Facelift
in San Francisco
Home | Face Rejuvenation | Facelift and Neck lift
Refined Rejuvenation.
Natural, Balanced Results.
A facelift is designed to restore youthful structure to the lower face by addressing sagging skin, loss of definition along the jawline, and deep folds around the mouth. While often associated with dramatic change, modern facelift surgery is about refinement—lifting and repositioning tissue to create a naturally refreshed appearance.
At Aesthetic Surgery Center: Michael R. Macdonald, M.D., facelift surgery in San Francisco is performed with careful attention to proportion, balance, and long-term aging patterns. Neck contouring is frequently addressed during the same procedure to ensure harmony between the face and neck.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions deeper facial tissues to restore definition and reduce visible signs of aging in the lower face.
Unlike non-surgical treatments, a facelift corrects structural descent rather than temporarily tightening the skin. The procedure may also include neck contouring to refine the jawline and reduce laxity beneath the chin.
What a Facelift Improves
Facelift surgery in San Francisco commonly addresses:
- Sagging in the lower cheeks
- Deep nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Loss of jawline definition
- Jowls
- Skin laxity beneath the chin
- Neck banding and excess neck skin
By repositioning deeper tissue layers—not just removing skin—the results appear natural and stable over time.
Why Choose Dr. Michael R. Macdonald for Facelift Surgery
A facelift requires both surgical precision and aesthetic judgment. Overcorrection can distort expression, while undercorrection fails to create meaningful improvement.
As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in San Francisco, Dr. Macdonald focuses on:
- Deep tissue repositioning (SMAS-based techniques)
- Conservative skin redraping
- Natural jawline refinement
- Balanced integration of neck contouring
- Long-term structural support
Patients throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area choose his practice for results that restore structure without altering identity.
Facelift and Neck Contouring
Although the page is titled “Facelift,” the neck is almost always evaluated and treated when necessary.
Aging rarely affects the face alone. Addressing the neck during facelift surgery improves:
- Jawline continuity
- Submental fullness (under the chin)
- Vertical neck banding
- Skin laxity below the jaw
Combining facelift and neck refinement creates a more cohesive and natural outcome.
Is a Facelift Right for You?
You may be a candidate for facelift surgery in San Francisco if you:
- Notice sagging in the lower face
- Have jowls that blur the jawline
- Feel your neck does not match your facial appearance
- Have deep folds that do not improve with injectables
- Want long-term structural improvement
During consultation, Dr. Macdonald evaluates skin elasticity, facial volume, neck anatomy, and overall proportions to determine the most appropriate plan.
Types of Facelift Techniques
The technique recommended depends on facial anatomy and the degree of aging.
Traditional Facelift
Designed for moderate to advanced aging, this technique repositions deeper tissue layers and removes excess skin to restore structure.
Mini Facelift
Appropriate for early signs of aging, focusing on the lower face and jawline with shorter incisions.
Facelift with Neck Refinement
Addresses both facial descent and neck laxity for complete lower-face rejuvenation.
Technique selection is based on what will produce durable, balanced results—not simply what is trending.
What to Expect
Consultation, Planning, and Surgical Care
Your Consultation
Your consultation includes:
Evaluation of lower face and neck anatomy
• Assessment of skin elasticity
• Discussion of surgical vs non-surgical options
• Review of realistic expectations
• Personalized treatment planning
Photographic analysis may be used to help plan incisions and tissue repositioning.
The Surgical Procedure
Facelift surgery is typically performed under anesthesia in a controlled surgical setting. Incisions are placed discreetly along natural contours near the ears and hairline.
The procedure involves:
- Elevating and repositioning deeper facial tissues
- Refining the jawline
- Addressing neck laxity if needed
- Redraping skin conservatively
- Closing incisions with attention to minimal visibility
The focus is structural restoration—not tightness.
Recovery After Facelift Surgery
Most patients can expect:
- Swelling and bruising in the first 1–2 weeks
- Return to light activities within approximately 10–14 days
- Gradual refinement over several months
Healing varies, but most patients feel comfortable resuming public activities within two weeks.
How Long Do Facelift Results Last?
Facelift results are long-lasting. While aging continues naturally, repositioned tissues maintain improved contour for many years.
The procedure resets facial aging rather than stopping it.
Safety and Surgical Judgment
Facelift surgery demands restraint. Overly aggressive lifting can distort natural expression and create visible tension.
A conservative, anatomically informed approach ensures:
- Preserved facial identity
- Natural movement
- Balanced jawline contour
- Long-term stability
Selecting an experienced San Francisco facelift surgeon significantly impacts both safety and aesthetic outcome.
Before & After Results
Before-and-after photos demonstrate real patient outcomes and individualized surgical planning. Results vary, and consultation provides the clearest understanding of potential improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift in San Francisco
(Facelift / Neck Lift)
What is a facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions deeper facial tissues to improve sagging in the lower face and jawline. It restores structural support rather than simply tightening skin.
What does a facelift improve?
A facelift improves jowls, jawline laxity, deep folds around the mouth, and sagging in the lower cheeks. It may also include neck contouring to refine the area beneath the chin.
Who is a good candidate for a facelift?
Good candidates are healthy individuals experiencing moderate to advanced facial sagging who desire long-term structural improvement. A consultation determines the appropriate surgical plan.
How long is recovery after facelift surgery?
Most patients resume light activities within 10–14 days. Swelling continues to improve over several weeks, with full refinement developing gradually.
How long do facelift results last?
Facelift results typically last many years. While aging continues naturally, repositioned tissues maintain improved contour over time.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Facelift surgery is commonly combined with eyelid surgery, brow lift, or laser skin resurfacing to create balanced facial rejuvenation.
Will I look unnatural after a facelift?
When performed conservatively, a facelift restores definition without altering natural expression. The goal is refinement—not a dramatic change.
Let’s Talk About What’s Right for You
You don’t need to know which treatment you want—that conversation starts with understanding your goals. A consultation with Dr. Macdonald offers honest guidance, clear options, and a personalized plan designed around you.
Let us help you achieve your aesthetic goals with confidence and ease.