Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood is a nationally recognized leader in custom facelift surgery, known for delivering exceptional patient care and achieving dramatic results that still look natural.
As a facelift expert who has completed more than 2,000 facelift procedures, Dr. Hobgood attracts patients to his Scottsdale, Arizona, facial plastic surgery practice from throughout the Southwest, nationwide, and internationally.
Rather than relying on a single technique for every patient, Dr. Hobgood offers a full spectrum of facelift approaches—ranging from traditional SMAS facelifts to advanced deep plane techniques to his signature One Touch Restore Facelift™. He tailors each plan to the individual’s facial anatomy, aging patterns, and aesthetic goals and personally performs each procedure with meticulous attention to detail.
A facelift (rhytidectomy) addresses signs of aging, such as jowls and sagging skin, by lifting underlying tissue and muscle and removing excess skin. Dr. Hobgood specializes in deep plane facelift procedures, which he incorporates into his signature One Touch Restore Facelift, a customized surgery that combines surgical and nonsurgical treatments to produce comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Having people trust their appearance, their faces, to you as a plastic surgeon is very humbling, and it’s a choice that I sincerely appreciate.
This patient underwent a deep plane facelift, upper blepharoplasty, endoscopic forehead lift (also known as a brow lift), and full face CO2 laser resurfacing.
This patient came to facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood for safe and natural rejuvenation. She wanted a softer and well-rested appearance. She underwent a combined upper and lower blepharoplasty, deep plane facelift, platysma plication, carbon dioxide laser, and forehead lift. We love the natural results. Read More
This patient underwent a deep plane facelift, upper blepharoplasty, transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty, endoscopic forehead lift (also known as a brow lift), and full face CO2 laser resurfacing.
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:
Reducing jowls for a more angular and defined chin and jaw
Restoring firmer, elevated cheeks
Smoothing lax skin around the mouth and nose
It’s important to understand that a traditional 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 offers other customized facelift options.
During your initial consultation, he will work with you to create a comprehensive surgical plan.
Our Facelift Expertise by the Numbers
What makes Dr. Todd Hobgood one of the foremost facelift specialists in the nation?
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.
Why Choose Dr. Hobgood for Your Facelift?
Choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you’ll make when considering a facelift. Dr. Todd Hobgood has built a national reputation by focusing exclusively on advanced facelift techniques that deliver structurally sound and long-lasting results.
With more than 22 years in private practice and over 2,000 facelifts performed, Dr. Hobgood brings a depth of experience that few surgeons can match. His approach centers on the vertical deep plane extended facelift with preservation techniques, a highly specialized method designed to reposition deeper facial tissues—not just tighten the skin. This allows for more dramatic improvement in jawline definition and midface support while maintaining a natural, unoperated appearance.
A Surgeon’s Surgeon
Dr. Hobgood is widely regarded as a “surgeon’s surgeon,” frequently treating fellow facial plastic surgeons and receiving referrals from dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and experienced aesthetic providers. Each year, he personally trains more than 20 medical professionals in his advanced techniques, reflecting his leadership in the evolution of deep plane facelift surgery.
Uncompromising Approach to Safety
Safety and consistency are foundational to his practice. Notably, Dr. Hobgood has never had a case of facial nerve paralysis or skin flap necrosis in facelift surgery. These are 2 of the most serious complications associated with the procedure. This track record reflects both his technical mastery and meticulous, patient-first philosophy.
How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Scottsdale?
The price of a facelift in Scottsdale 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.
Some of Dr. Hobgood’s Favorite Facelift Transformations
Understanding Your Facelift Options
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
Your skin quality
Your degree of facial aging
Your goals for rejuvenation
Based on these factors, he may recommend any of the following techniques:
Deep Plane Facelift
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.
SMAS Imbrication 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.
Mini Facelift
Dr. Hobgood reserves the mini facelift for his younger 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.
One Touch Restore Facelift
Dr. Hobgood’s signature One Touch Restore Facelift is a highly customized approach that addresses multiple signs of aging in a single procedure. Rather than focusing on one area, it combines a facelift with complementary treatments, such as a standard or deep neck lift, eyelid surgery, or a brow lift. The goal is to restore overall facial balance and achieve more comprehensive, natural-looking results.
