Facelift

The facelift has evolved into one of the most refined and effective cosmetic procedures available today. Originally developed in the early 20th century, facelifts have become increasingly sophisticated, with modern techniques now focusing on lifting deeper facial structures, not just tightening surface skin.

Today’s facelifts target the SMAS layer (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), allowing surgeons to reposition and secure the underlying tissues of the face for longer-lasting, more natural-looking results. This method avoids the overly tight or "pulled" appearance often associated with older techniques.

Because a facelift addresses multiple aspects of facial aging — including jowls, deep folds, sagging skin, and volume loss — it remains one of the most popular and effective cosmetic surgeries performed each year. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 200,000 facelifts are performed annually in the U.S.

At VedaNu Wellness, we use advanced facelift methods to help you look as vibrant as you feel, combining surgical excellence with aesthetic precision. Each procedure is thoughtfully customized to highlight your natural features and rejuvenate your facial contours.

A facelift is one of the most powerful procedures available to restore a youthful, refreshed appearance. It works by tightening deeper facial tissues and lifting the overlying skin, addressing sagging along the cheeks, jawline, and neck in a single transformative surgery.

At VedaNu Wellness, patients choose facelifts to:

• Reveal a more youthful, natural look without appearing overdone
• Restore facial volume and symmetry for improved proportion
• Eliminate jowls and skin laxity along the jawline for sharper definition
   

Unlike temporary treatments like dermal fillers or Botox®, facelift results are long-lasting — often maintaining their rejuvenating effects for many years with proper care.

The ideal facelift candidate is in good overall health and has realistic expectations about the outcome of surgery. Patients should be free of significant medical conditions that may interfere with healing, such as blood disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, or cardiovascular issues.

If you’re a non-smoker, at a stable weight, and ready to address visible signs of aging such as:

• Sagging in the mid-to-lower face
• Jowls or a “softened” jawline
• Deep creases around the nose and mouth
  — you may be an excellent candidate for a facelift.
   

There is no fixed age for this procedure. While many patients seek surgery in their 50s and 60s, we’re seeing more individuals in their 40s take proactive steps toward long-term rejuvenation. Those who choose to have surgery earlier often experience a faster recovery and longer-lasting results.

At VedaNu Wellness, we’re here to guide you through every stage — whether you’re just starting to notice changes in your appearance or have been considering a facelift for years.

At VedaNu Wellness, your journey begins with a personalized consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. This one-on-one appointment is designed to learn more about you, your goals, and your vision for facial rejuvenation.

During the consultation, your surgeon will:

• Carefully review your areas of concern 
• Conduct a full medical and surgical history assessment
• Evaluate your facial structure and skin quality
• Discuss whether you’re a good candidate for facelift surgery

If facelift surgery is right for you, we’ll walk you through everything — from how to prepare, to what to expect on surgery day, to what recovery will look like. We’ll also take the time to answer any questions you may have and customize a plan that reflects your goals and lifestyle.

Our team brings years of experience and a deep dedication to achieving results that help you feel confident and naturally refreshed. We’re here to support you with honesty, expertise, and compassion — every step of the way.

We believe a successful surgical experience starts with careful preparation. Once you and your surgeon decide to move forward with your facelift, our team will provide you with personalized instructions and full pre-operative support.

Here are some general guidelines to prepare for surgery:

• Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first night.
• Fast before surgery. If your procedure is scheduled for 8:00 AM, drink only water after midnight.
• Arrive at your surgical appointment with a clean face and hair — free of makeup, lotions, or products.
• Take time off from work and avoid social commitments for at least 10–14 days post-op.
• Follow all instructions related to medications, supplements, and activity restrictions before surgery.

Every facelift at VedaNu Wellness is tailored to you — your facial anatomy, aging patterns, and goals. Surgery may take anywhere from 90 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the technique used and whether additional procedures (like a neck lift or fat grafting) are performed at the same time.

