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Are you considering a facelift surgery and looking for a trusted facelift surgeon in the Bay Area? Dr. Evan Ransom, a renowned San Francisco facelift surgeon, has expertise with a full spectrum of solutions to make you look younger. As the face ages, we begin to see the effects of a constant force of gravity coupled with changes in the skin and connective tissue, as well as a loss or redistribution of fat (adipose tissue). These factors lead to the well-known phenomena of jowls, deep nasolabial folds, down-turned corners of the mouth (“marionette lines”), drooping neck tissues (“turkey neck”, “turkey gobbler”, or “waddle”), and tired, hollow, or sunken-appearing eyes. The most distressing part of these changes is that frequently patients do not feel as old as they look – they have energy and passion, but people still overlook them or ask them if they’re tired or not feeling well. The unfortunate truth is that we live in an “age-ist” society, and as people grow older, they are frequently overlooked or even discriminated against. Dr. Ransom, San Francisco facelift surgeon, can address all of these concerns with a variety of techniques, from non-surgical treatments, to minimally-invasive procedures, to complete surgical rejuvenation. This skilled facelift plastic surgeon sees patients in his offices in the Bay Area.

A facelift surgery uses a similar approach to the Mini-Facelift, but with more extensive dissection and greater lift. Facelift Surgery is designed for patients who have more obvious and heavy jowls, drooping of the cheek area, hanging neck tissue or platysmal bands, and significant redundancy or excess skin. Dr. Ransom, skilled San Francisco facelift surgeon, uses the latest in facelifting techniques to elevate the neck, jowls, and cheeks (midface) in one surgical procedure. With this procedure, Facelift Surgeon Dr. Ransom doesn’t just lift the skin (which leads to incomplete correction, unnatural “wind-swept” looks, and short-lived results) – he lifts the deep tissues and muscles of the face and neck. The result is a better, longer-lasting, and more natural-appearing facelift …and a more youthful, vibrant, and healthy-looking you.

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A Mini-Facelift is a short-incision type facelift surgery (“S-lift”) with a more limited dissection. This type of facelift surgery is designed for younger patients or those with less significant jowls and drooping of the neck. Mini-Facelift surgery tightens the loose skin along the jawline and under the chin, and may also remove some excess fat from these areas. Dissection is limited, so recovery is quick – getting you back on the move with minimal downtime! For some patients, rejuvenation of the neck is all that is needed. In these cases, San Francisco Facelift Surgeon Dr. Ransom can perform a lift that is specifically tailored to the neck, without disturbing the facial structures. Please see our Neck Lift page for more detailed information.

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Rhytidectomy (literally “to remove wrinkles”), also known as “facelift” or “face-lift”, is a surgical procedure designed to release and reposition the soft tissues of the face and neck, and to remove excess skin and fat. The combined effect of facelift surgery is a natural-appearing natural-appearing rejuvenation – restoring the patient’s face to a more youthful state. Dr. Ransom, experienced San Francisco facelift surgeon, tailors his facelift approach to the specific anatomy of each patient, and works closely with each individual to satisfy specific goals – all the while making sure that, in the end, “you still look like you” …just a younger, more vibrant “you”! Depending on the patient’s age, degree of laxity, and other biological factors, patients may undergo a Mini-Facelift, a Neck Lift, or a full Facelift surgery. San Francisco Facelift Surgeon Dr. Ransom will evaluate your face and discuss the best option for you during your facelift consultation at his office in the Bay Area.

Who Is A Candidate?

Candidates for facelift surgery include all patients with loose or sagging skin in the lower face and/or neck region, a drooping or hollow-appearing midface, a poorly defined jawline or prominent jowls, or thick, hanging bands in the neck. The term facelift (or face-lift) can be used by facelift surgeons and in the media to imply a wide variety of procedures and approaches. San Francisco Facelift Surgeon Dr. Ransom tailors his surgical approach to each specific patient, working to achieve the desired goal and avoiding an “operated” look. In most cases, this skilled facelift surgeon performs a deep-plane facelift, which lifts the deep tissues and muscle layers of the face and neck, rather than the skin alone. This makes Dr. Ransom’s patients look natural and avoids the “wind-swept” or “pulled” look.

