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Enhance Your Features, Renew Your Face

Our face is the centerpiece of our appearance. Sometimes, as we age, we may look in the mirror and see elements and details that don’t reflect the way we feel underneath. The facelift has long been a staple plastic surgery procedure as it dramatically reduces the signs of aging in the face. The facelift has evolved to include a variety of techniques. A facelift procedure can be completely customized and tailored to each person’s particular needs and aesthetic preferences. Tri Valley Plastic Surgery offers an extensive variety of facelift procedures with exceptionally stunning results.

Gallery What is a Facelift? Benefits Ideal Candidates Recovery & Results Why Choose Us? FAQ

Facelift Before & After

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Facelift at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery

At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin, CA, our goal is to provide brilliant and natural-looking results no matter how extensive or minimal the procedure or technique. Your face is the first thing people see, so we understand that being able to put your best face forward can be an incredible confidence boost.

Dr. Williams and the Tri Valley Plastic Surgery team specialize in creating a natural, rejuvenated look with minimal scars. Our team of practitioners, nurses, and staff are committed to giving you a comfortable and professional experience and exceptionally crafted and brilliant results.

What to Expect

Neck or Facelift

Length of Surgery
Inpatient / Outpatient
Anesthesia
Duration of Results

3-4 Hours
Usually Outpatient
General
Long lasting. Weight loss/gain, pregnancy, and age may reduce surgical results over time

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What is a Facelift?

A facelift (or rhytidectomy), usually in combination with a neck lift, is a surgical procedure designed to make the face and neck appear more youthful by lifting up the skin and tissues and the underlying muscle to make the face tauter and smoother. With age or excessive sun exposure, wrinkled or creased skin can develop on the face and neck along with fat deposits and folds around the jaws and jowls. While facelift surgery cannot stop the aging process or gravity, it can improve one's appearance, making patients look younger.

Modern facelift procedures go beyond simply tightening the skin and often include working below the skin to tighten the underlying facial muscles. At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, Dr. Williams may also move, remove, or in some cases add fat to the face. Older facelift procedures simply pulled on the skin, which left it abnormally stretched. Tri Valley Plastic Surgery patients benefit from newer facelift operations that are done by lifting a deeper tissue layer called the SMAS, a relatively thin layer of fibrous tissue situated just under the skin’s fatty layer. Lifting the SMAS transmits the lift to the skin via small fibrous connections. Unlike skin, the SMAS layer does not stretch, so it tends to stay where it is repositioned and sutured, providing long-lasting improvement. The extra skin is trimmed away, and as there is no pull on the skin so the face looks natural and heals well.

Face & Neck Procedures

These procedures may be combined with other skin rejuvenation techniques to provide a more youthful skin tone and appearance. Options for the face and neck:

  • Facelift
  • Mini Facelift
  • Necklift
  • Browlift
  • Fat grafting for cheeks
  • Deep Plane Facelift
  • SMAS Facelift

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What types of facelifts are available?

Modern facelifts can cater to a wide variety of needs. Of course, not everyone’s face is the same, and not everyone ages or is affected by sun damage in the same way. Different surgical facelift techniques, as well as other complementary surgical and non-surgical procedures, provide patients with the opportunity to realize their personal, best results. Facelift is most appropriate for dealing with the mid and lower face and neck. Other techniques, including brow lift, fat grafting, and eyelid surgery, can address wrinkles and facial aging in other parts of the face. With so many facelift options available, the lifted and rejuvenated appearance you’ve dreamed of for yourself is within reach. Dr. Steven Williams is a premier Oakland plastic surgeon who leads a team of highly skilled and experienced medical professionals, and together, we can achieve radiant facial rejuvenation. 

Traditional Facelift

A traditional facelift involves incisions on each side of the face spanning from the temples, around the bottoms of the ears, to the lower scalp.

Excess skin and fat may be removed or repositioned before the remaining skin is pulled tight and incisions are closed. Recovery takes approximately 2 weeks and results are permanent.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift involves shorter incisions than a traditional facelift and is most effectively performed on patients with mild to moderate signs of aging. Most patients can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks following a mini facelift.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift varies from a traditional facelift as it lifts beneath the layer of muscle and does not involve the detachment of the skin from the muscle, and offers even more dramatic and longer-lasting results. It is the most invasive facelift procedure, and recovery typically takes approximately 2-3 weeks.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) facelift targets the lower portion of the face (below the forehead) and involves the tightening of muscle and removal of excess fat and skin. The SMAS facelift, unlike the deep plane facelift, lifts the skin and SMAS layers separately.

