Face Lift in San Francisco Bay Area, CA

Dr. Usha Rajagopal and the medical staff at San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center are proud to offer face lift procedures to Bay Area residents and beyond

Does your face show signs of aging, such as deep lines, creases, and folds? Do you feel as though your demeanor appears tired and your skin takes away from the natural beauty of your face? If your features aren't representing your inner youth, a face lift (rhytidectomy) procedure may be the procedure to revitalize your life.

At the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, we offer premier face lift surgery using the latest technology and medical techniques.

21 years of experience in face lifts and cosmetic surgery
Over 10,000 successful procedures & treatments performed
Top-rated Bay Area female cosmetic plastic surgeon (yelp.com)
Televised cosmetic surgery consultant (Kron 4 News - “Body Beautiful”)
Over 20 years of local service in San Francisco, California

What is a Face Lift?

A face lift, or rhytidectomy, is a restorative surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck area. Face lifts can improve the appearance of common face and neck features affected by aging.

This includes:

Sagging in the middle area of your face
Heavy creases below the lower eyelids
Heavy creases along your nose to the corner of the mouth
Lack of skin tightness along your lower face
Loose skin or excess fat under the chin and jaw (appearing as a double chin)
Facial fat that has reduced or been displaced

Face Lift Candidacy

To determine if you are the right candidate for surgery or treatment, visit Dr. Rajagopal for an in-person evaluation. You may be a good candidate for a face lift if you have:

A healthy body and mind (non-smoker)
A positive outlook and body image
Realistic goals for the improvement of your appearance

The ideal candidate for a face lift procedure is an individual whose face and neck have lost form due to aging, but whose skin still has elasticity and whose bone structure is well-defined. Many patients who undergo this surgery are in their forties to sixties. Face lifts can be successfully performed on people in their seventies to eighties.

Find out if you are the right candidate for this procedure. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal at our downtown San Francisco office at 415-392-3333.

Face Lift Surgery

Dr. Rajagopal will guide you through your unique face lift surgical procedure one step at a time. A face lift takes several hours and can vary if one has multiple procedures at the same time. Two sessions may be needed for extensive procedures. The facial areas selected for your lift and the sequence of your surgery depends on facial structure and extent of the session.

Anesthesia is administered at the beginning of the surgical procedure. Dr. Rajagopal will recommend the best choice of medication for your particular body and health. Incisions for a face lift procedure typically begins above the hairline at the temples, extends in a natural line in front of the ear (or just inside the cartilage at the front of the ear), and continues behind the earlobe to the lower scalp. If the neck requires attention, a small incision may also be made under the chin.

During surgery, Dr. Rajagopal makes incisions on both sides of the face. Skin is momentarily separated from native fat and muscle. Excess fat is then trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve contours. Dr. Rajagopal continues the lift by adjusting underlying muscle and tissue and tightening the skin back into its original position, removing any overlapping skin during the process. Incisions are closed with stitches and clips may be used on the scalp to secure the area.

Following surgery, a small, thin tube is temporarily placed under the skin behind your ear to drain fluids any fluids that may collect. Dr. Rajagopal will wrap your head comfortably in bandages to minimize bruising and swelling.

After the Surgery

There isn’t usually significant discomfort after face lift surgery; if there is, it can be lessened with the pain medication prescribed. (Severe or persistent pain or a sudden swelling of your face should be reported to Dr. Rajagopal immediately.) Some numbness of the skin is quite normal; it will disappear in a few weeks or months.

Keep your head elevated and as still as possible for a couple of days after surgery, to keep the swelling down. If you’ve had a drainage tube inserted, it will be removed one or two days after your face lift surgery. Bandages, when used, are usually removed after one to five days. Don’t be surprised at the pale, bruised, and puffy face you see. Just keep in mind that in a few weeks you’ll be looking normal.

Facelift - Before & After Photos

*Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person.

Returning to Daily Routine

Following surgery, you should be up and about in a day or two. Plan on taking it easy for the first week after your face lift surgery. Be especially gentle with your face and hair, since your skin will be both tender and numb, and may not respond normally at first. Dr. Rajagopal will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They will likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous activity, including sex and heavy housework, for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine); avoid alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months.

Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to spend its energy on healing. At the beginning, your face may look and feel rather strange. Your features may be distorted from the swelling, your facial movements may be slightly stiff and you’ll probably be self-conscious about your scars. Some bruising may persist for two or three weeks, and you may tire easily. It’s not surprising that some patients are disappointed and depressed at first. By the third week, you’ll look and feel much better. Most patients are back at work two weeks after face lift surgery. If you need it, special camouflage makeup can mask most bruising that remains.

Face Lift Procedure Cost

View San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center's pricing chart for the cost of this procedure and other affordable treatments and procedures.

Real Patient Review - Face Lift Journal

I have been seeing Dr. Rajagopal for at least 8 years. I chose her for her compassion and honesty. She has told me when I don’t need something done even though I thought I did. I am a 48 year old female who has had botox and restalyne to try to keep looking fresh.
I did not want to look like I’d had anything done. This year my sagging jowls and neck were really bothering me and I discussed it with Dr. Rajagopal—she suggested a half-face lift and lower eye surgery. I made the appointment when I knew I could take 3-4 days off. I have 3 children and my mother was there to help. I went in feeling a little nervous, but had such faith in Dr. Rajagopal that I knew I was in good hands. I did not have general anesthesia, but didn’t’ feel a thing. I was groggy when I woke up, but didn’t feel any pain or anxiety. I left the office with a friend and rested for 3 days as per doctor’s orders.
I could have done much more, but didn’t want to ruin the procedure. I had no pain at all, infact I never used the pain medication. I was swollen and bruised, but within 6 days I was out and about- with glasses and a hat. It has been 2 ½ weeks now, most of the swelling and bruising has gone. I just use make-up.
Nobody has asked me whether I’ve had anything done, but everyone has told me I look great and I must have had a great summer! I don’t regret a thing and am so glad that I did this. My self-esteem has improved –not that I was depressed, I just wanted to look younger without looking plastic. The whole experience was good and I’m very happy with the results. I feel so lucky to have such a great doctor and would recommend her to anybody considering any procedure.

Why choose Dr. Rajagopal and the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center for your face lift surgery?

Practice Led by Board Certified Surgeon
21 Years of Cosmetic Surgery Experience
Friendly and Professional Staff
Reliable, Positively Reviewed Results
Affordable Pricing and Financing Options

If you have any additional questions regarding face lifts or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Usha Rajagopal, please call the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Laser Center at 415-392-3333.