Facial Procedures
The Weekend Facelift
Dr. Chen's signature minimal-downtime technique delivers a natural, rejuvenated appearance with results that last a decade or more.
About the Procedure
What Is a Weekend Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, addresses visible signs of aging in the face and neck by repositioning deeper facial tissues, removing excess skin, and restoring youthful contours. Dr. Chen's “weekend facelift” refines this approach with a deep-plane technique that lifts the SMAS layer and underlying musculature as a single unit, producing results that are dramatically more natural and longer-lasting than traditional methods.
Unlike older facelift techniques that simply pull skin tighter, Dr. Chen's approach repositions the foundational structures of the face. This means no “windswept” look, no visible tension lines, and no telltale signs of surgery. The term “weekend” reflects the remarkably swift recovery: most patients feel comfortable attending social events within 10 to 14 days.
Areas Addressed
Is This Right for You?
Ideal Candidates
Dr. Chen's Philosophy
“A facelift should whisper, never shout. The goal is for people to tell you that you look rested, not that you look operated on.”
Surgical Artistry
Dr. Chen's Approach
With over 800 facelifts performed, Dr. Chen has refined a signature technique that prioritizes deep structural repositioning over superficial skin tightening. His deep-plane approach releases and elevates the SMAS, platysma, and malar fat pad as an integrated unit, restoring volume and contour where gravity has taken its toll.
Every surgical plan begins with Dr. Chen's hand-drawn analysis of your facial proportions, identifying the precise vectors of lift needed for your unique anatomy. This level of personalization is what separates a good result from an extraordinary one.
Your Procedure
Step by Step
Customized Surgical Plan
Dr. Chen maps every vector of lift using 3D imaging and hand-drawn surgical plans tailored to your unique facial anatomy.
Anesthesia & Comfort
Performed under twilight sedation in our private, AAAHC-accredited surgical suite with a board-certified anesthesiologist.
Deep-Plane Repositioning
The SMAS layer and deeper facial structures are carefully elevated and repositioned, not just pulled, for a natural result that lasts.
Precision Closure
Multi-layer closure with absorbable sutures and meticulous skin re-draping ensures virtually invisible scars in the natural creases.
Recovery & Follow-Up
Optional overnight stay in our private recovery suite. Dr. Chen checks on you personally every day for the first week.
Recovery
Day-by-Day Recovery Timeline
Rest in our private recovery suite or at home. Light compression dressing in place. Mild discomfort managed with prescribed medication. Ice packs reduce swelling.
Swelling and bruising reach their peak. This is completely normal. Dr. Chen checks in daily. You can shower gently and move around the house.
Drains removed (if placed). Swelling begins to subside noticeably. Many patients feel well enough to leave the house for short errands.
Sutures removed. Most bruising has faded or can be covered with mineral makeup. Many patients return to desk work and light social activities.
Significant improvement visible. Residual swelling continues to resolve. Light exercise such as walking is encouraged. You look refreshed, not 'done.'
Numbness around incision sites fades. Scars continue to mature and lighten. You can resume all activities including vigorous exercise.
Final results are fully visible. Scars are nearly invisible in the natural ear creases. You look naturally, beautifully younger. Follow-up appointments continue at 6 and 12 months.
Real Results
Before & After
Drag the slider to see real facelift transformations by Dr. Chen. Natural, proportionate, timeless.
Full Facelift — 3 months post-op
Weekend Facelift — 6 weeks post-op
Facelift + Neck Lift — 4 months post-op
Individual results may vary. Photos used with patient consent.
Investment
Pricing
Mini / Weekend Facelift
$12K–$16K
starting range
Full Facelift
$16K–$22K
comprehensive
Pricing includes surgeon's fee, anesthesia, facility fee, and all post-operative follow-up visits.
0% APR financing available through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and PatientFi. Monthly payments as low as $299.
Explore Financing OptionsCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single ideal age. Most patients are between 45 and 70, but suitability depends on skin laxity, facial structure, and individual goals rather than a number on a calendar. Dr. Chen evaluates each patient individually during the consultation.
A well-performed facelift typically turns back the clock by 7 to 12 years. Results are long-lasting because the underlying facial structure is repositioned, not simply pulled. You will continue to age naturally, but always looking years younger than if you had never had the procedure.
Dr. Chen places incisions within the natural creases around the ear and along the hairline where they become virtually invisible once healed. His meticulous closure technique and post-operative scar management protocol ensure the most discreet results possible.
Absolutely. Many patients combine their facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, fat transfer for volume restoration, or laser resurfacing for skin texture improvement. Dr. Chen will recommend the combination that achieves the most harmonious, natural result.
A mini facelift addresses the lower face and jowls through smaller incisions and is ideal for patients with early to moderate sagging. A full facelift addresses the entire face including midface descent, deep nasolabial folds, and significant jowling. Dr. Chen's weekend facelift technique blurs the line between the two, delivering comprehensive results with minimal downtime.
Most patients take 7 to 10 days off work. Swelling and bruising peak around days 2 to 3 and resolve significantly by day 10. Light social activities can resume at 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise is safe at 4 to 6 weeks. Final results are visible at 3 to 6 months as residual swelling fully resolves.
Ready to turn back
the clock?
Schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Chen to discuss your facelift options. Virtual consultations available for out-of-state patients.