Why Are Shapiro Facelifts Better?

The best facelift is one no one can detect. Dr. Shapiro lifts the face from beneath. He repositions the SMAS and deeper tissues, returns the descended mid face, fallen cheek fat jowls to their original anatomic position restoring youthful volume and definition to the jawline, cheeks, cheekbones, and periorbital area. This is achieved without putting tension on the skin, resulting in imperceptible scars. Discover the techniques behind his facelift results.

Facelift Overview

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The Facelift Surgeon Other Surgeons Learn From

For 10 years, plastic surgery residents at Mayo Clinic learned facelift technique from Dr. Shapiro. Today, patients travel to his Scottsdale practice from around the world for that same expertise.

  • Recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s best facelift surgeons in 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026
  • Named Best Facelift by Scottsdale Living Magazine’s Best of Valley Poll
  • Former Director of Aesthetic Surgical Training, Mayo Clinic Rochester Plastic Surgery Residency, and named the program’s Teacher of the Year in 2018
  • Four-time Phoenix Magazine Top Doc in Plastic Surgery
  • 34 years in practice in Scottsdale, longer than almost any surgeon in the Valley

Learn More About Dr. Shapiro’s Credentials

Board Certifications & Memberships

An Introduction to Facelifts

Facial aging is similar to the movement of a glacier. It is the migration of facial fat over time, which drags the skin as it goes. The skin’s elasticity degrades over time as well, so it cannot resist the pull of gravity as it once did. This is what causes the deep folds surrounding your mouth and nose—those wide smile lines–and causes hollowing beneath your eyes, the jowls sagging from your jaw, and the excess skin in your neck. This is where Dr. Shapiro comes in.

An expertly crafted, truly beneficial facelift demands a mastery of the intricacies of facial anatomy, mature aesthetic vision, detailed procedural planning and execution, and a passion to provide each individual with the most outstanding results possible. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a world-class surgeon with patients from all over the world, possesses all of these qualities and achieves the best results in a facelift Scottsdale has to offer.

In addition to having earned a reputation in the Phoenix area for his excellence with facial surgery, Dr. Shapiro has also been recognized by Newsweek Magazine as one of the Top 100 Plastic Surgeons in the Country. He earned this recognition thanks to his ability to create impressively naturalistic facelift results, putting his extensive skill and deep level of training to work with each procedure he performs.

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Average Cost $40,000 - $50,000

Recovery Time 3 Weeks

Average Procedure Time 3-4 Hours

Post-op Follow-up Appointments at 3, 7 & 10 days

Procedure Recovery Location Inpatient & Outpatient

Facelift Before & After

Patient is a 59-year-old female who over the last 5 years has noticed progressive loss of her jawline, neck fullness, and lack of definition. She feels she looks more “matronly” and misses her youthful eyes, which were once her best feature. She reports lip volume loss, a down-turned mouth, significant facial wrinkles, and irregular pigmentation. She misses appearing vital and attractive, as this was once part of her identity.  Photos were taken 6 months after surgery.

Patient is a 73-year-old female who thought she looked much older than she felt. She thought that her neck had become quite matronly, and did not like the loss of the youthful definition of her cheekbones, her puffy eyes and the deep wrinkles between her eyebrows, and her downturned mouth that imparted a sour tone to her face. She wanted to appear younger, more youthful and more attractive.

Patient is a 49-year-old female who had a previous facelift with another surgeon and was not satisfied with the results. Specifically, she feels that her jowls returned quite rapidly after the prior surgery, and never achieved the more youthful facial contours that she was promised. She feels that she looks matronly and sad. She wants to look younger and more beautiful.

58-year-old female who has always felt attractive but has noticed the last 5 or so years the development of significant jowls and loss of her youthful cheekbones and defined jawline. She would also like to address the hollowing beneath her eyes but has been hesitant about pursuing plastic surgery as her friends look too pulled and “scary”. She wants to look younger, more voluptuous, and recapture her “mojo”.

Patient is a 64-year-old female who desired to look younger and more beautiful. She specifically did not like the loss of definition of her neck and brow and had developed jowls and a downturned mouth which she felt made her look angry appearing. She wanted to recapture the voluptuous looks she had at a younger age without looking operated upon. She also had a rhinoplasty when she was a teen and wanted to have her nose straighter and less surgical looking.

