Before & After

While non-surgical treatments and injectables can be effective in the short term at minimizing the signs of facial aging, a surgical facelift provides a dramatic, long-term transformation that is ideal for those with moderate to severe sagging in the midface and jawline.

Dr. Delgado performs strategic facelifts in San Francisco, Novato and Marin County to address the deep musculature of the face while simultaneously smoothing the surface to ease lines, wrinkles, and creases. His approach results in elegant, natural-looking changes that are rooted in structural integrity so that your outcome will continue to please for years to come.

WHAT IS A FACELIFT?

A facelift has long been considered the gold standard in facial rejuvenation for patients in Sonoma County, Marin County, and Napa Valley. It elevates sagging midface contours, firms the jowls, restores definition in the jawline, tightens the upper neck, and softens wrinkles and lines. Few other anti-aging solutions can accomplish so many cosmetic goals in a single procedure. With many different state-of-the-art techniques to choose from, Dr. Delgado will personalize your surgery to reflect your unique goals and wishes.

After interviewing 3 highly-regarded plastic surgeons in San Francisco, I chose Dr. Delgado to perform my eyelid and facelift surgery. I couldn’t be happier. Dr. Delgado is simply the best! He delivered the natural look I wanted. I look like me, only 10 years younger!
Thank you Dr. Delgado!!!

— S.T

FACELIFT VIDEOS

Facelift Procedure with Dr. Miguel Delgado

Facelift Procedure with Dr. Miguel Delgado

Sandy’s Facelift Testimonial

Sandy’s Facelift Testimonial

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A FACELIFT?

Good candidates for a facelift in Marin County have typically reached the point where fillers and other non-surgical options are no longer effective in achieving their aesthetic goals. They wish to undergo a procedure that will rewind the clock on visible signs of facial aging with lasting results.

To qualify for any surgical procedure, clients should be non-smokers of sound mind and body who are not currently struggling with any uncontrolled medical concerns such as uncontrolled hypertension or bleeding disorders. There is no upper age limit for a facelift per se; rather, the patient’s overall health will determine their candidacy. Lastly, patients should have realistic expectations for their outcome based on a frank discussion of their goals with Dr. Delgado and a thorough evaluation of their skin and facial structures.

BEFORE & AFTER FACELIFT
WITH DR. DELGADO

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HOW IS A FACELIFT PERFORMED?

There are multiple facelift options, including a deep plane approach and SMAS muscle tightening. The goal is always to help the patient appear more youthful and refreshed while still looking like themselves. A well-executed facelift can remove as much as 10 years from one’s perceived age with long-lasting, sustainable results.

Traditional facelift surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and takes 3-6 hours, depending on the extent of the changes required. Dr. Delgado is conservative in his techniques, so he will strive to create well-hidden incisions behind the ears and within the hairline. Scarring is typically inconspicuous and can also be obscured with certain hairstyles.

Through the incisions, the doctor will reposition the skin tissue and fat while firming the underlying musculature of the face. Today’s facelift leaves clients looking authentic and revitalized rather than windblown or “pulled.”

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A FACELIFT?

  • Improved definition in the cheeks and jawline
  • Correction of sagging skin and jowls
  • Firmer upper neck
  • Reduction in lines, creases, and wrinkles
  • A more youthful appearance
  • Enhanced self-confidence
  • Natural-looking outcome
  • Long-lasting changes
  • Can be combined with other treatments such as an eyelid lift

DR. DELGADO DISCUSSES “THE ART OF THE MODERN AND NATURAL MALE FACELIFT

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR SURGERY?

  • Undergo all lab testing and diagnostics requested by Dr. Delgado
  • Let Dr. Delgado know which medications, supplements, and herbs you are currently taking so that he can adjust them prior to surgery
  • Stop smoking at least 4-6 weeks before and after your procedure
  • Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery, as they can worsen bleeding
  • Schedule a helper ahead of time to assist you after surgery
  • Prepare your living environment for restful relaxation during recovery
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before
Dr. Delgado logo

ON THE DAY OF SURGERY

  • Wash your face and neck with antimicrobial soap provided by your medical team
  • Leave all jewelry, accessories, and valuables at home
  • Take out any facial piercings
  • Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t have to be lifted over your head to remove
  • Tie your hair back
  • Avoid wearing any fragrances or perfumes
  • Avoid any powders, creams, lotions, or serums
Comfortable chairs

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY RECOVERY?

You’ll need a friend or family member to take you home and assist you for the first 24 hours after your facelift in the San Francisco Bay Area. Dr. Delgado will make sure you leave with pain medications, antibiotics, and anti-nausea pills. He will provide a customized aftercare plan that goes over caring for your incisions, ways to minimize swelling, bathing, and showering, sleeping, returning to work, and resuming your exercise routine.

