Facelift in Upland & the Inland Empire

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, repositions the deeper tissues of the face and removes extra skin to smooth sagging, deep folds and jowls. Unlike creams or injections, surgery can tighten the layers beneath the skin, which is why it can make a larger change in the lower face and neck.

Both women and men choose a facelift to look more rested and refreshed. Most patients are in their forties through sixties, though healthy people in their seventies and eighties can also be good candidates. Inland Empire patients often pair a facelift with eyelid surgery or a neck lift for a more balanced look.

Who is a good candidate?

• Adults with sagging skin in the cheeks, jawline or neck
• People bothered by jowls or deep lines from the nose to the mouth
• Those whose skin still has some stretch and bounce
• Patients with good underlying bone structure
• Healthy non-smokers with realistic goals
• People who have tried skin care or non-surgical options and want more change

Dr. Smiley's technique and philosophy

Dr. Smiley tailors the type of facelift to the amount of sagging and your goals. A full facelift treats the whole face, from forehead lines to the mid-face and jowls, often alongside a neck lift, eyelid surgery or chin liposuction. A mid-facelift works on the deeper layers when the cheeks and folds have sagged a moderate or large amount. A mini facelift, sometimes called a short-scar lift, addresses mild to moderate sagging in the cheeks and jowls with a shorter recovery, though it does not treat the forehead or crow's feet.

In each case, fat and deeper tissues are lifted, the skin is tightened, and extra skin is trimmed. Dr. Smiley places incisions along the hairline and the natural curves around the ear so that scars blend in as much as possible. For some patients, he may suggest non-surgical options such as Botox or fillers alongside or instead of surgery.

What to expect

Consultation

Your visit takes place at our Upland office at 330 East 7th Street. Dr. Smiley will study your skin, bone structure and areas of concern, then explain which facelift style fits you and whether other procedures might help. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092 to set up a visit.

The procedure

Facelift surgery is performed in an accredited surgical facility, not at the Upland office. A mini facelift may be done under local or general anesthesia, while deeper lifts are done under general anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day with someone to care for them.

Recovery

Swelling, bruising and tightness are common for the first two weeks. Many people feel ready to be seen in public in about two to three weeks, and mini facelift patients often recover faster. Subtle swelling can last a few months. Everyone heals differently. Protect your incisions from the strong Southern California sun while they heal.

Risks and safety

Facelift risks include bleeding, infection, visible or widened scars, numbness, temporary or lasting nerve changes, hair loss near incisions and uneven results. Anesthesia carries its own risks.

Dr. Smiley discusses these risks with you before surgery. A facelift does not stop aging, and results vary from person to person.

Learn more about this procedure on Dr. Smiley's main site: Facelift at dr-smiley.com.

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