What is a facelift?

A facelift is the most comprehensive treatment for facial aging. Our custom facelift in San Jose will smooth lines, wrinkles, creases, jowls, and restore youthful definition at your jawline. A facelift, when performed with advanced surgical techniques, creates a refreshed, restored, and natural look, not overtight or pulled. With doctors that are double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as head and neck surgery, you can feel safe in your decision to choose Cheng Plastic Surgery, confident that you will receive top-of-the-line treatment.

What is a Custom Facelift?

You are unique in your facial structure, and how time and gravity have affected your skin and tissue. A facelift, when performed at Cheng Plastic Surgery, will be custom-tailored for you. As double-board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, we use several of the most advanced techniques. The first step is a private consultation to determine which surgical approach will produce the most attractive results for you.

Before & After Facelift Surgery in San Jose

View before & after images performed by Dr. Elbert and Jacqueline Cheng.

What are the Benefits of Facelift Surgery?

Our customized facelift surgeries, delivered in our state-of-the-art San Jose practice, can restore the self-confidence that comes with a youthful, vibrant, refreshed facial appearance. Some of the common benefits of a facelift include:

Improved Self-confidence
Increased confidence in today’s job market
A well-rested, refreshed look
Wrinkles, lines, creases, and jowls, as well as upper neck fat resolved

Dr. Cheng performed my facelift surgery, and I could not be happier! I love my results...I still look like me, only younger and less tired! Dr. Cheng was wonderful and kept me informed of every detail regarding my surgery. His staff is truly amazing too. They helped me stay on track with all my pre-surgery preparations and checked on me during my recovery. I really recommend Dr. Cheng if you are interested in refreshing your appearance. It worked for me, and I am SO happy I chose Dr. Cheng!

- Shelly C.

What are the Different Facelift Surgery Techniques?

SMAS

Dr. Elbert and Dr. Jacqueline use several facelift techniques, depending on the areas that need correction. The most common methods are to correct sagging on the muscle and fascia (connective tissue) layer (SMAS), beneath the skin. The SMAS technique involves restoring the youthful position of the underlying muscles and fascia, called “plication,” or lifting the underlying layer upward and back, called “imbrication.” The technique that will lead to the most attractive look is selected based upon your level of facial aging, and how much change is needed.

Of these two techniques, Dr. Elbert and Dr. Jacqueline prefer and most often perform the “plication” technique, as the result of this approach is more significant and longer-lasting. The incisions around the ear are shorter than in older facelift techniques, with faster healing and limited scarring.

Deep plane

Another surgical technique, called a deep plane facelift, involves a very short scar. A deep plane facelift creates a more significant lift, which may be needed. No matter what type of facelift technique we recommend, you can be assured it is the method that will achieve the most beneficial and natural result. We want you to feel and look like yourself – only rejuvenated!

Am I a Candidate For a Facelift?

Our double board-certified facial plastic surgeons will spend time with you to understand your aesthetic goals and will evaluate your facial skin and tissue carefully to determine the most effective surgical plan. One of our facelift surgical techniques will achieve the look you want. We approach each facelift individually. If you are in good general health and do not have a medical condition or illness that could put you at risk in surgery, you are likely a candidate for a custom facelift.

Types of Facelift

Liquid Facelift

A nonsurgical and temporary facelift performed using injectable dermal fillers, like Juvederm and Sculptra. The cosmetic surgeon injects the dermal fillers into the targeted regions for the desired goals.

Mini Facelift

A facelift surgery technique wherein the cosmetic surgeon makes small incisions around the hairline to treat minor or moderate signs of aging and wrinkles.

S-Lift

A surgical procedure wherein an S-shaped incision is made to separate the skin from the underlying tissues. It treats signs of aging on the neck and jowls, i.e., the lower thirds of the face.

Mid Facelift

A facelift surgery style wherein the cosmetic surgeon makes incisions above the ears or within the mouth to produce cosmetic improvements around the cheeks.

Traditional Facelift

This is a facelift surgery wherein the cosmetic surgeon produces major cosmetic alterations to the entire facial structure, suitable for patients with severe signs of aging.

