When double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood meets with patients considering facelift or neck lift surgery in Scottsdale, Arizona, near Phoenix, he explains that he customizes their surgery using the technique best suited to address their concerns and produce attractive, natural-looking results. Dr. Hobgood’s reputation as an expert who has performed more than 1,000 facelifts and procedures attracts women and men from throughout the Southwest and nationally, in addition to international patients.
| Facelift At A Glance | |
|---|---|
 Price Range: |
Varies |
 Recovery Time: |
3 to 6 Weeks |
 Average Procedure Time: |
3 to 4 Hours |
 Post-op Follow-up: |
1 Day, 1 Week, 1 Month |
 Recovery Location: |
Outpatient |
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Ideal candidates for facelift surgery are in good overall health and do not smoke or use nicotine products. Women and men typically choose this procedure to take years off their appearance by:
It’s important to understand that a facelift doesn’t address signs of aging on the upper face, focusing primarily on the mid-to-lower face and neck. For complete rejuvenation, Dr. Hobgood often recommends his patients combine a facelift with other facial plastic surgery procedures, such as a standard or deep neck lift, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift. During your initial consultation, he will work with you to create a comprehensive surgical plan.
If you’re experiencing significant medical conditions that impact healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes or blood clotting disorders, it’s best to consider alternatives. Additionally, those who smoke or use nicotine products may not be ideal candidates unless they are willing to quit well in advance of surgery and throughout the recovery process, as nicotine can impede healing and compromise results.
The price of a facelift in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area varies depending on several factors. These might include, but are not limited to, the surgeon’s experience, the facelift technique used, the condition of facial tissues, and complicating factors particular to the patient in question. During your consultation, we discuss what you can expect to pay based on the specific nature of your surgery.
Visit our blog to learn more about factors that influence the cost of a facelift. We also have blog posts dedicated to deep plane facelift pricing and the cost considerations for mini facelift surgery.
Dr. Hobgood combines his down-to-earth, personable demeanor with an artistic eye and technical expertise honed through thousands of surgeries, including more than 1,000 facelifts. He's recognized nationally for his leadership and has been honored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for his ongoing commitment to quality.
Meet Dr. Hobgood
Facelift surgery involves many different techniques to rejuvenate the face. Dr. Hobgood encourages you to keep an open mind when considering your facelift options because the type that works well for a friend may not produce the best result for you. As a facelift specialist, he assesses your unique facial structure, the quality of your skin, and other factors when selecting a facelift technique that will work best for you. He most commonly uses the following facelift techniques:
Dr. Hobgood believes the deep plane facelift is the best option for most facelift patients, and he has focused much of his career on perfecting this technique. A deep plane facelift tightens loose skin and restores volume in a way that looks natural and lasts for many years. This avoids the pulled or stretched look and maintains the results indefinitely.
Deep plane facelifts require surgical expertise that not all plastic surgeons possess. This advanced procedure elevates and repositions the facial tissues beneath the SMAS, or superficial muscular aponeurotic system, firms the upper neck, and improves the overall facial contour to a degree that other techniques can’t match.
To learn more about how a deep plane facelift compares to a traditional (SMAS) facelift, please read our related blog post.
Dr. Hobgood describes deep plane facelift
A SMAS facelift is slightly less invasive than a deep plane approach and is the most common type of facelift. The SMAS is a fibrous network that includes muscles that change your facial expressions and connects those muscles to the skin’s dermal layer.
As we age, the SMAS becomes less firm, and ligaments attaching it to deeper facial structures loosen. This results in the signs of aging, such as jowls and loose skin.
Dr. Hobgood performs SMAS imbrication facelifts for patients who have had permanent fillers or thread lifts or if undergoing a deep plane lift wouldn’t be safe. Dr. Hobgood may also recommend this approach for certain younger patients with more limited age changes.
Dr. Hobgood reserves the mini facelift for his younger Phoenix and Scottsdale patients with early signs of aging who want to make only small changes. Technically called a SMAS plication lift, this short-scar facelift technique has less extensive incisions than other approaches. It is important to be aware that recovery time for the mini facelift is usually comparable to a full facelift.
