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Enhance Your Features, Renew Your Face

The face is the focal point of our appearance—and over time, it may no longer reflect how vibrant and confident we feel. A facelift remains one of the most powerful and enduring ways to restore youthful structure and definition, achieving results that non-surgical treatments simply cannot replicate. Today’s facelift techniques are more advanced and customizable than ever. At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, each procedure is thoughtfully tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals—delivering elegant, transformative results that enhance your features while preserving what makes you, you.

Facelift Before & After

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Bay Area Experts in Facelifts

Tri Valley Plastic Surgery is a highly respected Bay Area practice renowned for expertise in facial aesthetics. Dr. Philip Wasicek, Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, and Dr. Steven Williams, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and President Emeritus of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are leaders in the field of aesthetic surgery with decades of experience. Located in Dublin, California, we serve patients across the Walnut Creek–Dublin corridor—including Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon—who seek elevated care and refined, natural results.

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What Is a Facelift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance by lifting and repositioning the skin, underlying tissues, and facial muscles.

Over time, factors such as aging, sun exposure, and gravity can lead to wrinkles, skin laxity, and volume changes—creating sagging along the cheeks, jawline, and neck. While a facelift cannot stop the aging process, it can dramatically improve facial contours, helping you look as vibrant as you feel.

 

  

What Types of Facelifts Are Available?

It's important to know–not all facelifts are the same. Facial aging affects each person differently, which is why there is no single procedure that is right for everyone.

Some patients with early signs of aging may benefit from a mini facelift, a more limited procedure that addresses mild jowling and early laxity along the jawline with a shorter recovery time. Others may require a facelift, which provides more comprehensive lifting and contouring of the lower face and neck.

Modern facelift techniques go far beyond simply tightening the skin. At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, our surgeons perform advanced procedures that address the deeper structural layers of the face, including the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system)—a supportive layer beneath the skin’s fatty tissue. 

For patients seeking the most powerful and natural rejuvenation, the deep plane facelift has become the gold standard technique. Performing a deep plane facelift safely and effectively requires extensive training, precise anatomical knowledge, and significant surgical experience. 

Because of the technical complexity of working within the deeper planes of facial anatomy, relatively few surgeons routinely perform this advanced technique. When performed by a surgeon with specialized expertise, the deep plane facelift can produce beautifully natural, long-lasting results that avoid the tight or “pulled” appearance often associated with older facelift methods.

Dr. Wasicek is widely recognized for his expertise in the deep plane facelift technique. Deep plane facelifts more effectively lift and improve the middle third of the face compared to other facelift techniques. This includes lifting and replenishing volume of the cheeks, improving the appearance of nasolabial folds, and lifting sagging tissue around the jawline to address jowling.

At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, our surgeons take the time to carefully understand what each patient hopes to achieve, and provide honest, individualized recommendations regarding the most appropriate procedure. Our priority is always the same: to deliver natural, refined results that restore youthful facial contours while preserving the unique character of your face.

Treating the Whole Face

Facial aging rarely occurs in just one area. Over time, the skin loses elasticity, deeper facial structures descend, and volume shifts. When only a single feature is addressed in isolation, the result can appear incomplete. At Tri Valley Plastic Surgery, we believe that the most natural and elegant outcomes come from evaluating the face as a whole. By carefully considering how the cheeks, jawline, neck, eyelids, and skin quality interact with one another, we can design a treatment plan that restores harmony and youthful balance.

In every case, our goal is not to change how you look—but to restore the natural contours and proportions that create a refreshed, youthful appearance, and avoid the tight or overcorrected appearance that can occur when aging is treated too narrowly.

Our personalized facial rejuvenation plans may include:

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About Dr. Wasicek

Dr. Philip Wasicek is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with a dedicated focus specializing in facial aesthetic surgery, with particular expertise in facelift techniques. His practice emphasizes natural, structurally based facial rejuvenation designed to restore youthful contours while preserving individual identity and facial expression.

Through extensive experience in facial procedures—including facelifts, neck lifts, rhinoplasty, and facial rejuvenation treatments—Dr. Wasicek applies a comprehensive approach that addresses both the underlying facial support structures and the overlying skin quality. This philosophy allows for refined, natural-looking outcomes that age gracefully over time.

By considering and addressing every component of facial aging, the best results can be achieved. Patients seeking facelift surgery often choose Dr. Wasicek for his focus on natural results, meticulous surgical technique, and individualized facial analysis, ensuring that each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s anatomy, goals, and long-term aesthetic vision.

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About Dr. Williams

Dr. Steven Williams is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Past President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and founder of Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin, California. An alumnus of Dartmouth College and Yale School of Medicine, he is a nationally recognized leader whose influence spans clinical excellence, innovation, and advocacy within the specialty.

A pioneer for the greater agendas of plastic surgery with an unwavering commitment to patient safety and ethical standards, Dr. Williams is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in plastic surgery today. His expertise is frequently sought by national media and industry leaders alike.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Williams is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of surgeons and expanding access and opportunity within the field. Patients and colleagues alike recognize him as a surgeon who blends technical mastery with a forward-looking vision for the field. 

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Reviews

Incredibly Empathetic And Attentive.

Dr. Wasicek is a highly skilled surgeon (from both a restorative and aesthetic perspective) and incredibly clear in his communication of what can/cannot be expected. His incredibly empathetic and attentive manner is only rivaled by that of the other professionals and staff of Tri Valley. The results I experienced are subtle and natural, enhancing features in a way that aligned with my original look and structure.

Dr. Wasicek is truly an artist in the field of reconstructive surgery.