Table of Facelift Candidacy

Sagging Skin

Excess, loose skin can be carefully removed and tightened

Creases

Deep facial creases in the lower facial area smoothed

Jowls

Hanging jowls are removed to restore a firmer, more youthful look

Double chin

Double chin fat can be removed to restore jawline definition

Saggy cheeks

Cheek tissue and skin that has begun to sag is treated by tightening underlying muscles

Laugh lines

Etched creases around the mouth, extending to the chin are smoothed

What is the Cost of a Facelift?

As a facelift is a customized procedure, and every person has different needs, the cost varies. For a younger patient, the price may be as low as $10,000, while older people with more extensive signs of aging may require added surgical work to restore the neck, eyes, or brows.

Your Facelift Consultation

If you are considering a facelift, we offer a complimentary consultation to assist you. Dr. Cheng will speak with you about what you envision, evaluate your skin and face, and discuss what your surgery will entail. Your facelift will be in the hands of one of the Bay Area’s most talented double board-certified facial plastic surgeons, who deliver the best, most natural-looking results possible.

Should I get a Second Opinion?

We have performed hundreds to thousands of successful facelifts for patients in the greater San Francisco Bay area. With two double board-certified facial plastic surgeons in our office, you have the option to receive a second opinion within the same office. Having a double board-certification in not only facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, but head and neck surgery as well as a guarantee that you are in the best hands for not only your surgical journey, but throughout your post-operative care and healing.

Full Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

Although a facelift is the most comprehensive procedure to reverse facial aging, its results are usually just one part of a full rejuvenation. Dr. Cheng can recommend a combination of procedures while doing a facelift to ensure you will achieve the results your desire. A neck lift, eyebrow lift, eyelid lift, lip lift and fat transfer are common procedures done in combination with a facelift to provide the patient with the ultimate facial rejuvenation.

Lower facelift

A facelift only rejuvenates the face from the cheeks down. It is primarily used to correct the signs of aging in the cheeks, jowls, jawline, and upper neck areas.

Neck lift

A neck lift extends this correction downward, removing excess skin and fat, and smoothing vertical bands on the neck.

Brow lift

A brow lift is performed endoscopically (in most cases) to lift a sagging brow and restore the eyebrows to a youthful, refreshed position.

Eyelid Surgery

A custom blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) helps the upper portion of the face look more youthful, well-rested, and refreshed.

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Optional treatments for facial rejuvenation

While a facelift tightens the lower portion of the face, it does not address sun damage, age spots, and other types of hyperpigmentation, or restore skin quality. For these conditions, many of our patients choose a skin-enhancing, non-surgical procedure to complete their transformation after healing from a facelift in San Jose.

Fraxel laser resurfacing

The fraxel laser resurfacing procedure restores the firm, youthful, evenly-textured, and toned skin of youth.

Microneedling with platelet rich plasma

A regenerative treatment, microneedling with PRP works with your body’s natural healing processes to restore your skin from within.

Intense pulsed light (IPL)

IPL treatments provide aesthetic and therapeutic results in treating hyperpigmentation, sun damage, spider veins, and facial hair removal

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion treats dull, aging skin by gently removing the dead skin cells in a custom exfoliation process.

Chemical peels

For a more thorough facial rejuvenation, various medical-grade chemical peels can be applied to lift away the top layer of skin and reveal youthful, firmer skin.

BOTOX ®

BOTOX injections can produce a significant degree of facial rejuvenation when injected correctly, in the right quantity, so the results appear smooth and refreshed, not frozen.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers such as Juvéderm®, Voluma, Restylane®, or Sculptra® can replace lost volume, further restoring facial appearance.

Your facelift procedure

A facelift can be performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the incisions are delicately hidden in the hairline, inside the ear, or in some cases, under the chin. With a correctly performed surgery and healthy healing, the incisions should be virtually invisible.

Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed, and the underlying muscles are tightened and reshaped, if necessary. The skin is then meticulously replaced and sutured for a more youthful look.

What is the recovery like after a facelift?