Before
After

Patient is a 59-year-old female who over the last 5 years has noticed progressive loss of her jawline, neck fullness, and lack of definition. She feels she looks more “matronly” and misses her youthful eyes, which were once her best feature. She reports lip volume loss, a down-turned mouth, significant facial wrinkles, and irregular pigmentation. She misses appearing vital and attractive, as this was once part of her identity.  Photos were taken 6 months after surgery.

Before
After

Patient is a 73-year-old female who thought she looked much older than she felt. She thought that her neck had become quite matronly, and did not like the loss of the youthful definition of her cheekbones, her puffy eyes and the deep wrinkles between her eyebrows, and her downturned mouth that imparted a sour tone to her face. She wanted to appear younger, more youthful and more attractive.

Before
After

Patient is a 49-year-old female who had a previous facelift with another surgeon and was not satisfied with the results. Specifically, she feels that her jowls returned quite rapidly after the prior surgery, and never achieved the more youthful facial contours that she was promised. She feels that she looks matronly and sad. She wants to look younger and more beautiful.

Before
After

58-year-old female who has always felt attractive but has noticed the last 5 or so years the development of significant jowls and loss of her youthful cheekbones and defined jawline. She would also like to address the hollowing beneath her eyes but has been hesitant about pursuing plastic surgery as her friends look too pulled and “scary”. She wants to look younger, more voluptuous, and recapture her “mojo”.

Before
After

Patient is a 64-year-old female who desired to look younger and more beautiful. She specifically did not like the loss of definition of her neck and brow and had developed jowls and a downturned mouth which she felt made her look angry appearing. She wanted to recapture the voluptuous looks she had at a younger age without looking operated upon. She also had a rhinoplasty when she was a teen and wanted to have her nose straighter and less surgical looking.

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Schedule A Consultation

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The Ideal Facelift Candidate

Dr. Shapiro's facelift procedure in Scottsdale is championed by patients for its ability to take years off the face, creating a younger and smoother aesthetic. Signs of aging that are common among the best facelift candidates include:

  • Displaced or fallen facial volume
  • Lines from the corners of the mouth to the chin (marionette lines)
  • Sagging skin in the midface
  • Sagging or lost muscle tone in the lower face
  • Deep creases from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds)

While most facelift patients are in their 40s or 50s, there is no “right” age for the treatment. Ideal candidates are in good physical health, at or near their ideal weight, non-smokers, and free of any health conditions that could lead to complications, such as high blood pressure. During the consultation, Dr. Shapiro will help you determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

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Your Facial Structure

The general facial structure is divided into thirds.

  • The upper third of the face includes the eyebrows and forehead, which are addressed by a brow lift
  • The middle is considered the area of the eyes, including the upper and lower eyelids and the areas just above and below. These are addressed by eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty.
  • The bottom third includes the facial area below the eyes, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck. It is addressed by a facelift.
“Facelift surgery is one of my personal favorites. Experience counts more in facelift surgery than in any other type of plastic surgery procedure.”

— Daniel Shapiro MD, FACS

Dr. Daniel Shapiro, plastic surgeon in Scottsdale

Your Surgical Options

Dr. Shapiro offers an array of facelift techniques, including mini, traditional, and contemporary. Here’s what you need to know about your options.

The Mini Facelift

The Mini Facelift offered in Phoenix and Scottsdale is ideal for patients with mild facial aging and good skin elasticity. It is a minimally invasive procedure that addresses early cheek laxity or minimal jowls. The surgery involves small incisions along the inside of the ear cartilage, removing excess fat, and repositioning tissue. The procedure takes one to two hours and can reduce minor sagging of the neck and face. It is performed under mild sedation in the doctor's office, and patients can be discharged post-operation.

The Traditional Facelift

The standard facelift is ideal for Scottsdale patients with advanced signs of aging, such as sagging jowls, loose neck skin, and double chins. Dr. Shapiro's procedure involves a subtle readjustment of the skin and facial fat, avoiding excessive tension and a "windswept" look. The result is a natural-looking outcome with minimal scarring and no distorted hairline or visible scars.

