifts are not designed to pull the skin so tight that they cause the corners of your mouth to spread.

Can a Facelift help with the lines around my eyes and forehead?

Facelifts don’t alter the appearance of the upper third of the face. They can’t smooth excess skin and wrinkles around the eyes or lift a sagging brow. A brow lift or eyelid surgery can treat these issues and give you the appearance that you want.

How soon can I exercise after a Facelift?

Most patients can resume exercise three weeks after a Facelift.

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Facelifts in San Francisco

Signs of aging catch up faster than we notice. Fine wrinkles cannot hide behind the latest makeup trend and contour makeup techniques cannot hide the excess skin that gravity is getting a hold of. Combat the signs of aging with a facelift at Wave Plastic Surgery in San Fransico, CA. Our expert procedures effectively address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume, restoring your natural youth and radiance. We offer everything from comprehensive facelifts to precise touch-ups. With cutting-edge technology, renowned surgeons, and innovative techniques unique to Wave Plastic Surgery, we are the premier destination for facelifts in San Francisco. Scroll down to discover how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals and boost your confidence today!

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Why Wave for a Facelift Procedure?

Choosing Wave Plastic Surgery for your facelift in San Francisco means entrusting your transformation to a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Our board-certified plastic surgeons are renowned for their expertise in advanced facelift procedures, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care. We utilize the latest surgical techniques, some exclusive to Wave Plastic Surgery, and state-of-the-art technology to achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results. Our clinic offers a comfortable and welcoming environment, making your experience as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

At Wave, we understand the importance of looking and feeling your best. We provide personalized care, tailoring each facelift procedure to meet your unique aesthetic goals. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, our dedicated team supports you every step of the way. With our comprehensive support and commitment to patient satisfaction, you can trust us to help you achieve a more youthful, confident you. Schedule your consultation today and discover why so many choose Wave Plastic Surgery for their facelift procedures.

Get Stunning Results From a Facelift in San Francisco with Wave Plastic Surgery

Patients who opt for facelift surgery in San Francisco or at any of Wave Plastic Surgery’s California office locations enjoy genuinely transformative results. Elevated confidence tends to follow when you invest in a more youthful glow.

Experience compassionate care and exceptional results. Schedule your facelift SF consultation at our luxurious downtown office with one of our globally renowned anti-aging experts.

Hear What Our Customers Are Saying

Peter Lee is a miracle worker. I had a bad facelift which Dr. Lee corrected. This was no small thing. Staph scars were deep into one side of my neck, climbing onto my face. I had no feeling in part of my cheek and I was very self conscious about the severe asymmetrical nature of my face. Worse, though I'd paid for a neck life, none was done. So when I came to WAVE I was very nervous, covered in scars, and lacking symmetry. 6 weeks ago I had my face redone and it is lovely. The scars are gone and the stitches were so perfect Dr. Lee could do side work with couture! I had very minimal discomfort and followed the directions to find myself with a gorgeous jaw line and much improved face. I am so glad I took the time to find this place. They are lovely, lovely people and I could not be happier with my results.

Daisy S.

San Francisco Location

San Francisco Facelifts:

Understanding Different Types of Facelift Procedures

The world of cosmetic surgery offers a variety of facelift options to address different needs and aging concerns. At Wave Plastic Surgery, we provide several advanced facelift techniques designed to deliver transformative results tailored to each patient.

Surgical Facelift Options at Wave Plastic Surgery

Endoscopic Mid-Facelift: This procedure lifts the cheeks to combat early signs of aging, resulting in a refreshed and youthful appearance.
High Extended SMAS Face & Neck Lift: By tightening the SMAS tissue under the skin, this technique provides a long-lasting lift without an overly stretched look, effectively addressing sagging and drooping skin on the face and neck.

Exclusive Procedures Available with Local Anesthetic

Face & Neck Lift (Cure Lift XL): Our signature procedure targets both the face and neck, making you appear up to 10 years younger.
Cure Lift S: A more subtle, natural alternative to a traditional facelift, focusing on the underlying tissue for a refreshed look.
Endoscopic Facelift (Wave Lift): This mini facelift rejuvenates the lower and midface regions, offering a less invasive option with quicker recovery times.

Facelift vs. Mini Facelift

While both a facelift and a mini facelift aim to create a more youthful appearance, they differ in scope and recovery time. A traditional facelift involves comprehensive lifting with incisions in the hairline and around the ear, addressing extensive sagging and wrinkles. In contrast, a mini facelift is less invasive, with smaller incisions around the ear that are easily concealed, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quicker recovery.

Choosing the Best Facelift Surgeon in San Francisco

If you’re on a mission to get the best facelift in San Francisco, Wave Plastic Surgery surgeons are here to answer the call.

Peter G. Lee (M.D., F.A.C.S.), Ben Lee (M.D., F.A.C.S.), Denise Wong (M.D., F.A.C.S.), and Jonathon Shifren (M.D.) have learned their craft at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Duke, University of Chicago, and the University of California San Francisco. Dr. Ben Lee and Dr. Peter Lee specialize in facelift procedures, each with over twenty years of plastic surgery experience.

Factors Affecting Facelift Cost in San Francisco

When considering a facelift in San Francisco, you’ll encounter a range of pricing options. At Wave Plastic Surgery, we emphasize the importance of quality and safety over price alone. Our use of cutting-edge technology and expert services ensures effective, lasting results. The total cost of your facelift will depend on the specific procedure, chosen payment plan, and any current specials.

To make cosmetic procedures more accessible, we offer 0% APR financing for twelve or twenty-four months on all facelift options. Additionally, WAVE VIPs enjoy exclusive discounts and promotions. Schedule a consultation today to explore the best facelift approach that fits both your aesthetic goals and budget.

