Facelift San Diego, CA
A facelift is one of the most effective ways to improve sagging skin, jowls, and loss of definition in the lower face and neck. The goal is not simply to tighten the skin, but to restore underlying structure for results that look natural and refreshed, not overdone.
Dr. Brian Reagan takes a personalized approach to facelift surgery, carefully evaluating each patient’s facial structure, skin quality, and degree of aging to create balanced, long-lasting results.
At True Beauty Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine, every facelift is customized based on your anatomy and goals, with a focus on achieving a natural appearance that fits you—not a one-size-fits-all result.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Reagan for Facelift
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when considering a facelift. Achieving natural, refreshed results requires both technical precision and an advanced understanding of facial structure and aging. Dr. Reagan combines elite surgical training with decades of experience in facial rejuvenation to deliver results that look natural, not overdone. You can see real results in the before and after gallery and hear directly from patients through their reviews.
What sets Dr. Reagan apart:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience in facial rejuvenation
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, representing the top 7% of physicians nationwide
- Recognized by San Diego Magazine as a Top Plastic Surgeon
- Advanced training at Cornell and UT Southwestern, two of the nation’s leading plastic surgery programs
- Background in wound healing and trauma (NIH-supported research) Supporting optimal healing, refined scars, and long-lasting results
- Extensive experience in facelift and mini-facelift techniques: Including lecturing at national conferences (ASAPS/ASPS) on evolving facelift approaches
- Member of the ASAPS “Hot Topics” committee: Evaluating new technologies and techniques in aesthetic surgery
- Advanced training in reconstructive and burn surgery: Providing a high level of precision in tissue handling and facial contouring
- Published author and speaker in plastic and reconstructive surgery: Reflecting deep expertise in both the science and artistry of facial procedures
- Natural, refreshed results that avoid an overdone or “pulled” appearance.
- Detail-driven, personalized approach tailored to your facial anatomy and goals
Dr. Reagan combines surgical precision with an artistic approach to restore a more youthful, balanced appearance.
QUICK SUMMARY
FACELIFT
Purpose:
Create a smoother, more youthful appearance
Procedure Length:
2-5 hours (depending upon extent of procedure)
Anesthesia:
General or Local with IV Sedation
In/Outpatient:
Outpatient
Recovery Time
Back to work in approx 7-10 days, strenuous activity 2-3 weeks
Final Appearance:
6-8 Weeks
Duration of Results:
Approx 8-10 years
Average Cost
$5,000-$15,000 depending upon the extent of procedure
*Individual patient results may vary. Examples presented are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee.
Dr. Reagan’s Facelift Philosophy
Dr. Reagan’s approach focuses on restoring natural facial structure rather than simply tightening the skin. By addressing deeper layers of the face, he is able to create results that look more natural and last longer.
His background in reconstructive surgery and wound healing gives him a strong understanding of how tissue responds to surgery, allowing for precise technique and better long-term outcomes.
Every procedure is customized based on the patient’s anatomy and goals, with a focus on avoiding an overly tight or unnatural appearance.
Brian Reagan, MD, FACS
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.
What Exactly is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is designed to restore a more youthful appearance by addressing changes in the deeper facial structures, not just the skin.
With aging, skin loosens, fat shifts, and the underlying support structures weaken. A facelift repositions these deeper layers, removes excess skin, and restores definition along the jawline and neck. Depending on your needs, a facelift can:
- Reposition underlying facial tissues for a more natural result
- Tighten loose skin without creating a “pulled” look
- Improve jawline and neck definition
- Soften deep folds around the mouth and lower face
Am I a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you’re noticing changes in your lower face and neck that don’t improve with skincare or non-surgical treatments. Common concerns include:
- Sagging along the jawline or early jowls
- Loose skin in the lower face or neck
- Deep folds around the mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Loss of definition in the jawline
- A tired or aged appearance despite feeling youthful
The best candidates are in good overall health and want a natural, long-lasting improvement, not an overdone result.
Benefits of Facelift
A facelift offers more than just tighter skin, it restores balance and definition in a way that looks natural and age-appropriate. Benefits may include:
- A more refreshed, rested appearance
- Improved jawline definition and facial contours
- Reduction in sagging and deep folds
- Long-lasting results compared to non-surgical options
- Increased confidence in both personal and professional settings
Types of Facelifts
Not all facelifts are the same. The technique used plays a major role in how natural the results look and how long they last.
Some procedures focus primarily on tightening the skin, while more advanced approaches reposition deeper facial structures to restore a more youthful contour. Dr. Reagan evaluates each patient individually and selects the approach that will provide the most natural and long-lasting result. Options may include:
- Combination procedures with neck lift or eyelid surgery
- Traditional facelift (mid-face and neck)
- Mini facelift (for early signs of aging)
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Your Consultation
Your consultation with Dr. Reagan is a key part of the process and is designed to be both informative and personalized.
