Facelift La Jolla “The results are AMAZING.” – Facelift Patient, 5-Star Review
- Board-Certified Surgeon
- Internationally Recognized
- Performed 1000s of Facelifts
- 130+ 5-Star Reviews

Artistry, Compassion, Experience, Safety, Training and Innovation
See the difference for yourself...


We were able to address wrinkled, sagging skin on this patient's cheeks and other concerns.
Why Wait? Put Yourself First – Reach Out Today
Plastic surgery is the fusion of art and science, and refining the face requires an approach that is individualized, studied, and measured. Achieving the most appropriate result for each face requires the ability to evaluate the facial anatomy and then to apply scientific principles, skill, and artistry.
Dr. Robert Singer is known worldwide for his expertise and skill within the field of cosmetic surgery. He has performed thousands of facelifts over the years for patients desiring a more defined, youthful appearance. Our incredible results have made Dr. Singer and our practice the success that is today. Patients from around the world come to Dr. Singer's surgical center because they value the very finest results. To find out if you are a good candidate for a facelift in La Jolla, message our office online, or call:
(858) 455-0290

“An extraordinary team. Look no further.” Hear From Our Patients
Where do I start?! First of all, I wish there was a way to give Dr. Singer 10 stars! With several decades of experience, a genuine desire to give his patients the highest quality, and the goal to always provide his honest professional opinion, he is what surgeons should strive to be like. If you're looking for a good surgeon and an extraordinary team to boot, look no further than Dr. Singer's office at Prime Plastic Surgery.
View on this siteI want to sing the praises of Dr. Singer who performed my neck lift and rhinoplasty. He and his wonderful team were excellent at taking care of me through the process and seeing me and calling me to make sure I was ok. I have had plastic surgery before and I can say Dr singer and his team went far and beyond anywhere else I've ever been. I am so happy with my results. Thank you so much for everything. Ill be back.
View on GoogleOne Year After Facelift Surgery, The Majority of Patients Love Their Results!
All Types of People Can Benefit From a Facelift
Today, men and women increasingly want to look as young as they feel. No one wants to look tired, especially when they aren’t.
You should consider a facelift when what you see in the mirror does not match what you feel on the inside, when you have a support structure in place to facilitate a comfortable recovery, and when you are confident you are doing this for yourself and not to please others.
If you are not physically or emotionally ready for a facelift, there are non-invasive, temporary procedures to rejuvenate your face.

Other Considerations
Some factors we take into consideration when determining your candidacy include...
Overall Health
In order to qualify for cosmetic surgery, you must be in good overall health and be a non-smoker or willing to quit completely or at least two weeks before surgery. We do not recommend surgery for patients who have serious illnesses or medical conditions that can interfere with healing or recovery such as autoimmune disorders.
Age
Most patients who seek a facelift are between 40 and 70 years old, but there is no “correct” age. Some people age prematurely and may consider surgical enhancement at a younger age, while others age more slowly and can successfully undergo the surgery in their 70s or 80s.
Skin Elasticity
The best candidate for a facelift is a person whose facial and neck skin has started to sag but still retains some elasticity. The more a patient's skin elasticity has diminished during the aging process, the less successful the facelift results will be.
Expectations
It is important for patients to be physically and psychologically healthy and have realistic expectations for their surgery. Patients should understand the risks and benefits of a facelift, and have a desire for improvement rather than perfection.
Today's Facelift Techniques Achieve Incredibly Realistic Results
Facelift techniques have evolved significantly over the past 15 years. Prior generations of facelift operations tightened only the skin and ignored important principles of aging and facial structure. Unfortunately, tightening only the skin produced distortions of the facial features and often resulted in an unnatural, flattened, wind-blown, pulled look, as well as a shorter length of efficacy.

Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift more comprehensively addresses excess fat and sagging skin for patients with moderate to severe signs of aging. The goal of the procedure is to correct deep facial wrinkles, sagging skin, and the muscle layer under the cheeks and other areas of the face.

Mid or Mini Facelift
For patients with less serious concerns, usually under the age of 50, we might use a “mini” facelift technique. By focusing on the central third of the face, the procedure is designed to correct sagging skin between the eyes and upper lip. A mini facelift is less invasive, involves shorter incisions, and typically has a quicker recovery period. Also known as a "mid" or "maintenance" facelift, the procedure may be recommended to freshen the results of a prior surgery.

