Is a Facelift painful?

During your facelift procedure, you should not experience any pain as you will be under sedation with general anesthesia and have local anesthesia in your face and neck. During the recovery stage, most patients do not feel too much pain, but you can expect a deep bruised sensation in addition to the swelling, and some of our patients have also expressed feeling a “tight” face and neck. But these symptoms should dissipate over time. We will also prescribe you some pain medication to help alleviate any pain or discomfort as you recover. Some patients will also find the bandages on their faces to be mildly irritating, especially as they sleep, but it is very important to keep them on until your plastic surgeon removes them.

How many appointments will I need?

Your first post-operative visit will be the day after surgery to remove your dressing and review post-operative care instructions. The next visit will be approximately one week after surgery to remove your sutures. You will then follow-up up one month after your facelift and usually every three to six months for the first year after your surgery to ensure adequate healing.

How long until I see results?

You will see visible changes immediately after their facelift procedure, but keep in mind that you will still be very bruised and swollen during the first few weeks of recovery. On average, our patients begin to feel and see the most dramatic results of their cosmetic surgery at around the six-week mark. If you follow the instructions we provide for you, it will help increase the chance for better and longer-lasting results.

What will the scarring look like?

Dr. Li is very conscientious of hiding any scars in the natural creases and contours of your face, but as with any surgery, scarring is inevitable. The scars will usually start at the sideburn and follow the contour of the ear, extending along the front of the ear and continuing under the earlobe and behind the ear, into the hairline. The wound will eventually turn pink before fading to a white or flesh-toned color. After about a year, your scars should become flat and nearly unnoticeable, but it can take up to two years for this.

When can I exercise again after my Facelift?

While you will need to rest, movement is a very important aspect of the healing process. You can start light walking within the first week after a facelift, and you can add cycling and light cardio within three weeks. Most patients can return to their normal routines six weeks after the surgery, but you should avoid strenuous activities until you’re fully recovered, which is usually between 6 to 8 weeks. You should always check in with Dr. Li before resuming any exercise, just to avoid unnecessary risks.

Can I combine a Facelift with other procedures?

Absolutely! Our San Jose and Bay Area facelift patients will often have other facial enhancements commonly combined with their procedure, such as an upper blepharoplasty for enhancement of the eyelids or a chin implant for a better facial profile and more youthful appearance. Some patients can even see some benefits from non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX or facial fillers to achieve a more youthful appearance, which can be performed in the same setting if requested. If you have any aesthetic goals or aspirations, please let us know during your consultation and Dr. Li will be able to help you find the best options with his expert recommendations.

What are the risks associated with a Facelift?

Dr. Li and his team take our patient’s health and safety very seriously, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects. Here are the ones that are associated with a full facelift: Anesthesia risks Bleeding Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications Facial nerve injury with weakness Fluid accumulation Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin) Infection Numbness or other changes in skin sensation Poor wound healing and skin loss Prolonged swelling Unfavorable scarring Most facelift patients find these side effects to be rare or temporary, if you experience any concerning or long-lasting reactions, please contact our office immediately.

How do I find the best San Jose and Bay Area Facelift plastic surgeon near me?

Finding the right facelift plastic surgeon is very important, and not a decision that should be made lightly. In your search, it’s important to seek out surgeons with board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means he or she has undergone a rigorous board certification process by the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Other things that you should consider include years of experience, the ability to review their results and have positive patient feedback, and if they have any particular expertise in performing a facelift. Finally, while it shouldn’t be a determining factor, a good bedside manner and positive personality always help! Remember, this procedure is for YOU and it’s important that you are comfortable with whomever you choose.

Facelift

In San Jose, CA

Facelift Introduction

Considered to be one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, a facelift can provide some incredible changes to create a more youthful look and bolster confidence for those who have concerns about their aging appearance. At CA Aesthetics in Los Gatos, CA, Dr. Li and his team strive to provide our San Jose and Bay Area facelift patients with natural, long-lasting results about which they can be proud. To learn more about the procedure and find out if it’s right for you, please review the information below:

Facelift Results

Facelift B&A

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What is a Facelift?