The best candidates for Dr. Hobgood’s limited (mini) SMAS imbrication facelift are patients who specifically show premature jowling along the jawline but otherwise have a tight neck beneath the chin. Not sure if you need a facelift vs mini facelift? We compare the two techniques in a related blog post.
A description of a mini facelift, given by Dr. Hobgood
"The Insider's Guide to Getting a Facelift" is the definitive e-book that distinguishes facts from myths and describes the journey of a facelift patient with engaging content and easy-to-understand illustrations.
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood is one of the leading facelift experts in the U.S., and he's drawn on years of experience to create this Insider's Guide.
Dr. Hobgood's Insider's Guide describes:
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In addition to the facelift techniques described above, Dr. Hobgood performs revision and liquid facelifts when appropriate.
A revision (secondary) facelift makes improvements after a prior facelift procedure. Dr. Hobgood typically performs revision surgery if a patient’s facelift was many years earlier. In some cases, he corrects the unsatisfactory results of facelifts performed by other surgeons.
These procedures are usually more complex than primary surgery and require the expertise of a facial plastic surgery specialist. Scottsdale patients considering a revision facelift should contact their original surgeon and request copies of their medical operative reports to be fully prepared for their consultation with Dr. Hobgood.
While no nonsurgical option can produce the same degree of correction as a facelift, some treatments can help your skin and facial contours look younger and refreshed. Popular facelift alternatives include:
Many people choose these injectable treatments to complement the results of their facelift.
Facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. A typical facelift procedure requires an incision from your hairline near your temple, around and under the ear, and back to the hairline. Dr. Hobgood performs a neck lift using a small incision just beneath your chin if needed.
After Dr. Hobgood makes the incisions, he isolates the layers of muscle and fat beneath your skin. Dr. Hobgood will artistically restore the natural position of the soft tissue platforms of the face for a fuller, more youthful appearance. This precise vertical lifting of the soft tissues of the face is critical to the long-term success and natural beauty of our results. Lastly, he lays the overlying skin into position and trims the excess skin. Once finished, he closes the incisions with staples and sutures.
Patients are often nervous about the visibility of facelift scars. With careful attention, the incisions are placed in the crease in front of the ear, into the ear canal, and around the earlobe, where they are difficult to detect after complete healing. The hair of the scalp is preserved. The incision behind the ear is hidden in the hair-bearing scalp so patients can wear their hair in ponytails or any style in the future without concern.
Lisa flew from Seattle to Scottsdale for her facelift
Restoring firmness to your skin and muscles is not enough to create natural-looking results. Dr. Hobgood ensures that your face maintains its full range of muscular movement so you will still have your unique appearance. Too many changes during a facelift can produce results that don’t look natural. Dr. Hobgood is a skilled surgeon and will give you a rested, youthful appearance.
Your primary focus during facelift recovery should be patience. Your face will likely feel tender and tight when you awaken from the anesthesia after surgery. Dr. Hobgood may apply a large, fluffy dressing to reduce swelling after the surgery. If he uses this, we replace it in about a day. Dr. Hobgood may also place small drainage tubes in your incisions to reduce the risk of fluid accumulation. We typically remove these tubes a day after surgery.
You may initially experience mild or moderate discomfort following your facelift. Dr. Hobgood will prescribe pain medication if you need it; most people are comfortable discontinuing pain relievers within 4 to 7 days. He also prescribes a round of antibiotics to prevent infection.
It is normal to experience swelling, tightness, tenderness, and numbness of the skin around the incisions. These aftereffects usually subside within weeks.
You should expect to be up and moving about the house within a few days. You may wash your hair on the second day after surgery. Those who work relatively sedentary office jobs can expect to get back to work after about 2 weeks, while those with more physically demanding occupations will likely need more time away or a modified work schedule.
You can see the results and should be able to engage in all your normal activities about a month after surgery. Your incision lines will appear reddish or pink for the first several months but should eventually fade to white or flesh color.
