Revitalize Your Appearance

Changes Plastic Surgery in San Diego offers both surgical and non-surgical solutions for an aging face and neck. We also provide Changes Rapid Lift, a revolutionary facial rejuvenation procedure for patients searching for a safe, effective alternative to traditional facelift surgery. Our surgeons can help you look younger and more refreshed with a variety of treatment options. The goal of face and neck surgery is to achieve the most natural results by effectively restoring lost facial volume, minimizing deep facial folds and wrinkles and by refining the jawline. We offer both San Diego facelift and neck lift surgery options designed to help you improve your facial appearance.

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa of San Diego

Watch The Facelift Experience

Prior patient

Enhance Your Facial Appearance with a Facelift or Neck Lift

As we age, we start to lose volume in our faces from fat atrophy; skin loses elasticity as collagen production diminishes, and the result is sagging facial skin and hanging skin of the neck. Facelift surgery, aka rhytidectomy, is designed to minimize these signs of aging around the face and neck. Neck lift surgery also referred to as a lower rhytidectomy, is designed to help improve the signs of aging along the jawline and neck. It frequently helps patients:

  • Reduce the appearance of excess fat and fatty deposits under the chin.
  • Eliminate loose neck skin.
  • Minimize banding in the neck that otherwise creates abnormal contours.

A neck lift also serves as a viable alternative for patients who do not want to receive a complete facelift in San Diego.

Before & After The Facelift Procedure

View Gallery

A Viable Alternative to a Traditional Facelift Changes Rapid Lift

The Changes Rapid Lift was developed as an alternative to a traditional facelift procedure. It is designed for individuals with mild to moderate aging in the face.

With Changes Rapid Lift, patients can tighten the neck and jaw and remove loose skin that occurs naturally over time. They can also eliminate jowls, restore fullness to the cheeks, and address facial wrinkles caused by skin and muscle stretching and fat loss underneath the skin.

Changes Rapid Lift requires a limited number of incisions in comparison to a traditional facelift. It is performed under local anesthesia in our office and as such, does not require expensive operating room and anesthesiologist fees. During Changes Rapid Lift, your surgeon re-suspends and supports the facial and neck fat and muscles and tissues back to their original position. They will treat loose skin and wrinkles in the lower half of the face and neck and tighten the jawline and neck profile. Finally, your surgeon removes excess skin to tighten and remove wrinkles and jowls, resulting in a rejuvenated facial appearance.

Schedule Your Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media

What to Expect From Facelift Surgery and Neck Lift Surgery.

As part of facelift or neck lift surgery, underlying muscles are tightened and placed back where they belong, and the skin is redraped on the face and neck. A facelift in San Diego can take three to six hours, depending on which corrections are necessary. Your surgeon will outline the exact placement of incisions before the procedure. Usually, incisions begin inside your sideburns, extend inside your ear (just inside the cartilage at the front of your ear), and continue behind the earlobe in the crease behind the ear. The scars are virtually impossible to detect as they are hidden within the anatomy of the ear.

Your surgeon will separate the skin from the underlying fat and muscle. Fat may be trimmed or suctioned from around the neck and chin to improve the contour. The underlying muscles of the face are then tightened, the platysmal bands are resewn (see corset platysmaplasty), and the skin is pulled back with the excess skin removed. Stitches secure the layers of tissue and close the incisions. Facial fat loss, or fat atrophy, is a characteristic of aging that may be suggested as part of your facelift procedure. A youthful face has rounded contours. Fat grafting can be performed during your facelift surgery to restore fat to hollow temples and upper and lower lids and restore fullness to the cheeks. A neck lift surgery generally lasts two to three hours, and anesthesia may be administered before the surgery. The procedure requires a plastic surgeon to place small incisions behind the ears and under the chin to help the surgeon remove excess fat.

After neck lift surgery is completed, a plastic surgeon will replace the skin at the site of the surgery and pull it taut. At this time, the incisions will be sutured closed, and any excess skin will be removed.

For the best results after a facelift or neck lift surgery and to maintain your facelift results, regular treatments with BOTOX ® or Dysport for wrinkle relaxation and fillers or fat injections that can deliver youthful fullness to the cheeks and lips or fill deep facial folds are recommended. Fat grafting is the most performed adjunct treatment to a face and neck lift. Also, because facial aging normally involves the entire face, complementary procedures such as a forehead lift or browlift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and cheek and/or chin implants may be performed in conjunction with a facelift or neck lift surgery.

Facelift Recovery & Neck Lift Surgery Recovery

You should be up and about in a day or two after facelift surgery, but you should plan on taking it easy for the first week following surgery. Your plastic surgeon will provide specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities, and you will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks (walking and mild stretching are fine). In addition, you will want to avoid alcohol and smoking, steam baths and saunas for several weeks, and limit your exposure to the sun for several months. Above all, get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal.

