Facelift (Rhytidectomy) in Monterey, CA
A facelift or rhytidectomy with David T. Morwood MD reduces saggy, excess skin and restores youthful definition to facial contours by lifting up underlying structures that have fallen downward due to aging. Dr. Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Monterey with specialized training in reconstructive techniques, his modern facelift procedures are designed to achieve natural-looking results without an overdone appearance. His expertise in microsurgery and facial reconstructive plastic surgery techniques—ensures precision and facelift results that are balanced and aesthetically superior.


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Disclaimer: there is no guarantee of specific results and the results can vary.
The Benefits of a Facelift
When the common signs of facial aging can no longer be satisfactorily addressed with non-surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic options, facelift surgery performed by Dr. Morwood offers the following key benefits:
- Restores youthful facial contours by lifting sagging skin and underlying tissues.
- Smooths deep wrinkles and folds for a refreshed appearance.
- Redefines the jawline and neck by addressing jowls and loose skin.
- Provides long-lasting results compared to non-surgical treatments.
- Customizable approach tailored to each patient’s unique facial anatomy and goals.
– Donna O.
Why Choose Dr. Morwood for Your Facelift?
Dr. Morwood’s expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery and dedication to providing excellent patient care sets him apart in the field of facial rejuvenation in Monterey County California, where his private plastic surgery practice has been serving patients for decades. Dr. Morwood’s advanced surgical skills in facial reconstruction and his deep understanding of the interplay between the cosmetic and functional aspects of facial anatomy were further honed through his medical missions to provide reconstructive surgery to correct congenital malformities of the face.
Choosing Dr. Morwood for facelift ensures a customized approach designed to achieve a balanced, natural result. His commitment to modern surgical techniques and patient-centered care ensures natural-looking enhancements tailored to your unique facial anatomy and goals.
Confirm Your Compatibility with Facelift Surgery with a Consultation in Monterey
A personalized consultation with Dr. Morwood is the first step toward achieving your desired facial rejuvenation. After a review to confirm that your overall health is suitable for surgery, during this appointment, he will also:
- Evaluate your facial structure and skin quality to determine the best surgical approach.
- Discuss your aesthetic goals and expectations to customize your treatment plan.
- Explain the facelift procedure in detail, including potential complementary procedures for enhanced results.
- Answer any questions you may have about surgery, recovery, and long-term outcomes.
This consultation ensures that you are fully informed and confident in your decision before moving forward with surgery.
Facelift Surgery in Monterey: Frequently Asked Questions
How is a facelift performed?
Dr. Morwood utilizes modern facelift surgical techniques, incorporating both traditional and advanced approaches depending on the patient’s needs. His facelift procedures address not only the skin but also the deeper structural tissues, ensuring longer lasting and more natural results. He will determine the best technique for your specific concerns, whether it’s a deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, or the “Carmel” mini facelift.
Facelift surgery generally takes several hours to complete and can be performed under general anesthesia or with a local anesthetic and twilight sedation. Incision placement, anesthesia options and whether or not your surgery will be performed as an out-patient procedure or if professional overnight care is recommended or preferred, will be determined during the consultation process. Many of our patients choose our private cottage for themselves and their aftercare guests, or for us to arrange for professional post-operative care during their stay at the cottage.
Where is Dr. Morwood’s Aftercare Cottage Located?
Dr. Morwood remodeled a New England style house located in Carmel into the Bonne Chance (“Good Luck” in French) aftercare cottage. In addition to the property’s scenic views of Pebble Beach and Carmel Bay, the cottage has been thoughtfully appointed with extensive amenities all designed for the care and comfort of our patients and their guests. Our staff can arrange for patient transportation as well as nurses, attendants, and caretakers.
What is recovery from a facelift like?
Patients should anticipate some swelling and bruising after the procedure, which subsides within one to two weeks. This time period generally coincides with the return to activities that are not physically strenuous, to minimize ongoing swelling, intense physical activities or exercise should be avoided until cleared by Dr. Morwood, usually after four to six weeks of healing.
While initial improvements are noticeable early on, final results develop gradually as the tissues settle. Dr. Morwood provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
How long do facelift results last?
A facelift can turn back the clock by 10-15 years, and results can last a decade or more with proper skincare and lifestyle choices. While the natural aging process continues, a facelift significantly slows its visible effects.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of a facelift varies based on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s needs. Our practice is pleased to offer the convenience of financing your surgery through a trusted healthcare lender. During your consultation, Dr. Morwood will provide detailed price information.
What are the risks of facelift surgery?
Bruising, swelling, and some temporary numbness are common conditions that occur with initial post-operative healing from a facelift. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Morwood, who has expertise in facial reconstruction and diligently following all of his aftercare instructions are the two essential steps that patients can take to minimize the potential for more serious complications.
Although uncommon in occurrence, complications including infection, nerve damage or excessive scarring and how they can be addressed are discussed during the consultation.
Will a facelift improve my eyelids or forehead wrinkles?
A full facelift targets the mid-to-lower face and neck. Like many of Dr. Morwood’s facelift patients are, if you’re concerned about forehead wrinkles or sagging eyelids, combing your facelift with a brow lift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is an excellent way to achieve a more comprehensive and balanced outcome that looks natural.
How does a facelift compare to non-surgical alternatives?
Non-surgical treatments like fillers, Botox, and skin tightening procedures can provide temporary improvements, but they cannot achieve the same level of lifting and structural correction as a facelift.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Morwood
Dr. Morwood’s expertise in both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery techniques ensures each patient achieves individualized results that restore a more youthful appearance to their face that looks natural. To schedule your facelift consultation with Monterey’s top plastic surgeon, contact the office of Dr. David Morwood today for an appointment.