The Contemporary Facelift

The SMAS facelift rejuvenates all face layers by addressing underlying fat and musculature, avoiding tension on the skin. This results in a natural and long-lasting outcome, lifting facial fat atop cheekbones for a youthful contour. The procedure also cares for the jawline and neck. Dr. Shapiro's contemporary facelift leaves inconspicuous scars without apparent signs of the surgeon's presence, as there is no tension on the skin.

The Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift is designed for Scottsdale patients with moderate to advanced aging in the midface, jawline, and neck. Dr. Shapiro repositions the deeper facial tissues and the SMAS layer together as a single unit, releasing the ligaments that anchor sagging tissue. This restores cheek volume, defines the jawline, and delivers long-lasting results without pulling the skin tight.

Facelift Before & After

Short Scar Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift

Recognized for Excellence

At Shapiro Plastic Surgery, we provide high-quality care using cutting-edge technology and the latest surgical techniques. Dr. Daniel Shapiro, a top 100 surgeon recognized by Newsweek magazine, brings prestige to every facelift procedure he performs on his patients in Scottsdale.

With extensive training and experience as a world-class surgeon with patients worldwide, he exhibits compassion and professionalism while bringing your cosmetic goals to life. Learn more about Dr. Shapiro's credentials here.

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Testimonials

Dr. Shapiro is meticulous and commands excellence in the fine art of plastic surgery!

I saw 5 of our nation’s most affluent extraordinary plastic surgeons from Washington DC to Beverly Hills and chowing Dr. Shapiro was the best choice! As a public Liason and medi...

I saw 5 of our nation’s most affluent extraordinary plastic surgeons from Washington DC to Beverly Hills and chowing Dr. Shapiro was the best choice! As a public Liason and media commentator trusting my face and appearance to a surgeon is critical. Dr. Shapiro is meticulous and commands excellence in the fine art of plastic surgery! Thank you Dr. Shapiro! 

Martha Boneta 5 out of 5 stars

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming.

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming. Anne is such a talented Nurse, and she has been able to so graciously answer any and all of my questions and concerns. I love tha...

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming. Anne is such a talented Nurse, and she has been able to so graciously answer any and all of my questions and concerns. I love that she explains everything to me and makes my services short and sweet. I plan to go there for a Skin Consultation soon so that I can find what products would work well for my skin. Thank you to the incredible team at Shapiro Aesthetics! 

Jacque King 5 out of 5 stars

I will forever trust Dr.Shapiro and his team with anything I decided to do in the future!

I’m 22 & I recently had a rhino/ septoplasty done by Dr.Shapiro and also some facial graphing and a fat transfer to my lips. & I’m over the moon with my results! Dr.Shap...

I’m 22 & I recently had a rhino/ septoplasty done by Dr.Shapiro and also some facial graphing and a fat transfer to my lips. & I’m over the moon with my results! Dr.Shapiro and his team were so kind and professional through the entire experience. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic they made my dream nose come to life. & took every precaution to make sure we’re all safe by checking temperatures and wearing face masks. Being in the hands of someone with so much knowledge and experience made it so easy for me to go into surgery. I will forever trust Dr.Shapiro and his team with anything I decided to do in the future! Thank you so much! 

McKenna Commans 5 out of 5 stars

Can’t say enough kind words. 

Always do your own research and interview different surgeons but be assured that Dr Shapiro will give you what you ask for. I’m delighted with my results and I had a full face l...

Always do your own research and interview different surgeons but be assured that Dr Shapiro will give you what you ask for. I’m delighted with my results and I had a full face lift, eyes and neck done, and fat transfer to eyes and nasolabial folds. I wish I had done it years ago. Office staff is wonderful and attentive too. Can’t say enough kind words. 

Denise Young 5 out of 5 stars

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!!

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!! I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shapiro 2 months ago and it has truly changed my life. My nose looks very natural and I ...

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!! I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shapiro 2 months ago and it has truly changed my life. My nose looks very natural and I could not be more happy with my results. After years of research and various consultations with plastic surgeons (in and out of state) I knew I had found the one when I met Dr. Shapiro!