During this time you will be mostly resting; you should concentrate on making yourself comfortable. There will be bandages placed around your head; you will be taking your pain medications and antibiotics.
You will start removing and replacing your bandages, taking care of and cleaning the incisions; you can resume light daily activities.
At this point, most people feel comfortable returning to their normal daily activities, being seen in public and resuming mild exercise.
At this point, most external signs of recent surgery should be fading away or can be covered easily by a touch of makeup or some creative hair styling; most patients feel comfortable resuming social activities and moderate physical activities.
At this point, most patients feel great about their appearance and can enjoy their facelift results.
“Dr. Hobgood and his team were great. I felt very comfortable with Dr. Hobgood given his great reputation in the industry. His friendly approach makes you feel almost like a part of his family. thanks for everything.”
wildmusicsjl facelift patient on RealSelf.com
A neck lift is a surgical procedure for removing loose skin and tightening muscles to create a slimmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking neck. For many men and women, a neck lift improves self-confidence and alleviates self-consciousness about neck bands and the excess skin folds that create the appearance of a “turkey neck.” Some patients opt for a neck lift alone, while others may benefit from pairing the procedure with a lower facelift or other facial plastic surgeries to create a fully rejuvenated look.
A neck lift typically lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits. While a neck lift turns back the clock, it doesn’t stop aging altogether. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from the sun, and using quality skincare products help prolong your neck lift results.
Dr. Hobgood uses a graduated approach to neck rejuvenation, tailoring the treatment to address your specific concerns and aesthetic goals. During your personalized consultation, he’ll thoroughly assess your needs and recommend the best surgical approach:
Representing the most minimal approach, submental liposuction improves the neck by smoothing away a double chin. It removes excess fat beneath the skin but above the platysma muscle. This technique refines the jawline and restores definition, and is particularly suitable for younger patients with good skin elasticity.
This technique tightens the platysma muscles for patients with visible neck bands; it can be performed alongside liposuction to remove excess neck fat. Platysma plication enhances jawline definition and refines neck contours.
A traditional neck lift combines the above techniques with skin removal behind the ear. It’s particularly beneficial for patients over 40 who have undergone liposuction and platysma plication but require additional skin tightening for optimal results.
Reserved for more complex cases, a deep neck lift is the preferred approach for targeting large fat pads under the platysma and enlarged submandibular glands. This advanced technique addresses these deeper structures for comprehensive neck rejuvenation.
Using this customized, integrated approach, Dr. Hobgood helps patients with varying degrees of aging achieve seamless facial and neck contours and balanced, natural-looking results.
Neck lift patients can expect to take about 1 to 2 weeks to recover before returning to work. The length of time varies depending on each patient’s natural healing process and the extent of the surgery. Most patients experience some bruising and swelling, and some patients may also feel tightness or pulling in the days after the surgery.
As swelling subsides, you’ll begin appreciating the initial results. It can take a few months to achieve the final outcome of the surgery: a smoother, tighter, more contoured neck. Because Dr. Hobgood takes great care when making the incisions, scarring is minimal and heals discreetly.
Dr. Hobgood often combines facelift surgery with other facial rejuvenation procedures, including a neck lift, brow lift, and blepharoplasty. He has extensive experience with natural Implantech® silicone implants, which restore volume lost due to the natural aging process. He can create a more natural, fuller shape for the mid-face, temples, and jowls with implants. Dr. Hobgood often uses fat transfer for facial rejuvenation as a natural filler. As a finishing touch, it’s also simple to combine facelift surgery with facial resurfacing treatments, such as chemical peels, lasers, and dermabrasion, to correct lip lines, brown spots, and other concerns.
There’s no “perfect” age for a facelift, as everyone ages differently. Typically, people in their late 40s, 50s, and 60s are good candidates, especially those with deeper wrinkles, jowls, or sagging skin that doesn’t respond well to nonsurgical treatments. If you’re wondering if now is the right time, we encourage you to schedule a consultation so we can discuss your goals and help you decide.
