(415) 320-7720

Facelift Decision Guide in San Francisco, CA

Facelift Decision Guide

1. Start With Your Main Goal

As much as people try to ignore it, signs of facial aging can show up sooner and more severely than expected. Making the decision to seek treatment is the first step; choosing the procedure that best fits your goals is also important. You’ll be able to discuss the options in further detail when you meet with Dr. Nikolas Block-Wheeler for a consultation, but below is some information about the different types of facelifts to get you started.


A. Comprehensive Rejuvenation of the Face + Neck

If you are someone with more significant symptoms of aging in the face, cheeks, jawline, and neck, you may be an ideal candidate for:

  • Deep Plane Facelift: A deep-plane facelift is designed to treat individuals with moderate-to-severe wrinkles, sagging skin, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, midface descent, and crepey neck skin. This procedure targets the underlying facial ligaments, muscles, and connective tissues to deliver dramatic results that can make you look 10-15 years younger and last up to 10-15 years. Though drastic, the results are still natural-looking. Because this procedure is the most intensive, it has the longest recovery time.


B. Lower-Midface-Focused Lift (Cheeks, Under-Eye Hollows, Jowls, Jawline)

People who have mild to moderate aging symptoms, like flattened cheeks and hollowness under the eyes, mild or moderate jowling, or neck laxity may benefit the most from:

  • SMAS Facelift: Gives a more youthful appearance by lifting and repositioning facial tissues for natural-looking, rejuvenating results. It also improves cheek contours, redefines the jawline, smooths jowls, and avoids a “pulled back” look. This technique is performed under general anesthesia. Ideal candidates should have:
  • Mild to moderate skin laxity in the lower face
  • Visible jowls
  • Deepening folds around the nose and mouth
  • Good overall health and do not smoke
  • Awake Facelift: Delivers results similar to a SMAS facelift, with the patient under local anesthesia and mild oral sedation rather than general anesthesia. An awake facelift is appealing to patients who:
  • Prefer to avoid general anesthesia or who may not be a general-anesthesia candidate
  • Want to save money
  • Have mild to moderate signs of facial aging and skin laxity
  • Ponytail Lift: Designed for patients seeking a more targeted approach to facial rejuvenation, particularly around the temples, outer brows, and upper cheeks. Using strategically placed incisions concealed within the hairline, the procedure lifts and repositions tissues to create a refreshed appearance while maintaining the patient’s natural facial characteristics. It may be appropriate for patients who:
  • Have early to moderate signs of facial aging
  • Notice descent around the temples, outer brows, or upper cheeks
  • Want a more targeted procedure than a comprehensive facelift
  • Prefer incisions that can be discreetly positioned within the hairline


C. Non-Surgical Facelift Options

For many individuals, facial rejuvenation does not require surgery and can take weeks to months to recover. Our non-surgical options are highly beneficial for patients in San Francisco who have already undergone a surgical facelift and want to maintain their results, or for those seeking more information about facelift procedures. At The Block-Wheeler Clinic, we offer:

  • BOTOX & Wrinkle Relaxers, Dermal Fillers: 
  • Offers temporary improvements for individuals who are not ready for surgery or want to try before committing
  • Best for mild laxity, early aging, and subtle contouring
  • Does not treat severe sagging and wrinkles effectively

2. Consider Downtime & Recovery

Depending on the type of facelift you receive, you will need to factor in downtime and recovery time to fit it into your schedule. The amount of recovery time varies based on individual factors, such as body anatomy, medical history, and metabolism. Dr. Block-Wheeler will inform you of the estimated time required for you to recover under your treatment plan, as outlined during your consultation.

  • Minimal downtime (a few days): Non-surgical, BOTOX & Wrinkle Relaxers, Dermal Fillers
  • Moderate downtime (1–2 weeks): SMAS facelift, Awake facelift, Ponytail Lift
  • Longer recovery (2–3+ weeks): Deep plane facelift

3. Evaluate Surgical Complexity vs. Your Needs

Everyone has different goals and needs based on their personal anatomy, preferences, and lifestyle. These are always given significant weight when Dr. Block-Wheeler recommends facelift techniques so that you can feel comfortable and confident in your decision.

  • Most complex / longest-lasting: Deep plane facelift
  • Moderate complexity: SMAS facelift, awake facelift, Ponytail Lift
  • Least complex: Non-surgical options

4. Check Your Eligibility

When deciding which facelift procedure to choose, Dr. Block-Wheeler will assess your signs of facial aging and provide an honest explanation of which option will best suit your needs and goals. Several factors contribute to the decision, beyond skin quality and facial structure. Your in-depth conversation with Dr. Block-Wheeler will help you determine which procedure will benefit you in the short term and/or long term and look most natural.

Age & Skin Laxity

  • Mild sagging: Non-surgical
  • Moderate: SMAS facelift, awake facelift, Ponytail Lift
  • Advanced: Deep plane facelift

Medical Considerations

You should consider your overall health, anesthesia tolerance, and healing capacity to ensure a safe procedure and recovery.

Expectations

Realistic goals are critical to surgical vs. non-surgical outcomes, as procedures are designed to improve your signs of facial aging rather than reshape your face to look like a completely different person.

5. Longevity of Results

How long the results of your facelift last largely depends on the procedure you receive and your body’s response to the treatment.

  • Lasting 5-15 years: Surgical facelifts (depending on technique)
  • Temporary: Non-surgical (6–24 months depending on technique)

6. Budget Considerations

Dr. Block-Wheeler understands that the cost of the procedure may be one of the biggest factors affecting your decision. You will be able to work out a payment plan after receiving the estimated quote during your consultation.

  • Highest cost: Deep plane facelift
  • Moderate–High: SMAS Facelift
  • Moderate: Awake facelift
  • Lowest: Non-surgical

Quick Selector

Answer these 3 questions:

  1. Which area concerns you most: midface, lower face/jawline, or entire face?
  2. Do you want a full surgical lift or a non-surgical option?
  3. How much downtime can you tolerate?

Schedule Your Consultation

If you want to refresh your appearance with natural, lasting results and avoid the risks of general anesthesia, the awake facelift may be your perfect match.

Schedule a consultation at The Block-Wheeler Clinic in San Francisco, CA, to meet with Dr. Block-Wheeler and discuss your facial rejuvenation goals.

Call our office or complete our online form to book your awake facelift today.