Also referred to as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a plastic surgery procedure that helps reduce and improve the visible signs of aging in your face and neck. The more common age-related skin problems that a facelift can treat include sagging facial skin, fold lines that appear between the nose and mouth, marionette lines (lines that appear at the corners of the mouth and curve down towards the chin), jowls, and loose skin with excessive fat around the neck (often referred to as a “turkey neck” or double chin).

The full facelift technique is a very popular, long-lasting procedure that can be performed using various techniques to help patients regain confidence and appear more youthful. Dr. Li has extensively trained in facial plastic surgery techniques and has the skills and artistry to give you a natural, yet rejuvenated result. In addition to a traditional facelift, we offer our patients several procedures that treat the whole face or can target specific problem areas, including a non-surgical option for anyone unsure about cosmetic enhancements.

Mini-Facelift

The mini-facelift is a slightly modified version of a traditional facelift and helps minimize loose skin around the lower portion of your face. Most plastic surgeons consider mini-facelifts to be less invasive and require less excessive skin removal than other facial surgeries.

Dr. Li will make discreet incisions behind your ears that are easily hidden once healed. Using the incision, your skin and facial muscles are carefully tightened, with any excess tissue being removed. Your incisions are then closed with a precise suturing technique that reduces tension on your skin and minimizes visible scarring.

You can expect to experience some mild swelling and bruising, but a mini-lift has a much less intense recovery when compared to traditional full-facelift surgery.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift is a definitive facelift technique that results in natural, long-lasting results. The goal of a deep plane face lift is to not only lift and reposition the skin but also deeper tissues (SMAS fascia and platysma muscle tissue) that anchor the facelift.

During the procedure, the deep plane is entered underneath the skin at a line that begins from the back of the jaw (the angle of the jaw) up to the corner of the eyelids (the lateral canthus). From that point on, the deep plane is elevated with the release of multiple deep connective tissues of the face and neck (facial ligaments) to allow for less tension and the ability to elevate not only the jowls and neck tissue but soft tissue of the cheek.

The result is a more natural-appearing recreation of a defined jawline, neck contour, and cheek volume.

brunette woman with blue eyes | CA Aesthetics by Dr. Li

Facelift at First Glance:

Surgery Time: Varies from patient to patient as procedural details are customized for each individual patient.
Surgery Cost: We understand the importance of clarity when it comes to the topic of costs. The cost of a facelift in Los Gatos, San Jose, and the surrounding Bay Area, can vary on the approach. It is essential to schedule a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Li to discuss specific pricing details tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Recovery Time: Every patient is different, but the average immediate recovery time is approximately six weeks.
Results: Can last 10-15 years, but can be affected by aging and lifestyle.

woman pulling hair back with dermal fillers | CA Aesthetics by Dr. Li

The Facelift Expertise of Dr. Eric Li

Dr. Li is a double board-certified plastic surgeon – the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) – as well as a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Dr. Li is an expert in facial cosmetic surgery with years of experience

Who are the best candidates for a Facelift?

The best facelift candidates should be nonsmokers, be in overall good health, and maintain a positive outlook with realistic expectations regarding the procedure. Other characteristics that make a good candidate for a facelift in Los Gatos, San Jose, and the surrounding Bay Area are:

Committed to good skincare
Dissatisfied with their facial appearance
Flexible skin
Has sagging facial tissues (i.e. deep wrinkles, jowls, double chin)
Near desired target weight
Understand the procedure, recovery time, and risks
Non-smoker

What are the benefits of a Facelift?

For our patients in the San Jose and greater Bay Area who want to address signs of aging in their mid-face, lower-face, and neck – a facelift is likely the best option. This procedure can:

Contour the jawline
Get rid of deep creases
Improve the appearance of the nasolabial folds
Produces natural results
Reduces smile lines
Restore lifted cheeks
Tightens up sagging skin

Facelift First Step

What’s the first step?

The first step to getting facial plastic surgery in San Jose and the greater Bay Area is to book your initial consultation with Dr. Li at CA Aesthetics in Los Gatos. In order to get the most out of your facelift cost and procedure details, you should prepare your questions ahead of time and do a little bit of research.

