Contents
- What is Facelift Surgery?
- Specialized Facelift Techniques
- Why Choose one of our Surgeons for Your Facelift?
- Would You Benefit from a Facelift?
- The Facelift Procedure
- Facelift Recovery and Results
- Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts
- Procedures to Combine with a Facelift
- Schedule a Facelift Consultation in Scottsdale
- Schedule a Consultation
The gold standard for facial rejuvenation procedures
What is Facelift Surgery?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the structures of the face to restore a more rejuvenated, rested appearance. Over time, gravity and natural volume loss cause the cheeks to descend, jowls to form along the jawline, and the neck to lose its definition. Creams, fillers, and lasers can improve the surface of the skin, but they can’t reposition the deeper tissue that has sagged. A facelift can.
Rather than simply pulling the skin tight, a modern facelift lifts the underlying muscle and connective tissue layer, called the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), and repositions it to a more youthful position. Excess skin is then trimmed and re-draped without tension. The result is a smoother, firmer, natural-looking face that still looks like you, only refreshed. At Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists, we offer several types of facelifts and tailor the surgical approach to your anatomy, the degree of sagging, and your goals.
No two faces age the same way, which is why there is no single “best” facelift. During your consultation, our surgeons will evaluate your skin quality, bone structure, and the areas that concern you most, then recommend the type of facelift that will give you the most natural, lasting result. A deep plane facelift releases and lifts the skin and SMAS together as a single unit, working beneath the SMAS layer to free the ligaments that hold the cheeks and jowls down. Because the tissues are moved as one layer, there is very little tension on the skin, which helps produce a natural result without a pulled or windswept look. This technique is especially effective for patients with significant midface descent, deep nasolabial folds (laugh lines), and heavy jowls. A mini facelift is ideal for patients who are starting to notice early of their midface and jawline, but don’t have any significant aging changes in the neck. It uses shorter incisions around the ear and focuses on tightening the mid and lower face. Because it is less extensive than a deep plane facelift, recovery is typically quicker.Specialized Facelift Techniques
Extended Deep Plane Facelift
Mini Facelift
Why Choose one of our Surgeons for Your Facelift?
The face does not age in isolated sections. The eyelids, cheeks, and jawline are connected, and how they relate to one another determines whether a facelift looks natural. Dr. Ghafouri and Dr. Pratt are board-certified, fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeons whose practice is dedicated exclusively to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids and face. That focused expertise on facial anatomy, especially the delicate transition between the lower eyelid and cheek, allows them to create harmonious, natural results. They have performed more than 50,000 aesthetic and reconstructive procedures and have been recognized as “top doctors” by their colleagues and multiple publications.
Would You Benefit from a Facelift?
Men and women who are bothered by visible signs of facial aging and are in good overall health are often excellent candidates. There is no required age, but most facelift patients are between 40 and 70. You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Sagging skin in the cheeks, jawline, or neck
- Jowls that blur the line of the jaw
- Deep nasolabial folds or marionette lines
- Loss of volume in the cheeks and midface
- Loose neck skin or visible neck bands
- Results from fillers or non-surgical treatments that no longer meet your goals
Good candidates are non-smokers (or willing to stop for several weeks before and after surgery) and have realistic expectations. If you are not ready for surgery, alternatives such as CO2 laser skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, or may be options to discuss.
Your facelift journey begins with a one-on-one consultation with our surgeons. They will review your medical history, examine your facial structure and skin, listen to your goals, and recommend the type of facelift and surgical approach that suits you. Out-of-town patients can begin with a virtual consultation. Facelifts are performed on an outpatient basis, so most patients return home the same day with a caregiver. Facelift surgery typically takes 2-4 hours to perform.The Facelift Procedure
Your Consultation
Day of Surgery
Facelift Recovery and Results
A facelift is a surgical procedure, and giving your body time to heal is important for the best result. Your recovery will depend on the type of facelift and whether other procedures are performed at the same time. A general timeline:
- First few days: Swelling, bruising, and tightness are normal. Pain medication is prescribed for any discomfort. Rest with your head elevated.
- 1-2 weeks: Sutures are typically removed, and much of the bruising begins to fade.Most patients return to work and light daily activities. Makeup can usually be used to cover any remaining bruising.
- 3-6 months: Residual swelling continues to resolve and incisions soften and fade, revealing your natural final result.
- 4 weeks and beyond: Strenuous exercise can usually resume around four-six weeks, with medical clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts
Will the surgery leave a noticeable scar?
Which type of facelift is right for me?
How long do facelift results last?
Is facelift painful?
Can I combine a facelift with eyelid surgery or other procedures?
I live out of town. Can I still have my facelift?
Procedures to Combine with a Facelift
Schedule a Facelift Consultation in Scottsdale
If you are ready to restore a more youthful, refreshed look, contact Arizona Oculoplastic Specialists to schedule your facelift consultation with our office. Call 480-905-1010 or request a consultation online. We welcome patients from Scottsdale, Phoenix, and throughout Arizona, as well as out-of-town patients through our virtual consultations.
Dr. Ghafouri MD, FACS, is a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized training in oculoplastic and orbital surgery. His exclusive specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid and facial surgery sets him apart from other plastic surgeons who practice a larger range of facial and body surgeries. The eyes are a complex and dynamic structure that requires the trained eye of an eyelid surgeon like Dr. Ghafouri to achieve the best possible results. He has performed over 12,000 aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries, each with a personalized approach and commitment to exceptional results.
Learn More9431 E. IRONWOOD SQUARE DR., SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85258
Dr. Ghafouri offers virtual consultations for out-of-town patients. We see patients from all across the country who trust Dr. Ghafouri’s unique skills and expertise for their facial or eyelid surgeries. If you choose to travel to Arizona for your surgery, we can also recommend hotels and other resources to make your stay comfortable.
To schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Ghafouri Click here.
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