Once anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will begin by making discreet incisions around the ears and hairline. These incisions provide access to the SMAS layer — the deeper layer of facial tissue that controls sagging. By lifting, repositioning, and tightening this layer, your surgeon creates a firmer foundation that supports longer-lasting, natural-looking results.

They may also refine fat deposits or sculpt areas like the cheeks and jawline for enhanced volume and definition. Once the deeper work is complete, the skin is gently redraped over the newly sculpted contours. Any excess is removed, and incisions are closed with meticulous care.

Dressings are applied, and you’ll be moved to a comfortable recovery area where your care team will monitor you until you're ready to return home with your designated caregiver.

In some cases, microfat grafting is used to restore youthful fullness in areas where volume has diminished. We use your own fat — no synthetic fillers — for natural integration and long-lasting results.

Recovery after a facelift is a gradual process that occurs in stages. At VedaNu Wellness, we guide you every step of the way to ensure a smooth, comfortable healing journey. Patients should plan to rest, avoid strenuous activity, and take time off work and social obligations during the initial recovery period.

The First Few Days

In the first few days after surgery, you’ll wear a soft head wrap to help reduce swelling and support your healing tissue. Small drains may be placed behind the ears to remove excess fluid — your surgeon and care team will show you and your caregiver how to care for them properly.

You’ll return to our office for a post-op appointment within 1–2 days, where your surgeon will monitor your healing and remove or adjust bandages. Swelling, bruising, tightness, and numbness are all normal and most noticeable during this early period. Prescription pain medication will help manage discomfort.

To support your healing:

• Keep your head elevated with 2–3 pillows when resting or sleeping.
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and driving for at least 5 days.
• Have a caregiver stay with you for assistance during this phase.
   

The Next Few Weeks

Most patients return to light daily activities and desk work within 10–14 days, and makeup can typically be worn again around this time. Bruising and swelling will continue to improve dramatically over the next several weeks.

By week 3 or 4, many patients feel ready for low-impact exercise and social engagements. Just be sure to:

• Avoid activities that significantly raise your heart rate or blood pressure until cleared by your surgeon.
• Continue wearing sunscreen and protect your skin from UV exposure during healing.
   

You’ll receive a full list of aftercare instructions tailored to your specific procedure. Our team is always here to answer your questions and ensure your recovery is safe, fast, and as comfortable as possible.

A facelift at VedaNu Wellness delivers natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation. While you’ll begin to see visible improvement immediately after surgery, your final results will continue to evolve over the next 6 to 12 months as swelling fully resolves and your skin settles into its refreshed contours.

Expect to look noticeably younger — and feel more confident — for many years to come.

To maximize results, many facelift patients choose to combine their procedure with additional enhancements. The most common complement is a neck lift, which smooths and tightens the area under the chin and jawline to create a more defined and youthful profile.

Other procedures frequently performed alongside a facelift include:

• Eyelid surgery – to brighten and open the eyes
• Brow lift – to elevate drooping brows and smooth forehead lines
• Nose reshaping – to improve facial harmony
• Fat grafting – to restore lost volume in areas like the cheeks or temples
• Chin or jawline augmentation – for enhanced structure and symmetry
   

If you're not ready for surgery, we also offer non-surgical facial rejuvenation options such as Botox®, dermal fillers, laser treatments, microneedling, and chemical peels — all of which can help extend or refine the results of your facelift.

During your consultation, we’ll work with you to determine the ideal combination of treatments to achieve your goals with balance and precision.

Facelift pricing at VedaNu Wellness varies depending on:

• The surgical technique used
• Whether additional procedures are performed
• Your personalized treatment plan
   

After your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed estimate that reflects your exact goals and the surgical strategy we recommend. We also offer financing options for those who qualify, making it easier to invest in yourself with confidence.

To learn more or to get started, schedule your consultation with our San Diego team today at (858) 222-2883.