Facelift in Carlsbad, Oceanside, and San Diego

Name: Facelift
Brand: Moradi MD
Rating: 5 (248 reviews)

Over time, sun exposure, genetics, lifestyle, and age impact the quality and firmness of the facial skin and tissues.

Deep creases appear, becoming etched into the skin around the mouth and nose, the jawline sags, jowls appear, and the neck develops wrinkles, sagging skin, or vertical bands. These natural events are rarely welcome, but with the help of a custom facelift in San Diego at Moradi MD, you can appear years younger.

woman with brown hair and trees in the background

A facelift that looks like you

The ideal outcome of a facelift is a refreshed, youthful look that appears natural, not pulled, tight, or overdone. You have likely seen poor results at some time in your life, whether in a friend, colleague, or celebrity. Dr. Moradi is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon widely recognized for his accomplishments in facial rejuvenation. He focuses on ensuring his custom facelift surgeries look refreshed, natural, and youthful, free from complications.

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Restore natural beauty

The goal of facelift surgery is to help you look better and feel better about yourself. The surgery must be performed with the most refined techniques, ultimate precision, and meticulous attention to detail. Dr. Moradi is a widely recognized leader in the field of facial plastic surgery and brings his impressive talents to every procedure. When getting a facelift in San Diego or the surrounding areas, Dr. Moradi gives the most natural looks.

The Facelift Procedure with Dr. Moradi

Facelift Patient Testimonial

What does a facelift treat?

A facelift treats the following aesthetic issues:

Deeply etched smile lines
Sagging jowls
Loss of jawline definition
Saggy upper neck
Double chin fat
Deep undereye hollows

Tired of living with the signs of facial aging?

Ideal candidates for a facelift are those who feel less confident due to facial aging and want to create a more youthful impression, subtle but significant. Facelifts are typically performed on patients between the ages of 40 and 60 but can also be successfully performed on people in their 70s and 80s who are in good general health. Every person is unique, and the techniques employed will vary. Every facelift at Moradi MD is customized to match the individual’s condition.

Are You a Candidate?

Ideal candidates for a facelift are those who feel less confident due to facial aging and want to create a more youthful impression—subtle but significant.

Facelifts are typically performed on patients between 40 and 60, but excellent results can also be achieved for those in good general health in their 70s and 80s.

A consultation at Moradi MD allows for a thorough assessment and a custom surgical plan tailored to your unique features, anatomy, and goals.

What is a small incision facelift?

A small incision facelift uses a two to four-inch incision in front of the ear that lifts the lower face and upper neck. The advantages of a small incision facelift are that it can be performed with local anesthesia in-office, with less risk, and at a lower cost. This custom facelift may be referred to as a “mini facelift.”

The recovery is typically quick, allowing for a return to work or other activities within a few days. A small incision facelift will involve the shortest incisions possible, through which the face and upper neck are tightened and firmed.

Before & After

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Types of short incision facelifts

Small incision SMAS lift
S-lift, Quick Lift
MACS (minimal access cranial suspension) lift
Lifestyle lift

Each type of small incision facelift is customized to match the individual patient. The ideal outcome is facial rejuvenation that looks as natural as possible, free from the obvious signs of surgery. A private consultation, along with an evaluation of your unique condition, will allow Dr. Moradi to advise you on the ideal procedure to rejuvenate your look.

What is a mid-facelift?

The mid-face is one of the regions most impacted by aging. Many symptoms of aging skin appear in the mid-face region, including deep tear troughs, sagging or hollow cheeks, deep, noticeable smile lines, and a downturned appearance at the mouth. These symptoms result from a natural loss of facial fat, declining skin elasticity, and exposure to the elements, especially UV rays. At Moradi MD, a mid-face lift is performed endoscopically, under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia. Small incisions are made behind the hairline above the ears, and a small incision may be placed in the mouth. Next, the cheek fat pads are lifted and repositioned above the cheekbones. The recovery time after an endoscopic facelift is relatively short. You will experience some minor pain and bruising lasting from seven to ten days, after which the tissues heal and settle, leaving you ready to reveal a natural, refreshed look!

Subtypes of Facelift

Dr. Moradi offers a range of facelift techniques, customizing each approach to match your individual facial anatomy and aesthetic vision:

Deep Plane Facelift: Lifts both skin and deeper tissues for a more comprehensive, longer-lasting result, especially effective for midface sagging and jowls.
SMAS Facelift: Targets the superficial muscular aponeurotic system to improve facial structure and tighten loose skin.
Mini Facelift: A less invasive option with shorter recovery, ideal for early signs of aging.
Mid-Facelift: Rejuvenates the cheek area and corrects nasolabial folds.
Neck Lift (often combined): Redefines the jawline and smooths the neck for a more sculpted lower face.