The recovery from neck lift surgery usually takes several weeks. During neck lift surgery recovery, you may receive a bandage that is placed around your face and neck to reduce swelling and bruising. A thin tube may also be used to drain excess blood or fluid that could collect under the skin. Your plastic surgeon will offer detailed instructions about how to care for the surgical site after a neck lift surgery, along with information about any medications that may be needed and how to reduce the risk of infection.

The Facelift Procedure Described

Facelift diagram

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

Facelift surgery costs vary depending on the location of surgical practice, the extent of the procedure, and other factors. At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego, we are committed to helping facelift patients get the most out of surgery. We provide facelift cost details and other information prior to treatment. Also, we describe how a facelift procedure is performed and help patients set realistic surgery expectations.

Background media

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa: A Premier Provider of Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, under the expert guidance of Dr. Gilbert Lee, who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery, offers a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Dr. Lee's extensive training and experience ensure that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their unique facial structure and aesthetic goals. From the initial consultation, where we discuss whether a facelift, neck lift, or a combination of both is the best option for you, to the detailed planning of your procedure, and through to your recovery, our team is committed to supporting you every step of the way. At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, we understand the importance of feeling confident in your appearance, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve the natural-looking results you desire. Let us help you navigate your surgical options and guide you through a successful transformation with the utmost care and professionalism.

To learn more about our facelift and neck lift treatment options in San Diego, please contact us today. Also, continue reading more about this subject on our blog:

  • What’s Really Behind an Aging Face
  • Three Facets of Facial Rejuvenation
  • A Whole Pack of Reasons to Stop Smoking Before Surgery
Background Texture

Youthful Radiance Within Easy Reach: Changes Rapid Lift

As time goes on, the subtle signs of aging become undeniable, even for those who carefully follow the recommendations of their dermatologists, cosmetologists, and plastic surgeons. Sun, time, and genetics can rob the face and neck of their plump vitality and glow. For those seeking to rejuvenate their appearance without the commitment, pain, and downtime of a traditional facelift, San Diego patients may want to consider the groundbreaking Rapid Lift Deep Plane Facelift. Let's delve into what makes this procedure a game-changer, what patients can expect, and why it stands out as a superior option.

Scarless Facelift Under Local Anesthesia; 5 year Result

Dr. Gilbert Lee with a patient

What Sets the Changes Rapid Lift Deep Plane Facelift Apart?

The Changes Rapid Lift is a carefully designed, minimally invasive procedure tailored for individuals experiencing mild to moderate aging effects. Crafted and perfected by the Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa team, this advanced facelift option offers remarkable results with a fraction of the recovery time associated with traditional facelifts. Explore Key Benefits:

  • Swift Recovery: Designed for the busy lives of modern individuals, the Changes Rapid Lift boasts a significantly faster recovery period compared to traditional facelifts.
  • Equal Efficacy: Despite its less invasive nature, the Changes Rapid Lift achieves results that transcends those created with conventional facelifts, ensuring a harmonious blend of effectiveness and efficiency.
Banner media

Could You Be a Rapid Lift Candidate?

  • This procedure is ideal for those with any signs of aging who seek swift, noticeable improvements.
  • With a quick, in-office procedure, the rapid lift deep plane causes minimal disruption to daily routines, especially compared with older, traditional facelift techniques.

What to Expect During the Changes Rapid Lift Procedure

The Personalized Changes Approach

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa prioritizes individualized treatment plans, ensuring each patient receives a unique and tailored experience. Our expert-level providers utilize cutting-edge medical technology for superior outcomes. At your consultation, your doctor will take time to understand your important desires and needs and help you make choices about the right procedures and timelines for you.

Background media

The Rapid Lift Deep Plan Face Lift Procedure

The Rapid Lift can be performed under local anesthesia right here at the office or under general anesthesia.

Your plastic surgeon will be meticulous in the placement of incisions and their closure to ensure a discreet and scarless yet transformative enhancement of facial features.

Background media

Fast Recovery, Impressive Results

The remarkably swift recovery period allows patients to resume normal activities much sooner than with traditional facelift techniques.

The use of local anesthesia and hidden incisions also helps to simplify post-operative care needs and minimize post-operative discomfort.

Background media

Scarless Facelift Option

You don't need surgery to change how you look. Changes have experts who find new ways to help you without cutting your skin, making you hurt, or leaving scars.

At Changes, we offer the Scarless Face Lift, a treatment for people who want to improve their appearance without surgery. It's perfect for those who want their skin to look better and tighter, but don't want it to be obvious that they had surgery.

Learn about our scarless facelift option

Schedule Your Consultation

Contact Us
Background media

When to Choose the Changes Rapid Lift

Reverse Mild to Moderate Signs of Aging

  • Soften wrinkles and fine lines for a more youthful appearance.
  • Combat sagging skin, especially in the lower face and neck.