During my first consultation with Dr. Shapiro he pointed out all the things that bothered me about my nose before I even brought it to his attention. That’s when I knew he and I were on the same page about what I wanted. He is EXTREMELY detail-oriented and a perfectionist (which is exactly what you want when undergoing any procedure especially if it’s on your face). He truly listens to you and makes you feel so comfortable. The thing I love the most about Dr. Shapiro’s technique is that he works with what you have and enhances it to its maximum potential, he is truly an artist. Dr. Shapiro’s makes it seem as though you never had any work done. His work is astounding, he gives you the nose you were supposed to be born with but even better! The before and after pictures of his patients will leave you speechless. When it comes to plastic surgeons there is truly no doctor that can compete with Dr. Shapiro’s beyond amazing work!

If you’re looking for a rhinoplasty surgeon I would recommend him 100%. I’m so in love with my results and I’m extremely lucky to have found him. Dr. Shapiro I seriously cant thank you enough!!!! 

mariela casas 5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona.

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona. He listens attentively to your specific desires and explains what can honestly happen to meet your ...

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona. He listens attentively to your specific desires and explains what can honestly happen to meet your personal goals. Everything about the experience at his office is what you would expect from a top surgeon and professional medical staff. Conveniently, the Skin Klinic inside his office offers the best aesthetic services to really complete the package of an even more beautiful you. You always feel welcomed in his office and can ask as many questions as you need regarding procedures, products, financing, and after surgery care. I have had several procedures performed by Dr. Shapiro and I must say if you want the body that you dream of that cannot be accomplished by diet and exercise then you need to make time for a consultation. I struggled for most of my life with a poor body image and after many years of trying to change things on my own I finally decided to make an appointment and was forever on a different path. I have amazing proportionate breasts now and my thighs are the thighs of my dreams. Life is truly different when you are content with your body image. That is not to say I was trying to look like someone else or had a false hope; it is about being happy in your own skin. Dr. Shapiro made that possible for me and I cannot thank him enough for his expertise, caring nature, and professionalism. His quality and follow on care are the best you can invest in for your ideal body image. Do something wonderful for yourself and allow him the opportunity to exceed all expectations as he did for me :) 

Rachel Hewitt 5 out of 5 stars

Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception!

Dr Shapiro and his clinical/clerical staff were professional and courteous. Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception! I couldn't be happier with my resu...

Dr Shapiro and his clinical/clerical staff were professional and courteous. Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception! I couldn't be happier with my results or my experience with Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. From the moment I walked in for my consult, to my last post surgical visit, everyone treated me like family! 

Kara Koechell 5 out of 5 stars

I never felt this beautiful with myself until now!

Dr. Shapiro and staff are excellent and most compassionate people! Going in for an updated look and to feel good about myself is what I achieved because of Dr. Shapiro. I never ...

Dr. Shapiro and staff are excellent and most compassionate people! Going in for an updated look and to feel good about myself is what I achieved because of Dr. Shapiro. I never felt this beautiful with myself until now! Thank you so much Dr. Shapiro for taking the timeout for me and listening to what I wanted to accomplish. You made this happen!! Also, you have a wonderful staff working for you and your patients.

Theresa Gillen 5 out of 5 stars

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!!

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!! He gave me the chin of my dreams. After almost a year since the procedure I can say that my scar is pretty much 100% gone, some days I can’t even ...

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!! He gave me the chin of my dreams. After almost a year since the procedure I can say that my scar is pretty much 100% gone, some days I can’t even see it. He is professional and charming, we love that!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will be back ;) 

Mariel Sallustio 5 out of 5 stars

The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up on me multiple times.

My experience with Dr.Shapiro and his staff was great. I had a rhinoplasty done 6 months ago and I’m almost completely healed. The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up ...

My experience with Dr.Shapiro and his staff was great. I had a rhinoplasty done 6 months ago and I’m almost completely healed. The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up on me multiple times. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend getting a procedure done here. Your in good hands 😊 

Jasmine Renteria 5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Shapiro is the knocked it out the park!!!

Dr. Shapiro knocked it out of the park!!! I could not be more thrilled with the results of my breast augmentation with lift. Not only are the results amazing, but the process fr...

Dr. Shapiro knocked it out of the park!!! I could not be more thrilled with the results of my breast augmentation with lift. Not only are the results amazing, but the process from start to finish far exceeded my expectations. Dr. Shapiro and his surgical nurse Sage Hallman work as an amazing team and will make you feel like you're their only patient. Experience matters and that is exactly what you will get at Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Thank you Doc , you have truly changed my life in the best way! 

melissa massey 5 out of 5 stars

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro.