By tailoring each plan to your unique facial anatomy, Dr. Hobgood is able to address changes in skin, muscle, and volume simultaneously. This approach creates a more harmonious, refreshed appearance while allowing patients to undergo a single surgery and recovery period rather than multiple separate procedures.
How Do the Different Types of Facelifts Compare?
For easy reference, below is a side-by-side comparison of facelift options, including deep plane facelift vs. a “regular” facelift (SMAS) vs. a mini facelift vs. a One Touch Restore Facelift:
Deep Plane Facelift
Traditional SMAS Facelift
Mini Facelift
One Touch Restore
Technique
Full release of foundation soft tissues and muscle ligaments
Release of lateral SMAS tissues
SMASectomy and Plication
Customized facelift + complementary procedures
Mechanism
Natural, vertical lifting of volume over bone structure for restoration
Pulling of SMAS upward to girdle the soft tissues
Excision of strip of SMAS and plication
Addresses skin, muscle, and volume loss simultaneously for full facial rejuvenation
Downtime
3-4 weeks
3-4 weeks
2 weeks
2–3 weeks (varies based on procedures combined)
Operating Room Time
3-4 hours
3-4 hours
2 hours
3–4+ hours (depending on surgical plan)
Incisions
In front and behind ears hidden into hairline
In front and behind ears hidden into hairline
In front of ear and limited behind ear
Facelift incisions plus additional procedure-specific incisions
Dissection
Deeper release of the SMAS into the cheek and neck
Less release of SMAS
Subcutaneous to remove a strip of SMAS and plicate
Varies based on treatment plan
Advantages
Natural, youthful redraping of soft tissues and skin without a pulled appearance
Slightly lower risk of facial nerve injury, less technically demanding
Shorter downtime, less invasive
Comprehensive rejuvenation during a single surgery with one recovery period
Maximal neck improvement, girdle effect on the midface for tightening
Remove loose skin at jowl, no neck change
Restore youthful contours across the upper, mid, and lower face, with balanced, natural-looking results.
"My goal with every facelift is to restore a more youthful version of you—not change what makes you unique. Every facelift I perform is customized to enhance your natural features and help you feel beautifully refreshed and confident."
- Todd C. Hobgood, MD
Mini Facelift vs Full Facelift: Which Is Right For You?
If you’re deciding between a mini facelift and a full facelift, the right choice depends on the degree of aging and the areas you’d like to improve. As noted above, a mini facelift is typically best for patients with early signs of aging, such as mild jowling, while a full facelift comprehensively addresses more advanced aging concerns.
During your consultation, Dr. Hobgood will recommend the approach that best aligns with your anatomy and goals. If you want to start exploring which approach may be right for you, we compare the two techniques in a related blog post.
What Customized Facelift Techniques Are Available?
In addition to the facelift techniques described above, Dr. Hobgood performs revision and liquid facelifts when appropriate. Many patients also choose to combine a facelift with a neck lift or deep plane neck lift for enhanced rejuvenation results.
Before and After Revision Facelift & CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Scottsdale, AZ, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Revision Facelift & CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Scottsdale, AZ, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
Before and After Revision Facelift & CO2 Laser Resurfacing in Scottsdale, AZ, by Dr. Todd Hobgood
What Is a Revision Facelift?
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 unsatisfactory results of facelifts performed by other surgeons.
Revision facelift surgery in Scottsdale is usually more complex than primary surgery and requires the expertise of a facial plastic surgery specialist. 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.
Because revision facelifts require working through scar tissue and previously altered anatomy, Dr. Hobgood’s deep plane specialization, having performed more than 2,000 facelifts, is directly relevant to achieving predictable, natural results in these complex cases.
A Must-Have for Facelift Patients
"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:
Why modern facelift techniques create results that look natural
Who is a good candidate for a facelift
What the difference is between a full and a mini facelift
When you can expect to see friends socially after a facelift
Submit the form below to receive our free eGuide as part of a short series of emails on Facelift.
What Is a Liquid Facelift?