Restore Youthful Facial Harmony and Glow

  • Address loss of volume and skin laxity for a rejuvenated, balanced aesthetic.

Boost Your Confidence

  • Enhance self-esteem by achieving a refreshed, natural look.
  • Experience the transformative power of regaining youthful contours.

Achieve Your New Look in Paradise

We’re grateful to offer our sunny, San Diego neighbors the top-rated plastic surgery experience in San Diego. From your first phone call through your procedure and past the recovery period, our goal is to treat you to the luxury-caliber experience you deserve.

To learn more about the Changes Rapid Lift, contact Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa today. A new era of aesthetic enhancement starts now – are you ready to put your best, youngest-looking face forward?

Ready to Embark on Your Transformative Journey?

The Changes Rapid Lift Deep Plane Facelift beckons those seeking a rapid, effective solution to aging concerns that is nearly painless. Schedule a consultation with our esteemed San Diego team, and embrace a rejuvenated, revitalized version of yourself.

Real Patient Experiences

Doing this procedure was amazing

Doing this procedure was amazing because I didn’t have to go under general anesthesia, which I had experienced before and did not enjoy. The results from the Changes Rapid lift were absolutely amazing, the recovery was very quick, and I was back at work after 10 days... It was the perfect choice for me! Coming to Changes you just feel comfortable. You don’t feel pushed or scared, you feel calm and taken care of, which is exactly what you want going into a surgical procedure. My family and friends were all commenting that I look great, but they weren’t exactly sure what had “changed” ... and that to me was kind of magical. I couldn’t recommend the Changes more...
Kelly W.

I absolutely love my results

I had a thyroid surgery in my 30’s that resulted in a scar on my neck. Over time it became more noticeable and I wanted to see if there was something I could do to get my scar to go away, and address the hanging area of skin just under my neck that comes with age. I found Changes and was immediately interested in the Changes Rapid Lift because the entire procedure is done under local anesthesia, I thought this would be easier to tolerate and a bit less scary. It was a painless and wonderful procedure. I was very comfortable, and I was actually able to talk to my doctor a bit during the procedure too. I absolutely love my results because they look natural and beautiful.
Amanda H.
Reviews media

Facelift FAQ

What Does a Facelift Look Like?

After a facelift procedure, a patient generally notices visible improvements to his or her facial appearance. Facelift surgery results are long-lasting, and they may help an individual feel more confident about his or her facial appearance, too. Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa is one of the leading facelift San Diego surgery providers. To see how we have helped facelift patients enhance their facial appearance, click here.

Can a facelift improve the look of my neck as well?

Yes, a facelift, especially when combined with a neck lift (also known as a lower rhytidectomy), can significantly enhance the appearance of your neck. This combination addresses sagging skin, reduces wrinkles, and eliminates excess fat, resulting in a smoother, more defined neck and jawline that complements the refreshed appearance of the face.

How does a facelift affect my hairline, and what can be done to minimize hair loss or scarring?

A facelift can potentially affect your hairline by slightly repositioning it due to the nature of the skin tightening. Surgeons typically make incisions along the hairline to minimize visible scarring. Special surgical techniques, like beveled incisions that allow hair to grow through scar tissue, can also be used to minimize the impact on the hairline and reduce visible scarring.

How long do the results of a facelift last, and what factors influence this?

The results of a facelift typically last between 10 to 15 years, depending on various factors, including skin quality, age, and lifestyle choices such as smoking, diet, and sun exposure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and using appropriate skin care can help extend the results of the surgery.

Are there non-surgical alternatives to a facelift that can provide similar results?

While non-surgical treatments may not offer the same long-lasting effects as a surgical facelift, procedures such as dermal fillers, Botox, and advanced laser treatments can provide temporary improvements. These treatments are suitable for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and mild sagging. For more significant and lasting rejuvenation, particularly for deeper tissue sagging, a surgical facelift is often recommended.

woman in big necklace and nice dress

Changes Rapid Deep Plane Facelift

As time goes on, the subtle signs of aging become undeniable, even for those who carefully follow the recommendations of their dermatologists, cosmetologists, and plastic surgeons. Sun, time, and genetics can rob the face and neck of their plump vitality and glow.

Enter Changes Rapid Deep Plane Facelift Page

woman touching her hands to her lips

Scarless Facelift

Cosmetic enhancements, desired by individuals of all genders, have become deeply ingrained in societal standards, celebrated for their capacity to boost self-assurance and overall happiness. Yet, despite their widespread embrace, apprehensions linger regarding issues like noticeable scars, discomfort, and extended recovery periods, dissuading many from considering facial rejuvenation surgery. Our scar-free facelift presents a remedy to these prevalent worries, granting patients a route to realizing their aesthetic aspirations without the drawbacks typically associated with conventional methods.

Enter Scarless Facelift Page

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at 858-326-1264.
Contact Us