Meet Dr. Chao (858) 222-2883 Book Consultation
Facelift & Neck Lift · San Diego

Look Years Younger — Naturally

A deep plane facelift by a board-certified plastic surgeon, with natural, lasting results — 7 to 10 years. Start with a personalized consultation, a clear treatment plan, and 0% APR financing. No pressure, no guesswork.

Performed by Dr. James Chao, MD, FACS · 25+ Years of Experience · Board-Certified
Call (858) 222-2883
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MD, FACSBoard-Certified
25+ YearsSurgical experience
Deep Plane & SMASAdvanced techniques
0% APRFinancing available
Dr. James Chao, MD, FACS — Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Founding Surgeon · VedaNu Wellness
Your Surgeon

Meet Dr. James Chao, MD, FACS

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon · 25+ Years of Experience

Dr. James J. Chao brings more than 25 years of experience in plastic, reconstructive, and hand surgery to every patient he sees. A nationally recognized, board-certified plastic surgeon and fellowship-trained specialist, he built VedaNu Wellness around a standard he has held his entire career: precise technique, thoughtful planning, and results that look genuinely natural.

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Fellow, American College of Surgeons (FACS)
  • Honors graduate, Stanford University
  • MD, NYU School of Medicine
  • Trained at NYU & Bellevue Hospital
  • Former Clinical Professor, UC San Diego
  • ASPS · ASAPS member
  • Founding Surgeon, VedaNu Wellness
Team plastic & hand surgeon for the San Diego Chargers and ESPN X Games. Featured on The Doctors and in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

"Dr. Chao begins every case with a thorough, unhurried consultation — he listens carefully, clarifies what's achievable, and builds a surgical plan around your specific anatomy and goals."

Consult With Dr. Chao

Considering a facelift? Start with expert guidance.

An honest assessment and a clear path forward from a board-certified surgeon.

Call (858) 222-2883
Prefer to book online? Request a consultation →
Lasting Rejuvenation

More than skin deep — results that age gracefully

While injectables and thread lifts can temporarily soften lines, their effects are short-lived. A facelift delivers dramatic, lasting improvement by addressing the deeper facial structures — lifting sagging skin and repositioning tissue for a smoother, more youthful appearance.

At VedaNu Wellness, Dr. Chao tailors every facelift in San Diego to your unique anatomy and goals — whether you want to soften jowls, define your jawline, or smooth a loose neck.

Explore Facelift Options

Dr. James Chao in consultation at VedaNu Wellness
What a Facelift Addresses

Signs of aging a facelift corrects

A personalized consultation with Dr. Chao can help you understand your options and what results are realistic for you.

Sagging Jowls

Loss of definition along the lower face and jawline.

Loose Neck & "Turkey Neck"

Banding and laxity beneath the chin — often paired with a neck lift.

Deep Folds & Creases

Nasolabial folds and marionette lines around the mouth.

Undefined Jawline

A softened, less sculpted lower-face contour.

Mid-Face Descent

Flattening and sagging of the cheeks and midface.

Overall Facial Aging

Skin laxity that fillers and creams can't correct at the source.

Our Facelift Techniques

Tailored to your anatomy & goals

Dr. Chao selects the approach best suited to your facial structure, aging pattern, and desired outcome.

SMAS Facelift

Lifts and repositions the deeper SMAS layer to restore a natural contour — without the tight or artificial look of older methods.

Deep Plane Facelift

Releases and repositions the midface, jawline, and nasolabial tissues as one unit for comprehensive correction that ages gracefully.

Endoscopic Facelift

Uses smaller incisions and specialized cameras to target precise areas, resulting in reduced scarring for the right candidate.

Mini Facelift

A less extensive approach for early jowling and mild jawline laxity — smaller incisions, visible, natural-looking improvement.

Neck Lift

The most common complement to a facelift — smooths and tightens under the chin and jawline for a defined, youthful profile.

Combined Procedures

Eyelid surgery, brow lift, or fat grafting are often performed alongside a facelift for a balanced, complete result.