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Dr. Ransom, a renowned San Francisco facelift surgeon, sees patients from all over Bay Area, including Mill Valley/Marin County, Napa/Sonoma, San Rafael/Petaluma, Hillsborough, San Mateo, Menlo Park, Orinda, Palo Alto, Piedmont, Walnut Creek, and the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please note that all patients are different and individual healing times and results may vary. The statements regarding procedures and recovery made here are general rules.

Does a facelift make you look younger?

The goal of a facelift surgery is to make the face and neck look younger by removing excess skin, tightening the muscle and connective tissues, and elevating the cheek fat.

How can I tighten loose skin on my face?

There are many nonsurgical options for minor laxity, however, the gold standard is a facelift.

How do I get rid of my double chins?

Extra fat and skin under the chin can be a challenging problem. Treatment options depend on the amount of tissue as well as the patients specific anatomy, skin elasticity, and age. There are nonsurgical options which use heat or laser energy to reduce fat, injections to reduce fat, and surgical procedures (including liposuction and neck lift).

How do I prepare for a facelift?

Preparing for a facelift includes good skin care, avoiding excess sun (UV) exposure, and maintaining good habits like a healthy diet and regular exercise. Some medications and supplements should be avoided in the weeks before the procedure, including any that can thin the blood.

How do I reduce swelling in my face?

Swelling in the face after facelift surgery is a normal part of the recovery. Reducing this may include certain medications as well as reducing strenuous activities, avoiding high-salt foods, and maintaining an upright position even during sleep.

How do I tighten my jawline?

The jawline can be tightened via surgical and nonsurgical procedures. In the nonsurgical options, energy is delivered to the skin and fat in the lower face/upper neck to improve the contour. With surgery, excess skin is lifted and removed around the ears to improve the contour in the jawline.

How do you reduce swelling after a facelift?

Swelling in the face after facelift surgery is a normal part of the recovery. Reducing this may include certain medications as well as reducing strenuous activities, avoiding high-salt foods, and maintaining an upright position even during sleep.

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

Taking care of your face after facelift involves gentle skin care, avoidance of sun (UV), avoidance of strenuous activities, and keeping the head elevated.

How long after a facelift can I exercise?

For the first 2-3 weeks after facelift, patients should limit physical activity to walking. After this, low-impact cardio can be started. Weight lifting and strenuous activities typically are avoided for 4-6 weeks.

How long do ears hurt after facelift?

Ear pain is uncommon after facelift. In fact, many patients will have temporary numbness in the area of the ears and lateral cheeks. If there is pain, this should be evaluated.

How long does facelift last?

Facelift changes are permanent, however the aging process continues. The duration of a facelifts effect is dependent on patient factors including age, diet, exercise, sun exposure, skin type, etc. in addition to the details of the procedure performed.

How long does fat transfer face last?

Fat transfer to the face is permanent, but not all of the fat that is placed will survive. For most patients, about 1/2 to 2/3 of the transferred amount will survive over time. Some patients with specific health problems (e.g., diabetes, vascular disease) or exposures (e.g., tobacco use, radiation) will have a lower fat survival rate.

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

Bruising occurs mostly in the area around the ears and in the lower neck. Facial bruising may occur around the eyes. For most patients, this will resolve in about 10 days.

How long is recovery from a facelift?

The initial recovery from the operation is about 14 days. However, the full process of recovery and tissue remodeling, regaining sensation, etc. is about 6 months or so.

What is a facelift called?

While its often referred to as a facelift, its actual medical name is a rhytidectomy.

Can a facelift correct sagging in the neck area?

It depends. Yes, a facelift can also address some neck/jowl sagging but it is often combined with a necklift for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Is a facelift effective for both men and women?

YES! Facelifts are suitable for both men and women, with techniques tailored to each gender's anatomy for natural-looking results.

How long should I wait after a facelift before returning to exercise?

Patients typically need 4 to 6 weeks before resuming vigorous physical activity.

Can a facelift improve deep wrinkles?

A facelift primarily addresses sagging skin, but complementary treatments like neurotoxins, fillers, or lasers can help address deep wrinkles.

Are facelift results permanent?

While a facelift provides long-lasting results, aging continues, and some patients may opt for touch-ups or non-surgical treatments over time.

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Dr. Ransom

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.

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