You will be able to go home within a few hours of your facelift surgery at our San Jose practice, and must be driven home and supervised for 24 hours by a competent adult friend or family member. Having help will ensure you receive the best care possible as you are not able to care for yourself in the same way. If you do not have adequate help, our Patient Care Coordinator offers her own at-home care service for our patients post-surgery at an additional cost. At home services include:

Taking you home
Providing the best overnight post-operative care
Taking you to and from your follow-up appointment the next day

For a faster recovery

There will be some bruising, numbness, tightness, and discomfort for up to ten days. While swelling will take a little bit longer to disappear, it quickly fades. You will have pain medication for the early stages of healing. You may find it more comfortable to sleep upright in a reclining chair for a few nights to keep the swelling to a minimum. Once comfortable sleeping in bed, it is best to keep your head elevated on extra pillows. Being sure to take the supplements and post-operative medications we supply as directed and following the care instructions we go over with you at your pre-op appointment is crucial to your healing. You can always reach out to Dr. Cheng personally about any recovery questions that come up during the process. We are here to help you.

Time off work

Most people take about one to two weeks off from work after a facelift. Sports and exercise, other than gentle walks, must be avoided for several weeks.

Day of surgery

We will send you home with a bandage around your head and jawline. In some cases, drains may be necessary to capture fluid as you heal. You will awaken from anesthesia in our accredited ambulatory surgery center, under the care of our skillful nurses, who will be carefully monitoring you. When undergoing a facelift at our surgery center located at our facility, you have the added benefit that Dr. Cheng, our double board-certified plastic surgeon, will be overseeing every aspect of your recovery, from the time you become alert after surgery, and at every phase of healing and recovery.

Next day

We will promptly see you back the next morning at our office to wash your hair as well as assess and clean any incisions that were made during surgery. At this time, the drains placed under the skin are removed. After the drains are removed, you are free to begin showering on our own at home. You will see some bruising, swelling, and feel some discomfort, which your prescription pain medication will alleviate. Dr. Cheng will meet with you to ensure you are comfortable and healing well with no complications.

First Week

We will also provide products to apply during the recovery period to promote healing and improve the appearance of post-surgical scars. The sutures will be removed in about a week. Arrange a competent adult to stay with you to help you with your daily activities, which can be important if added procedures were performed in your facial rejuvenation, such as:

blepharoplasty
lip lift
neck lift

Don’t be concerned with swelling or bruising – it is part of the healing process. Clean your incisions and apply products as we direct to ensure proper healing without issues or infection.

Your surgery was in the skillful hands of a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a certification in head and neck surgery. You can contact us personally at any point in your recovery, with any questions or concerns. We are here for you to make sure you receive the best care – and the results you’ve always wanted.

Ten days after surgery

You can begin wearing makeup ten days after surgery if your incisions have healed properly, after being assessed by Dr. Cheng. We will also see you for post-operative examinations to ensure you are healing well.

Two weeks after surgery

Most people are now ready to venture out into the public, although you may still have some minor swelling, others likely won’t notice it – expect them to mention that you look great! We encourage getting back into your daily routine as soon as you feel ready. Your facelift is just as much of an emotional journey as it is physical – and we are with you every step of the way.

One month after surgery

You are back to your regular life, looking great, swelling gone. Your incisions are less visible, but the scars have not yet faded. You should feel comfortable interacting with others, and your newly-rejuvenated face is starting to look more natural. Continue to manage your incisions as we direct so your scars fade more quickly. You should not be feeling any remaining discomfort.

The next 12 months

Your facelift has fully healed, the scars are disappearing, and you rarely think about how you looked before. Your refreshed look is now fully you. Although you are fully healed, we will always schedule regular check-ups with our post-surgical patients to ensure you are still fully thrilled with the new you. We hope that you allow us to be a part of your physical, mental and emotional journey!

Dr. Cheng's Facelift Before & After Photos

View before & after images performed by Dr. Elbert and Jacqueline Cheng.

Why Choose Cheng Plastic Surgery For Facelift?

At Cheng Plastic Surgery, you have the advantage of working with a brother-sister team, with both surgeons double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery. Our experience, skillset, and advanced procedures for facial rejuvenation create results that appear entirely natural – like you, just younger.