The Facelift Procedure: What to Expect

For procedures in San Francisco, facelift surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery offer customized plans for your needs. You’ll discuss the best method to achieve your goals at the consultation. You may opt for surgery with general or local anesthesia. You will also discuss how to prepare and recover from your chosen procedure.

Each procedure is different, and every face is unique. Generally, allow a 2-3 week recovery period after a facelift. The surgery will take about three hours, with six follow-up appointments to check the healing process. You can expect to be recovered from a mini facelift in 7-10 days.

Achieving Natural Results: Best Facelift Practices in San Francisco

On a quest for the best facelift? San Francisco surgeons like Dr. Peter Lee and Dr. Ben Lee allow the shape and contours of the face to dictate the proper procedure for each patient.

That’s the trick to making facial fat removal, fat repositioning, and tissue tightening look completely natural. Best practices include advising patients to follow aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments.

Get Your Consultation Today

Give us a call today to schedule your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons at Wave Plastic Surgery.

Non-Surgical Facelift Options in San Francisco

Wave Plastic Surgery offers medical-grade peels and facials, skin tightening and rejuvenation procedures, injectables, and other skincare-focused solutions for those seeking a non-surgical facelift in San Francisco. These non-surgical options are perfect for patients who want a tighter, more youthful face but don’t want to commit to surgery.

Get a personalized liquid facelift with injections such as Jeuveau (also known as Newtox), Sculptra, or both! Jeuveau is a neuromodulator that simultaneously softens and lifts the face. It is typically used around the forehead, eyes, mouth, and neck to combat fine lines and wrinkles.

Sculptra revives the body’s natural regenerative ability to restore volume and elasticity by stimulating collagen production. It’s the ultimate secret weapon to defeating wrinkles around the mouth. It can also add volume where it’s needed to create a more symmetrical look.

Benefits and Limitations of Non-Invasive Facelift Procedures

Non-surgical facelifts will be preferable for patients seeking less invasive procedures. Whether you have medical reasons not to go under the knife or simply prefer not to, non-surgical options have a much quicker recovery time. The less invasive mini facelift also boasts a short recovery of as few as seven days.

However, there are some limitations to minimally invasive procedures. Results will be less dramatic. Some solutions are topical, focusing only on skin health. Injectables can change the contour and shape of the face, making it look youthful and radiant. However, these procedures don’t lift muscle, tissue, or fat or remove excess skin.

Your cosmetic choices are your own. We will go over all the benefits and limitations during your consultation.

Enhancing Results: Complementary Procedures

Some patients decide to get additional work done alongside a facelift. During your consultation, your doctor can discuss whether you could be a good candidate for other surgical body-enhancing procedures, such as liposuction, a breast lift, or breast augmentation. Some nonsurgical skin rejuvenation procedures may also complement a surgical facelift after the procedure is performed.

Facelift San Francisco: Before and After Care

There are three phases in getting a surgical facelift: preparation, surgery, and aftercare. Two of those phases are the patient’s responsibility. To prepare, make sure you have the support you will need post-op:

Arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery.
Ensure insurance and medications are up to date.
Plan to take time off from work and exercise for 2-3 weeks after the procedure.
Ensure your medications do not conflict with those needed for post-op care.

Taking these steps will ensure a smooth post-op experience.

Offer Post-Operative Care Tips to Ensure Smooth Recovery and Optimal Results

Taking care of yourself is essential for a swift recovery. In addition to specific guidance from your doctor, keep incision areas clean during post-op.

Know that any bruising and swelling will dissipate over time. While your new and improved appearance might not be apparent immediately, know that your more youthful face will be there waiting for you once the swelling goes down.

Drink plenty of water, and remember that sleep is when the body naturally rejuvenates itself. It is generally best to rest but keep some blood flow by not being completely sedentary. Following these care tips will ensure optimal results and may lessen recovery time.

Advice on Maintaining Long-Term Facelift Results

Gravity is a mighty force of nature, so it’s normal for even the best facelifts to benefit from surgical or non-surgical touch-ups. But to lengthen the effect of your facelift, you can take steps to maintain your new glow.

It helps to protect your skin from the sun, hydrate, exfoliate, moisturize, and eat anti-inflammatory foods. You may also find injectables excellent for maintaining fullness and skin elasticity.

Facelift Surgery FAQs

What is Rhytidectomy?

Rhytidectomy, commonly known as a facelift, is an anti-aging cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reducing the visible signs of aging on the face and neck by tightening the skin and underlying tissues.

Why would someone get a facelift?

Someone might get a facelift to address signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of facial volume, in order to restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This procedure can significantly boost confidence and enhance overall facial aesthetics.

What age do most people get facelifts?

Most people get facelifts between the ages of 40 and 60, as this is when signs of aging like sagging skin and deep wrinkles become more pronounced.

How painful is a facelift?

A facelift is generally well-tolerated with manageable discomfort, thanks to anesthesia and pain medication; most patients report minimal pain during recovery.

What is the difference between a facelift and a mini facelift?

A facelift addresses significant sagging and wrinkles by tightening deeper facial tissues, while a mini facelift targets early signs of aging with a less invasive procedure, focusing mainly on the lower face and neck.

Does a mini facelift get rid of jowls?

Yes, a mini facelift can effectively reduce the appearance of jowls by tightening the skin and underlying tissues in the lower face and jawline.

Wave Plastic Surgery Facelift Procedure Before and After results

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Medcially Reviewed By Dr. Ben Lee

M.D., F.A.C.S.

Proudly using his creativity to help patients regain a sense of wholeness and confidence, Dr. Ben Lee takes a very patient-centered approach to care.

Learn More About Dr. Ben Lee