His genuine compassion and dedication to his patients are evident in every step of the process. He approaches his work with a sincere passion that goes far beyond technical skill. He blends precision, artistry, and heartfelt care to achieve the best possible outcomes. From the first consultation to follow-up care, it’s clear that he treats each patient as a priority, listening attentively and ensuring every concern is addressed. His results speak for themselves, but what makes Dr. Wasicek truly exceptional is the way he makes his patients feel seen, heard, and cared for. I am deeply grateful for his expertise, artistry, and the love he puts into his work.

Dr. Williams and His Team of Professionals Are Superb.

They give kind and attentive service and most importantly, results that I love! I have had a tummy tuck, breast reductions and mini-facelift including liposuction and neck lift and I could not be happier. Dr. Williams also performed a tummy tuck and full facelift on my sister and she too looks fabulous.

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Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

The goal of a facelift operation is to rejuvenate the neck, lower face, and mid-facial regions. A facelift will reposition the sagging facial tissue, resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Opting to undergo a facelift or neck lift surgery can make a significant difference in a person’s appearance and, as with any procedure, is a highly individual decision. You may be a suitable candidate for a facelift procedure if you are unhappy with how the aging process is affecting your facial appearance.

If you are concerned with any of the following, you may benefit from facelift surgery:

  • Deep creases below the lower eyelids
  • Deep creases running from the nose to the corners of the mouth
  • “Jowls” caused by loss of muscle tone in the lower part of the face
  • Sagging in the midface
  • Displaced fat
  • Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw

Certain factors affect whether you are a suitable candidate for a facelift procedure:

  • Do you smoke?
  • Are you physically and emotionally healthy?
  • Are you at or near your goal weight?
  • Do you have realistic expectations of what facelift surgery could do for you?
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Facelift Consultation for Patients in the Walnut Creek–Dublin Corridor

Establishing trust is the most important part of your surgery decision. From the moment you arrive for your facelift consultation, our goal is to understand your vision, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about every step of the process—it's a collaboration, not a sales pitch—and making you feel heard is our priority.

During your consultation, our doctors will:

  • Review your health history, anatomy, and skin quality
  • Discuss your goals, inspiration photos, and set realistic expectations
  • Provide a thorough explanation of your options and potential solutions
  • Outline surgical approaches tailored to you, including recovery time, scars, and safety
  • Share before-and-after images
  • Answer any questions you may have

GET STARTED

Recovery Timeline

Immediately After Surgery (Day of Procedure)

  • Most patients return home the same day
  • Local anesthetic helps keep you comfortable for the first 12 hours
  • Mild discomfort can be managed with prescribed medication or Tylenol
  • Expect initial swelling, bruising, and numbness

Days 1–3

  • Swelling and bruising peak during this time
  • Rest as much as possible and keep your head elevated while sleeping
  • Use cool compresses gently (avoid direct ice contact due to numbness)
  • Keep incision sites clean and dry
  • Avoid clothing that pulls over the head or touches the neck

Days 5–10

  • Sutures and drains are typically removed
  • You will begin to feel more comfortable and mobile
  • Early improvements in facial contour may begin to appear

Days 5–14

  • Most patients begin to look and feel significantly better
  • Bruising, swelling, and numbness gradually improve
  • Many patients feel ready to return to light social activities

Weeks 4–6

  • Visible swelling continues to subside
  • Facial definition becomes more refined
  • Strenuous activity should still be avoided until cleared by your surgeon

First Few Months

  • Residual swelling continues to resolve
  • Some numbness may persist but will gradually improve
  • Incision lines begin to soften and fade

6–9 Months

  • Final results become fully visible as tissues settle
  • Neck and jawline definition appear more sculpted and natural

6–12 Months

  • Incision lines continue to mature and fade
  • Long-term results are fully established

Facelift FAQs

How common are facelift surgeries?

Is a facelift painful?

What are the risks and side effects associated with a facelift?

Is a facelift permanent?

What is a good age to get a facelift?

How much does a facelift cost?

Where do you perform the surgery?

How common are facelift surgeries?

Facelifts are among the top five most popular plastic surgeries among both men and women year after year, with over 100,000 procedures performed annually in the United States.

Is a facelift painful?

Since the actual procedure will be performed under full anesthesia, there will be no pain experienced during that part of the process. Often, patients report not feeling a great deal of pain during recovery, but more like a bruised or heavy sensation.

What are the risks and side effects associated with a facelift?

Facelift complications are infrequent and usually minor, including soreness, swelling, and bruising. The possibility of facelift complications depend on each patient's anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities. As with any surgery, the outcome is never completely predictable.

Is a facelift permanent?

Typically the results of a facelift last about 8-10 years. It is not a permanent corrective procedure. Since more sagging and wrinkling can occur as we age, you would be likely to experience a reappearance of these signs of aging at a later time.

What is a good age to get a facelift?

There is no perfect age to get a facelift. However, we typically consider the best course of action would be to get an initial facelift in your mid-40s to 50s with a touch-up lift around your mid-60s.

How much does a facelift cost?

The cost of a facelift can vary greatly depending on what type of facelift you will be receiving and if any additional services will be performed as well. Complete cost and pricing information will be covered during a consultation.

Where do you perform the surgery?

Both our clinic and Quad-A accredited surgery center are centrally located in Dublin, California, serving patients along the Walnut Creek–Dublin corridor–including Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon–as well as patients that travel to us from beyond the Bay Area.

We are leaders in cosmetic surgery, facial aesthetics, and medically supervised weight loss, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Book your cosmetic surgery intro call or Med Spa consultation today and take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.

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