Facelift
Visible signs of aging, such as sagging cheeks, deep wrinkles, lax skin, and nasolabial folds, can make you appear older than you feel. Facelift surgery, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a specialized surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the facial skin and underlying structures to restore a youthful balance.
At Warrington Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Stephanie Warrington offers the deep plane facelift, one of the most advanced techniques available for facelifts. Unlike a traditional facelift, which primarily tightens skin, the deep plane method repositions underlying tissues, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and the underlying facial muscles, for natural, long-lasting results.
Lifts and repositions deeper tissues to correct sagging skin and restore youthful contours.
Best for patients with loose skin, deep creases, and visible signs of facial aging.
Performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia
Initial swelling typically resolves within 2–3 weeks, with continued improvements over several months.
Long-lasting restoration of the face and neck with natural definition.
The facelift procedure is designed to address age-related changes in the mid and lower face by tightening facial tissue, repositioning facial fat, and smoothing deep wrinkles. Dr. Warrington specializes in the deep plane facelift technique, which repositions facial muscles and deeper tissues in addition to lifting excess sagging skin for long-lasting, natural-looking results.
Dr. Warrington customizes each facelift surgery to suit the patient’s unique facial anatomy, skin elasticity, and individual goals. Some patients choose to combine a facelift with complementary facial procedures such as a neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery.
Facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Warrington will carefully place incisions around the ears or hairline to minimize the visibility of scars. She then repositions underlying facial muscles and deeper tissues to restore youthful volume and reduce sagging skin. Once the deeper layers are repositioned, excess sagging skin is removed, and skin is gently redraped for a smooth finish. When the procedure is complete, patients return home the same day, accompanied by detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments scheduled.
A deep plane facelift addresses both surface and structural signs of aging, including:
A deep plane facelift provides powerful, natural-looking results by lifting deeper tissues, rather than just tightening the skin. This advanced technique provides longer-lasting results compared to a traditional facelift, restoring youthful volume and contour to the mid face and jawline, improving skin tone, and reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles. Dr. Warrington’s precision and artistry create balanced results that avoid the “pulled” or “windswept” look associated with older methods. Results can last for a decade or longer, allowing patients to enjoy improved confidence in their appearance.
You may be a good candidate for facial cosmetic surgery if you are dissatisfied with the appearance of sagging skin, deep creases, or other signs of facial aging in the lower face and neck. Candidates for plastic surgery should be in good health, with no underlying medical conditions that could compromise wound healing, and have realistic expectations for the results of facial rejuvenation surgery. Dr. Warrington will learn about your goals and medical history to determine if a facelift is the right fit for you.
The healing process varies from person to person, but most patients can expect swelling and bruising that gradually improve over one to two weeks. Use of cold compresses and head elevation helps minimize swelling, while discomfort is managed with prescription or over-the-counter medication. Some patients experience temporary numbness or tightness as the facial nerves adjust.
Stitches are removed after 7–10 days, and patients typically return to work in 2–3 weeks. Full recovery can take several months as residual swelling subsides and the tissues settle into their proper position. It’s important to avoid strenuous activity until cleared by Dr. Warrington and to protect the surgical site from sun exposure to support proper healing. Dr. Warrington provides detailed aftercare instructions and attentive support throughout the recovery process.
A well-performed facelift should never make you look like someone else. It should make you look like yourself, only more rested and refined. Most patients notice smoother skin, improved jawline definition, and a natural lift through the cheeks and lower face. Dr. Warrington specializes in advanced facelift methods that respect the natural structure of the face. Her focus is on repositioning deep tissues, not just tightening the skin, so your results age gracefully over time. Most facelift results last 8 to 10 years, with many patients saying they look like themselves again, just more vibrant and confident.
At Warrington Facial Plastic Surgery, your facelift is performed exclusively by Dr. Stephanie Warrington, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon and board-certified ENT. Her expertise in facial anatomy, advanced surgical techniques, and the delicate balance of facial proportions ensures results that are natural, lasting, and tailored to your individual features. Patients in Phoenix, Glendale, and beyond trust her for her precision, artistry, and compassionate care in both cosmetic surgery and functional procedures.
Most patients report tightness and swelling rather than severe pain, which is managed with medication.
A deep plane facelift repositions deeper tissues and facial muscles, whereas a traditional facelift primarily focuses on tightening excess skin.
Incisions are placed along natural contours and hidden behind the hairline, resulting in minimal visibility once the wound has healed.
Yes, many patients combine a surgical facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, or brow lift for complete facial rejuvenation.
The cost of a facelift depends on the technique, surgical complexity, and whether other facial procedures are combined. Pricing is discussed during your facelift consultation.
No, a facelift is considered an elective cosmetic surgery, so it is not covered by insurance. We offer financing options to help you access cosmetic care in a way that works for your budget.
