What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the facial tissues to reduce sagging and restore a more youthful contour in the lower two-thirds of the face. Unlike a mini facelift, which focuses on the jawline and chin, a traditional facelift tightens sagging skin in the mid-face area, including the cheeks and nasolabial folds. As a facelift expert, Dr. Roy uses deep plane facelift techniques that lift and reposition tissue and muscle below the skin’s surface to address sagging skin, jowls, and deep folds. He often combines it with a neck lift to tighten loose skin and muscle bands under the chin to restore a more youthful definition.

“I cannot say enough about Dr. Roy and his team…Dr. Roy is a true artist – – not just a great surgeon. He knew exactly what needed to be done to make my outward appearance look the age my heart and mind think I am.”

LRS64, 5-Star RealSelf review

Facelift
 Before & After Photos

Featured Case: 1 of 9
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Featured Case: 1 of 9
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Before & After Facelift Case 1039 View 1 View in Los Gatos & San Jose, CA

This early 40’s female was interested in early intervention and preventative treatments to help reverse the lower face and neck laxity she was experiencing. She was particularly interested in office-based procedures, and reached out to double board certified Dr. Sudeep Roy to inquire about his mini-lower facelift and Renuvion skin tightening tre... Read More
Before & After Facelift Case 1014 View 1 View in Los Gatos & San Jose, CA

This early 60’s female presented for concerns related to significant lower face and neck laxity, which in her words, she simply had to do something about. Although she came in to find out more about less invasive options as she was not mentally prepared to undergo “her mother’s full lower facelift”, she had some underwhelming results with skin t... Read More
Before & After Facelift Case 1058 View 1 View in Los Gatos & San Jose, CA

This late 50’s female had age-related concerns about her lower face and neck, having previously undergone a mini facelift in her 30s. She was also concerned about the elongation of her upper lip, which lip filler had not improved. She underwent a lower facelift with cervical liposuction and platysmaplasty, bilateral earlobe reduction, and a modi... Read More
Before & After Facelift Case 1057 View 1 View in Los Gatos & San Jose, CA

This early 50’s female was significantly concerned about lower face laxity and a hereditary “turkey neck” that runs in her family. Working in the cosmetic/beauty industry, she frequently sees her reflection and wanted to address these concerns. After a lower face and neck lift, she saw significant improvement in her neck and jawline definition,... Read More
Before & After Facelift Case 1003 View 1 View in Los Gatos & San Jose, CA

This early 50’s female presented with several concerns related to aging, specifically heaviness above her eyelids, crepey and wrinkled skin, sinking jowls, and noticeable neck skin laxity. Having seen other close family members undergoing facelifts and eyelid surgery, she was very concerned about looking natural, not stretched out, or with any o... Read More
Before & After Facelift Case 1049 View 1 View in Los Gatos & San Jose, CA

This early 40’s female was concerned about laxity in her lower face and neck. She opted for a limited incision lower mini-facelift, which significantly improved her jowls. She was amazed by how well her incisions healed, with scars that are barely visible. Double board certified Dr. Sudeep Roy ensured that the patient’s facelift was both effecti... Read More
Before & After Facelift Case 1010 View 1 View in Los Gatos & San Jose, CA

This mid 50’s female presented for concerns related to lower facial laxity resulting in a very tired, droopy appearance of her jowl and jawline area. She also wanted to improve the contours of her neck which she felt had also begun to sag more. The patient had heard about Dr. Sudeep Roy’s in-office mini-facelift (i.e. the limited incision lower... Read More
Before & After Facelift Case 1074 View 1 View in Los Gatos & San Jose, CA

This mid 50’s female, recently experienced dramatic weight changes and became bothered by the laxity in her lower face and neck. To address these concerns, she underwent a lower face and neck lift. Post-surgery, she was pleased with the improvement in the side profile of her lower face and neck, as well as the reduction of heaviness around her m... Read More

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

What Makes a Good Facelift Candidate?

A facelift and neck lift may be appropriate for healthy adults who want to address visible aging in the cheeks, jawline, and neck. While facelift surgery is commonly performed for patients in their 50s and 60s, age alone does not determine candidacy. Depending on your skin quality, facial anatomy, genetics, and degree of aging, a facelift can be appropriate at almost any adult age.

Common concerns that may make you a good candidate include:

  • Sagging or loose skin on the face and neck
  • Jowls or loss of jawline definition
  • Drooping or flattened cheeks
  • Deep folds around the nose and mouth
  • Loose skin beneath the chin
  • Vertical neck bands
  • Loss of youthful facial contours

The best candidates are generally in good health, have realistic expectations, and want longer-lasting improvement than nonsurgical treatments can provide.

Dr. Sudeep Roy
Dr. Sudeep Roy
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Roy's personable bedside manner inspires the confidence and trust of our facial plastic surgery patients. A graduate of Stanford University, Dr. Roy completed a rigorous 5-year otolaryngology—head and neck surgery residency focused on facial plastic surgery and fellowship training with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). He performs one case per surgical day, personally handles every procedure from the first incision to the final closure, attends every post-operative appointment, and remains available to every patient through recovery.