While there is no upper age limit for facelift surgery, there are health considerations. If you’re a very healthy 80-year-old, you may be a good candidate for facelift surgery. On the other hand, a 45-year-old who smokes, has diabetes, or is significantly overweight may not be a good candidate for the procedure. Dr. Hobgood will review your health history and determine whether you are healthy enough for a facelift.
Please see our related blog post on the average age for facelift surgery to learn more.
Most people take about 2 weeks off to allow bruising and swelling to subside before returning to work. However, if you’re comfortable with minor residual swelling, you may feel ready after 10 days. For those who work from home, it’s possible to return to light duties within a week, but it’s best to plan for downtime and limit strenuous activities.
No, you’ll need someone to drive you home after a mini facelift. While a mini facelift is less invasive than a traditional facelift, the anesthesia and sedation used can make it unsafe for you to drive. We recommend arranging for a friend or family member to help with transportation and possibly assist you during your first day or two of recovery.
This is very subjective, as it depends on your age at the time of surgery, the degree of aging your face displays, and other factors. However, according to a study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, facelift patients rated themselves as looking 12 years younger after a facelift procedure.
Our approach to facelift surgery is to enhance your natural features subtly. A well-performed facelift leaves you looking refreshed and youthful without appearing “done.” By lifting and smoothing key areas while maintaining the natural movement of your face, we aim for results that look entirely like you—just a rejuvenated version.
Dr. Hobgood carefully conceals incisions in the hairline or by natural facial creases. Once the incisions heal, the resulting scars are typically thin, faint lines that do not draw attention.
Facelift results last about 10 years, depending on your age at the time of surgery, how well you take care of your skin after surgery and other factors. Over time, you will look years younger than if you had not had a facelift; however, the aging process continues.
Many patients find that fillers can enhance their results by restoring volume in areas a facelift doesn’t specifically address, such as the lips, nasolabial folds, or cheeks. Using fillers after a facelift can maintain and complement your youthful look, and we can guide you on the best timing and areas to enhance as part of your treatment plan.
Facial surgery does not affect skin quality, although outdated techniques can make the skin look tight and unnatural. Instead of only tightening the skin as in the past, today’s techniques rejuvenate the face by lifting the facial tissues and muscles and restoring volume to avoid a tight, “windblown” look.
Typically, a facelift isn’t overly painful. You may feel some tightness and mild discomfort in the first week, but you can manage it with prescribed pain medication. After the initial days, discomfort should decrease significantly, and over-the-counter pain relievers commonly ease any lingering soreness.
Complications after facelift surgery are remarkably rare; however, there is always the possibility of complications with any surgery, and a facelift is no exception. Complications from this surgery may include hematoma (pooling of blood under the skin), nerve damage (typically temporary), adverse anesthesia reactions, postoperative bleeding, and infection.
The cost of any cosmetic surgery varies depending on several factors, including the geographic location of the practice, the experience and training of the surgeon, and the extent of the procedure itself. During your consultation, we discuss what you can expect to pay based on your particular case.
A typical mini neck lift targets mild to moderate sagging. A traditional neck lift, however, addresses more extensive sagging and loose skin for a more dramatic rejuvenation. The traditional technique is usually necessary to achieve most patients’ aesthetic goals.
Sometimes, patients thinking about a neck lift may be better served by a different treatment approach. Liposuction, for example, may be all that’s needed to create a more defined neck and jawline. KYBELLA® is a nonsurgical option for reducing the appearance of a double chin.
Patients have been pleased with the results of our ClearLift laser, which is especially effective on the neck’s thin, delicate skin. It is a comfortable treatment that requires no downtime and can create exceptional results after 4 to 6 treatment sessions.
Yes, a neck lift can be performed as a stand-alone procedure in the absence of a facelift. This is suitable when your primary concern is sagging skin or excess fat in the neck area, and you don’t desire changes to the lower face.
Get to know Dr. Hobgood—often considered the best facelift surgeon in Scottsdale—and your options for facial rejuvenation. Request a consultation online using our simple form, or call the office at (480) 214-9955 to set up your appointment.