Multi-Vector Facelift Surgery
Facelift techniques have evolved significantly over the past 15 years. Prior generations of facelift operations tightened only the skin and ignored important principles of aging and facial structure. Dr. Singer performs a modern multi-vector facelift that addresses the underlying support for more natural-looking, long-lasting results. The supporting deeper tissue – the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) – is tightened, lifting the underlying muscle layers of the cheek and the neck. The fat in the cheek is also contoured into an improved position or sculpted if it is excessive.
“Dr Singer and his staff are the very best! Dr Singer did my upper bleph 4 years ago and I am extremely pleased with the results. He is our go to doctor for fillers and Botox as well. We trust him completely! His staff is absolutely wonderful as well.”
Christina F., 5-Star Reviewer
Procedure Timeline
There is no single technique and no universal facelift. Instead, Dr. Singer uses a mixture of techniques to address La Jolla facelift patients' unique concerns and goals.
Dr. Singer will perform the entire Facelift surgical procedure which can take 90 minutes to six hours depending on the patient. Dr. Singer's focus will be on the success of the surgery, not on how fast he can complete the procedure. Here is a general outline for the facelift procedure at our La Jolla, CA, surgical center:
At our AAAASF-accredited private operating facility, you will be taken care of by thoroughly trained personnel, including carefully selected, board-certified anesthesiologists.
Let Dr. Singer Explain the Process Himself...
Superior Individualized Care Contact Our Practice to Book a Visit
We make no compromises when it comes to the quality of procedures and the level of patient care. Our surgical center is located at the heart of beautiful sunny San Diego, right next to the first-rate Scripps Memorial Hospital. Dr. Singer and our compassionate, dedicated staff ensure you receive individualized, attentive care every step of the way.
Dr. Singer remains at the forefront of innovative surgical techniques, providing nothing less than the best work for our valued patients. Schedule a consultation at our La Jolla, CA, practice today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have and design a custom treatment plan for you. You can contact us online, or call:
(858) 455-0290

“I got exactly what I wanted.”
Dr Singer recently did my botox and filler. Both were very natural and not overdone. I trust Dr Singer completely and his staff is very professional and friendly. I highly recommend him!
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I had a great experience with Dr. Singer. I got exactly what I wanted. Followed all of his instructions and got great results. I sincerely recommend him. You won’t regret it. The staff that works with him Julie, Lyn, Vanessa are really friendly and make you feel welcomed. I’m glad Dr. Singer was so helpful and listened to what I wanted and worked with me. Thank you... Dr. Robert Singer and staff. Damaris
View on GoogleAlternative Options
If you are not ready for facelift surgery, there are non-invasive, temporary procedures to rejuvenate your face. These include custom supervised skin care plans, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and fillers and other injectables such as Restylane®, Juvéderm, Dysport®, or BOTOX treatment.
It is important to understand that non-surgical treatments do not have the same longevity and dramatic results as a well-performed face, neck, or eyelid surgery. They may be very suitable for certain patients in need of less enhancement, however, the results are usually temporary.
What to Expect after Facelift Surgery
When will I see results from my facelift?
While you will see some of the results almost instantly, it is important to be aware that it can take up to a year for your scars to completely heal. It may take two to three months for the face to feel "back to normal" in the sense of its sensitivity, color, and skin tightness.
How long do the effects of a facelift last?
The results will vary from person-to-person. Most patients can expect their results to last between eight and 12 years. The length of time that patients enjoy a satisfactory improvement after a facelift depends on many factors including genetics and the quality of their skin. As you age, and develop normal additional signs of aging, a maintenance facelift or secondary procedure can be performed.
How do I extend my facelift results?
Continued sun damage can speed the aging process and we sometimes see this issue in our patients living in sunny San Diego. Take good care of your skin by wearing hats and sunscreen, properly moisturizing, and practicing ongoing skin care provided by our trained estheticians.
Advantages of Multi-Treatment Plans
Reduced Cost
Combining treatments can be financially beneficial because you only undergo anesthesia and surgery once, therefore reducing the cost of the operating room and surgical supplies.
Less Downtime
In addition, you minimize downtime by only having one recovery period following a single comprehensive surgery.
Dramatic Results
If your goals for cosmetic surgery include more dramatic enhancement, combining treatments will more effectively achieve the results you are looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts in La Jolla
What can a facelift do?
A facelift can help you remove excess skin, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. It can turn back the clock, but it will not stop the natural aging process. However, most people can expect their results to last between eight and twelve years.
Heredity is important. If your parents aged slowly, you probably will, too. Your diet, general health, time spent in the sun, smoking, weight gains and losses, emotional traumas, and type of skin will all play a role in determining how long the improvement will last.
Are there alternatives to a facelift?
Fillers, Dysport or Botox, peels, laser treatments, and radio-frequency treatments can all help you address particular aesthetic aspects that a facelift can address more comprehensively. In some cases, a mini face lift or a neck lift may be all that is required to restore a natural more elegant and youthful contour to the face.
It's ultimately important to remember that any of the claims of alternatives to a facelift are scientifically unsubstantiated. There are no “facelifts in a bottle.” If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Am I too young (or old) for a facelift?
Most patients who seek a facelift are 40+ years old. However, if a patient has substantial loose skin in the face and/or neck at a younger age, they can undergo a more limited variation of this procedure. Unfortunately, if a patient’s skin elasticity has diminished too much during the aging process, they may get a significant improvement, but not an ideal result, nor will it be as long lasting as in the patient with better elasticity.
How long before I can resume normal activities after my facelift?
This will depend on the individual. Most people are able to return to work between 10 and 14 days after their surgery, even though some residual swelling and bruising may take up to three weeks to disappear. You should refrain from any strenuous activities for at least three weeks. Strenuous activities or exercise before that time will increase the risk of bleeding, swelling, and bruising. Sun exposure should also be avoided during that time. Your return to your normal activities is more determined by swelling and bruising and by your personal feelings about how you want to look as you resume social activities.
How much pain will I have?
Most patients who have facelift surgery say they are surprised at how mild the discomfort is. Patients more typically complain of tightness from swelling or a pulling sensation under the chin or in the temple area. Understandably, after any surgical procedure, some discomfort can be expected, and pain tolerance varies from patient to patient. Patients are provided with prescriptions for pain medication, then switch to over-the-counter medications after two to five days.
Can I do anything to prevent bruising?
Most patients will have some bruising. You can minimize bruising by following instructions and using Arnica one to two days before and after surgery.
How long until I see my full results?
Most of our La Jolla facelift patients start to see results at two to three weeks, as residual bruising subsides. Results will continue to improve over months, and it takes about a year to see the final outcome.
What Are the Facelift Postoperative Instructions?
You should expect:
- Moderate swelling, bruising, and bloodshot eyes that may last for about two to three weeks. Don’t be concerned if blood appears on your bandage, especially behind the ears.
- Sensations of tightness, which subside slowly over several days to weeks.
- Intermittent sensations of tingling, burning, and itching behind or on your ears. These also subside over several weeks. Numbness of the cheeks and neck that gradually improves over several months.
Call: (858) 455 0290 if you have:
- Severe pain that doesn’t respond to medication.
- Significant swelling, and/or unrelenting pain which occurs more on one side than the other.
- Bandages that become too tight.
- Any other problems or questions.

