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 that cause 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, as well as his Mayo Clinic partnership, 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. 

Woman with Long Hair and Red Lipstick

Facelift Details

Average Cost: $25,000 - $35,000
Recovery Time: 3 Weeks
Average Procedure Time: 2-3 Hours
Post-op Follow-up: 1 Day
Procedure Recovery Location: In & Out-Patient

Facelift Before & Afters

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”.

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The Ideal Facelift Candidate

Dr. Shapiro's facelift in Scottsdale procedure is championed by patients for it's 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)
  • Deep creases from the nose to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Sagging skin in the midface
  • Sagging or lost muscle tone in the lower face

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 any other type of plastic surgery procedure.

Dr. Shapiro

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 that Dr. Shapiro offers 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.

Graphic Showing the Incision for a Short Scar Facelift and Deep Plane Facelift

Explore Our Before & After Facelift Results

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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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Dr. Shapiro Reviews

Dr Shapiro is absolutely amazing at what he does.

Dr Shapiro is absolutely amazing at what he does. He makes sure that he knows exactly what you are trying to achieve and does everything possible to make sure y...

Christina B.

y experience with Dr.Shapiro was 100% positive.

My experience with Dr.Shapiro was 100% positive. Him and his staff made me feel extremely comfortable and the procedure went smoothly. They called me periodical...

Pink Topaz

People are always surprised to learn that I've had work done.

I had a rhinoplasty and buccal fat removal with Dr. Shapiro about a year ago and I am very happy with the results. The improvement was significant yet subtle, w...

Brent W.

The entire office was very on point and professional

I had multiple bad experiences in the past with injections and hated the way my lips ended up looking afterwards. I made sure that once all the dissolving and t...

LeeAndra B.

Sage is an actual angel.

Sage is an actual angel. So kind, compassionate, full of understanding and knowledge. She not only LISTENED to my wants, needs, and concerns... she legit gave m...

Kali B.
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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.

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 face-lift 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 with stitches.

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.

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.

                              Infographic of Recovery and Maintence From a Facelift

Enhance Your Natural Beauty


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FAQ

How long will the surgery last?

What can I expect during recovery?

Are there risks?

How soon can I return to work?

Will I have scars?

How much does a facelift cost?

What technique is best for me?

Should I get a surgical or nonsurgical facelift?

What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?

Will my results look natural?

Does a facelift differ for men vs women?

How long before I can exercise again after a facelift?

Does insurance cover a facelift?

How do I reduce swelling after facelift surgery?

Should I get a necklift with my facelift surgery?

How long will the surgery last?

This procedure generally takes four to six hours to complete.

What can I expect during recovery?

The recovery period can last around two weeks and may involve some swelling and bruising, but these effects typically fade within two or three weeks. Exercise and strenuous activity should be avoided for at least a month.

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?

While facelift costs vary based on the complexity of the surgery, they typically range from a few thousand to several thousand dollars.

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.

How long before I can exercise again after a facelift?

It is generally recommended that patients wait about 2-3 weeks after a facelift before gradually resuming exercise. Our office will provide you more information about this during the consultation.

Does insurance cover a facelift?

Insurance does not cover elective cosmetic procedures such as facelifts

How do I reduce swelling after facelift surgery?

Swelling reduction post-facelift involves proper rest, keeping your head elevated, and following Dr. Shapiro’s post-op instructions. More information will be provided upon discharge from the procedure.

Should I get a necklift with my facelift surgery?

Combining a necklift with a facelift can provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation, addressing both the face and neck area. Patients should consult with Dr. Shapiro to find out if they are good candidates for a necklift.

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