Introduction
If you’re looking for a facelift in San Diego, Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery offers facelift procedures performed by Dr. Susan Kaweski for patients seeking natural-looking facial rejuvenation and relief from sagging skin, wrinkles, and age-related volume loss. In San Diego, CA, Dr. Kaweski provides customized facelift solutions designed around your features and goals, including options for patients considering different approaches to facial rejuvenation. Dr. Kaweski has performed over 2,000 facelift and neck lift procedures in her career, making her one of the most experienced facelift surgeons in San Diego.
This procedure continues to grow in popularity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 79,056 facelift procedures were performed in the United States in 2024, representing a 2% increase over the previous year.1 A facelift matters to many patients because it can deliver longer-lasting improvement in visible signs of aging while preserving a youthful, balanced appearance and often improving confidence.
Here, you’ll learn about the different facelift techniques Dr. Kaweski offers, who makes a good candidate, what recovery involves, and how a personalized treatment plan can help you achieve natural, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
A facelift is a transformative cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates the face and helps achieve a younger, refreshed appearance. Performed by Dr. Kaweski, this procedure addresses visible signs of an aged appearance by lifting and repositioning the deeper facial structures, smoothing sagging skin, softening wrinkles, and restoring youthful facial contours to help patients regain their confidence and vitality.
The SMAS facelift is the technique most often performed by Dr. Kaweski because it allows for meaningful, natural-looking rejuvenation while preserving facial identity. Rather than tightening skin alone, this approach lifts and repositions the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), the deeper support layer responsible for facial structure and contour.
By restoring this foundational layer, Dr. Kaweski can refine the jawline, soften jowls, and reduce midface descent while avoiding an overly tight appearance. This technique provides durable, elegant results that age naturally over time and is considered one of the most reliable and well-established methods in modern facelift surgery.
The mini facelift procedure focuses on the lower third of the face. Dr. Kaweski uses shorter incisions and targeted tissue tightening to refine the jawline, address mild jowling, and restore a smoother contour without the extent of a full facelift.
Many patients appreciate that this option maintains a very natural appearance. Because the procedure is less extensive, recovery tends to be quicker and more comfortable.A mini-facelift focuses on the lower third of the face. Dr. Kaweski uses shorter incisions and targeted tissue tightening to refine the jawline, address mild jowling, and restore a smoother contour without the extent of a full facelift. Many patients appreciate that this option maintains a very natural appearance. Because the procedure is less extensive, recovery tends to be quicker and more comfortable.
A deep-plane facelift is for individuals seeking truly transformative facial rejuvenation. Instead of tightening skin alone, Dr. Kaweski works beneath the superficial layers, lifting the deeper muscular and connective tissues that influence facial shape and expression. By repositioning these structures as a unified layer, the result is a softer, more natural restoration of youthful contours, especially in the midface, cheeks, and jawline.
This technique offers some of the most durable outcomes available in facelift surgery. Patients often notice that their results continue to look natural for many years because the deeper support of the face has been restored rather than simply tightened.
A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical option that relies on a combination of dermal fillers and neuromodulators to refresh facial contours without incisions or downtime. Under Dr. Kaweski’s guidance, strategic placement of fillers can restore volume to flattened cheeks, soften folds around the mouth, and subtly lift areas that begin to descend with age. Neuromodulators can help reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, completing the rejuvenation.
While results are temporary, this option is ideal for patients seeking facial rejuvenation with early signs of aging and who want subtle improvement without surgery. More pronounced sagging is often better addressed with a surgical facelift.A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical option that relies on a combination of dermal fillers and neuromodulators to refresh facial contours without incisions or downtime. Under Dr. Kaweski’s guidance, strategic placement of fillers can restore volume in flattened cheeks, soften folds around the mouth, and subtly lift areas beginning to descend with age. Neuromodulators can help reduce the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, completing the rejuvenation. While results are temporary, patients value the flexibility and gentleness of this approach.
While a facelift creates remarkable rejuvenation on its own, many patients choose to combine it with complementary facial procedures for more comprehensive, harmonious results. Dr. Kaweski develops personalized treatment plans that address multiple signs of aging during a single operation while maintaining natural-looking facial balance.
Neck Lift
Because the face and neck age together, a facelift is often paired with a neck lift to create a seamless, balanced rejuvenation. While a facelift restores youthful contours to the cheeks, jawline, and midface, a neck lift addresses areas that can otherwise reveal signs of aging even after facial correction, including loose skin, muscle banding, and fullness beneath the chin.
By combining both procedures, Dr. Kaweski can restore continuity between the face and neck, refine the jawline, tighten underlying structures, and create a smoother, more elegant profile. This comprehensive approach avoids partial correction and ensures that improvements appear natural and harmonious from every angle. Many patients find that addressing both regions simultaneously provides the most refined and long-lasting outcome.
Brow Lift
A brow lift complements facelift surgery by elevating a heavy or drooping brow, softening forehead lines, smoothing frown lines between the eyebrows, and creating balanced facial rejuvenation across the upper, middle, and lower face during a single recovery period.
Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is frequently combined with a facelift to refresh the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids. While a facelift restores youthful contours to the cheeks and jawline, eyelid surgery addresses excess skin, puffiness, and under-eye bags that can make you appear tired. Together, these procedures create a brighter, more rested appearance while preserving your natural expression.