Can I combine a facelift with other cosmetic procedures?

A facelift is commonly combined with other types of cosmetic procedures, including brow lift, neck lift, and fat grafting. These procedures are so often used in conjunction with a facelift that they are usually viewed as part of a facelift even though they are technically separate procedures. It is also an option to incorporate procedures that treat issues not typically associated with a facelift like rhinoplasty. If you would also like to treat uneven skin tone or further aid with the disappearance of fine lines and wrinkles, chemical peels or dermal fillers can be incorporated into your treatment plan. A combination treatment can address a wide variety of concerns throughout your face all at once for less downtime and better results.

Necklift

A neck lift targets the lower portion of the face and involves smaller incisions that begin in front of the ears, curving around the bottom of the ears, and ending at the hairline just behind the ears.

The neck lift is procedurally similar to a traditional facelift but focuses on treating the jowls, the area under the chin, and the neck. Patients can typically return to work within 2 weeks of surgery.

Blepharoplasty

Elasticity and muscle tightness can deteriorate in our eyelids which can cause sagging and gathering of excess fat and skin. With eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, this excess can be removed, and the skin can be tightened to reduce or eliminate the appearance of droopy eyelids and prominent under-eye bags.

Woman with her hand on her face

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a nose shaping procedure that alters soft tissue, the structure of the cartilage, and the bones to address both cosmetic and practical concerns. This surgery can correct crookedness and nose bumps or slim your nose, and enhance your facial features overall. It is also used to improve breathing and airflow in the nose simultaneously.

Browlift

A brow lift (or forehead lift) involves the lifting of the upper portion of the face via an incision along the top of the head right at the hairline. The forehead skin and underlying tissue are pulled tight and incisions are closed. Browlifts effectively and permanently lift the upper portion of the face, smoothing the forehead and raising the eyebrows for a more youthful look. Patients can expect to return to work within about 2 weeks.

Facial Fat Grafting

Fat grafting involves the extraction and injection of fat from a donor area to a recipient area of the body and can be effectively used to restore lost volume in the face. Fat grafting can easily be combined with other procedures.

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Non-surgical Facelift Options

Depending on your goals, there are many non-surgical techniques we can use to address issues arising on your face and neck. One example is using fillers to plump the cheeks and fill in hollows. We can also use other injectables to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Whether used separately, in conjunction with a facelift, or as a maintenance technique after a facelift, there are multiple non-surgical face renewing options available.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occuring substance in the body that can also be used as a dermal filler injection making it a very safe option for facial rejuvenation.
It can be used to fill fine lines and wrinkles as well as add volume to the lips and other parts of the face that may appear hollow. Because hyaluronic acid also draws moisture to the treated area, patients experience a facial hydrating effect as well. At Tri Valley, we offer Juvederm, Restylane, and RHA collections of hyaluronic fillers.

Neuromodulators

Injections using neuromodulators reduce wrinkles and lines by temporarily paralyzing or “freezing” tiny facial muscles creating a smoothing effect. Typically used between the eyebrows, on the forehead, and near the eyes, this group of products can be used almost anywhere on the face. Tri Valley plastic surgery offers Botox and Dysport for facial treatment.

Deoxycholic Acid

Addressing a double chin and other jawline issues is the hallmark of deoxycholic acid injectables. This formula is a bile acid, found naturally in the body, that works by breaking down and helping to absorb fatty tissue. When injected into the desired area, it can reduce or eliminate stubborn fat deposits in the neck and face. Kybella is the premier deoxycholic acid offered by Tri Valley plastic surgery.

Benefits of a Facelift

Your facial appearance is dependent on the bone, muscle, fascia, ligaments, fat and skin. During the natural aging process, the muscles can lose their tone, and the fascia and ligaments can stretch as the skin loses elasticity.