Activity: La Jolla facelift patients should “take it easy” the day of the operation and the following days. Sleep on your back for two weeks, elevating your upper body on two or three pillows. By keeping your head elevated above your heart, swelling can be minimized. Because of your medications, you may need assistance getting to and from the bathroom for the first day.
Medications: Take the medications we’ve prescribed according to the instructions on the bottle. You may feel a little drowsy, so have someone help you. If you need a refill, call the office and give us the telephone number of your drugstore or pharmacy. Do not take aspirin for five days after your surgery.
Pain: Most patients feel that the discomfort from this surgery is minimal. The greatest period of discomfort usually lasts about twenty four to forty eight hours. Thereafter, you should have less discomfort and less need for medication. Occasionally, it lasts a little longer.
Smoking: Do not smoke for two weeks after surgery.
Alcohol: Do not drink alcohol for five days after surgery
Driving: You may drive after five days.
Diet: Start with liquids (fruit juice, milk shakes with Carnation Instant Breakfast, etc.) the first day then for the remainder of the first week progress to soft foods (pudding, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, pasta) that do not require much chewing, restricting salt and artificial sweeteners. To prevent dehydration, please drink as much juices and nutritional fluid as possible.
Hair: You may wash your hair after the dressing is removed. We suggest that you wash it in a shower with ordinary shampoo. You may dry it with a towel, or blow dry it with a cool dryer. Do not use a hot hair dryer, electric rollers, or curling irons for three weeks following surgery. Do not color or bleach your hair for three weeks after surgery, or until you are completely healed.
Makeup: You may apply makeup when the bandages are removed, keeping the makeup away from the incisions for two weeks.
Sun: Do not sit in the sun at all for three weeks after surgery. If the incisions are exposed, apply sunscreen for six months.
Sports: Strenuous sports such as golf, tennis, swimming, bowling, jogging, aerobics, jazzercise, or bicycling may be resumed after three weeks. Refrain from any activity that significantly raises your body temperature, and/or blood pressure for three weeks after surgery. This includes hot tubbing, sexual relations, and brisk walking.
Work: Depending on the kind of work you do, you may return to your job as soon as you are comfortable.
Postoperative visits: The day after surgery: If the procedure is to be performed as an outpatient, our La Jolla facelift patients will be seen at our Centre. If you are hospitalized, you will be seen there. You will be examined at this time. Subsequent visits: They will be determined by your progress. The drains are removed one to two days after surgery. The dressing is removed three to five days after. Some of the stitches will be removed four or five days after surgery, the remainder at about two weeks.
This does not hurt. A consultation will be provided by our cosmetologist at no charge to you.
Please feel free to call us at any time during your healing period. THE OUTCOME OF YOUR SURGERY IS IN YOUR HANDS AS WELL AS THE DOCTOR’S. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN TO YOU.