Facelift in Tucson, AZ

At Sanchez-Navarro Plastic Surgery, patients can receive the best facelift  in Tucson using the deep-plane facelift technique. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro, customizes each procedure using his artistic eye and 13 years of experience to carefully lift and reshape the tissues. His patients have natural-looking improvements that can restore self-confidence for many years. Sanchez-Navarro Plastic Surgery is committed to providing excellent  care to make sure that each person looks and feels at their best.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery that aims to make the face look more youthful. It involves lifting and tightening the skin and tissues of the face and neck. A facelift targets common signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging, and the loss of skin elasticity. This procedure provides people with a more refreshed, rejuvenated facial appearance. It usually takes between 1 and 5 hours, depending on the patient’s needs and type of surgery.

Gallery

View our Facelift results

Types of Facelift

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift aims to address signs of aging in the midface region, but  it can also be performed on the entire face. In this technique, the surgeon undermines (separates) the soft tissues of the midface all the way down to the bone to reposition and redrape them. This allows for the correction of laxity, jowls, and drooping of facial structures. It is a more complex and involved technique than a traditional facelift due to the extensive repositioning. However, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro prefers the deep plane approach because it enables the correction of age-related volume loss and descent more comprehensively than other types of facelifts. It is an advanced technique that requires considerable surgical skill and experience. However, it provides longer-lasting and more dramatic improvements in facial appearance compared to other methods.

Traditional (Full) Facelift

This is the most common type of facelift. During this surgery, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro makes incisions starting at the temples and going down and around the front of the ear, often extending behind the ear as well. Through these openings, he can reposition and tighten several layers of tissue, including the skin, underlying fat, and the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) layer. The deep plane facelift allows Dr. Sanchez-Navarro to address jowls, marionette lines around the mouth, loose neck skin, and other signs of aging in the lower face and neck. Because it targets multiple layers of tissue, this surgery can produce longer-lasting results compared to other types of facelift procedures. However, it also requires more recovery time. Patients experience swelling and bruising for up to 2 weeks after the operation.

Mini Facelift

The mini facelift targets the lower third of the face. It is less invasive and focuses on the lower face, jawline, and neck. During a mini facelift, incisions are made around the ears and base of the scalp. Through these openings, underlying fat is repositioned or removed, and tissues are lifted upward and re-draped. While it does not address issues in the mid or upper parts, a mini facelift provides subtle improvements to jowls and loose neck skin for patients who do not require dramatic results from a full facelift.

Mid-Facelift

A mid-facelift, also known as a mid-face lift, is a surgical procedure that targets the cheeks, lower eyelids, and nasolabial folds. Small incisions are made in the hairline and inside the mouth, allowing Dr. Sanchez-Navarro to reposition and tighten sagging facial tissues. The main goal is to sculpt the central part of the face to create a refreshed and youthful appearance. A mid-facelift is less extensive than a traditional one, which also addresses jowls and includes a neck lift. Recovery time is usually 1-2 weeks, with bruising and swelling subsiding within 14 days.

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift aims to address signs of aging in the midface region, but it can also be performed on the entire face. In this technique, the surgeon undermines (separates) the soft tissues of the midface all the way down to the bone to reposition and redrape them. This allows for the correction of laxity, jowls, and drooping of facial structures. It is a more complex and involved technique than a traditional facelift due to the extensive repositioning. However, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro prefers the deep plane approach because it enables the correction of age-related volume loss and descent more comprehensively than other types of facelifts. It is an advanced technique that requires considerable surgical skill and experience. However, it provides longer-lasting and more dramatic improvements in facial appearance compared to other methods.

Traditional (Full) Facelift

Mini Facelift

Mid-Facelift

Preparation for Facelift Surgery

Prior to a facelift, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro has a consultation with each patient  to discuss their goals and expectations as well as evaluate the facial structure and skin. The surgeon analyzes medical history to determine if the person  is a good candidate for a facelift. The patient may be asked to get pre-surgical lab screening done to ensure safety for anesthesia. Dr. Sanchez-Navarro also gives instructions on avoiding medications and supplements that could increase bleeding risks. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and certain herbal treatments. The patient is also asked to stop smoking for a month before and after the procedure because nicotine can negatively impact healing.

Preparations typically involve no eating or drinking past midnight before  the operation. Arrangements should be made for a ride home from the surgical facility and some recovery assistance at home in the days following  the procedure. Clear communication between patient and surgeon leading  up to the facelift is essential for optimal preparation.

Facelift Procedure

Anesthesia

A facelift is performed under general anesthesia to keep the patient comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Incisions

Dr. Sanchez-Navarro makes small incisions in the hairline at the temples, continuing underneath the earlobes and behind the ears. This allows the surgeon to reposition and tighten underlying muscle and tissue. The incisions are strategically placed in natural creases and folds to remain hidden.

Lifting and Reshaping

Through the incisions, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro lifts the skin, tightens underlying supportive tissue, and removes any excess skin. In this way, he reshapes and contours the face and neck to create a more youthful appearance. Fat may be redistributed or grafted to change the shape of the face.