The fat around the lower half of the face may droop as the ligaments relax and form jowls and deep wrinkles along the edge of the mouth. Our Oakland facelift surgery can address these concerns by removing excess skin and rejuvenating elasticity, and removing and recontouring fat deposits. After a facelift, you could not only look and feel younger but also gain or regain a sense of confidence that may have been diminished or lost due to dissatisfaction with your appearance. With a facelift, you can enjoy benefits like:

  • Tighter skin in the middle facial area
  • Softening of deep creases under the eye
  • Reduced “marionette lines” or creases from the nose to the corners of the mouth
  • Eliminating “jowls” at the jawline
  • Smoothing uneven fat areas
  • Removing loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin

Am I a candidate for a Facelift?

The goal of a facelift operation is to rejuvenate the neck, lower face, and mid-facial regions. A facelift will reposition the sagging facial tissue, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Opting to undergo a facelift or neck lift surgery can make a significant difference in a person's appearance and as with any procedure, is a highly individual decision. You may be a suitable candidate for a facelift procedure if you are unhappy with how the aging process is affecting your facial appearance.

If you are concerned with any of the following, you may benefit from facelift surgery:

  • Deep creases below the lower eyelids
  • Deep creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
  • “Jowls” caused by loss of muscle tone in the lower part of the face
  • Sagging in the midface
  • Displaced fat
  • Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw

Certain factors affect whether you are a suitable candidate for a facelift procedure:

  • Do you smoke?
  • Are you physically and emotionally healthy?
  • Are you at or near your goal weight?
  • Do you have realistic expectations of what facelift surgery could do for you?
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Consultation and Preparation

During your consultation for a facelift Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Williams and his team will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your facelift procedure, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and smoking. A full medical history will be taken to ensure that there are no past or current health concerns that might be an issue during a facelift. They will also discuss in detail any medications or supplements you are taking that you may need to pause or modify before and after surgery. If you smoke, you will be asked to stop at least two months before facelift surgery, as smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin. Patients who smoke take longer to heal and can have serious wound healing complications. Patients must also avoid taking painkillers containing aspirin two weeks before the procedure, as aspirin interferes with blood clotting.

Procedure

A facelift operation takes two to four hours and is performed under general anesthesia, although intravenous sedation can be used in some situations. Our providers Dr. Williams will discuss the options with you and recommend the best anesthesia plan for you. Your facelift procedure is always tailored to your specific needs and anatomy.

STEP 1 – ANESTHESIA

Facelift operations are most commonly performed under a general anesthetic via IV medication and can take between two to four hours to perform. In addition, local numbing medication is always injected to give you post-operative pain control.

STEP 2 – INCISION & RESHAPING

There are multiple incision techniques that Dr. Williams may uses when you have a facelift. These depend on the degree of change you’d like to see and the problem areas. We always strive for the shortest possible scar to give you the look you want.

  • Traditional Facelift: The incision is made from the hairline at the temples, continuing around the ear (part of this incision will be partly inside the ears to help hide the cuts) and ending in the lower scalp. Fat may be sculpted or redistributed from the face, jowls, and neck, and underlying tissue is repositioned. The deeper layers of the face and the muscles are also lifted. The facial skin is then re-draped over the uplifted contours, and excess skin is carefully trimmed away. A second incision under the chin may be necessary if you also want the facelift surgeon to improve the appearance of the neck.
  • Limited Incision FaceLift (Short Scar Facelift): This is an alternative to the traditional facelift and uses shorter incisions at the temples, continuing around the ear and perhaps inside the lower eyelids or under the upper lip.
  • Neck Lift: If you have significant loose skin around the neck, the surgical incisions and technique are modified to include correction of this area. These incisions are typically very well hidden behind the ear. Liposuction may also be used to contour the neck.

The face and neck are then reshaped by the surgeon, making adjustments to the muscles and fat. If fat will be grafted or removed, it will happen at this point. If your facelift will be combined with any other procedures such as rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty, your surgeon will perform those at this part of your treatment. The incisions are closed with small metal staples around the hairline and thin nylon sutures around the ears.

STEP 3 – SUTURES

Absorbable and non-absorbable sutures are used on the incisions on the face and small metal staples are used around the hairline to close the facelift incisions. Once the surgery is complete, dressings are placed.

