Restore youthful contours, elevate your natural beauty, and rediscover a face that reflects how you truly feel inside with our facelift in San Francisco, designed around your unique goals and features.
Table of Contents
What is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. It addresses concerns like skin laxity, deep folds, jowls, and the loss of youthful definition along the jawline. Drs. Liu tailors each facelift to match the patient’s facial structure, aesthetic preferences, and aging patterns, ensuring refreshed, refined, and naturally elegant outcomes.
What are the Benefits of a Facelift?
Choosing a facelift in San Francisco allows patients to achieve natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation that goes beyond what non-surgical treatments can provide. By addressing both the skin and underlying tissues, a facelift restores youthful structure and balance while maintaining your unique features. Key benefits include:
- Tightens loose, sagging skin on the face and neck
- Smooths deep creases and softens wrinkles
- Enhances jawline definition and reduces jowls
- Lifts and repositions facial tissue for a more youthful shape
- Offers long-lasting, transformative results
- Can be combined with other procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation
Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift in San Francisco?
Ideal facelift candidates for our Facelift procedure are in good overall health, nonsmokers, and have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. You may be well-suited to this procedure if you:
- Have visible signs of aging in the face or neck
- Are bothered by sagging skin, deep folds, or volume loss
- Possess a strong bone structure to support facial enhancement
- Are seeking a long-term solution to facial aging
During your consultation, our surgeons will assess your anatomy and goals to determine whether a facelift or a different procedure best suits your needs.
Why Choose SVIA® for Your Facelift in San Francisco?
Choosing the right plastic surgeon is an important step when considering a facelift in San Francisco. At SVIA®, Dr. Jerome H. Liu and Dr. Tom S. Liu take a personalized approach to facial rejuvenation, combining advanced aesthetic training with a focus on natural-looking, long-lasting results. They carefully evaluate each patient's facial anatomy, concerns, and aesthetic goals to develop a customized facelift plan designed to create a refreshed and balanced appearance.
Their extensive training and experience in facial aesthetic surgery allow them to approach facelift surgery with an emphasis on precision, proportion, and individualized care. Rather than creating a noticeably altered appearance, their philosophy is centered on helping patients preserve their natural features while addressing visible signs of facial aging.
Facelift procedures are performed at the AAAASF-accredited San Mateo Surgery Center, offering patients a private, tranquil setting equipped with advanced technology. From the initial consultation through recovery, SVIA® is committed to providing attentive care and a surgical experience tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. Jerome H. Liu, MD, MSHS Credentials
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Medical degree from UCLA School of Medicine
- General surgery residency at UCLA Medical Center
- Plastic Surgery Fellowship at UCLA Medical Center
- Additional aesthetic surgery fellowship at UT Southwestern / Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute
- Master's degree in Health Services Research through a National Research Service Award
- Author and co-author of 50+ peer-reviewed abstracts, journal articles, and book chapters
- Published work includes facelift, blepharoplasty, breast augmentation, and reconstructive surgery
- Hospital affiliations include Good Samaritan Hospital, El Camino Hospital, and Mills-Peninsula Hospital
Dr. Tom S. Liu, MD, MSHS Credentials
- Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
- Medical degree from The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude with Honors from Northwestern University
- General surgery residency at UCLA Medical Center
- Plastic surgery fellowship at UCLA Medical Center
- Additional fellowship training in aesthetic surgery and microsurgery
- Advanced training in facial aesthetic surgery and other cosmetic procedures
- Published in peer-reviewed medical journals
- Authored chapters on facelift surgery, breast reconstruction, microsurgery, and cosmetic surgery
- Co-Medical Director of the Plastic and Breast Reconstruction program at El Camino Hospital
Your Consultation
Your private consultation is designed to give you clarity and confidence. Dr. Liu will take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your facial anatomy, and discuss your aesthetic goals. You’ll learn about your surgical options, review before-and-after photos, and receive a fully customized treatment plan that aligns with your desired outcome.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of a facelift in San Francisco can vary based on the surgical technique, extent of correction, and whether additional procedures are performed. Factors such as anesthesia, facility fees, and post-operative care are also included in your overall investment.
During your consultation, you will receive a detailed, personalized quote based on your treatment plan. Financing options are available to help make your procedure more accessible.
What to Expect During a Facelift
Facelift procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia. Depending on the surgical plan, incisions are made along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes beneath the chin. Dr. Liu then repositions underlying tissues, removes excess skin, and redrapes the skin for a smoother, lifted look. The procedure may take several hours and is often performed on an outpatient basis.
Facelift Recovery and Results
You may go home the same day, with a bandage placed around your face to reduce swelling. Temporary drainage tubes may be used. Expect to rest for the first few days, with most patients returning to work in about two weeks and resuming physical activity within four to six weeks. Bruising and swelling subside gradually, and final results become visible within one to two months. The outcome is a smoother, younger, yet authentically "you" appearance that can last for a decade or more.