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro. He was kind, a great listener and gave me the exact result I was wanting. Would recommend him and the entire team to anyone and ...

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro. He was kind, a great listener and gave me the exact result I was wanting. Would recommend him and the entire team to anyone and everyone! Thank you Dr Shapiro! 

Lauren Curry 5 out of 5 stars

Everyone was very welcoming and kind. 

Jamie is the best injector I have ever had. She gave me a jawline and chin that I have always wanted. These before and after pictures are within 2 hours of eachothers highly rec...

Jamie is the best injector I have ever had. She gave me a jawline and chin that I have always wanted. These before and after pictures are within 2 hours of eachothers highly recommend! Everyone was very welcoming and kind. 

Lindsay Diephuis 5 out of 5 stars

Your Consultation

Your consultation will occur in Board-certified Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Shapiro’s comfortable office. During that appointment, he will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and answer any questions you have about the procedure and recovery. He will also discuss the expected outcome, the details of your procedure, and the techniques used.

planter on the side of a building

Preparing for Your Surgery

  1. Wear loose, comfortable clothing with a button-down shirt on the day of surgery.
  2. Plan to have someone with you who can drive you home and stay with you for the first two days.
  3. Stop smoking for two weeks before surgery

Surgical Process

A facelift procedure involves creating incisions in the face and lifting the skin. The underlying tissues and muscles are then tightened while fat in the face and neck is sculpted, removed, or relocated. The facial skin is then placed over the newly contoured face, and the stitches are closed.

Further Facial Enhancements

Occasionally, further improvements can be made by using gentle liposuction to remove extra fat from the neck. Fat injections will help restore youthful volume to the cheeks in other cases. 

Other options include a total facial rejuvenation and a complete or total lift. This procedure would address all three sections of the face at once for a balanced and natural result.

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Recovery and Maintenance

Patients are generally asked to stay overnight at the Paradise Valley Surgical Recovery Center. Here’s a look at what to expect as you recover:

  • Sutures are removed within seven to ten days after surgery.
  • Patients can comfortably socialize for approximately two weeks after surgery.
  • Minor bruising and swelling typically resolve in two to three weeks, although this varies.
  • Most patients feel well after a few days, but stay home until these side effects diminish.
  • Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication for the first two weeks. Take any medication prescribed by Dr. Shapiro as instructed.
  • Sleep with your head elevated for two weeks.
  • You may apply cool compresses to your eyes to minimize swelling, but do not apply ice or anything very cold directly to your skin.
  • Avoid lifting anything heavy or bending for the first week.

The results of the procedure can last anywhere from seven to ten years. When maintenance is desired, it is often just tightening in the cheek area. You will continue to age after surgery, but you will typically look five to ten years younger than you would have if you did not have the procedure.

Facelift Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the surgery last?

This procedure generally takes four to six hours to complete.

Are there risks?

As with any surgery, there are risks with a rhytidectomy. Potential complications include excessive bleeding, infection, hematoma, nerve injury, and delayed healing.

How soon can I return to work?

Most patients return to work within 2 weeks of a rhytidectomy.

Will I have scars?

Even the best facelift procedure will leave scars, but they will be well hidden and inconspicuous within the hairline and natural creases of the ears.

How much does a facelift cost?

A facelift with Dr. Shapiro typically ranges from $40,000 to $50,000, depending on the technique and whether additional procedures, such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer, are included. You’ll receive a personalized quote during your consultation.

What technique is best for me?

The best technique depends on factors such as your goals and anatomy. Dr. Shapiro will help you determine which technique is best suited for your needs.

Should I get a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?

Surgical facelifts provide more extensive and long-lasting results, while nonsurgical options offer temporary improvements. Patients will ultimately have to think about what their long-term goals are.

What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?

Wrinkle fillers and relaxers can complement facelift results by targeting specific issues like wrinkles and lines. Contact our office to learn more about these treatments.

Will my results look natural?

Dr. Shapiro always aims for natural-looking results, tailored to your individual features and desired outcomes. Patients will have the opportunity to go over the details of their treatment beforehand to ensure that the results fall in line with their ideal look.

Does a facelift differ for men vs. women?

Facelift techniques can differ based on gender, considering unique facial characteristics for men and women. As such, the approach tends to be different for different genders.

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