Facelift

in San Francisco, CA

Introduction

Introduction to Facelift

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that improves visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The goals of this procedure are to correct sagging of the skin of the face, reverse deepening of the fold lines between the nose and the corner of the mouth, and reposition displaced facial fat.

Double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Meaghan Noud in San Francisco, CA, utilizes today’s most progressive techniques to deliver highly customized and natural-looking facelift results. She has completed more than 3,000 successful surgical procedures on the head, face, and neck, making her an ideal choice for discerning patients in and beyond the Bay Area.

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What Is a Facelift?

Facelift surgery is a gold-standard cosmetic procedure that targets signs of aging in the lower portion of the face, including jowls, nasolabial folds, loss of jawline definition, and drooping midface contours. By firming and elevating sagging areas, a facelift can restore an energized, revitalized appearance, boosting confidence and peace of mind. Dr. Noud in San Francisco, CA, focuses on creating a seamless transformation that looks natural and effortless.

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A mini facelift is a less invasive alternative to a full facelift. It is ideal for those who are just beginning to notice signs of aging emerging. A shorter incision means less downtime, fewer side effects, and a shorter scar. Recovery usually takes 9 to 12 days.

Who Are the Best Candidates for a Facelift?

The best candidates for a facelift in San Francisco are healthy, non-smokers at a stable weight. They may be dealing with frustrating signs of aging, such as jowls, nasolabial folds, drooping cheeks, and a wilting jawline, all of which make them look older than they feel. To ensure the procedure is safe, effective, and successful for you, Dr. Noud will offer a personalized consultation and an in-depth medical review. It is important to set realistic expectations when pursuing a facelift, as the surgery is likely to yield improvement rather than “perfection.”

What Are the Benefits of a Facelift?

Facelift surgery, performed with artistry and nuance by Dr. Noud in San Francisco, comes with the following compelling benefits:

  • Reverses signs of aging
  • Sculpts and sharpens the jawline
  • Removes sagging skin and jowls
  • Smooths away nasolabial folds
  • Firms lax skin
  • Improves definition, balance, and symmetry
  • Creates the universally coveted V-shaped facial contour
  • Leads to a more inviting, youthful-looking facial expression
  • Heightens confidence and self-esteem
  • Lasting, elegant results
  • Can be combined with other cosmetic procedures

What’s the First Step?

Getting started with a facelift in the Bay Area is simple and straightforward. You will first sit down with Dr. Noud and her team in San Francisco to discuss your goals, have your questions answered, and learn more about the surgery’s risks, benefits, downtime, and costs. The doctor will explain the techniques she plans to use, ensuring you have the clearest possible understanding of what to expect from your treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once your surgery date has been booked, we will ask you to observe the following guidelines:

  • Stop smoking 3-6 weeks before your procedure
  • Stay properly hydrated
  • Discontinue taking aspirin, Advil, and anti-inflammatory drugs or supplements.
  • Don’t eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before surgery
  • Prepare your home environment for recovery
  • Fill prescriptions ahead of time
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you for at least 24 hours
A patient coordinator in a black top sits in a cream-colored chair, carefully reviewing a treatment brochure with a client.

What to Expect on the Day of Facelift Surgery

As part of your consultation in San Francisco, Dr. Noud will determine the best surgical technique for your cosmetic goals, anatomy, and scarring preferences. She may elect to pair your facelift with other aesthetic options, such as a neck lift, facial fat transfer, a lip lift, BOTOX, or dermal fillers, to maximize your results and deliver a stunning transformation.

Facelift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may also be an option. Either way, you will be kept comfortable and relaxed throughout your journey, free from pain and stress. To begin, Dr. Noud will create tiny incisions in the fine creases around the ears, extending into the hairline. This allows for well-concealed scarring down the line.

Carefully sculpting and repositioning the underlying facial layers, Dr. Noud can reverse the effects of aging and create a naturally firm, youthful appearance. Once all changes are complete, Dr. Noud will close your incisions with fine sutures and move you to the recovery area.

Dr. Meaghan Noud in her white lab coat, holding an anatomical skull model to explain deep-plane facial structures to a patient.
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Facelift Recovery

Your guide to post-Facelift care

In the week following your facelift in San Francisco, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, and soreness, all of which are normal side effects after surgery. Dr. Noud will ensure your healing journey is comfortable by prescribing oral pain medication and providing a customized aftercare plan.

When sleeping, keep your head elevated to help minimize swelling. Postpone strenuous workouts and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. It is also wise to follow a low-sodium diet for one month post-op.2

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in San Francisco, CA?

If you’re considering a facelift to rejuvenate your appearance and restore youthful contours, understanding the factors that contribute to the cost is essential. At Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in San Francisco, CA, we aim to provide transparency and guidance to our valued patients. Below, we will shed light on what determines the cost of a facelift, helping you make informed decisions on your journey to renewed confidence.

The complexity and extent of the facelift procedure play a significant role in determining the overall cost. Each patient has unique facial anatomy and specific concerns to address. A facelift can involve various techniques, including a traditional facelift, a mini facelift, or a combination of procedures. The more extensive the surgery, the more time and resources it may require, which can affect the cost.

Why Choose Dr. Noud?

Dr. Meaghan Noud in San Francisco, CA, has spent her career delivering outstanding results and a compassionate approach to care. She utilizes evidence-based solutions and cutting-edge techniques to create the youthful, revitalized appearance you envision. Dr. Noud is double-board-certified in ​​Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPRS), making her an ideal choice for your facelift in the Bay Area.

A native Californian, Dr. Noud completed medical school at UCLA’s College of Applied Anatomy before pursuing a demanding residency in the top-ranked, five-year Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Noud was subsequently accepted into one of the most prestigious fellowship programs in the nation for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, Davis, completed under the auspices of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery (AAFPRS).

Dr. Noud has completed over 3,000 surgical procedures with precision, artistry, and skill, and has mentored and educated countless residents and medical students. Currently, she serves as the Medical Director of Lift Aesthetics in Napa and also sees new patients at Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in San Francisco.

Facelift FAQ’S

Schedule Your Consultation

To learn more about facelift surgery in San Francisco and determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure, please contact our team at Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Noud. The doctor is available to answer your questions and help you get started on the path to a more revitalized, attractive appearance and greater confidence. Call today to get started!

Sources

Kugler, T. (2025). American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. https://www.aafprs.org/Media/Press_Releases/The_Rise_of_Deep_Plane_Facelift.aspx

Rohrich, R. J., Sinno, S., & Vaca, E. E. (2019). Getting Better Results in Facelifting. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, 7(6), e2270. https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000002270