For those who wish to avoid surgery, a liquid facelift utilizes injectables to help your skin and facial contours appear younger and more refreshed. While some patients opt for a liquid facelift for jowls, wrinkles, and other concerns, this approach provides subtle, temporary results. A surgical facelift is the better option for comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation.
Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Facelift
Nonsurgical facelift options treat wrinkles and volume loss with temporary injectable treatments. BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® relaxes the injected muscles, causing the overlying skin to smooth and preventing some expression-based wrinkles from appearing.
At the same time, dermal fillers restore volume beneath the skin to improve contours and create a more youthful appearance. Biostimulatory fillers, such as Sculptra, can round out this “liquid facelift” by stimulating collagen production for longer-lasting enhancements.
While a facelift is seen as the gold standard for lasting, dramatic facial rejuvenation, many people choose facelift alternatives such as injectable treatments to complement their surgical results.
A Reputation Built on Results
I can’t put into words how happy I am with the results I have gotten from my procedure with Dr.Hobgood....
I had a great experience. Dr. Hobgood was excellent , he was professional and very clear explaining...
I’ve just had my second surgery with Dr. Hobgood and wouldn’t have returned if I hadn’t been beyond...
Dr Hobgood and his team go
Above and beyond in ALL areas of patient care. It was a treat seeing Lisa...
Facelift surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Anesthesia: The outpatient facelift procedure is performed under anesthesia for your comfort.
Incision: Dr. Hobgood creates an incision that begins at the hairline near the temple, continues around and under the ear, and extends back into the hairline. If needed, a neck lift incision is made beneath the chin.
Lifting Technique: He carefully isolates the layers of muscle and fat, then artistically repositions the soft tissue platforms vertically to restore natural-looking fullness and long-lasting, youthful contours.
Closure: The skin is gently re-draped, excess tissue is removed, and the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures and staples for optimal healing and minimal scarring.
Facelift Incisions and Scars
Patients are often nervous about the visibility of facelift scars. Dr. Hobgood carefully places each incision to ensure it’s as discreet as possible:
Around the ears: Incisions follow the natural contours around the ear, blending into the creases that conceal them once healed. Most patients find that these scars fade significantly within a few months and are barely noticeable over time.
Under the chin: If a small incision is made for a neck lift, it’s hidden in the natural crease beneath the chin. This area typically heals very well, leaving only a fine line that’s rarely visible.
Behind the hairline: Incisions that extend into the hairline are discreetly hidden within the hair, allowing for natural hairstyles without visible scarring. These scars tend to heal smoothly and are virtually undetectable once fully matured.
What Makes a Facelift Look Natural?
A facelift looks natural when it restores youthful contours while preserving your unique facial expressions and movement. 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. His before-and-after photo gallery of more than 125 facelift patients and 380+ 5-star Google reviews are evidence of his exceptional results.
What Should I Expect From Facelift Recovery Time?
Your primary focus during facelift recovery should be patience. While every patient’s recovery is unique, the healing timeline typically follows a similar trajectory:
Week 1: Patients return home the same day; swelling and bruising peak. Dr. Hobgood will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to help you stay comfortable.
Weeks 2–3: Bruising fades, swelling improves. Light activities may resume.
Weeks 4–6: Patients generally look presentable and can return to full activities.
“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
What Can a Facelift Do for You?
When performed by an experienced facial plastic surgeon, a facelift offers both physical and emotional benefits.
Dr. Hobgood’s patients enjoy:
A naturally youthful and refreshed appearance
Improved confidence
Enhanced facial harmony
Rejuvenation with minimal evidence of surgery
What Procedures Are Commonly Combined With a Facelift?
Commonly combined procedures with a facelift include treatments that address the upper face, improve skin quality, and enhance overall facial balance. Patients often enjoy the best results when their facelift goes beyond “standard.” Dr. Hobgood offers a personalized facelift treatment plan that targets multiple areas of concern for comprehensive results.
Typical pairings include:
Brow Lift: Raises low or heavy brows to open up the upper face and restore a more youthful, refreshed look.
Eyelid Surgery: Smooths, lifts, and brightens the eye area by removing excess skin and fat for a more rested appearance.
Chin Augmentation: Improves facial proportions and contour with a small implant or filler enhancement to create better balance and definition.