STEP 4 – RESULTS

When you wake up after your facelift surgery, you will have dressings and bandages on your face, as well as drainage tubes inserted behind the ear to minimize fluid accumulation under the surface of the skin. You will be given painkillers, although you should only feel mild to moderate pain after a facelift procedure. Your skin will feel uncomfortable and tight. There will be swelling over the face, which will subside after a short time. You will likely feel drowsy for several hours or more after surgery due to the anesthesia. Someone will need to be available to drive you home, and we recommend having help for around 24 hours just to be sure all the effects have worn off.

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Recovery, Results & Aftercare

Facelift recovery times vary from patient to patient. Most of our patients go home the same day. There will be some discomfort following surgery that can be managed with pain medication. The injected numbing medicine typically keeps our patients comfortable in the first twelve hours, after which prescribed medication or Tylenol can minimize discomfort. You can expect to feel swollen, bruised, and numb for a few days afterwards.

The swelling will be at its worst two to three days after facelift surgery. Sleeping upright, supported by pillows, will help in reducing swelling. Cool compresses can also help, however, great care should be taken to not put ice or anything too cold directly on your skin as you will still have some numbness and may not feel things that are too cold. Patients of facelift surgery are recommended to rest as much as possible the first week, keep your incision sites as dry as possible, and avoid closed-neck clothing to prevent contact on your head and face.

Some numbness, swelling, and bruising of the skin is likely to last for up to two weeks after the surgery. After five to ten days, your stitches and drains will be removed, and a few days later, you should start seeing the results of the facelift. Five to fourteen days after the facelift procedure, you will start to look and feel better. Visible swelling should go down after four to six weeks. You should avoid any strenuous activity during this time. You will probably feel numbness in your face for a few weeks.

Dr. Williams along with the Tri Valley Plastic Surgery team, will give you a checklist and a precautions list for your recovery. It may take several months for swelling to fully dissipate and up to six months to a year for incision lines to mature. Maintaining or adopting a healthy lifestyle and wearing a high SPF sunscreen whenever you go out will help to extend the results of your facelift. You will see the end result of your facelift approximately six to nine months after surgery.

Why Dr. Williams?

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery is widely renowned for producing stunning facial and body sculpting results. Dr. Williams is a board-certified plastic surgeon who holds leadership positions in organizations from the local up to the national level. With many years of surgical experience and patient care, Dr. Williams and the entire team at Tri Valley are committed to providing a thorough, professional, and caring experience from consultation to follow-up. A facelift at Tri Valley means you’ll get the most comprehensive treatment plan and the most brilliant results in the Bay Area.

Steven Williams, MD

Schedule Your San Francisco Bay Area Facelift Consultation at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery Today

If you would like to learn more about the various facelift procedures offered at our prestigious practice, call or chat with us now!

Great Results. Minimal Downtime.

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FAQ

How common are facelift surgeries?

Is a facelift painful?

What are the risks and side effects associated with a facelift?

Is a facelift permanent?

What is a good age to get a facelift?

How much does a facelift cost?

How common are facelift surgeries?

Facelifts are among the top 5 most popular plastic surgeries among both men and women year after year, with over 100,000 procedures performed annually in the United States.

Is a facelift painful?

Since the actual procedure will be performed under full anesthesia, there will be no pain experienced during that part of the process. Often, patients report not feeling a great deal of pain during recovery, but more like a bruised or heavy sensation.

What are the risks and side effects associated with a facelift?

Facelift complications are infrequent and usually minor, including soreness, swelling, and bruising. The possibility of facelift complications depend on each patient's anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities. As with any surgery, the outcome is never completely predictable.

Is a facelift permanent?

Typically the results of a facelift last about 8-10 years. It is not a permanent corrective procedure. Since more sagging and wrinkling can occur as we age, you would be likely to experience a reappearance of these signs of aging at a later time.

What is a good age to get a facelift?

There is no perfect age to get a facelift. However, we typically consider the best course of action would be to get an initial facelift in your mid-40s to 50s with a touch-up lift around your mid-60s.

How much does a facelift cost?

The cost of a facelift can vary greatly depending on what type of facelift you will be receiving and if any additional services will be performed as well. Complete cost and pricing information will be covered during a consultation.

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We are leaders in breast enhancement, body sculpting, and facial cosmetic surgery, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Schedule an intro call with us today to take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.

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