Facelift surgery is best suited for patients seeking facial rejuvenation who are bothered by visible signs of aging that nonsurgical treatments can no longer address.
You may be a good candidate if you:
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, patients most commonly seek facelift surgery in their 40s and 50s; however, there is no ideal age for the procedure.2 Candidacy depends far more on your facial anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals than your chronological age.
During your consultation, Dr. Kaweski carefully evaluates factors such as skin elasticity, bone structure, lifestyle, and your desired outcome to determine the facelift approach that will provide the most natural, balanced result.
The decision to get a facelift is highly personal. We recommend beginning with a consultation (for those in the San Diego area or around La Mesa) to understand better the procedure and what it could look like for you. Dr. Kaweski performs a thorough facial evaluation and discusses your aesthetic concerns in detail. This appointment is more than a brief overview; it’s an opportunity to understand the available options, ask questions, and gain clarity on which type of facelift or complementary procedure may best support your goals.
Dr. Kaweski’s approach emphasizes education and collaboration, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable before moving forward. Once your treatment plan is established, her team guides you through scheduling, preparation, and every step leading up to surgery so that you can begin your journey comfortably.
1. Attend your pre-operative appointment: Review your surgical plan, medical history, medications, and recovery instructions with Dr. Kaweski so you know exactly what to expect.
2. Stop smoking and nicotine use: Nicotine can interfere with healing and blood flow, so you’ll need to stop well before surgery and throughout your recovery.
3. Adjust certain medications: Follow Dr. Kaweski’s instructions regarding aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, supplements, and any prescription medications that may increase bleeding.
4. Prepare your home for recovery: Arrange comfortable pillows, fill prescriptions in advance, and have soft foods, ice packs, and other essentials readily available.
5. Arrange transportation and support: You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you during the first 24 hours.
6. Follow your fasting instructions: If you’re receiving general anesthesia, carefully follow all eating and drinking guidelines provided before your procedure.
During a facelift procedure, Dr. Kaweski meticulously tightens the facial skin and underlying tissues, removes excess skin, and repositions facial contours to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. By strategically addressing key areas of concern, such as the cheeks, jowls, and neck, the facelift procedure delivers natural-looking results that can turn back the clock on aging.
Your Guide to Post-Facelift Care
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first week and then steadily decrease. Dr. Kaweski provides detailed aftercare instructions to support healing, including how to care for incisions, when to resume daily activities, and what to expect as the tissues settle.
By the second week, many patients feel comfortable returning to light social activities, and by the fourth week, most of the outward signs of healing have softened significantly. Throughout this period, Dr. Kaweski maintains open communication, ensuring that all questions are addressed and that your healing progresses as expected.
1. Keep your head elevated: Sleep with your head elevated to help minimize swelling during the first several days.
2. Take short walks: Gentle walking encourages healthy circulation and supports your recovery.
3. Avoid strenuous activity: Refrain from heavy lifting and vigorous exercise until Dr. Kaweski clears you to resume normal activities.
4. Care for your incisions as instructed: Follow all wound care instructions and treat the incision sites gently to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
5. Attend all follow-up appointments: Regular visits allow Dr. Kaweski to monitor your healing and answer any questions.
6. Be patient with your results: Swelling gradually resolves over several weeks, with continued refinement as your tissues heal.
Facelift procedures at Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery typically range from approximately $25,000 to $65,000, depending on the type of facelift performed, your custom surgical plan, and whether additional procedures, such as a neck lift, are included.
During your consultation, Dr. Kaweski’s team provides a detailed breakdown of fees so you understand exactly what your investment includes. Factors such as surgeon experience, facility accreditation, anesthesia, and postoperative care also influence pricing.
Dr. Susan Kaweski has spent more than 35 years helping patients throughout San Diego achieve natural, elegant facial rejuvenation through personalized surgical care. Having performed more than 2,000 facelift and neck lift procedures and over 5,000 facial plastic surgery procedures, she brings exceptional experience, technical precision, and artistic vision to every operation.
Dr. Kaweski is a board-certified plastic surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS). She is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and an active member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the California Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) and the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Her training and leadership in plastic and reconstructive surgery further reflect the depth of experience behind her approach.
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Kaweski has earned the respect of her peers through decades of professional leadership. She has served as President of the San Diego County Medical Society and the San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, as well as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Sharp Memorial Hospital. Her background in craniofacial surgery provides an advanced understanding of facial anatomy, and her experience in reconstructive surgery supports careful tissue handling and long-term healing while allowing her to restore youthful contours and preserve each patient’s natural character.
At Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery, patients receive highly individualized care from consultation through recovery. Dr. Kaweski and her team believe exceptional results begin with listening carefully, educating thoroughly, and developing a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.
As a leader in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Kaweski has written extensively on facelifts, including guidance and before-and-after information drawn from real patients; some of these articles can be viewed below:
Discover What’s Possible
At Aesthetic Arts Institute, we’re more than just a Plastic Surgery clinic; we’re a sanctuary where dreams are nurtured, and natural beauty is celebrated. Dr. Susan Kaweski and her dedicated team are here to guide you through every step of your transformation. Speak with us, share your vision, and let us embark on this beautiful journey together.