Closing the Incisions

Once the surgeon has achieved the desired lifting and reshaping, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical clips. Over time, the lines fade and become almost invisible.

Add-On Procedure

Eyelid Surgery

Many patients choose to have an eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) performed in conjunction with a facelift. During a blepharoplasty, excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed from the upper and lower eyelids. This can help to reduce the appearance of puffiness, drooping eyelids, and bags under the eyes. When combined with a facelift, which tightens facial skin and smoothes wrinkles, blepharoplasty can rejuvenate the eye area and create better harmony between the midface and lower face. Adding eyelid surgery to a facelift allows patients to address multiple aging concerns in one procedure.

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Another procedure that can be performed together with a facelift is CO2 laser resurfacing. The laser is used to smooth the skin by vaporizing the outer damaged layers. When combined with a facelift, this technique can further improve skin tightness, tone, and texture. The laser creates microscopic wounds, which stimulate collagen production during the healing process. This results in tighter skin with reduced wrinkles, lines, and scars. The laser can be precisely focused on specific areas of concern around the face to provide general resurfacing and skin refreshing. Performing this procedure together with a facelift can be highly beneficial for facial rejuvenation.

Eyelid Surgery

CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Recovery After Facelift

The recovery time for a facelift depends on the type of procedure performed. In general, most patients can expect some degree of swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first week after surgery. Bandages and dressings are typically removed within a day or two, though some temporary drains or sutures may remain in place a bit longer. Most facelift patients report that the majority of acute swelling and bruising subsides within two weeks.

Final results often take 3-6 months to fully realize. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for at least 2-4 weeks. Work and normal social activities can usually be resumed within 7-14 days. Consistency with follow-up appointments and proper post-operative care is vital to ensuring optimal healing and results. As with any surgery, recovery time can vary significantly between patients.

Candidates for Facelift

Sagging Skin

Candidates typically have moderate or significant loose skin on the face and neck, as well as the loss of a well-defined jawline. A facelift can help to tighten and improve these areas.

Age

Many patients get the surgery 10 to 15 years after the sagging first appeared. A facelift may be appropriate for people in their 40s, 50s, 60s, or early 70s.

Aesthetic Goals

Candidates must want to restore their youthful, refreshed appearance. Although a facelift cannot radically change looks, it helps to take years off one's face.

Health

Good overall health without diseases that could impair healing makes recovery easier. Certain medical conditions may need optimization first. We assess each patient's health during consultation.

Realistic Expectations

Candidates should understand that some sagging skin, wrinkles, or aging signs will remain. Additional procedures are often needed to fully rejuvenate one’s appearance.

Commitment

Recovering from a facelift requires following post-procedure instructions for compression garments, incision care, activity restrictions, and attending all follow-ups. Candidates must commit to proper aftercare.

Benefits of Facelift

Improved Appearance. A facelift can provide a more rested, youthful, and rejuvenated appearance. By tightening and smoothing sagging skin and wrinkles, this surgery can help to turn back the clock and restore contours. The effects of aging are softened, leaving the face looking naturally younger.
Long-Lasting Results. While no plastic surgery produces permanent results, a facelift can create dramatic improvements that last for years. After the tissues are physically tightened and lifted, the visual changes are significant. Although some settling may occur over time, much of the enhancement from a facelift procedure will remain visible.
Boosted Confidence. Many patients experience a surge in self-confidence after this procedure. With smoother skin, a tighter jawline, and an overall more youthful visage, people often feel better about their appearance and become more comfortable in social situations. This mental and emotional boost can be incredibly renewing.

Cost of Facelift in Tucson, AZ

The cost of a facelift in Tucson, AZ, ranges from $5,000 to $20,000, depending  on the extent of the procedure, anesthesia fees, and additional factors.

Patients who are interested in this surgery work directly with Dr. Sanchez-Navarro  to receive a customized treatment plan. During the consultation, he makes a thorough examination and discusses the person’s goals. After this assessment, a facelift cost estimate is provided. We consider a wide range of factors when forming the final price, including anesthesia, facility fees, and other expenses. Sanchez-Navarro Plastic Surgery offers many payment options to make this procedure affordable and comfortable for every patient.

What Makes Our Facelift Different From Others?

Dr. Francisco Sanchez-Navarro has over 13 years of experience successfully performing facelifts and other cosmetic procedures.  His training and expertise allow him to achieve natural-looking results.

Facelifts are performed in a private, state-licensed surgical facility that meets rigorous standards for quality and safety. Our patients receive all procedures in a welcoming, high-end environment.

Dr. Sanchez-Navarro takes a personalized approach to each facelift, carefully evaluating the patient’s unique facial structure, skin type, bones, and aesthetic goals. His artistic eye and surgical skills make it possible to achieve remarkable rejuvenation.

With training in multiple specialties, Dr. Sanchez-Navarro understands facial aesthetics in the context of the whole body. His balanced approach helps patients look refreshed and natural from head to toe.

Contact Us

Schedule
a consultation