What is a Facelift?
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the underlying tissues of the face and neck to address visible signs of aging. A facelift restores smoother, firmer contours helping patients look refreshed, rested and naturally youthful.
Over time, factors like sun exposure, stress, medications, and even poor nutrition accelerate the signs of aging. While a facelift can’t stop aging, it can significantly reverse visible signs by:
Removing excess skin
Smoothing out deep wrinkles and folds
Tightening underlying facial tissues for improved contours
There are several type of facelift procedures, each tailored to your degree of facial aging and desired results:
Traditional Facelift: Best for moderate to advanced signs of aging, this approach rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. It smooths deep folds, lifts sagging cheeks, and refines the jawline.
Mini Facelift: Designed for patients with earlier sign of aging or less skin laxity, this technique uses shorter incisions around the ears to subtly lift the midface and jawline with minimal downtime.
Depending on your needs, Dr. Rau may recommend combining your facelift with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or fat transfer to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Who is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
You may be a good candidate if you:
Are in good overall health and a nonsmoker
Have realistic expectations about your outcome
Are concerned about sagging skin, jowls, or neck laxity
Want long-lasting facial rejuvenation rather than temporary fillers
A facelift is a highly individualized procedure, tailored to your anatomy, goals, and degree of facial aging. During your consultation, Dr. Rau will help determine whether a full, mini, or limited-incision technique is best for you.
Benefits of Facelift Surgery
Reduce visible signs of aging like wrinkles, folds, and sagging
Restore smoother skin and firmer facial contours
Improve the appearance of jowls and jawline laxity
Tighten underlying muscles for long-lasting results
Enhance your natural beauty without looking overdone
Boost your self-confidence in social and professional settings
Compared to non-surgical treatments, facelift surgery offers longer-lasting, more dramatic results.
The Facelift Process: What to Expect
Your Personalized Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Rau will carefully assess your facial structure, skin quality, aesthetic goals, and medical history. Based on his evaluation, he may recommend:
A Full Facelift — Comprehensive improvement for the lower face and neck
A Mini Facelift — Targeted enhancement for milder sagging in the midface and jawline
Facelift Surgery with Dr. Rau
Full Facelift Procedure
Performed under general anesthesia
Incisions placed discreetly along the hairline, around the ears, and behind the earlobes
Skin is gently lifted, excess skin is removed, and underlying muscles are tightened
May include neck liposuction if needed
Procedure takes approximately 5 hours
Mini Facelift Procedure
Often performed with local anesthesia
Smaller incisions near the ears
Ideal for younger patients with less advanced signs of aging
Shorter procedure time with faster recovery
Recovery & Results Timeline
Full Facelift Recovery
Initial downtime: 10-14 days
Stitches removed in 5-6 days
Support dressing worn for 1-2 weeks
Temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, and slight skin discoloration are normal
Final results become more visible after 6 months, with continued improvement over time
Mini Facelift Recovery
Shorter downtime (typically 5-7 days)
Less swelling, bruising, and discomfort
No need for general anesthesia
Pro Tip: Sleeping with your head elevated for the first few weeks is essential for optimal healing. Dr. Rau and his team will provide you with detailed post-op instructions for a smooth recovery.
Facelift Before & After Photos
See real patient transformations performed by Dr. Rau at Rau Plastic Surgery.
Why Choose Dr. Todd C. Rau for Your Facelift?
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, your choice of surgeon matters — and Dr. Todd C. Rau stands out as one of Inland Empire’s most trusted plastic surgeons.
✅ Board-Certified Expertise: Dr. Rau’s extensive training, including his education at Penn State University, has shaped his advanced surgical skills in facial, breast, and body contouring procedures.
✅ A Reputation for Excellence: Known by many as the “jewel of the Inland Empire,” Dr. Rau has earned a loyal following of patients who value his surgical precision, artistry, and genuine care.
✅ Patient-Centered Approach: Dr. Rau believes every patient deserves a great plastic surgeon, and his goal is to help you feel confident and comfortable every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking a subtle refresh or a more transformative result, your unique goals and natural beauty guide his approach.
✅ A Passion for Precision & Life: Beyond his surgical practice, Dr. Rau brings the same dedication and attention to detail to his personal life — participating in Ironman races, mountain biking, and skiing, all while spending quality time with his family. His commitment to excellence, balance, and compassion is at the heart of his care.
When you choose Dr. Rau, you’re not just choosing a surgeon — you’re choosing a trusted partner in your aesthetic journey.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation With Us in Redlands
If you’re ready to restore youthful contours and feel confident in your appearance again, schedule your personalized facelift consultation with Dr. Todd C. Rau at Rau Plastic Surgery.
What our patients are saying