Swelling, bruising, and tenderness will be at their worst for the first few days, after which they will gradually subside. Most clients take two weeks to rest before returning to work, provided their job is sedentary. Vigorous exercise and heavy lifting should be reserved for 4-6 weeks after your surgery.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A FACELIFT?

All surgical procedures are associated with potential complications. Facelift surgery is no different, and risks associated include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Anesthesia complications
  • Temporary nerve damage
  • Temporary numbness
  • Hematoma
  • Loss of hair at the incision site
  • Scarring
  • Asymmetry
  • Poor cosmetic results
  • Facial nerve injury
Dr. Miguel Office background
Dr. Miguel Delgado

WHY CHOOSE DR. DELGADO?

Dr. Delgado is passionate about delivering nuanced, aesthetically sophisticated outcomes that are well-suited to each patient’s unique anatomy, lifestyle, comfort levels, and express wishes for improvement. He listens carefully during the consultation process, curating a detailed treatment plan that is then thoroughly discussed with and explained to the client. By empowering patients with the information and knowledge they need to make the best decisions for themselves, Dr. Delgado forms the groundwork for a successful, sustainable outcome.

Dr. Delgado is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery. After graduating from the University of California San Francisco, he completed an internship and residency at Johns Hopkins University teaching hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. He then pursued a prestigious plastic surgery residency at Stony Brook University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York.

Facelift FAQS

How much does a facelift cost?

What procedures can be combined with a facelift?

Is there scarring after a facelift?

What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?

How can I maintain my results?

Are there risks involved with facelift surgery?

What is the reason to get a facelift?

How long does a facelift procedure take?

Do I need a necklift?

Can you help revise facelift results from another surgeon that I'm not happy with?

When can I get back to work after a facelift?

Do you have patient before and afters I can look at?

How long will the results of the facelift last?

How much does a facelift cost?

Facelift costs vary from patient to patient based on the techniques used, the areas addressed, and on whether any other procedures are undergone at the same time, such as blepharoplasty, dermal fillers, or fat grafting.

What procedures can be combined with a facelift?

A facelift is often performed with a neck lift to ensure comprehensive improvements and a balanced, long-lasting outcome. A facelift can also be paired with blepharoplasty, brow lift, neck liposuction, and non-surgical dermal fillers.

Is there scarring after a facelift?

Thanks to Dr. Delgado’s meticulously precise and painstaking surgical approach, scarring is greatly minimized. Incisions are placed within the folds of the ears and the hairline, where they are difficult to detect.

What is the difference between a mini facelift and a full facelift?

A mini facelift is typically suggested for those who are just beginning to see the signs of aging occur and who wish to undergo a shorter downtime with results limited to the lower third of the face. A full facelift addresses the cheeks, jawline, and upper neck and is ideal for those with moderate to severe skin ptosis.

How can I maintain my results?

The best way to maintain your results is to follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen, avoid smoking and stress, and to consistently apply sunblock, taking care to avoid prolonged exposure to the harmful rays of the sun.

Are there risks involved with facelift surgery?

As with any surgery, there are potential facelift risks and complications, such as bleeding or infection, but these are rare with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

What is the reason to get a facelift?

A facelift provides the most effective, dramatic and long-lasting results to turn back the clock 8-10 years for your face.

How long does a facelift procedure take?

This depends on which type of facelift you receive, but the general length is between 2-5 hours.

Do I need a necklift?

If you have jowls, lax neck skin and banding in the neck, you may need a neck lift as a part of your facelift.

Can you help revise facelift results from another surgeon that I'm not happy with?

Dr. Delgado is always willing to advise and possibly perform a facelift revision if the situation cannot be resolved with the original surgeon.

When can I get back to work after a facelift?

Most patients can get around on their own in a few days, and resume work in about 10-14 days.

Do you have patient before and afters I can look at?

We have an extensive online facelift gallery here.

How long will the results of the facelift last?

A typical facelift can last for up to 15 years, while a mini facelift typically lasts 2-6 years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a facelift make you look younger?

Patients often say that they look 10 years younger after their facelift. A facelift lifts sagging skin on the face for a tightened, firm, and youthful appearance.

How do I reduce swelling in my face?

To reduce swelling after a facelift, apply a cold compress as needed but make sure you do not apply it for more than 15 minutes at a time. Give yourself plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Warm compresses might also help if the swelling is attributed to fluid buildup.

How can I tighten loose skin on my face?

Various fillers can improve the appearance of loose skin but a facelift will give you the best results for moderate to severe skin laxity. A facelift also offers more permanent results.

How do I tighten my jawline?

Facial exercises can help subtly tighten your jawline but if youre looking for a more dramatic enhancement with long-term results, consider facelift surgery.

How do I get rid of my double chins?

Kybella is the least invasive procedure to eliminate a double chin but surgical options include a lower facelift or liposuction. Kybella injections use deoxycholic acid that breaks down fat cells and liposuction removes fat cells from beneath the chin. With a facelift, you can eliminate your double chin with the added benefit of a tightened jawline.