When you come in for your appointment, you will have the opportunity to meet with Dr. Li who will review your medical history, discuss the appearance you would like to achieve, and other pertinent medical information. After a physical examination, he will craft a surgical plan that he believes will produce the best results. If both of you are in agreement and you wish to move forward with your surgery, our Patient Coordinator will help coordinate a date for surgery.

We will also provide detailed preoperative and postoperative instructions to best help you prepare and recover from your surgery.

asian woman with perfect skin | CA Aesthetics by Dr. Li

How do I prepare for my Facelift?

The best route to any successful surgery is to follow our instructions and either avoid certain activities or practice some new habits, including:

Take care of yourself: This is one of the most important tips! Make sure you get enough rest, stay hydrated, and eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Avoid certain medications: You should stop taking blood-thinning medications or supplements with your doctor’s permission a week before surgery. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), vitamin E, and fish oil, as they can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Stop smoking four to six weeks before and stop drinking alcohol three to five days before surgery: This will have the same effect as taking some medications, so it’s best to avoid it for the time being.
Protect your skin: Avoid sun exposure and use high-quality sunscreen.
Prepare your skin: Cleanse your face, gently exfoliate, apply moisturizers and antioxidants, and use sunscreen.
Get lab testing or a medical evaluation: While not required for everyone, Dr. Li may request that you follow this step to avoid unnecessary risks
Apply certain products to your facial skin before surgery: Depending on how your skin is, Dr. Li may suggest certain products to help improve your results. We will be able to offer suggestions after your consultation.

What to expect on the day of Facelift surgery

On the day of your facelift surgery, you will meet with Dr. Li once more and discuss the details of your surgery, asking any questions and addressing any concerns that you may have. Our on-site Anesthesiologist will then administer your general anesthesia to make your experience more tolerable.

Once in the surgical suite, Dr. Li will begin making an incision near the temple, just above and in front of the ear. It will continue under the earlobe and follow the back of your ear, blending into the hairline. The skin is gently lifted as he repositions and tightens the underlying muscles and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. For men, the incision is aligned to accommodate the natural beard lines. In all cases, the incisions are placed where they will fall in a natural crease of the skin to appear camouflaged.

After trimming the excess skin, Dr. Li will close the incisions with fine sutures. This creates precise, thin scars that should heal imperceptibly. Depending on the extent of the surgery and the number of additional procedures, the process can take from four to six hours.

Following the surgery, Dr. Li will apply a gentle compression dressing to protect the entire area where the incisions have been made and prevent any collections of fluid. You may also have some surgical drains to get rid of any excess fluid.

Facelift recovery

All facelift procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, and you will be sent home with detailed post-operative instructions and pain medication. We strongly recommend having a family member or friend provide you with a ride home, and possibly be able to assist you for the first night of recovery as the anesthesia wears off.

You will need to take some time off to rest and recover as your body heals. You should give yourself about two weeks before returning to your normal daily activities.

You can expect to experience some swelling after the procedure, but it is temporary and will subside in time. Once the swelling diminishes, you will be able to see the full results of your treatment.

You can further enhance the results of your facelift by committing to a skincare regimen that involves daily moisturizing and keeping your skin protected from the sun when you go outside. Living a healthy lifestyle, in general, can help keep your skin looking beautiful for a long time to come.

Tips for Recovery

As important as having a qualified surgeon like Dr. Li perform your surgery, the actions you take during your recovery are equally as important. We will provide you with a full list of things that you should and shouldn’t do, but here are some of the more common suggestions:

Keep your head elevated
Avoid too much sun exposure
Wear your compression garments
Avoid heavy lifting
Avoid certain foods
Use cold compresses for swelling
Hydrate and eat healthy
Keep your incisions clean
Take necessary medications
Rest and take time off from work
Follow Dr. Li’s instructions

Facelift Cost

How much does a Facelift cost in San Jose, CA?

The cost of a facelift in San Jose, Los Gatos, and the Bay area will vary on a number of factors, including the types of incisions that were made. The best way to find out how much your facelift will be is to come in for your consultation and have a surgical plan created by Dr. Li. Once this plan is made, our Patient Care Coordinator will be able to provide you with a breakdown of the price.