Facial plastic surgery is art performed using our medical knowledge and surgical skills, but on a different canvas. Everything we do at Cheng Plastic Surgery creates results which blend and draw from our medical experience, refined surgical techniques, and artistic eye.

Education

Plastic surgeons have differences. The level of education, where it occurred, and the experience gained all make a difference in the quality of your results. Dr. Elbert Cheng and Dr. Jacqueline Cheng are educated above and beyond what most surgeons have achieved. They are each board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and specialists in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. Our double board-certified plastic surgeons are among the most talented facial plastic surgeons practicing in the Bay Area. They bring a rare blend of advanced skills in facial surgery, extensive experience, personal dedication to each patient, and meticulous surgical techniques to every facelift procedure.

Experience

Any facial surgery requires a delicate touch, a thorough understanding of the facial muscular structure, and above all, experience. For best results, choose a surgeon who has extensive experience in facelift procedures, not a freshly-minted surgeon. With 20 years creating beautiful results, and a reputation for excellence in facial plastic surgery, your facelift will be performed by a plastic surgeon who has achieved widespread acclaim for achieving beautiful, natural results.

Results

View the results of facelift procedures performed by a plastic surgeon before you commit. View images of real-world, before and after patients, un-retouched. Talk to other patients. A facelift should be performed by a highly-skilled plastic surgeon who uses the most advanced surgical techniques to achieve results that appear refreshed, natural, and … like you! Dr. Elbert and Dr. Jacqueline are both double board-certified and have twenty years of experience, and are known for their extraordinary level of artistry.

Certification

Ensure your plastic surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Additional certification as a specialist in otolaryngology, face and neck surgery, brings an added level of training to this complex surgery. Both of our plastic surgeons have achieved this outstanding level of training and experience.

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What to Expect

Preparing for a facelift

To heal as quickly as possible, in the weeks before your surgical appointment, avoid alcohol, smoking, and eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients. Get plenty of sleep and avoid stress. The healthier you are, the faster you will heal.

We will always see you two weeks before surgery to go over all medications and supplements to be taken, the procedure itself, answer any questions that you may have. Dr. Cheng will reach out the night before surgery to ensure you have all of the necessary information to embark on your surgical journey.

Anesthesia

A facelift can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. As general anesthesia has specific side effects, it may be more beneficial with intravenous sedation. Dr. Elbert and Dr. Jacqueline Cheng will discuss all of your options during your consultation and recommend the best form of anesthesia to ensure your utmost comfort. These recommendations may change patient to patient. It is usually dependent upon on any additional procedures being performed during your facelift procedure.

After surgery

You will awaken from surgery with your face bandaged. You will recover at Saratoga Surgery Center, our private ambulatory surgery center also located at our facility. Our skillful nurses will ensure you are comfortable and receive the best post-operative care until Dr. Cheng releases you to return home under the care of another person.

Get help by arranging someone to stay with you for the first day or two, after which you will be feeling much better and able to perform your daily tasks without help. Our patient care coordinator also offers at-home care service post-surgery. She will take you home, provide you with the best overnight post-operative care, and drive you to and from your follow-up appointment the day after your surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will I be able to go back to my social life?

A: You should look and feel well enough to go out and share your new look within about two weeks, although people vary. We set up post-operative appointments on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis through your healing journey to ensure you are healing right on track. At Cheng Plastic Surgery, you always have the ability to reach out to our doctors and staff at any time with questions or concerns about your healing. You will always be our number one priority.

Q: How long before a special event should I plan my surgery?

A. If you have a wedding, reunion, special event, or similar engagement, plan your surgery at least two months before the event, so you are looking your best. Ensure you give yourself enough time to consult with Dr. Cheng, listen to all of your options, weigh them, and book your surgery at least a month prior to the actual surgery date. If you wish to learn more, contact us today and schedule a consultation for arguably the best facelift San Jose has to offer.

An Insider's Guide to San Jose, CA

Looking into Facelift in San Jose, CA?

California offers an array of activities to pursue during your Facelift journey.

