Face Lift (Facelift or Rhytidectomy)

San Francisco Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgery in Walnut Creek, CA

San Francisco Bay Area Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Surgery by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Joseph A. Mele, MD, FACS, in Walnut Creek, CA

Aging, sun exposure and smoking can all play a major role in the appearance of the skin, leading to wrinkling, sagging and loss of elasticity. For many, such damage can result in an outward appearance that does not match how we feel inside.

Facelift Presentation (Rhytidectomy)

Thankfully, Facelift procedures (Rhytidectomy), offered at our San Francisco East Bay Area office, in Walnut Creek, can reduce those aging wrinkles, tone and tighten the skin, and produce a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance.

Facelift Videos

San Francisco facelift surgeon, Dr. Joseph Mele, combines his skillful artistry with his experience and knowledge to produce natural-looking, beautiful results. Our face lift patients through out the San Francisco Bay Area are amazed when they see what can be accomplished at the hands of an exceptional cosmetic surgeon.

The Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) Procedure

Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Before and After Photos

The Face lift can be accomplished using a variety of techniques. The facelift method is not as important as the care used in choosing the method. Most techniques share many aspects, and there is a large amount of overlap. In general, an incision can be made along the hairline or around ears. Once the incision is made, Dr. Mele will remove excess fat and skin, reposition the remaining skin, and close the incision.

Facelift surgery usually incorporates a Neck Lift, during which a small incision is made under the chin to repair and tighten the neck muscles. The main muscle tightened in the neck is called the platysma, so the procedure is also called a platysmaplasty. This forms an internal corset in the anterior neck to support the internal structures, and removes tension from the skin to give a smooth, natural and longer lasting result.

The Mini-Facelift (Mini-Rhytidectomy)

Mini-Facelift (Mini-Rhytidectomy) Before and After Photos

Every facelift is different, and individual needs vary. For some, a mini-facelift will be sufficient. For others, a full facelift is needed get the expected results. Mini-facelifts are not full facelifts so the benefits of a shorter scar and shorter recovery are balanced by less dramatic results and a shorter duration of results.

A short article comparing mini-rhytidectomy and rhytidectomy is available in my San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog here: Facelift (Rhytidectomy) v. Mini Facelift (Mini Rhytidectomy). Video from a half-hour special on San Francisco's television station KRON4's medical show, Body Beautiful, features Dr. Mele discussing facelifts. The video is available online on Dr. Mele's You Tube Channel and on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog. Part one is here: Rhytidectomy (Facelift) San Francisco Bay Area Video

While a face lift can significantly improve the appearance, the procedure does not prevent or stop the aging process. Many patients choose to combine their face lift procedure with a Brow Lift and Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) to take full advantage of their surgical time and recovery period, and to further enhance results. Combining facial plastic surgery procdures, leads more balanced facial aesthetics, and the appearance of an evenly youthful face.

Schedule a Face Lift Procedure

If you would like to discuss face lift as a possibility at our San Francisco Bay Area, Walnut Creek office, schedule an appointment to see Walnut Creek Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Mele today.