Why choose Dr. Li?

Dr. Eric Li, a Double Board-Certified plastic surgeon, is a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), and American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). At CA Aesthetics in Los Gatos, Dr. Li serves as the driving force behind transformative plastic surgery experiences. Known for his meticulous approach and compassionate care, Dr. Li caters to patients seeking aesthetic enhancements with a touch of sophistication, from San Jose to the broader Bay Area.

Facelift FAQ’S

During your facelift procedure, you should not experience any pain as you will be under sedation with general anesthesia and have local anesthesia in your face and neck. During the recovery stage, most patients do not feel too much pain, but you can expect a deep bruised sensation in addition to the swelling, and some of our patients have also expressed feeling a “tight” face and neck. But these symptoms should dissipate over time.

We will also prescribe you some pain medication to help alleviate any pain or discomfort as you recover. Some patients will also find the bandages on their faces to be mildly irritating, especially as they sleep, but it is very important to keep them on until your plastic surgeon removes them.
Your first post-operative visit will be the day after surgery to remove your dressing and review post-operative care instructions. The next visit will be approximately one week after surgery to remove your sutures. You will then follow-up up one month after your facelift and usually every three to six months for the first year after your surgery to ensure adequate healing.
You will see visible changes immediately after their facelift procedure, but keep in mind that you will still be very bruised and swollen during the first few weeks of recovery. On average, our patients begin to feel and see the most dramatic results of their cosmetic surgery at around the six-week mark. If you follow the instructions we provide for you, it will help increase the chance for better and longer-lasting results.
Dr. Li is very conscientious of hiding any scars in the natural creases and contours of your face, but as with any surgery, scarring is inevitable. The scars will usually start at the sideburn and follow the contour of the ear, extending along the front of the ear and continuing under the earlobe and behind the ear, into the hairline.

The wound will eventually turn pink before fading to a white or flesh-toned color. After about a year, your scars should become flat and nearly unnoticeable, but it can take up to two years for this.
While you will need to rest, movement is a very important aspect of the healing process. You can start light walking within the first week after a facelift, and you can add cycling and light cardio within three weeks.

Most patients can return to their normal routines six weeks after the surgery, but you should avoid strenuous activities until you’re fully recovered, which is usually between 6 to 8 weeks.

You should always check in with Dr. Li before resuming any exercise, just to avoid unnecessary risks.
Absolutely! Our San Jose and Bay Area facelift patients will often have other facial enhancements commonly combined with their procedure, such as an upper blepharoplasty for enhancement of the eyelids or a chin implant for a better facial profile and more youthful appearance. Some patients can even see some benefits from non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX or facial fillers to achieve a more youthful appearance, which can be performed in the same setting if requested.

If you have any aesthetic goals or aspirations, please let us know during your consultation and Dr. Li will be able to help you find the best options with his expert recommendations.
Dr. Li and his team take our patient’s health and safety very seriously, but as with any surgery, there are potential risks and side effects. Here are the ones that are associated with a full facelift:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Facial nerve injury with weakness
- Fluid accumulation
- Hematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
- Infection
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Poor wound healing and skin loss
- Prolonged swelling
- Unfavorable scarring
Most facelift patients find these side effects to be rare or temporary, if you experience any concerning or long-lasting reactions, please contact our office immediately.
Finding the right facelift plastic surgeon is very important, and not a decision that should be made lightly. In your search, it’s important to seek out surgeons with board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means he or she has undergone a rigorous board certification process by the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

Other things that you should consider include years of experience, the ability to review their results and have positive patient feedback, and if they have any particular expertise in performing a facelift. Finally, while it shouldn’t be a determining factor, a good bedside manner and positive personality always help!

Remember, this procedure is for YOU and it’s important that you are comfortable with whomever you choose.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are in San Jose or the greater Bay Area and would like to improve your facial anatomy cosmetically, a facelift procedure from Dr. Eric Li at CA Aesthetics in Los Gatos could be an excellent solution. To schedule your initial consultation, please contact our office or use our website to fill out a consultation request form. We look forward to taking the first step with you in achieving your desired facial aesthetic.

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