Here in the Bay Area, we tend to take pretty good care of ourselves. We eat healthy diets and keep active and fit. The desire to have a youthful, glowing face to match our energy and vitality is only natural. Unfortunately, the normal aging process often causes otherwise healthy, happy people to feel dissatisfied with the look of their faces. The passing years make their mark as wrinkles, skin laxity and jowls set in and become increasingly prominent. Fatty tissue decreases in volume and density causing the skin to sag. The process is normal and happens to everyone, but not everyone is content to simply sit back and accept it. More and more San Francisco area residents are opting for facelift surgery with Dr. David Mabrie.
Considering a Facelift?
Dr. Mabrie focuses solely on revitalizing surgeries and treatments for the eyes, nose, face and neck. As a specialist in facial cosmetic surgery, he's the expert you can trust with your facelift. Request a consultation with him today and prepare to roll back the clock five or even ten years!
Am I a Good Candidate?
Increasingly popular, facelift surgery is not for San Francisco socialites alone any longer. If you're a man or woman whose face and neck have begun to sag, but your skin still has some elasticity and your bone structure is well-defined, you're probably a good candidate. Most patients are in their mid-thirties to sixties but the procedure can be successful for people into their seventies and eighties as well.
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Before & After
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Why Choose Dr. Mabrie for My Facelift?
Excellent Training, Double-Board Certification, Specialization in the Face and Neck
Dr. Mabrie specializes in facial cosmetic surgery for his San Francisco area patients. Completing medical school at the University of California at San Francisco with honors, his residency at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Maryland and a fellowship in Facial Plastic Surgery at Stanford University, Dr. Mabrie has focused all his time and talents on plastic surgery for the face, head and neck. He has a thorough understanding of the anatomy of this complex area and has helped thousands of people feel much better about their appearance through facial cosmetic surgery and anti-aging treatments.
Dr. Mabrie follows in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Herman J. Mabrie III, a well-respected head and neck surgeon in Houston, Texas. After a distinguishing himself during his years of medical school and residency at Johns Hopkins, UCSF and Stanford, Dr. Mabrie received double-board certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, (ear, nose, and throat).
Click to read Dr. Mabrie's curriculum vitae.
How Will I Look?
The field of plastic surgery has advanced tremendously in recent years. You no longer need to worry that your facelift will give you the dreaded "wind tunnel" look. When your facelift is performed by a board-certified facial specialist like Dr. Mabrie, the result will be a natural, refreshed image, not a pulled or tight look. You'll feel great about your rejuvenated appearance. Others will remark upon your looks but may not be able to tell exactly what has changed.
Can I See My Results Before Surgery?
Wouldn't it be wonderful to see what you might look like with a facelift before you make your decisions? Dr. Mabrie can make that happen for you with computer imaging.
During your consultation, Dr. Mabrie will take images of you with a digital camera and display them on a computer in his office. You can then show Dr. Mabrie which aspects of your face most bother you. Dr. Mabrie will demonstrate potential improvements, then the two of you can agree on surgical goals and plan your procedure together.
Computer imaging has enormous power to assist you and Dr. Mabrie in the planning process. Visit Preview the New You to read more.
How Is Facelift Surgery Performed?
Your facelift will be customized just for you. There are several different types of facelifts to consider, each with its own advantages. During your consultation, you and Dr. Mabrie will have time to discuss your goals, your individual characteristics and the options available. Together, you'll develop the right plan for a more youthful, vibrant you.
Facelift surgery, or "rhytidectomy" in medical terms, elevates the soft tissues of the lower half of the face. The procedure begins as Dr. Mabrie makes inconspicuous incisions in skin folds or inside the hairline and separates the skin from underlying muscle. He tightens skin and muscles and removes excess skin. The skin is sutured in place, loose bandages are applied and you return home that day. You'll have small scars placed where they're nearly invisible.
Your procedure will most likely be performed under general anesthesia. The surgery will take an hour or a little more, and you'll spend another hour or two in recovery.
The beneficial effects of a facelift are permanent. No one can stop the aging process from continuing, but you will have effectively turned the clock back and started again with a more youthful face.
Although face surgery is very safe, there are risks to consider as there are with any surgery. Dr. Mabrie will review these with you during your consultation.
How Much Pain Is Involved?
You may be surprised to learn that facial surgery is less painful than surgeries on other parts of the body. The procedure is performed in an accredited hospital or surgery center. A board-certified anesthesiologist monitors your vital signs, ensuring your safety, and administers medication to relieve pain and nausea during and after the surgery.
After surgery, any discomfort you may feel can most likely be relieved with over-the-counter medication for a day or two.
How do I Prepare for Surgery?
To get ready for your facelift with Dr. Mabrie, enlist the help of a friend or loved one to pick you up after surgery and stay with you the first night. This will help you contend with any lingering woozy feelings from the anesthesia. Dr. Mabrie's staff can help you with these arrangements if you need assistance.
You'll also need to schedule time off work. Most people find they need about two weeks away from their professional and social activities.
You'll want to ensure your home is ready for your return following surgery. Be certain you have over-the-counter pain medication (acetaminophen) on hand and make sure the cupboards and refrigerator are full. You may not want to have to go out in public for a few days!
Facelift Recovery
| Bandages | Suture Removal | Restaurant Ready* | 75% | 100% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 days | 7-10 days | 10-14 days | 3-4 weeks | 2-3 months |
*Restaurant ready means you are ready to debut the new you! |
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What Is the Recovery Like?
You'll come back to our offices to have your bandages removed one day after surgery. Dr. Mabrie may also place small drains under the skin which will also be removed at that time.
Dr. Mabrie most often removes some sutures at seven days and others at ten days after surgery. Bruising and swelling subsides in seven to 14 days. You'll then be able to return to work and social situations. It is important to limit your activities for several days and not drive until you get the go-ahead.
What Are the Next Steps?
Check out some real patient results on our Before and After Photos page. Then continue your research by visiting our San Francisco Facelift, Facelift Options and our Facelift FAQ pages. If you have more questions, please call Susan Cole, our patient coordinator, at 866-360-FACE.
If you're interested in financing your surgery, click to visit our Fees and Financing page.
San Francisco cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Mabrie is one of the leading providers of facelift surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the East Bay (Pinole and Oakland). Call or e-mail us today at 1-866-360-FACE.