When visiting Saratoga, make sure you visit the Hakone Gardens. Not only does this location have a glorious view, but it's also a great place for hiking and exercise.

Visit

Come check out the Montalvo Arts Center, see amazing pieces of art or hike through trails filled with beautiful redwood trees.

Visit

Visit the Mountain Winery for wine tasting, food, music, and more! Plan ahead, and get tickets to see concerts and events with talented artists.

Visit

Take a stroll through the Happy Hollow Park and Zoo to see beautiful, exotic animals such as lemurs, jaguars, meerkats, and adorable red pandas.

Visit

Looking for a place to eat?

A family-owned business, The Basin ensures that all guests are treated like family. This restaurant uses fresh ingredients and seek organically produced foods to create amazing American cuisines and fresh seafood dinners.

Visit

If you are feeling Italian, be sure to visit the Florentine Trattoria. Known to have some of the best Italian food in the area, this restaurant delivers everything from savory spaghetti to pleasant pastas.

Visit

If the name doesn't draw you in, the food will. Awarded the Michelin Star from 2009 to 2018, the Plumed Horse presents a rememberable dining experience with exquisite modern dishes served by extremely friendly staff.

Visit

The Hero Ranch Kitchen will save you from hunger with their delicious comfort food and speedy staff. This eatery provides a variety of different dishes with excellent presentations.

Visit

Facelift in the News

The 7 Biggest Plastic Surgery Trends for 2019, According to Experts

Plastic surgeons and dermatologists are asked to weigh in on what the most popular procedures will be this year.

Learn More

Want A Face Lift? Here Are 10 Tips

Plastic surgery can be a serious step to take when seeking to shave off years. Here are some things to consider before undergoing a facelift.

Learn More

How much does a facelift cost?

According to 2018 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for a facelift is about $7,655.

Learn More

What do my cosmetic surgery patients want? To look better in selfies.

There’s a reason for a rapid and radical change in wanting to get cosmetic surgery: selfies

Learn More

The Instagram Face-Lift

As many Instagram followers reveal, the facelift is a look that takes a lot of cosmetic work, money, and digital alteration to achieve.

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These Cosmetic Procedures Can Take the Years Away

Because of amazing advances in medical science, our nation has spent over $13 billion in surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Here you will find some of the most popular.

Learn More

Resources

americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org

healthline.com

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Facelift San Jose

What is a facelift?

What is a Custom Facelift?

Before & After Facelift Surgery in San Jose

What are the Benefits of Facelift Surgery?

What are the Different Facelift Surgery Techniques?

SMAS

Deep plane

Am I a Candidate For a Facelift?

Types of Facelift

Liquid Facelift

Mini Facelift

S-Lift

Mid Facelift

Traditional Facelift

Table of Facelift Candidacy

Sagging Skin

Creases

Jowls

Double chin

Saggy cheeks

Laugh lines

What is the Cost of a Facelift?

Your Facelift Consultation

Should I get a Second Opinion?

Full Facial Rejuvenation Procedures

Lower facelift

Neck lift

Brow lift

Eyelid Surgery

Schedule Consultation

Optional treatments for facial rejuvenation

Fraxel laser resurfacing

Microneedling with platelet rich plasma

Intense pulsed light (IPL)

Dermabrasion

Chemical peels

BOTOX ®

Dermal Fillers

Your facelift procedure

What is the recovery like after a facelift?

For a faster recovery

Time off work

Day of surgery

Next day

First Week

Ten days after surgery

Two weeks after surgery

One month after surgery

The next 12 months

Dr. Cheng's Facelift Before & After Photos

Why Choose Cheng Plastic Surgery For Facelift?

Education

Experience

Results

Certification

Schedule Consultation

What to Expect

Preparing for a facelift

Anesthesia

After surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will I be able to go back to my social life?

Q: How long before a special event should I plan my surgery?

An Insider's Guide to San Jose, CA

Looking into Facelift in San Jose, CA?

Looking for a place to eat?

Facelift in the News

Resources

Schedule a Consultation

Practice Policy Update Regarding COVID-19