Facelift Surgery in San Francisco

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez can achieve significant facial rejuvenation results by performing facelift surgery in San Francisco. His patients can turn back the hands of time with this procedure, which is designed to reduce the effects of aging, gravity, sun exposure, and stress and to give patients a younger, fresher appearance. Good candidates for facelift surgery include men and women with a strong bone structure, supple skin, and realistic expectations. Please continue reading to learn more about facelift with Dr. Kenneth Bermudez.

Facelift Procedure

Dr. Kenneth Bermudez begins the facelift procedure by making an incision near the temple that continues to behind the earlobe. He then tightens the muscles underlying the skin and removes excess fat and skin. When this is complete, Dr. Bermudez stitches the incisions closed, making them as discreet as possible. The entire procedure takes about three to five hours to complete and is typically performed while the facelift San Francisco patient is under general anesthesia. A facelift can be performed on an outpatient basis or at a hospital.

Facelift Recovery

Patients can expect significant bruising and swelling after facelift surgery. However, these signs will dissipate as the face continues to heal. During the first few days following the procedure, the face will be bandaged and the head will need to be kept elevated. Any pain and discomfort can be reduced with medication. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least two weeks. However, most of our San Francisco area patients are able to return to their normal routines after about 10 days. Any residual scarring from a facelift is typically hidden by the hair or in the natural creases of the face and ears. The scars generally fade with time.

Facelift Risks

Any type of surgery involves some risks, and plastic surgery is no exception. Risks associated with facelift surgery include:

  • Blood or fluid retention under the skin

  • Nerve damage

  • Infection

  • Reaction to anesthesia

  • Skin discoloration

  • Numbness or tingling around the incisions

Keep in mind that many of the risks of facelift surgery are minimal and that this particular plastic surgery procedure is considered one of the safest. Dr. Kenneth Bermudez will discuss all risks with you at your initial consultation.

Facelift Benefits

With state-of-the-art technology and medical advances, facelift procedures have become more and more effective for those wishing to achieve significant facial rejuvenation. A facelift can:

  • Reduce the appearance of jowls, folds, and fat deposits

  • Reduce deep creases between the nose and mouth

  • Eliminate excess skin and fat

  • Smooth out wrinkles and lines

  • Improve facial contours

Although a facelift can’t stop the aging process, it can improve visible signs of aging and take years off the face, improving your appearance and providing a boost to your self-confidence. A facelift procedure combined with a brow lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty or a neck lift can give you an even more complete cosmetic makeover. Other procedures that can be combined with a facelift include placement of facial implants and lip augmentation in San Francisco.

Facelift FAQs

What type of anesthesia is used for facelift surgery?

General anesthesia is typically used during the facelift procedure, however, local or twilight anesthesia may also be used. Dr. Bermudez will discuss these and other details with you during your one-on-one consultation with him before surgery.

How can I prepare for facelift surgery?

The first step in preparing for facelift surgery is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Bermudez. During this time, he can assess your candidacy for the surgery, listen to your aesthetic goals for the surgery, and answer any and all questions you may have. He will also, at this time, suggest some pre-surgery preparation steps, such as stopping certain medications and OTC drugs as well as herbal supplements a few days before your surgery. He will also suggest that you quit, or refrain from, smoking during that time.

What activities should I avoid after facelift surgery?

It is important to avoid strenuous exercise, including weight lifting, for at least two weeks after your facelift procedure. Avoid any activity that has you bending down for the first five days. For the first two to three nights, keep your head elevated on pillows to help with swelling and bruising. Avoid the sun as much as possible for four to six weeks to prevent swelling, burning sensitive skin, and darkening scars.

These and other post-operative instructions will be made clear to you during your pre-surgery consultation with Dr. Bermudez.

How can I reduce swelling after facelift surgery?

Some swelling and bruising is common after facelift surgery. To alleviate swelling, sleep with your head elevated for the first few days after your procedure. Apply ice packs to the face to help reduce swelling. Avoid exposure to the sun, as it will cause inflammation and further swelling.

What type of scarring is expected after the facelift procedure?

There is minimal scarring after facelift surgery, and the residual scars are usually hidden by the hair (as the incisions are typically made at the hairline) and in the face’s natural creases. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bermudez has the surgical expertise and years of experience to create natural-looking facelift results that make scars unnoticeable.

What type of scarring is expected after the facelift procedure?

There is minimal scarring after facelift surgery, and the residual scars are usually hidden by the hair (as the incisions are typically made at the hairline) and in the face’s natural creases. A board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bermudez has the surgical expertise and years of experience to create natural-looking facelift results that make scars unnoticeable.

How much does facelift surgery cost?

The cost of facelift surgery varies, though the average cost of a facelift is anywhere from $18,000 to $22,000.

What is the difference between mini-facelift and facelift?

A mini-facelift lifts and smooths the mid-face area (around the cheeks); as it is a simpler procedure, it involves only two short incisions in front of the ears. A full facelift lifts and smooths the skin on the mid-face as well as correcting jowls and sagging skin on the lower face and neck. In both procedures, excess and sagging skin is removed and the underlying facial muscles are tightened for a smoother, more youthful face.

A mini facelift is often suggested for patients with minimal or localized facial wrinkling, such as deep creases around the nose and mouth and slight jowling. For patients with more extensive, deeper wrinkles on the face and neck, a full facelift may be recommended. Discuss your surgery options with Dr. Bermudez in a private consultation.

Can I have a facelift without surgery?

There are many non-surgical procedures such as facial fillers, implants, and injectables like Botox that can help you achieve a smoother, younger-looking face semi-permanently. Unlike a surgical procedure such as a facelift, however, the effects of these treatments will last approximately six months in comparison to the 10 or more years that facelift results typically last.

Dr. Bermudez can discuss your surgery goals and make recommendations based on your individual needs in a private consultation.

What should I keep in mind when looking for facelift surgery near me?

Natural-looking facelift results are not achieved by chance—they are the consequence of choosing an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Bermudez to perform the procedure. The most important decision you will make for your facelift surgery is choosing your surgeon.

Unlike cosmetic surgeons, who are often medical doctors with supplemental cosmetic training, a board-certified plastic surgeon has years of specialized training and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, ensuring a higher standard of care.

Do you have facelift before and after photos?

See our facelift patient’s beautiful and natural results in our facelift photo gallery.

Contact Your San Francisco Face Lift Surgeon

Kenneth Bermudez, MD, has extensive experience performing facelift surgery in San Francisco. Please contact his offices today to schedule a personal consultation or obtain more information about any of the procedures he performs. As a leading plastic surgeon, Dr. Bermudez will be happy to answer any questions you may have and to create a highly customized facial rejuvenation plan specifically for you.