Introduction
Rediscover timeless beauty with facelift procedures at Aesthetic Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery under the expert care of Dr. Kaweski. Specializing in facial rejuvenation, Dr. Kaweski of San Diego, CA, offers customized solutions to help you achieve your desired aesthetic goals. This procedure has been growing in popularity, with an exponential increase in surgeries performed since 2019 (a 60% increase in 2023 alone).1
The most common Facelift technique performed by Dr. Kaweski is SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System).
Experience a transformative journey toward a more youthful and vibrant appearance with our comprehensive facelift options.
A facelift is a transformative cosmetic procedure that rejuvenates the face and helps achieve a younger, refreshed appearance. Performed by Dr. Kaweski, this procedure effectively addresses signs of aging, including lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of facial volume, helping 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 improve midface descent while avoiding an over-tightened 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.
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 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.
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 improves areas that can otherwise reveal signs of aging even after facial correction, addressing loose skin, muscle banding, and any 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.
To learn more about how neck rejuvenation complements facelift surgery, we invite you to explore our dedicated neck lift page.
Candidates for this procedure are individuals who notice sagging skin, loss of facial definition, or deeper wrinkles that no longer respond to nonsurgical treatments. They typically want long-lasting improvement and are ready for a solution that addresses not just the skin, but the deeper structures beneath it. Good overall health and realistic expectations also play an important role in determining whether facelift surgery is suitable.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, patients tend to seek facelifts in their 40s-50s; however, that doesn’t mean you must be in this age range if you are interested.2
Patients in San Diego who benefit the most are those seeking a natural outcome that restores, rather than drastically alters, their facial character. Dr. Kaweski evaluates factors such as skin elasticity, bone structure, lifestyle, and overall goals to develop an approach that feels both personalized and achievable.
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 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 to surgery so you begin your journey comfortably.
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.
The cost of a facelift in La Mesa and San Diego varies depending on the type of facelift performed, the complexity of your surgical plan, and whether additional procedures, such as a neck lift (a very common combination), are included. Because every face ages differently, personalized treatment plans can range significantly in scope.
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.
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. “AAFPRS Unveils Aesthetic Statistics from Annual Facial Plastic Surgery Survey.” American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1 Feb. 2024, www.aafprs.org/Media/Press_Releases/2024_02_01_PressRelease.aspx
LeRoy, John, M.D. “Why Facelifts Are Growing More Popular with Younger People.” American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 13 Oct. 2020, www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/why-facelifts-are-growing-more-popular-with-younger-people
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.