During your visit, he will take the time to understand your concerns, evaluate your facial structure, and discuss what’s contributing to the changes you’re seeing. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Dr. Reagan focuses on creating a plan that fits your features, goals, and comfort level.
He will walk you through your options in detail, explain what can realistically be achieved, and help you understand the differences between surgical and non-surgical approaches. Many patients choose to combine a facelift with procedures such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery to create more balanced, natural-looking results.
You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, review before and after photos, and feel confident in your decision before moving forward.
What Makes Dr. Reagan’s Facelift Results Look Natural
One of the biggest concerns patients have is looking “overdone” or unnatural after surgery. Dr. Reagan’s approach focuses on repositioning deeper facial structures rather than simply tightening the skin.
By restoring volume and support beneath the surface, he is able to create results that look like a refreshed version of you, not a different person. This approach also helps results last longer compared to procedures that only address the surface.
Facelift Procedure
Facelift surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia or IV sedation.
Incisions are carefully placed along the hairline and around the ears to minimize visible scarring. During the procedure, Dr. Reagan focuses on repositioning the deeper facial tissues, not just tightening the skin, to restore natural structure and definition.
Excess skin is then gently redraped, and underlying support is reinforced to create a smoother, more youthful contour along the jawline and neck.
Throughout the procedure, Dr. Reagan uses precise, tissue-preserving techniques designed to support optimal healing and avoid an overly tight or “pulled” appearance. The goal is a result that looks refreshed, balanced, and natural.
Recovery Time
After surgery, you will be given detailed instructions to support healing.
Most patients take one to two weeks off from work. Swelling and bruising gradually improve over the first few weeks. Light activity can usually resume within a few weeks, with full recovery continuing over time.
FACELIFT RECOVERY
Immediately After:
Patients are sent home with post operative instructions. Outer dressing will be applied to the face and the head should be kept elevated on several pillows.
One to Two Weeks After Surgery:
Limit exercise to walking. Some sutures are typically removed during week 1. Additional sutures may be removed at week 2. Gentle daily washing of incisions.
Three to Four Weeks After Surgery:
Other sutures begin to dissolve. Most swelling and bruising has subsided. Patients can resume light activities.
One to Two Months after Surgery
Still some swelling may be present, but patients are starting to get idea of final results.
Final Results:
In most cases, visible results are seen in 6-8 weeks, but may continue to improve and heal over next several months.
*Individual patient results may vary. Examples presented are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee.
Facelift Results: Timeline & Longevity
Initial improvements are visible within a few weeks, with continued refinement as swelling resolves. Final results typically develop over several months.
Facelift results can last 10–15 years depending on the individual and lifestyle habits. Proper skincare, sun protection, and occasional non-surgical treatments can help maintain results over time.
Cost of Facelift Surgery
The cost of a facelift varies depending on the technique used, the extent of correction, and whether additional procedures are included.
In the San Diego area, pricing can vary based on surgeon experience and the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, you will receive a personalized quote based on your goals.
Non-Surgical Alternatives
For patients with early or mild signs of aging, non-surgical treatments such as fillers, Botox, and skin rejuvenation can provide noticeable improvement with little to no downtime.
While these options can help restore volume and soften lines, they do not address deeper structural changes or excess skin. For more significant, long-lasting results, a facelift may be the better option.
Dr. Reagan will help you determine the right approach based on your goals and stage of aging.
Facelift FAQs
What is the best age for a facelift?
Most patients consider a facelift in their 40s to 60s, depending on their goals, skin quality, and degree of aging.
What type of facelift provides the most natural results?
Techniques that address the deeper facial structures—rather than just tightening the skin—typically provide the most natural, long-lasting results.
Is a facelift better than fillers?
Fillers can be effective for early signs of aging, but a facelift is often the better option for more significant sagging and longer-lasting results.
How long until I look normal after a facelift?
Most patients feel comfortable being seen in public within about 2 to 3 weeks, as swelling and bruising continue to improve.
Will my facelift scars be visible?
Incisions are carefully placed in natural creases and along the hairline to minimize visibility, and they typically fade well over time.
Schedule a Facelift Consultation
To find out if facelift is right for you, please schedule a consultation with our expert team. Contact True Beauty by calling (858) 454-SKIN (7546) or emailing us.
Five-Star Service
See What Our Patients Have to Say!
“Dr. Reagan is a wonderful combination of excellent technician, clear communicator, and artist. He clearly explained all procedures, options, and risks. I wanted a result that would look amazing, and at the same time be conservative and look totally natural. Dr. Reagan surpassed all expectations and I’m absolutely thrilled with the result. He is a remarkable physician. A bonus is the lovely office and staff.”