Neck Lift: Creates a sharper chin-to-jaw angle and tightens sagging skin beneath the jawline for a smoother, more sculpted neck profile.
Injectables: Eases wrinkles and restores lost volume to refresh facial contours and enhance natural expression.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Enhances skin tone and texture by reducing fine lines, sun damage, and discoloration for a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Sign Up to Receive News & Special Offers
Facelift FAQ
What is the best age to do a facelift?
There’s no “perfect” age for a facelift, as everyone ages differently. However, the average age of facelift patients tends to fall in the late 40s, 50s, and 60s, when concerns such as deeper wrinkles, jowls, or sagging skin become more noticeable and may no longer 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.
How do I know if I’m too old for facelift surgery?
Many people wonder, “Is 60 too old for a facelift?” The truth is, there’s no strict upper age limit. What matters most is your overall health. A very healthy 80-year-old may be an excellent candidate, while a 45-year-old who smokes, has diabetes, or is significantly overweight may not be. Dr. Hobgood will review your health history and help determine whether you’re a good candidate for facelift surgery.
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.
What's the difference between a deep plane and SMAS facelift?
A SMAS facelift tightens the superficial muscular layer of the face to improve sagging, while a deep plane facelift goes deeper to reposition underlying tissues and restore facial volume more naturally. Because the deep plane technique releases and lifts deeper structures, it often provides more comprehensive and longer-lasting results, particularly in the midface and neck. The best approach depends on your anatomy and goals, which Dr. Hobgood evaluates during your consultation.
What is the most natural-looking facelift?
The most natural-looking facelift is less about the specific technique and more about the skill of the surgeon. Deep plane facelifts provide more dramatic rejuvenation because they address the deeper layers of the face, but that doesn’t mean that less invasive approaches will produce less natural results.
In many cases, the most natural, youthful results come from a combined surgical and nonsurgical approach, such as Dr. Hobgood’s signature One Touch Restore facelift.
How long does swelling last after a facelift?
Swelling after a facelift typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks, with most visible swelling improving during the first couple of weeks. However, mild residual swelling can persist for several months as tissues continue to settle and refine. Most patients feel comfortable returning to social activities within 2 to 3 weeks, with continued improvement in definition and contour over time..
Will I have noticeable scars?
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.
How many years does a facelift last?
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. So what happens 10 years after a facelift? Over time, you will look years younger than if you had not had a facelift; however, the aging process continues. If you’re wondering which facelift lasts the longest, the answer is typically the deep plane technique due to its advanced manipulation of the underlying layers of the skin.
How painful is a facelift?
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.
Who is the best facelift surgeon in Scottsdale?
While “best” is subjective, Dr. Todd Hobgood is widely recognized as a top facelift specialist in Scottsdale. He is double board certified, honored as a RealSelf Hall of Fame Facial Plastic Surgeon, and has performed over 1,700 facelifts in his distinguished career.
What are the best facelift alternatives?
The best facelift alternatives are nonsurgical treatments like BOTOX or Dysport to relax wrinkles, dermal fillers to restore volume, and laser resurfacing to improve skin texture and tone. While these treatments can provide noticeable, temporary improvement, they do not lift deeper facial structures the way a surgical facelift can, making surgery the better option for more significant, long-lasting results.
What are some trending facelift techniques popular in Arizona, and what is the next best thing besides a facelift?
You may hear about procedures such as the Y Facelift, Cinderella Lift, Butterfly/Princess Lift, or Ponytail Facelift. These are terms often used to market variations of traditional facelift methods. The next best thing to a facelift is a combination of nonsurgical treatments that tighten skin, improve volume, and refine contours without surgery. Options like dermal fillers and laser resurfacing can provide noticeable lifting and smoothing for patients who aren’t ready for surgery—but a surgical facelift is the most comprehensive solution.
Dr. Hobgood encourages patients to look beyond branding and focus on the fundamentals: choosing a surgeon who understands facial anatomy, uses proven techniques, and tailors every procedure to the individual. His approach prioritizes deep plane and SMAS-based facelifts, which deliver the most natural-looking and lasting results for qualified patients.
Ready To Get Started?
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.
