What is a Facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a cosmetic facial contouring surgery designed to lift and tighten sagging facial tissues, restoring a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Todd C. Rau, located in Redlands, CA, has helped countless Inland Empire and Southern California patients achieve natural-looking facial rejuvenation through customized facelift procedures.
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
Who is a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
You may be an ideal candidate for a facelift in Redlands if you:
Are experiencing jowls, sagging skin, or deep facial folds
Have elastic skin that will respond well to repositioning
Are in good health with no conditions that could affect healing
Do not smoke (or are able to quit before surgery)
Have realistic expectations about your results
If you’re considering a mini facelift instead (ideal for younger patients with milder signs of aging), Dr. Rau can help you explore your options during your consultation.
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 visit to Rau Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rau will carefully assess your facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. 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
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.
Schedule Your Facelift Consultation With Us in Redlands
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.
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