Meet Dr. Sudeep Roy
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
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Your Facelift & Neck Lift Options

Every face tells a story—and at RefinedMD, we make sure yours reflects vitality and confidence. Dr. Roy offers:

  • Deep Plane Facelift: A sophisticated approach to lifting and resuspending the underlying facial structures for a more comprehensive and natural result.
  • SMAS Facelift: Younger patients with less severe sagging may be good candidates for a SMAS facelift, which also creates natural-looking results.
  • Mini Facelift: Best for early signs of aging with shorter incisions and recovery time.
  • Neck Lift: Tightens skin and muscle under the chin and along the neck to restore definition.

During your consultation, Dr. Roy assesses your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle to recommend the best surgical approach for you.

Deep Structural Neck Lift

Dr. Roy’s belief that the neck is the most critical and most undertreated element of facial aging inspired him to become an expert in the deep structural neck lift technique. It is a procedure he performs consistently, distinguishing him even among surgeons who specialize in deep plane facelifts. Rather than treating only superficial tissues, Dr. Roy addresses the glands, muscles, and deep fat compartments that can prevent a standard facelift or neck lift from creating optimal definition. This demanding approach requires extensive knowledge of deep neck anatomy and a high degree of technical precision. Dr. Roy’s expertise attracts patients from across California and the country, and he has contributed to the academic literature by authoring a published book chapter on the management of difficult neck cases.

Dr. Roy has also helped advance how deep structural neck lifts are performed. He pioneered a drainless technique using fibrin glue and was an early adopter of CoolSeal® technology, which allows him to precisely address glandular and muscular structures while minimizing thermal injury, bleeding, and the risk of salivary leaks. One of the first facial plastic surgeons to incorporate CoolSeal into deep neck surgery, Dr. Roy now educates other surgeons on its clinical application.

“The deep structural neck lift is not something that even most deep plane facelift surgeons perform on a regular basis. It requires more time, more risk tolerance, and a level of anatomical comfort that takes years to develop. But the results I’m able to accomplish in the neck are simply not achievable any other way.”

—Dr. Sudeep Roy

Renuvion® J-Plasma

A Renuvion (formerly J-Plasma) treatment is a less-invasive alternative for facial rejuvenation. Loose, sagging skin on and around the neck can now be treated with a minimally invasive procedure that uses a single incision and has a much shorter downtime than a neck lift or facelift.

Complementary Treatments

Facelift patients can often benefit by combining procedures to maximize results and address multiple concerns at once. Some of the most effective treatments to combine with a facelift include:

A Reputation Built on Results

Dr Roy does amazing work. He is a true artist. He thoroughly explained the procedure, very helpful with...
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Refined MD has been my go-to destination for aesthetic treatments for nearly four years, and I couldn't...
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How Long Is Facelift Recovery?

Facelift recovery typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks for most swelling and bruising to subside, with continued refinement over several months. Recovery is one of the most common concerns for patients considering a facelift. As incisions heal, scars will initially appear slightly raised and more noticeable. They will soften and flatten during the next several months.

Facelift Recovery Timeline

While experiences vary, patients generally recover along the following timeline:

  • Day of surgery: Return home under the supervision of an adult friend or family member. 
  • 7 days: Sutures are removed. Noticeable improvement. 
  • 7 to 10 days: Most patients feel ready to resume their normal daily activities. At this point, most bruising and swelling have decreased. 
  • 2 weeks: Resume low-impact activities. 
  • 3 weeks: Return to intense fitness regimens.
  • 6 to 12 weeks: Full results are visible.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in the South Bay?

The cost of a facelift depends on the extent of the procedure, the technique used, the plastic surgeon’s training and experience, and several other factors. When you come to RefinedMD in Los Gatos for a facelift consultation with Dr. Roy, we’ll provide a detailed price quote that you can review before scheduling your surgery.

Rapid Recovery Protocols

Dr. Roy pairs meticulous surgical technique with a comprehensive postoperative plan designed to control swelling and bruising, support tissue healing, and make the early recovery period easier for patients.

  • Fibrin sealant helps secure tissues, reduce bruising, and eliminate the need for surgical drains.
  • Minimal dressings avoid the discomfort and inconvenience of bulky compression wraps.
  • IV hydration therapy supports fluid balance and replenishment during the healing process.
  • Peptide therapy provides key ingredients that enhance tissue healing and recovery.
  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps the body absorb significantly more oxygen than under normal conditions, nourishing tissues and supporting natural healing.

Only at RefinedMD: Qualifying facelift procedures include Dr. Roy’s Comprehensive Surgical Recovery Experience signature treatment package, which consists of 3 HBOT sessions and 1 IV therapy.

With our rapid recovery protocols, facelift patients can typically begin light activity within a few days. Swelling, bruising, and redness generally diminish during the first week, with continued improvement as healing advances.

Request Your Consultation Today

Are you ready to rediscover a refreshed, refined, and more youthful you? Request a consultation with Dr. Roy to discuss your facelift options and learn why people from San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino, and throughout the Bay Area trust him to create natural-looking results. Or call us at (408) 688-2082 to schedule an appointment.

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Reviewed for clinical accuracy by a RefinedMD Medical Editor on September 23rd, 2026.

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