Facelift San Francisco

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Facelift & Necklift

See My Take on Facial Rejuvenation

At Union Square Facial Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, facelift surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures. With the passage of time, facial shape and texture begin to change. Laxity of the skin and the deeper facial tissues causes the face to sag, especially along the jawline and neck. A good facelift can easily reverse these signs of aging, leaving your face looking refreshed, healthy, and even younger. The goal of the facelift is to restore a healthy facial structure by repositioning the deep facial tissues back to their native position. The goal is not to pull the face or create a windswept, tight, or operated appearance. When done well, the outcome is extremely natural yet dramatic. Our patients report that no one, including family and close friends, can detect that they ever had surgery. Instead, patients often tell us that their friends and family comment on how fabulous they look and then ask if they’ve been working out or if they got their hair done. Our patients look rested and refreshed.

Depending on the individual’s anatomy, lifestyle, and the amount of downtime they are able to handle, there are two main facelift procedures that Dr. Chiu-Collins performs: the Mini facelift and the Full facelift. If necessary, either of these facelifts can be performed with a concurrent neck lift. Each technique has a different aesthetic outcome, risk profile, and recovery time. It should be noted that every surgeon performs these procedures differently. The best way to determine if a particular surgeon’s facelift approach is consistent with your personal goals and taste is to meet the surgeon in person, examine the surgeon’s before and after photographs, or even directly talk with past patients.

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After
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Before
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After
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Mini Facelift

The Mini Facelift addresses the lower cheeks, jawline, jowls, and neck if necessary. It has a short recovery time, is low-risk, is lower-cost, is lasting, and can easily be done under local anesthesia. It should be recognized that there are many different kinds of facelifts being performed out there; some involve simply removing skin. However, to create meaningful and lasting results, the deep muscle layer (SMAS layer) of the face and neck needs to be involved. Dr. Chiu-Collins gently lifts and repositions the SMAS layer back to its more youthful position. It is this SMAS layer that is the most meaningful part of any facelift. Once these deep structures are restored to their more youthful configuration, the skin should elegantly redrape with no pulling or tension on the skin. This approach is what prevents the “windblown” or “operated” look that so many patients are afraid of.

Full Facelift

The Full Facelift addresses the upper and lower cheeks, midface, jawline, jowls, corners of the mouth, and neck. This is especially beneficial for patients with significant skin redundancy, muscle laxity, or heavy neck tissue. By elevating a higher and more comprehensive SMAS layer at a deeper level, the upper cheeks and midface are able to achieve more lift. Liposuction of the neck is performed, and the loose neck muscle is tightened and repositioned, helping to reestablish the attractive native jawline.

I had a face and neck lift with Dr. Chiu. From the first time I met her to my last visit, Dr. Chiu was wonderful. She is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Especially for me, I was so impressed that Dr. Chiu took such care to recognize and explain the difference of male and female facelifts. She is extremely detailed with her surgery skills; tiny stitches, and even removing facial hair follicles in order to have an even sideburns line. I know where to go whenever it’s time again!

– James, San Francisco, CA

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Choosing Your Surgeon

When dealing with your face, you should choose a face specialist. In particular, when you choose someone who is a facial plastic surgeon, you are choosing someone with a background in head and neck surgery. A facial plastic surgeon has performed surgery in the deepest layers of the face and at the level of the skull. They are experts in the entire facial anatomy, and they understand how to respect the facial tissues and their associated vascular and nervous structures. Most importantly, they know how to keep the surgery safe while achieving an excellent aesthetic result.

The spectrum of facelift types ranges from a mini-facelift to a full facelift with extensive work on the neck. Some patients are good mini-lift candidates, while other patients truly require a deeper-level facelift in order to achieve a good result. In the latter group, a mini-facelift will not produce a good enough result, and that results will not be long-lasting. Dr. Chiu-Collins understands the intricacies of facial anatomy and will choose the facelift approach that is right and safe for you.

Dr. Chiu-Collins is considered by her patients as one of the best facial plastic surgeons in San Francisco and offers a natural-looking facelift that San Francisco residents can rely on. With her intimate understanding of the facial structure and anatomy, she is able to recreate for her patients the refreshed and healthy appearance of their own faces—all while aiming to achieve only the most natural look.

Am I A Candidate?

For the patient, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the vast array of treatment choices. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Chiu-Collins will ask you to put into your own words what your concerns are about your face. She will perform an in-depth assessment of your soft tissue and bony facial architecture. She will custom-formulate a plan that is unique to only you and take the time to help you understand the issues, rationale, pros and cons, and expected recovery.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in San Francisco?

The cost of the surgery can vary based on a number of factors. As an experienced facelift San Francisco surgeon, Dr. Chiu-Collins will meet with you in her office to discuss all options and pricing. During your consultation, she will be able to provide her recommendations.

Surgery

Facelift surgery lasts anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours, depending on what needs to be done. Mini-facelifts can be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. Full facelifts are performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Facelifts may be performed during the same surgical session as other complementing procedures like eyelid surgery, a browlift, or fat transfer. The decision for anesthesia is based on patient preference, health status, and the duration of surgery.

Recovery from surgery

The first two days are typically spent with the patient taking it easy at home. The more extensive the surgery, the more time is needed for recovery. Bruising and swelling may last for several days,, and most patients can return to work within 7–10 days. Soreness and swelling may be worse in the morning and are significantly reduced by sleeping with the head of the bed elevated on extra pillows. Pain relievers help with postoperative soreness.

Schedule a Consultation

Interested in learning more about facelifts in San Francisco? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chiu-Collins. We look forward to offering compassionate treatment and excellent cosmetic plastic surgery solutions.

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