Real Results

Before & After

Actual VedaNu Wellness patients of Dr. James Chao. Individual results vary.

Facelift before and after — actual VedaNu Wellness patient of Dr. James Chao
Facelift — actual patient
Facelift before and after — actual VedaNu Wellness patient of Dr. James Chao
Facelift — actual patient
Facelift before and after — actual VedaNu Wellness patient of Dr. James Chao
Facelift — actual patient
Actual VedaNu Wellness patients of Dr. James Chao. Individual results vary. Shown with patient consent.
What to Expect

Your facelift recovery timeline

Week 1

Rest & Heal

Swelling, bruising and tightness. Keep your head elevated and attend follow-ups.

Weeks 2–3

Back to Desk Work

Most patients return to light activity; bruising fades and makeup can camouflage.

Weeks 4–6

Resume Activity

Exercise and full routine once cleared by your surgeon.

6 Months

Final Results

Residual swelling resolves and tissues settle into your refreshed contour.

Patient Reviews

What our patients say

★★★★★

"Dr. Chao has been willing to answer questions and do follow-ups whenever needed. My recovery was quick — at about 4 months post-op my incisions could barely be seen and couldn't be felt at all. Multiple members of the team reached out regularly during my recovery."

— Victoria P.
★★★★★

"I had a procedure done at VedaNu Wellness with Dr. James Chao and his team, and the entire experience was outstanding! From the initial consultation to post-op care, everyone was professional, kind, and attentive. Dr. Chao's expertise made me feel confident every step of the way."

— Kirsten C.
★★★★★

"From the moment you walk in, you're greeted with warmth, professionalism, and genuine care. Dr. Chao is an amazing surgeon who cares about his patients, their safety, and really listens to their goals."

— Kory L.
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Make It Affordable

Flexible financing options

Invest in yourself without financial stress. Apply in minutes, often with instant decisions — no delay to start your treatment.

Preferred Partner

Cherry

Healthcare financing designed to help you get care now and pay over time — with a quick, easy application.

Prequalify With Cherry
  • No hard credit check, ever
  • True 0% APR options available
  • Interest-bearing plans with APR as low as 5.99%
  • Approvals up to $65,000
  • No hidden fees · instant decisions available

CareCredit®

  • Short- and long-term payment plans
  • No-interest options for qualifying purchases
  • Low monthly payments with promotional terms

PatientFi®

  • Simple online application
  • No impact on your credit score to apply
  • Flexible terms based on your treatment cost
Book Your Visit

Request Your Facelift Consultation

Share a few details and our team will reach out to schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. James Chao in San Diego.

✓ One-on-one assessment with Dr. Chao, MD, FACS
✓ A personalized facelift or neck lift plan
✓ Board-certified, LegitScript-certified practice
✓ Financing & 0% APR options for those who qualify

Start Your Journey

We'll respond within one business day.

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Common Questions

Facelift FAQs

A facelift (rhytidectomy) lifts and repositions sagging tissues in the mid-to-lower face and neck by addressing the deeper structural layers responsible for visible aging — correcting jowls, nasolabial folds, and skin laxity at their source.

Cost varies by the surgical technique used, whether additional procedures are performed, and your personalized plan. After your consultation, we provide a detailed estimate — and financing is available for those who qualify, including 0% APR options through Cherry.

On average, facelift results last 7–10 years. Longevity varies with genetics, sun exposure, skincare, and overall health — patients who protect their skin typically see the longest-lasting outcomes.

A full facelift provides comprehensive correction for moderate to severe sagging of the mid-face, lower face, and often the neck. A mini facelift is designed for early signs of aging — mild jowling and early jawline laxity — using smaller incisions and a less extensive approach.

All facelift procedures are performed by Dr. James Chao, MD, FACS — a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience and advanced training in facial rejuvenation.

Ready to turn back the clock?

Schedule your personalized facelift consultation with Dr. James Chao at VedaNu Wellness in San Diego.

Call (858) 222-2883
Prefer to book online? Request a consultation →
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