Natural Results Plastic Surgery
Facelift by Dr. Carlos Mata in Scottsdale, AZ
Rhytidectomy

Facelift
in Scottsdale

Restoring youthful definition to the midface, jawline, and neck — with techniques that produce natural-looking results, not the pulled appearance of older methods.

Facelift at Natural Results Plastic Surgery is performed personally by Dr. Carlos Mata — board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS/FACS), Castle Connolly Top Doctor since 2018, and Newsweek America's Best Plastic Surgeon — at the practice's AAAASF-accredited surgical suite in Scottsdale, Arizona. 25,000+ procedures performed.

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Duration
2–4 hours
Anesthesia
General or IV sedation
Downtime
2 weeks
Back to Work
10–14 days
An Introduction

A modern facelift addresses the deep structural changes of aging — descended cheek fat, jowling, and neck laxity — by repositioning tissue at its anatomic origin rather than pulling skin tight. The result is a refreshed, natural-looking you, not a different face.

01
Our Approach

Deep Plane Technique

The deep plane facelift repositions the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) and deeper facial tissues as a single composite unit, rather than pulling just the skin. This addresses the actual cause of aging — tissue descent — and produces a more natural, longer-lasting result.

Dr. Mata's technique emphasizes vertical repositioning rather than lateral pull, which is what distinguishes a natural result from the stretched appearance that characterized older facelift techniques.

02
When to Consider

Finding the Right Moment

Most facelift patients are between 45 and 70, though there's significant individual variation. The right moment isn't defined by age — it's defined by whether non-surgical treatments (injectables, skin tightening, lasers) have reached the limit of what they can do for your face.

Signs that surgery may be the right next step: jowling that doesn't respond to fillers, loose neck skin that tightening treatments can't address, and deep nasolabial folds or marionette lines that injectables alone can no longer soften enough.

03
Often Combined With

Complementary Procedures

Facelifts are commonly combined with procedures that address adjacent aging concerns: neck lift (nearly always performed together), upper or lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, and fat transfer to restore volume lost to aging. Dr. Mata will design a plan that addresses everything in a coordinated way.

Many patients also add non-surgical refinements in the months after surgery — laser resurfacing for skin texture, or injectables for fine tuning. The combined surgical and non-surgical approach produces the most refined final result.

Benefits

Why Facelift

  • 01Natural-looking restoration of midface, jawline, and neck
  • 02Deep plane technique addresses true anatomy, not just skin
  • 03Results typically last 10+ years
  • 04Vertical repositioning avoids the pulled look of older techniques
  • 05Scars hidden along hairline and natural ear contours
Candidacy

Is This Right For You?

You may be a candidate if...
  • Visible aging in midface, jawline, or neck
  • Non-surgical treatments have reached their limits
  • Good overall health and non-smoker
  • Realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot do
  • Able to take 2 weeks off for full recovery
This may not be right if...
  • —Active smokers unable to quit for 6 weeks before and after
  • —Significant medical conditions affecting healing
  • —Unrealistic expectations about transformation

Candidacy is ultimately a conversation. Dr. Mata will determine the right path at consultation.

Schedule Consultation
Recovery

What to Expect

Every patient heals at their own pace. These milestones offer a realistic roadmap based on hundreds of procedures performed by Dr. Mata.

  1. Week 1

    Rest at home with head elevated. Bruising and swelling peak around day 3–5. Compression garment worn around head. Pain is typically manageable and less than expected.

  2. Week 2

    Bruising fading, swelling decreasing. Most patients feel comfortable in public with makeup by end of week 2. Return to office work typical.

  3. Weeks 3–4

    Most residual swelling gone. Can wear hair back without concern. Numbness along incisions normal and gradually resolves.

  4. Weeks 6–8

    Exercise resumes with clearance. Final contours emerging. Scars pink but healing well.

  5. Month 3–12

    Full result settled. Scars continue to fade over 12–18 months. Final result improves through the first year.

Before & After

Real Results.

A small selection of facelift cases. Every patient is unique — these are illustrative outcomes, not guarantees.

View all facelift cases→
Before Facelift (neck lift included)Before
After Facelift (neck lift included)After
Facelift (neck lift included)
View full case →
Age 60+
Before Facelift (neck lift included)Before
After Facelift (neck lift included)After
Facelift (neck lift included)
View full case →
Age 50-59
Before Facelift (neck lift included)Before
After Facelift (neck lift included)After
Facelift (neck lift included)
View full case →
Age 50-59
Investment

A Thoughtful Investment in Yourself

Every procedure at Natural Results is quoted privately after a thorough consultation with Dr. Mata. We believe pricing should reflect your anatomy, your goals, and the specific technique required — not a template.

Facelift pricing reflects the complexity and length of the procedure. A combined facelift-neck lift typically starts at $25,635; adding eyelid surgery or brow lift increases the investment. Every quote includes surgeon fee, facility, anesthesia, and all post-operative visits.

Starting From
$25,635
or $570/mo with approved financing
Every Quote Includes
  • Dr. Mata's surgeon fee
  • Accredited facility & anesthesia
  • All post-operative visits
  • Compression garment provided
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Frequently Asked

Common Questions

01How long does a facelift last?+

Typically 10–12 years. You continue to age after surgery — a facelift doesn't stop the clock, it resets it. Most patients look visibly younger than their actual age for a decade or more, and many choose not to have additional surgery.

02Will people know I had a facelift?+

If done well, the feedback is usually 'you look rested' or 'something looks different but I can't tell what.' A well-executed deep plane facelift produces natural results — not the pulled, wind-tunnel look that made older techniques recognizable.

03Can I have a facelift in my 40s?+

Sometimes. Younger facelift patients typically have good skin quality but early tissue descent — jowling, neck laxity. Mini-facelift or limited techniques may be more appropriate than full facelift at that stage. Dr. Mata will assess what matches your specific aging pattern.

04What about the scars?+

Incisions follow the hairline at the temple, curve around the front of the ear, continue behind the ear and into the hairline. When healed, they're typically invisible unless someone is specifically looking — hidden by hair and natural ear contours.

Related

You Might Also Consider

01
Neck Lift
Explore
02
Eyelid Surgery
Explore
03
Brow Lift
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04
Rhinoplasty
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Begin Your Journey

Schedule Your Private
Facelift Consultation

Consultations with Dr. Mata are private, unhurried, and typically last 45 to 60 minutes. Your first conversation sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Book Private Consultation(480) 852-4999
Harvard Trained · Board Certified · 25,000+ Procedures