Facial Enhancement

Facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty and otoplasty in San Diego

A smiling middle-aged woman and man cuddle close to each other, representing the enhanced appearance and confidence after facelift, rhinoplasty or otoplasty.

Facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty and otoplasty in San Diego

Facial enhancement procedures, including facelift surgery and rhinoplasty, can help achieve a more youthful, balanced and healthy appearance by improving visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging skin. Scripps physicians use the latest techniques in facial plastic surgery to provide a customized result based on your unique facial features and desired look.


You may want a single cosmetic surgery procedure to correct one problem area, or choose a combination of plastic surgery procedures that complement each other, such as a facelift together with facial implants or fat transfer to improve your facial contours.

Facelift, cheek lift and neck lift

As we age, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, smoking, stress and other factors become visible in our appearance. These outward signs include creases between the nose and mouth, a slack jawline, prominent jowls and sagging neck. A facelift can dramatically improve such signs of aging by removing excess fat, tightening facial muscles, and smoothing out the skin on the face and neck. 


Depending on the type of improvements you want, your choices may include:


  • Traditional facelift
  • Mini facelift
  • Cheek lift
  • Neck lift

Traditional facelift

The traditional facelift is performed under general anesthesia and involves several incisions at the hairline and sides of the face to sculpt or redistribute fat in the face, jowls and neck. Often, the deeper layers of the face and muscles are also lifted. 

Mini facelift

Also known as a minilift or limited-incision facelift, a mini facelift is a popular and less-invasive alternative to the traditional facelift for people who want more subtle improvements. Typically performed under local anesthesia, minilifts use shorter incisions at the hairline and around the ear and generally result in less downtime and bruising, as well as a lower cost, than traditional facelifts.

Cheek lift

Cheek lift surgery reduces the look of heavy jowls or sagging cheek tissue to restore a more youthful appearance. Whether you want to reduce heavy jowls, puffy lower cheeks or tired eyes, a cheek lift can help reduce those signs of aging.

Neck lift

Neck lift surgery lifts and tightens excess or sagging neck tissue to create a smoother, younger-looking neckline.

Facial fat transfer

As we age, many people experience a loss of facial volume. Facial fat transfer, also known as facial fat grafting, is the transfer of fat from one place in the body to the face to add volume to the cheeks or eyelids. This can often be done through minimally invasive methods.

Combined lifts

Some patients choose to further rejuvenate their appearance by adding or combining procedures. For example, a complete cheek lift and neck lift provides more dramatic results by pulling sagging cheek tissue and anchoring it in place higher on the cheekbone, also improving the neck contour.

Traditional facelift before and after photos

This before and after photo shows a woman's beautiful results after cheek lift and lower eye lift by Dr. Pacella of Scripps Clinic.

Rhinoplasty for nose reshaping or reconstruction

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is one of the most common plastic surgeries in the United States. Cosmetic nose surgery is usually performed to correct or refine the shape, size or overall appearance of the nose. Plastic surgery also can correct medical problems involving the nose, such as a deviated septum.


When performed by an experienced, skilled cosmetic surgeon, rhinoplasty can greatly balance and enhance facial features and improve self-confidence.

Rhinoplasty before and after photos

This before and after photo shows a young woman's beautiful results after rhinoplasty by Dr. Pacella of Scripps Clinic.

Otoplasty for ear enhancement

Ear enhancement surgery, also known as otoplasty, can help improve the shape and position of the ear and bring overall balance and proportion to the ears and face. Otoplasty can also correct defects in the ear structure caused by injury or illness. Correction of even minor deformities can significantly benefit appearance and self-esteem.

Why choose Scripps Clinic Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

When you’re considering plastic surgery, you want to be sure to choose a plastic surgery center that meets the highest standards for safety and quality.


Scripps Clinic plastic surgeons:


  • Are board certified in plastic surgery
  • Have years of experience in the artistry of plastic surgery
  • Partner with board-certified anesthesiologists


In addition, we perform all procedures in a hospital or approved ambulatory surgery setting for added sterility and infection prevention, as well as maximum safety.


The decision to have cosmetic surgery is very personal. It’s important to ask questions and talk with your plastic surgeon to:


  • Decide if this procedure is right for you
  • Find out what results you can realistically achieve 
  • Explore the benefits and risks 


Find Scripps Clinic locations for plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery.