Facial features are the very foundation of your unique appearance. Unfortunately, they are also the most delicate of our features and are susceptible to significant change over time due to things like sun damage, aging, lifestyle, and even stress. When wrinkles begin to form on the face, or skin begins to sag, it can reveal your true age, or even worse, cause you to look older than you really are. Deep plane facelift surgery is an intricate and comprehensive procedure that can help you regain the features of your youth. As an accomplished facial plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, Dr. Berardi has helped many men and women feel confident in their appearance through the facelift procedure.
A deep-plane facelift is a surgical technique that focuses on repositioning the deeper facial tissues to create a more natural and lasting lift. Unlike traditional facelifts, the deep plane facelift releases attachments in the deeper facial tissues, allowing for a more comprehensive adjustment. This approach targets the underlying muscle and fat layers rather than just the skin, providing a more structural rejuvenation. Typically, the procedure lasts around three to four hours, depending on individual factors. By addressing these deeper tissues, Dr. Berardi can achieve a refined contour that integrates seamlessly with the patient’s facial anatomy.
We provide thorough pre-surgery instructions once you’ve decided to schedule a facelift procedure with Dr. Berardi. Those instructions include:
Don’t worry – we will ensure you feel prepared for your surgery. We care about our patients’ experiences, and arm them with the information they need.
We provide thorough pre-surgery instructions once you’ve decided to schedule a facelift procedure with Dr. Berardi. Those instructions include:
Once the deep plane facelift addresses all cosmetic issues, Dr. Berardi carefully re-drapes the skin over the newly lifted structures. The incisions are then meticulously closed with fine sutures to minimize visible scarring and promote natural healing. This careful closure ensures the facial contours remain smooth and the overall result appears seamless.
It depends on the exact procedure and what is being completed. Generally, most facelift procedures last several hours. We provide a time estimate after we’ve discussed the right facelift technique for your goals.
A brow lift is a surgical procedure that targets loose skin and muscle in the forehead area to create a more refreshed look. Many patients choose this procedure as part of a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan to address signs of aging above the eyes. By lifting and tightening the brow, the procedure helps smooth wrinkles and reduce heaviness that can make the eyes appear tired. This surgical procedure effectively restores a youthful contour to the upper face while complementing other treatments.
A neck lift focuses on correcting neck laxity by tightening the underlying muscles and removing excess skin and fat. This surgical rejuvenation helps restore a firmer, more defined neck and jawline, which can be affected by the natural aging process or fluctuations in weight. The result is smoother skin and a more youthful profile that balances with the rest of the face. Many patients find that combining a neck lift with other facial procedures enhances their overall appearance.
Eyelid surgery addresses skin laxity and excess fat around the upper and lower eyelids to improve the eye area’s contour. This procedure is designed to restore a natural appearance by removing puffiness and sagging that can create a tired or aged look. By carefully reshaping the eyelids, the surgery refreshes the eyes while maintaining facial harmony. Eyelid surgery often complements other facial rejuvenation treatments for balanced, subtle results.
Rhytidectomy does not address wrinkles on the forehead or sagging eyelids. Unless neck lifting is included in the facelift, the procedure does not address neck wrinkles and neck banding. To achieve the most natural and consistent results, Dr. Berardi may recommend a complementary procedure.
Deep plane facelift surgery is an in-depth procedure that requires rest and relaxation afterward. You should expect to experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the days after surgery. Dr. Berardi will provide you with complete post-operative instructions and pain medication to ensure that your recovery is as safe and comfortable as possible.
Following a deep plane facelift procedure, you should:
Dr. Berardi will see you for a post-surgical appointment at our Scottsdale office to monitor your recovery and advise you on when you can return to work and other routine activities. Strenuous activity – contact sports, in particular – should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.
Full results are typically evident about one month after your surgery. After the recovery period is over, patients often report an increased sense of self-confidence due to the restoration of their more youthful and attractive facial features.
Most people continue to enjoy their deep plane facelift results for roughly 10 years or longer. There is no predetermined time at which your face will return to its sagging state. Each person’s skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle will influence how long the results last. Even after 10 years, your face will likely look younger than it would have otherwise, even if some sagging appears.
The typical facelift candidate is an individual who is unhappy with signs of aging that have appeared on the face, including sagging skin of the cheeks and jawline, as well as loss of volume. During a personalized consultation, Dr. Berardi will evaluate your bone structure and skin elasticity to determine if you are likely to respond well to treatment. Other factors that will determine if you are a good facelift candidate include being in good general health and not smoking, as smoking can increase the risk of complications. You should also have realistic expectations regarding facelift surgery and understand that, while the procedure can reverse already existing signs of aging, it cannot stop the aging process altogether. Dr. Berardi will assess your cosmetic needs and goals, as well as your motivations for undergoing surgery, to determine if you are a suitable candidate for a facelift.