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying their rejuvenated appearance for 10 years or more. While the procedure turns back the clock, it does not stop the natural aging process.
Factors such as skin quality, lifestyle, sun exposure, and genetics all influence longevity. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine and considering non-surgical treatments can help extend your results.
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Types of Facelifts at SVIA®
Every face is unique, which is why we offer multiple facelift techniques tailored to individual needs and goals:
Mini Facelift
A mini facelift is ideal for patients in their 40s and 50s who are beginning to notice sagging along the cheeks and jawline. This less invasive procedure requires smaller incisions and has a faster recovery, while still producing noticeable rejuvenation.
Short Scar Facelift (MACS-Lift)
Ideal for patients in their 40s to early 50s, this less-invasive facelift involves smaller incisions placed near the ears. It effectively addresses mid-face sagging and early jowling, offering shorter recovery time and minimal scarring. Patients often return to daily activities within 10 to 14 days.
Traditional Facelift
The traditional facelift remains the gold standard for addressing moderate to advanced signs of aging. This technique repositions deeper tissues, smooths skin, and restores youthful contours across the mid-face, jowls, and neck.
Deep Plane Facelift
For those seeking the longest-lasting and most natural results, the deep plane facelift goes beneath the superficial muscle layers to lift and reposition deeper facial structures. This advanced approach avoids a “pulled” look while creating refined, long-lasting rejuvenation.
Facial Fat Grafting
For patients with volume loss, fat grafting restores youthful fullness to hollow cheeks, under-eyes, and the midface. Fat is harvested from a donor site, refined, and injected into areas needing replenishment.
Liquid Facelift
Not ready for surgery? A liquid facelift combines injectable treatments like dermal fillers and neuromodulators to restore volume, smooth lines, and refresh your appearance without downtime. While results are temporary, many patients choose this option as a step before surgery.
Male Facelift
A male facelift is designed to restore a youthful, defined appearance while preserving masculine features. This procedure targets sagging along the jawline, deep folds, and loose neck skin with techniques tailored to male facial anatomy, ensuring natural, refreshed results.
Facelift for Transgender Patients
At SVIA®, we proudly support our transgender patients with customized facelift procedures that align facial appearance with gender identity goals. Our surgeons pay close attention to facial harmony and balance while respecting each patient’s unique vision for their most authentic self.
Facelift FAQ
What is the best age to consider a facelift?
Can men benefit from facelift surgery as well?
Are there risks or complications associated with a facelift?
How long should I wait before getting additional aesthetic procedures?
Will my results look different as I continue to age?
Can a facelift improve my skin texture?
Is it safe to travel shortly after facelift surgery?
What kind of support will I need at home after surgery?
Can I wear makeup during facelift recovery?
Do facelifts affect facial expressions?
What is the best age to consider a facelift?
While most facelift patients are in their 40s to 60s, the right time depends on individual aging patterns rather than a specific age. Patients often consider a facelift when non-surgical treatments no longer deliver their desired results.
Can men benefit from facelift surgery as well?
Yes, many men undergo facelifts to restore a youthful, defined appearance while maintaining masculine facial characteristics. Techniques are tailored to ensure natural results that respect male facial anatomy.
Are there risks or complications associated with a facelift?
As with any surgery, risks include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, hematoma, scarring, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon significantly reduces these risks.
How long should I wait before getting additional aesthetic procedures?
Patients should wait several months after healing from a facelift before undergoing additional facial surgeries. Your surgeon will advise you on the ideal timeline based on your recovery and goals.
Will my results look different as I continue to age?
Yes, your face will continue to age naturally, but the results of your facelift will still provide a more youthful appearance than if you had not undergone the procedure. Sun protection and healthy habits can help prolong the outcome.
Can a facelift improve my skin texture?
A facelift improves structural sagging and skin laxity but does not directly treat skin texture, tone, or pigmentation. Treatments like laser resurfacing or chemical peels may be recommended to enhance skin quality.
Is it safe to travel shortly after facelift surgery?
It is generally advised to avoid travel, especially by air, for at least 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery due to swelling, discomfort, and the need for follow-up care. Always confirm timing with your surgeon.
What kind of support will I need at home after surgery?
You will need someone to drive you home and assist with daily activities for the first 24 to 48 hours. Setting up a comfortable recovery area in advance is highly recommended.
Can I wear makeup during facelift recovery?
Makeup should be avoided on or near incision sites until fully healed, usually several weeks. Your surgeon will provide guidance on when and how to safely resume use.
Do facelifts affect facial expressions?
When performed by a skilled surgeon, facelifts preserve your natural facial movement and expressions. Modern techniques focus on lifting deeper layers without tightness or a “pulled” look.
