Facelift
Face Lift Face Neck
Face Lift Face Neck
Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, is the best and most effective procedure for "turning back the clock" on aging in the lower face and neck. Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sirius K. Yoo focuses exclusively on facial plastic surgery with a refined approach that makes him highly sought after among patients from San Diego and beyond. His surgical skill is paired with a keen eye for aesthetic harmony and proportion that translates into impeccably natural-looking transformations. He specializes in a range of facelift techniques, offering versatile options for each patient’s unique needs. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Yoo today and begin your journey to your most radiant self.
1 of 33
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that offers comprehensive rejuvenation of the mid and lower face by lifting and tightening sagging skin, repositioning deeper tissues, and removing excess skin to restore youthful contours.
This transformative treatment addresses signs of aging such as deep wrinkles, sagging cheeks, and jowls, delivering natural-looking, long-lasting results. An effective facelift will restore youthful contours to the cheeks, jawline, and neck while maintaining a natural appearance. Patients should look refreshed and not pulled or wind blown. Scars are hidden and minimized. It is important to explain that a facelift alone does not address the forehead, eyes or midface. These areas are commonly treated at the same time via combined procedures (for example, blepharoplasty, fat transfer, or brow lift).
“You exude a caring and compassion like I have never experienced in any medical circumstances. Your consultation was sincere, your care unprecedented. You were so gentle, and I’d love to shout your name from the rooftops.”
—Facelift Patient
deep plane facelift
mid-facelift
mini-facelift
Dr. Sirius K. Yoo specializes in the deep plane facelift procedure, an advanced technique designed to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting rejuvenation. Unlike a traditional facelift, which primarily tightens excess skin, the deep plane facelift repositions the deeper tissues and facial muscles, addressing sagging cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jowls at their source. This comprehensive approach restores youthful contours while avoiding the overly tight or artificial appearance often associated with older techniques. With minimal tension on the skin and longer-lasting results, the deep plane facelift offers a sophisticated solution for those seeking transformative yet subtle rejuvenation.
deep plane facelift
mid-facelift
mini-facelift
Some patients come to us asking for a mid-facelift to elevate the cheeks to their more youthful (higher) position. Dr. Yoo often recommends against this surgical technique because it has a high risk of changing the shape of the corner of the eyes. Dr. Yoo feels the best approach to address the mid-face is to add volume. This can be done through a fat transfer and/or fillers. The mid-face is also addressed to some degree by Dr. Yoo’s extended deep plane facelift surgical technique.
deep plane facelift
mid-facelift
mini-facelift
Mini-facelift surgery is a short scar face lift, which means that the incisions are smaller than a conventional face lift. Because the incisions are smaller, less excess skin can be removed without bunching. This procedure may be best for patients who don't have severe jowling and who maintain a relatively healthy weight. Mini-facelift surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis and usually under general anesthesia.
At SKY, we care about providing a seamless and empowering experience from the moment you contact our office for a consultation. Here is what to expect in our process:
Consultation
Consultations are the best way to discuss your needs with Dr. Sirius K. Yoo, our double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon and facelift specialist. It is important to choose the best facelift surgeon. Please call (858) 381-4801 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoo at our San Diego office.
Procedure
Facelift surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis. It is completed under sedation or general anesthesia depending on doctor and patient preference.
In a facelift, the incisions are hidden behind the hairline, placed within natural skin folds, shadow lines, or behind the ears to minimize visible scarring. After the incisions are made, Dr. Yoo will remove excess fat and lift and tighten the supportive muscles in the face and neck.
The face is generally lifted in a more vertical vector compared to the neck. This is accomplished by splitting the SMAS just below and parallel to the jaw line. Another benefit of this technique is that it allows the definition at the angle of the mandible to be preserved or even augmented if desired. Because every patient has different facial anatomy, the exact vector of the lift is determined based on the direction of pre-surgical laxity. Dr. Yoo will then re-drape the facial skin without tension, removing the excess. Modern facelifts do not pull on the skin. This technique allows for a more natural, comprehensive and long lasting result. After the extra skin is removed, the incisions are closed with sutures and a support dressing is applied.
A facelift is the most comprehensive approach for treating signs of aging in the mid to lower face, including:
One of the goals of facelift surgery is to help patients look as young as they feel. A facelift, especially when done in conjunction with other rejuvenation procedures, can remove wrinkles and return your face to a more vibrant and toned appearance. Dr. Yoo is an expert in the deep plane extended facelift, which is a vertical facelift that restores the soft tissue of the face and neck to their more youthful position. Every patient has unique anatomy and surgery is tailored to their individual needs to achieve the best outcome.
A facelift is the most comprehensive approach for addressing moderate to severe signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep facial wrinkles, or loss of volume.
Facelift candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations for their results. This procedure is particularly beneficial for those looking for long-lasting rejuvenation who are prepared for the recovery process. During your consultation, Dr. Yoo will evaluate your facial anatomy, medical history, and aesthetic goals to determine if a facelift is the right choice for you.
Swelling and bruising are normal after surgery. Bruising can be apparent for up to two weeks and swelling gradually diminishes over time.
Pain is minimal and is controlled with oral medications. Most patients are able to return to their usual routine within two weeks. Dr. Yoo will check your healing at post-op visits and remain available to provide extra guidance and support throughout the recovery process.
Facelift surgery delivers long-lasting results, restoring youthful contours, smoothing wrinkles, and enhancing facial harmony.
Patients enjoy a rejuvenated appearance that feels natural and balanced, with improvements often lasting 10–15 years or more. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine can help prolong the effects of your facelift.
Still unsure? Consultations with Dr. Yoo are the best way to learn more about facial rejuvenation and how best to turn back the clock. Dr. Yoo is double board-certified and is one of a select number of surgeons in the nation to complete a prestigious fellowship at Stanford University. He is widely considered one of the very best facelift specialists for natural-looking results. Trained in the most advanced deep-plane extended facelift techniques, Dr. Yoo is often consulted by other facial plastic surgeons and colleagues for the most difficult and challenging cases.
Please call (858) 381-4801 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yoo at our north county San Diego office.
Most facelift results last 10–15 years, depending on factors like age, lifestyle, and genetics.
Dr. Yoo places incisions discreetly along the hairline and behind the ears, minimizing visible scarring.
Yes, many patients combine their facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift for comprehensive rejuvenation. Schedule a consultation to learn more about the best approaches for your specific needs and goals.
Facelift patients typically report mild discomfort, which is well managed with prescribed medications during recovery.
Most patients return to work within 10–14 days, depending on their recovery progress.
Yes, facelifts often include a neck lift to create seamless rejuvenation of the face and neck.
Ideal facelift candidates are in good health, non-smokers, and looking to address visible signs of aging.
Dr. Yoo provides personalized pre-operative instructions, including dietary and medication guidelines, to ensure a successful facelift procedure.
While complications are rare, potential risks of facelift surgery include infection, scarring, or changes in skin sensation. Dr. Yoo’s expertise minimizes these risks.