At What Age Should You Consider a Facelift
The question is whether a facelift is the right choice to correct the facial aging you are experiencing now, regardless of your age. Most people who receive facelift surgery are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, but not all fall within that range. If you are concerned about the way aging has affected your face, ask Dr. Berardi if a facelift is right for you. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 79,058 facelifts were performed in 2024. Of these, 59% of patients were 55 years or older, and 18% were between 40 and 54 years old.
The cost of a deep-plane facelift in Scottsdale ranges from $12,000 to $18,000, depending on the surgeon’s expertise and the complexity of the procedure. When considering this investment, it’s essential to review all the details with your surgeon to understand what is included in the price. This helps ensure the treatment plan effectively addresses your specific aging symptoms. Being well-informed allows patients to make confident decisions about their facial rejuvenation journey.
A facelift can turn back the clock, not just on your appearance, but on your overall well-being. Dr. Berardi is well-trained in reconstructive and facial plastic surgery and has the skills and aesthetic eye to create beautiful cosmetic results, without sacrificing your unique characteristics.
If you are interested in learning more about facelift with Dr. Berardi, contact our practice in Scottsdale online or call us today at 480-397-0711 to learn more. Dr. Berardi is dedicated to providing you with an excellent and comfortable surgical experience and is available to answer any questions you may have.
The deep plane lift differs from a traditional SMAS facelift because it targets deeper muscles beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), rather than just the surface layers. While the traditional SMAS facelift lifts and tightens the SMAS, the deep plane lift repositions the deeper muscles and facial structure for a more thorough rejuvenation. This approach reduces the risk of an unnatural appearance often associated with excessive skin tightening. Patients may experience more swelling initially, but it typically diminishes as healing progresses. Overall, the deep plane lift provides longer-lasting, natural results by addressing the underlying anatomy more comprehensively than traditional plastic surgery techniques.
Yes, Dr. Berardi is a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his surgical excellence and technical expertise. He carefully works with patients to provide natural rejuvenation by focusing on the deeper tissues of the face, ensuring results that maintain facial harmony and balance. Before surgery, he takes the time to discuss potential accommodations related to individual needs, providing personalized care. In addition to surgical skill, Dr. Berardi emphasizes the importance of medical-grade skincare products to support optimal healing and long-term skin health.
Dr. Berardi will plan the exact right surgical approach to achieve the rejuvenation you have in mind. He understands that each patient’s needs are unique and is pleased to offer the mid-facelift procedure to patients who are unhappy with changes around their cheeks, brows, and eyes, but are not concerned with the lower parts of the face, which can be addressed with a facelift.
The mid-facelift and mini-facelift are distinct procedures that target different areas of the face and address specific concerns. A mid-facelift focuses on lifting the cheeks and smoothing nasolabial folds and marionette lines by working with deeper facial anatomy. In contrast, a mini-facelift typically involves less extensive tissue repositioning, resulting in minimal scarring and a shorter recovery period. Both procedures aim to achieve natural-looking results without overly stretching the skin or risking nerve injury. Patients may notice initial swelling, but this resolves quickly, revealing a refreshed appearance.
Mid-facelift surgery is a specialized facial plastic surgery that targets loose, sagging skin around the cheeks, eyes, and brow. This treatment may be combined with other facial procedures, such as a facelift, blepharoplasty, or brow lift. Mid-facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure.
Dr. Berardi will make a series of incisions within the hair of the scalp as well as within the mouth, through which he will access the midface and tissues near the cheeks. Dr. Berardi will place sutures through these incisions, enabling him to lift the tissue into a higher, more youthful position. The incisions are then closed with sutures.
Mid-facelift surgery is ideal for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of loose, sagging skin or volume loss in the areas around their cheeks and eyes. To be a good candidate for a mid-facelift, you should be in good health and have a desire to rejuvenate your cheeks and brows.
Dr. Berardi will evaluate these factors during a pre-surgery consultation. He will also assess your overall health and cosmetic goals and answer any questions you may have about treatment. You must have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of surgery. While a mid-facelift can reverse some signs of aging, it cannot halt the aging process from continuing.
A mid-facelift is a less extensive procedure than a traditional facelift, requiring less recovery time, although substantial rest is still necessary after surgery. You can expect to experience some swelling and minor discomfort in the days following surgery, both of which can be managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Berardi. You will be instructed to keep your head elevated and apply ice to your face to control swelling.
Many mid-facelift patients in Scottsdale can return to work within 10 days or less. Dr. Berardi will closely monitor your recovery and advise you about resuming moderate exercise and other activities. Should any questions or concerns arise during your recovery period, Dr. Berardi and his staff are available around the clock.
Like all surgeries, a deep plane facelift carries the risk of complications. We provide you with a complete list of the risks at the time of your consultation. You and Dr. Berardi will review it to ensure you are adequately informed. In general, risks may include:
Dr. Berardi will ensure you understand the necessary steps to reduce risks, such as quitting smoking and following all aftercare instructions. After reviewing your health history, Dr. Berardi will be able to determine whether you are at a higher risk of any complications. Complications from Dr. Berardi’s facelift procedures are uncommon.