How do you reduce swelling after a facelift?

After a facelift, your body needs time to rest. Keep your head elevated and use cold compresses to reduce the swelling and relieve discomfort. Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated will also help reduce swelling and promote good healing.

How do I prepare for a facelift?

Before and after your facelift, you need to stop smoking for at least 4-6 weeks. You should also avoid taking herbal supplements and certain medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs. These can cause blood thinning and will increase your risk of excessive bleeding during and after the facelift procedure. Make sure to discuss all medications you are currently taking with your surgeon to determine whether you need to stop taking them and if it is safe to do so. Plan to have someone drive you to and from surgery and help you out for the first few days after surgery since you will be in some discomfort and require rest.

How do you take care of your face after a facelift?

After your facelift, follow all postoperative instructions to minimize swelling and scarring. Avoid sun exposure and direct heat since this can cause more swelling immediately after surgery. Once you are recovered, sun exposure can cause the skin to age and sag once more. Staying hydrated, cleansing your face regularly, and scheduling facials or other cosmetic treatments will also help to maintain your youthful results.

How long after a facelift can I exercise?

Strenuous activities like heavy lifting and running should not be resumed until at least 6 weeks after a facelift. Within a few weeks, you may be able to start doing light exercises like walking, yoga and stretching.

How long does it take for bruising on the face to go away?

Bruising on the face can take about 2 weeks to go away completely.

How long do ears hurt after facelift?

Some patients experience minor pain or numbness in their ears after a facelift but this usually goes away after 1-3 months. Every person heals differently but if you are concerned about persisting pain, please consult your doctor.

How long is recovery from a facelift?

Complete recovery from a facelift takes about 4-6 weeks. Most of the swelling and discomfort go away within 2-4 weeks so you will begin to see the results around this time.

How long does facelift last?

A facelift can last 10 years or more depending on how well you care for your skin after surgery. A facelift slows down the aging process, but aging skin and skin laxity will gradually cause your results to fade over time.

How many times can you get a facelift?

Most patients only need one facelift but it is safe to receive 3-4 facelifts over time.

How long does fat transfer face last?

A facial fat transfer can last many years or even decades, depending on how your skin ages.

How much does a mid face lift cost?

The cost of a mid-face lift varies for each patient. This can be discussed at your consultation.

How much does laser face lift cost?

The cost of a laser facelift varies depending on the technology used and how complex the procedure is. For a cost estimate, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Delgado.

Is a facelift permanent?

Although a facelift is not permanent, results can last for 10 years or more.

How much is a face lift and neck lift?

There are several types of facelift surgery so the cost of a facelift and neck lift varies. To discuss your options for a combination facelift and necklift and the cost, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Delgado.

How much is a facelift?

The cost of a facelift varies depending on whether you have a lower facelift, mid-facelift, or traditional facelift. To determine the cost of your procedure, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Delgado.

What can I expect from a facelift?

After a facelift, you can expect your skin to appear firmer and tighter. A facelift removes excess skin and remodels soft facial tissues to create a lifted, more youthful appearance.

What is a facelift called?

The medical terminology for a facelift is rhytidectomy.

How painful is a facelift?

During facelift surgery, you will be put to sleep under general anesthesia so you will not feel any pain. After surgery, moderate pain accompanied by bruising and swelling is common but can be relieved with prescription and over-the-counter pain medication.

What is a mid face lift?

A mid-facelift targets severe wrinkling and sagging skin around the eyes and cheeks for a less invasive procedure. These are usually the areas where skin aging first becomes noticeable.

What is a neck lift called?

The medical term for a neck lift is platysmaplasty.

What is the average cost of a full facelift?

The severity of each patients skin aging is different so the complexity of each surgery varies. For the average cost of a full facelift with Dr. Delgado, please schedule a consultation.

What is a non surgical facelift?

A non-surgical facelift can be performed with a combination of various injectables and fillers. Laser treatments like Ultherapy are also a great choice for the non-surgical facelift because this technology stimulates collagen growth to restore volume and structure in the face.

What is the difference between a deep plane and SMAS facelift?

The main difference is that a deep plane facelift lifts the skin and muscles separately while SMAS facelift surgery lifts all the facial tissue separately. SMAS facelift allows for additional muscle tightening since the muscles are lifted separately.

What is a thread lift?

A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that is an alternative to facelift surgery. Biodegradable threads are inserted under the skin through fine needles and these threads pull back the facial tissues for a lifting and tightening effect.

When should you get a facelift?

Patients with noticeable skin aging like deep wrinkles and sagging skin benefit most from a facelift. When these signs become prevalent and are bothersome to you, you should consider a facelift.

What is best age for facelift?

There is no right age for a facelift and patients aged anywhere from their 30s-60s can receive a facelift. Different techniques like a mid-facelift or lower facelift may be more beneficial for younger patients but it depends on how each persons skin ages.

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