Facelift
Folsom, CA
Folsom, CA
The natural aging process can come with unwelcome changes in the face and neck. Skin loses elasticity, gravity causes deeper tissues to droop, and the youthful definition of the mid-face and jawline softens. These visible signs of aging can impact the way you see yourself and the way you interact with others. With a deep plane facelift, it's possible to turn back the clock without obvious signs of surgery. Facelift surgery is one of the most effective forms of facial rejuvenation surgery, designed to smooth, sculpt, and restore more youthful contours.
At Bueno MD Facial Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Bueno approaches every procedure with artistry and precision. Trained by leaders in the extended deep plane facelift, he focuses on lifting deeper tissues for natural, lasting results. Through education, collaboration, and personalized planning, he helps patients feel confident in their choices and consistently delivers elegant outcomes that enhance harmony while preserving authentic expression.
Lifts jowls, smooths folds, and repositions deeper facial tissues to a more youthful position
Specializing in the deep plane facelift for long-lasting, natural results
Patients typically return to most activities within 2–3 weeks
Optimal results often last for a decade or more
A facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that targets the lower two-thirds of the face and the jawline. Also known as rhytidectomy—literally "wrinkle removal”—a modern facelift does much more than tighten loose skin. Unlike the traditional methods that only tighten the superficial layers and can leave patients looking pulled or plastic after surgery, a deep plane facelift releases key ligaments of the face to reposition the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and deeper facial tissue for results that look natural and last longer.
In addition to smoothing deep wrinkles, a facelift restores definition along the jawline and lifts away jowls for more balanced, youthful contours. By addressing both the facial skin and the supportive layers beneath it, deep plane facelift surgery enhances overall facial harmony in a way that looks graceful and natural.
A facelift is an outpatient procedure that involves small incisions carefully hidden around the ears and along the hairline. Through the incision sites, Dr. Bueno releases key ligaments that connect deeper facial muscles to lift and tighten the facial fat and muscles for a natural and comprehensive result. Excess skin is removed after repositioning the deep facial tissues for a smoother contour. The incisions are closed using meticulous techniques to minimize scarring.
Dr. Bueno will discuss anesthesia options with you, including twilight sedation, to help you choose the best option for management of your pain and recovery. After a brief recovery period, patients return home the same day with an aftercare plan in place and follow-up appointments scheduled.
Facelift surgery improves several common concerns caused by facial aging, including:
For comprehensive results, a facelift is often combined with complementary facial procedures such as a neck lift, eyelid lift, or brow lift.
A well-performed facelift restores a more youthful appearance while preserving your natural character. Patients often notice sharper definition along the jawline, elevated cheeks, and smoother facial skin. Because Dr. Bueno uses advanced surgical techniques like the deep plane facelift, results directly address facial aging and appear more authentic than with older methods and avoid an over-tightened look.
Beyond aesthetics, patients frequently describe feeling more comfortable in social and professional settings.
Under the care of an experienced surgeon, a facelift doesn’t make you look like someone else. It restores the confidence of looking like yourself again, simply younger and more refreshed.
You may be a candidate for facelift surgery if you’re bothered by jowls, deep folds, or sagging skin that no longer responds to minimally invasive treatments. Candidates for elective aesthetic surgery should be in good overall health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations for the procedure and results. Patients with underlying health issues, those on blood thinners, or individuals with other risk factors will be carefully evaluated to ensure safety.
During your facelift consultation, Dr. Bueno will learn about your goals, review your medical history, and assess your facial anatomy to recommend the best approach. For comprehensive rejuvenation, all facelifts include a deep neck lift. Dr. Bueno will educate you about your options to design a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Recovery from a facelift is gradual but well-supported by our attentive team. Patients can expect swelling and bruising in the treatment area in the first 1–2 weeks. Following aftercare instructions helps reduce swelling and improve comfort. Most patients return to social activities or work in about 2–3 weeks after facelift surgery, though subtle refinements continue over several months.
Temporary changes in skin sensation or numbness are common and improve as healing progresses. Dr. Bueno provides detailed aftercare guidance, post-op follow-ups, and ongoing support to minimize risks and ensure that patients heal comfortably and safely.
As swelling subsides, the results become clear: lifted cheeks, smoother contours, and a more defined jawline that restores proportion to the face and neck. Many patients enjoy improvements that last 7-10 years or longer, especially when paired with good skincare and daily protection from sun exposure.
Patients often describe the change as transformative—not only do they see a fresher face in the mirror, but they also feel renewed confidence in every aspect of their lives. The facelift procedure restores balance and vitality, delivering the kind of facial rejuvenation that lets you look as young as you feel.
Dr. Scott Bueno is a fellowship-trained facial surgeon specializing in contemporary and effective facial cosmetic surgery techniques. With expertise in deep plane facelift surgery, he brings precision and artistry to every case. Dr. Bueno trained directly under expert facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kate O’Connor, in the extended deep plane facelift– a technique honed by her world-renowned mentor, Dr. Andrew Jacono.
His boutique practice is focused exclusively on the face, offering patients individualized care and results that feel natural. For those seeking a trusted facial surgeon in Folsom, Dr. Bueno provides both technical excellence and compassionate guidance throughout the journey.
Many patients enjoy results for 7-10 years or more. The longevity of your facelift results can depend on factors like your genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality.
Yes, Dr. Bueno will combine your facelift with a deep neck lift for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
A lower facelift is a less invasive version of an extended deep plane facelift that targets early signs of aging, like sagging neck skin and jowls. This technique involves a deep plane lift of the lower face in combination with a deep neck lift. Notably, this does not address the mid-face or folds around the nose and mouth. It uses shorter incisions, typically around the ears, to reposition deep underlying tissues into a more youthful position. This procedure is usually for patients with early signs of aging and allows for more comprehensive midface lifting in the future if needed. Offering a subtle refresh, think of this as more of a preventative lift than the comprehensive restorative outcome of a full facelift.
Incisions are placed discreetly around the ears and along the hairline. With time and proper healing, scars fade and are designed to be well-hidden.
Because a facelift is considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance does not cover facelift surgery.
Dr. Bueno will discuss anesthesia with you, including twilight sedation, and determine the best option for your tolerance for pain and recovery.
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, temporary changes in skin sensation, and rare risks of facial nerve injury. Dr. Bueno takes every precaution to minimize these risks. Working with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to keeping risks minimal.
A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical alternative to a facelift that uses dermal fillers and Botox to enhance facial balance and contours. While it can refresh the face temporarily, it cannot match the results of a surgical facelift.
Cost varies based on the extent of surgery and whether additional facial procedures like a brow lift, fat grafting or eyelid lift are included. Our team will provide a detailed quote at your consultation.
Luckily, there are a spectrum of procedures aimed at helping you age gracefully. It’s rare that we would recommend a facelift to a patient in their 30’s, but this is a great time to start visiting our med spa for treatments like microneedling, Botox, and professional skincare if you haven’t already begun. Your 40’s are really primetime for surgical facial rejuvenation with a facelift. In your 50’s and beyond, a facelift is still the gold standard to treat aging, and we frequently recommend combining this with a brow lift, eyelid lift, and fat grafting.
