Advanced Plastic Surgery Institute
1981 E. Bonanza Ct. Suite 102
Gilbert, AZ 85297
Phone: (480) 466-7355
Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, lifts and tightens sagging skin, smooths deep wrinkles, and restores youthful contours in the lower face and jawline. As we age, we lose bone, fat, and skin elasticity, and underlying facial tissues shift downward. This leads to jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and loose skin around the chin and neck.
A facelift provides long-lasting, natural-looking rejuvenation by lifting and repositioning underlying tissues, removing excess skin, and refining facial contours. The procedure is highly customizable, with different techniques available depending on the extent of aging and your individual goals.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Josh Olson and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Jacob Marks perform the SMAS facelift, deep plane facelift, and mini facelift. We also provide facial rejuvenation using fat grafting as a standalone procedure or as an enhancement to facelift surgery.
Facelifts are not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The different techniques address varying degrees of aging and skin laxity. The best approach for you depends on your age, facial structure, skin elasticity, and the specific concerns you’d like to improve.
The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift is a highly effective technique that lifts and tightens the deeper layers of facial tissue, not just the skin, for a naturally refreshed and long-lasting result. Ideal for patients with moderate signs of aging, the SMAS facelift offers significant yet natural-looking rejuvenation without an overly tight or “pulled” appearance.
The deep plane facelift rejuvenates the face at a deeper level, lifting both the skin and SMAS layer as a single unit for a more dramatic, longer-lasting transformation. Unlike the SMAS facelift, which tightens the superficial muscle layer, this technique releases and repositions deeper facial structures, restoring volume and reducing sagging without placing tension on the skin.
The mini facelift targets the lower face, focusing on the jawline, jowls, and lower cheeks. Also referred to as a “short-scar facelift” or “S-lift,” this technique relies on smaller incisions and can be an excellent option for patients who don’t have significant skin laxity in the neck. The procedure offers a subtle lift and improved definition to the lower portion of the face.
Fat grafting restores lost volume in the face by harvesting fat from another area of your body—such as the abdomen or thighs—and strategically injecting it into areas that have lost volume with age. This natural approach replenishes fullness in the midface, cheeks, and deep folds around the nose and mouth, creating a softer, more youthful appearance. It can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with a facelift to enhance overall facial rejuvenation.
Longevity: Results from fat grafting are long-lasting, as a portion of the transferred fat permanently integrates into the treated area.
Scars and Incision Placement: Because fat is harvested using liposuction, small incisions are made in the donor area. No additional incisions are required in the face, as the fat is injected through fine cannulas.
Recovery: Swelling and bruising are common in both the donor area and the treated areas of the face. Most patients return to normal activities within 7 to 10 days, though minor swelling may persist for several weeks.
Dr. Olson and Dr. Marks will determine your facelift technique depending on the degree and type of correction needed. They will use their expertise to assess your facial structure and the quality of your facial tissues and then recommend the right approach for your needs and goals.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
A neck lift, or lower rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline by removing excess skin and tightening underlying muscles. It can reduce sagging, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance definition, helping to restore a more youthful and refined profile. Neck lifts are often chosen by individuals looking to address signs of aging or achieve better facial balance.
Not always, but many patients combine a facelift with a neck lift for a more balanced, youthful result. A facelift primarily targets the mid and lower face, while a neck lift addresses sagging skin, muscle banding, and excess fat in the neck area. Combining these procedures can provide a smoother and more harmonious appearance if you’re experiencing sagging in both the face and neck. Your surgeon will help you decide if adding a neck lift to your facelift will help achieve your desired results.
Facelift costs vary based on the technique used and your specific needs. You’ll receive a personalized quote at the end of your consultation.
While cost is a consideration, expertise matters most. Our surgeons are widely recognized for their skill in facial plastic surgery, making them a top choice in Arizona. Many patients from Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Mesa travel to Gilbert to benefit from their advanced training, precision, and artistry.
Dr. Olson and Dr. Marks typically perform this outpatient procedure using general anesthesia, so make sure someone is available to drive you home. For appropriate candidates, we also perform this under local anesthesia.
Facelift recovery depends on the procedure performed, but here’s a general timeline to help you understand what to expect:
Following your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions will help ensure a smoother recovery and long-lasting, natural-looking results.
A facelift provides long-lasting improvement for those looking to reverse visible signs of aging.
Facelift patients enjoy many benefits, including:
Whether you’re looking for subtle rejuvenation or more dramatic results, a facelift offers a personalized solution to help you look and feel your best.
A rhytidectomy, or facelift, addresses the lower half of the face and the neck. If you are concerned with a wrinkled, heavy brow or sagging eyelids, a brow lift or eyelid surgery may be a good fit for you. Renuvion® skin tightening may be used as a nonsurgical alternative to these procedures or complement surgical results by tightening the skin and smoothing lines and wrinkles.
Full face rejuvenation uses BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers to create comprehensive, nonsurgical facial rejuvenation results. It is best suited for patients in their 30s to 50s who have good skin elasticity and prefer a nonsurgical option.
Full face rejuvenation is ideal for those with early signs of aging, such as fine lines, mild wrinkles, and subtle volume loss, as it can smooth lines, enhance facial contours, and restore youthful fullness. While it provides noticeable results, full face rejuvenation does not address significant skin laxity or sagging.
The results of full face rejuvenation are temporary, typically lasting 6 to 12 months. A surgical facelift may be a more effective and long-lasting solution for those with more advanced aging concerns. During your consultation, your surgeon can determine whether full face rejuvenation or surgery is best for your aesthetic goals.
Men are often concerned with eliminating jowls and neck fullness while restoring definition and a chiseled look to the jawline. Women often want to restore a more V-shaped face and a sleeker neck and jawline. We consider factors such as skin thickness, facial structure, and hairline placement to ensure natural and harmonious results for each individual.
A mini facelift can be an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate sagging, particularly in the lower face and jawline. It’s less invasive than a full facelift, with shorter recovery times and smaller incisions. However, a full facelift may provide more comprehensive results if you have significant sagging or skin laxity, especially in the mid-face or neck areas. During your consultation, we’ll discuss which option best suits your needs.
Facelift recovery is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days. You may feel some tightness or soreness, which can be relieved with prescribed pain medication.
Facelift surgery is considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced, well-trained surgeon on a healthy individual. As with any surgery, there are risks, but serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to minimize risks, and we’ll thoroughly discuss any potential concerns during your consultation.
There is no “best” age for a facelift. Many people start considering facelift surgery in their 40s to 60s when signs of aging, such as sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls, become more prominent. However, some patients in their 30s may benefit from a mini facelift or other nonsurgical options. The key is to address aging when it begins to impact your confidence and well-being.
While results vary, most patients report looking about 10 to 15 years younger after a facelift. The goal of a facelift isn’t to make you look drastically different but to help you look like a more refreshed and rejuvenated version of yourself. Your results should appear natural, with smoother skin, reduced wrinkles, and a more defined facial contour.
Our practice enhances your natural beauty through exceptional care and innovative techniques. Here’s what sets us apart:
At Advanced Plastic Surgery Institute, we’re committed to delivering a smooth, safe, and transformative experience.
Ready to take the next step? We invite you to call our office today at (480) 466-7355 or request a consultation using the online form.
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