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What to expect from surgery

Facelift procedures are performed in an accredited surgical facility or in-office, with general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.

A facelift is typically an outpatient procedure, but some patients may require an overnight stay for monitoring. It is normal to experience bruising and swelling in the early stages of recovery and a sensation of tightness, which subsides within a few weeks.

The beauty of the results is revealed with time and rest, although you will look incredible long before full healing is achieved, which occurs over several months. You will be provided with full aftercare instructions. These include sleeping on your back, avoiding vigorous physical activities, and taking the time to allow the body to heal itself. Dr. Moradi will be monitoring your progress and will see you several times in follow-up appointments to ensure your recovery is uneventful, and the results exceed your expectations.

Alternative Procedures

Not every patient needs or desires a complete facelift. Dr. Moradi offers a spectrum of surgical and non-surgical options to meet your needs, including:

Nonsurgical Facelift: Uses dermal fillers, skin tightening devices, and other noninvasive technologies to create a lifted, refreshed look with little to no downtime.
Forehead Lift: Smooths forehead lines and lifts drooping brows.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): Addresses puffiness, sagging lids, or undereye bags.

During your consultation, Dr. Moradi will discuss which options align with your goals and offer the most natural, impactful results.

Get started today

If you are tired of living with the signs of facial aging and seeing wrinkles, sagging, or tired-looking skin in the mirror, meet with us. Moradi MD is equipped with advanced aesthetic technologies, including non-surgical skin tightening, and we will be completely transparent and honest about the best procedures for you, whether surgical, non-surgical, or a combination of both – we do it all.

Why Choose Moradi MD?

Dr. Amir Moradi is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon and one of the most respected leaders in facial rejuvenation. He’s happy to serve patients from Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista, Encinitas, and other areas of greater San Diego.

At Moradi MD, our approach blends surgical precision with artistic vision, ensuring you maintain your natural beauty while turning back the clock. Our on-site surgical center, clinical research division, and cutting-edge technology set us apart. We deliver superior results and a luxury experience built on safety, trust, and innovation.

Cost of a Facelift

The cost of your facelift will depend on the extent of the procedure, the techniques involved, and whether you combine it with other treatments, such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery. Moradi MD strives to provide complete transparency and customized quotes after your consultation.

We believe in providing exceptional value by delivering world-class results from one of Southern California’s most experienced and sought-after facial plastic surgeons. Financing options can also help you invest in your confidence and well-being.

Facelift FAQs

Will my hairline or ears look different after surgery?

How long should I wait before coloring or styling my hair after a facelift?

Is there a difference between a male and female facelift?

What kind of scars should I expect, and how are they managed?

How does skin quality affect facelift outcomes?

What happens if I gain or lose weight after a facelift?

Will my facial expressions change after a facelift?

How do I know if I should get a revision facelift?

Will my hairline or ears look different after surgery?

Dr. Moradi places incisions with meticulous care—often within the natural hairline or around the ears—so they are virtually undetectable once healed. Maintaining your natural hairline and ear contours is a priority to ensure your appearance remains authentically “you.”

How long should I wait before coloring or styling my hair after a facelift?

It’s generally advised to wait at least 4 to 6 weeks before coloring or chemically treating your hair. This allows the incision sites around the hairline to heal fully. Gentle styling and avoiding tight ponytails or hats during early healing are also recommended.

Is there a difference between a male and female facelift?

Yes. Dr. Moradi tailors facelift techniques based on facial anatomy, skin thickness, and aesthetic goals. For male patients, maintaining a strong jawline and natural beard growth pattern is key, while preserving feminine softness is often the goal for female patients.

What kind of scars should I expect, and how are they managed?

Incisions are strategically placed in natural creases and hair-bearing areas to keep scars discreet. Over time, scars fade significantly and become virtually invisible. Dr. Moradi may recommend medical-grade scar treatments or laser therapy as needed to enhance healing.

How does skin quality affect facelift outcomes?

Skin elasticity, thickness, and overall health significantly affect facelift success. Patients with healthier skin tend to experience better tightening and smoother results. Moradi MD may recommend pre-surgical treatments or skincare to optimize skin quality before surgery.

What happens if I gain or lose weight after a facelift?

Significant weight fluctuations can alter facial fat distribution and impact your facelift results. For optimal long-term outcomes, it is encouraged to maintain a stable, healthy weight post-surgery.

Will my facial expressions change after a facelift?

No. Dr. Moradi’s “less is more” approach ensures that your facial expressions remain fully natural. The goal is to restore youthful contours without affecting your ability to express emotion or movement.

How do I know if I should get a revision facelift?

If you’ve had a facelift elsewhere and are unhappy with your results—or if it’s been 10–15 years since your original procedure—you may be a candidate for revision surgery. Dr. Moradi is highly experienced in correcting unsatisfactory outcomes and restoring harmony to the face.