Facelift surgery in San Antonio and surrounding areas, performed by Dr. Manuel A. Lopez, addresses sagging skin, deep creases, and loss of muscle tone in the face and neck. Dr. Lopez offers both the deep plane facelift, his signature approach for comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation, and the mini facelift, for patients with early signs of aging seeking a more targeted correction. Together, these options allow him to tailor your procedure to your goals, tightening underlying tissues and removing excess skin to effectively treat signs of aging.
Reduce Signs of Aging on the Face and Neck
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck. The procedure involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ears, then lifting and tightening underlying tissues and muscles. Excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
By addressing sagging skin, deep folds, and jowls, a facelift rejuvenates the overall facial contour, offering long-lasting results that enhance your natural beauty. A facelift surgery can sometimes be combined with other procedures such as blepharoplasty or brow lift to enhance the overall facial structure for a youthful, radiant look. Book a consultation with Dr. Lopez to find out which procedure is best for you.
What Does A Facelift Do?
You may consider a facelift procedure if you have any of the following conditions you’d like to address:
- Sagging skin in the midface and neck
- Deep creases below the lower eyelids
- Deep folds and lines between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds)
- Jowls or loss of muscle tone in the lower face
- Loose skin and excess fatty deposits under the chin and jaw
- Overall tired or aged facial appearance
- Loss of youthful facial contours
The Deep Plane Facelift: Dr. Lopez's Signature Approach
Dr. Lopez specializes in the deep plane facelift, an advanced technique that addresses the underlying structure of the face rather than simply pulling the skin tighter. Instead of focusing on surface-level tightening, this approach releases and repositions the deeper support structures beneath the skin, the same tissues that shift and descend with age, to restore a natural, three-dimensional lift to the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Through carefully placed incisions along the hairline and around the ears, Dr. Lopez lifts these deeper tissues as a single, connected unit. This allows him to correct sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, and neck laxity simultaneously, without placing tension on the skin itself. The result is a smoother, more youthful contour that moves and expresses naturally, avoiding the tight, “pulled” look associated with older facelift techniques.
Why Dr. Lopez Chooses the Deep Plane Technique
- Repositions the face’s true support structures instead of just tightening skin
- Delivers longer-lasting results than skin-only or superficial approaches
- Produces natural movement and expression, with no “windswept” appearance
- Comprehensively addresses the cheeks, jawline, and neck in one integrated procedure
- Minimizes visible tension on incision lines, supporting cleaner scarring
The Deep Plane Neck Lift
Dr. Lopez applies the same deep plane approach to the neck, repositioning the underlying neck muscles and supporting tissue rather than simply removing skin or fat. This can be performed as part of a full deep plane facelift or, for patients whose primary concern is neck laxity, as a standalone deep plane neck lift. Either way, the goal is the same: a naturally defined jawline and neck contour that comes from restoring the deeper structure, not from surface tightening alone. Dr. Lopez will help determine which option is right for you during your consultation.
The Mini Facelift: A Targeted Option for Early Signs of Aging
For patients who aren’t yet ready for a full deep plane facelift, Dr. Lopez also offers the mini facelift, sometimes called a “weekend facelift.” This approach uses smaller incisions around the hairline and ears to lift and tighten the lower face and jawline, with a shorter recovery period than a comprehensive facelift. The mini facelift is best suited to younger patients or those with mild to moderate sagging who want a subtle refresh rather than a more extensive correction.
It can also be paired with non-surgical treatments like Botox or triLift for added enhancement. During your consultation, Dr. Lopez will help you determine whether a mini facelift or a deep plane facelift better matches your goals, facial structure, and desired results.
What Are The Benefits of A Facelift Surgery?
- Addresses multiple aging signs for a youthful appearance
- Provides significant improvements that last for a decade or more
- Tightens facial tissues for a more defined look
- Enhances appearance and improves self-esteem
- Achieves natural-looking results without a “pulled” look
- Can be paired with other treatments for overall rejuvenation
Who Is A Candidate for Facelift Surgery in San Antonio?
- Should be in good overall health without serious medical conditions
- Have sagging skin, deep creases, or jowls that they wish to address
- Want durable improvements rather than temporary solutions
- Can take time off to recover and follow post-operative care instructions
- Should have realistic expectations and understand what a facelift can and cannot achieve
- Desire improvements that maintain their unique facial features
- Should be willing to avoid smoking before and after surgery to promote healing
What To Expect During Your Facelift Surgery in San Antonio
Your facelift surgery in San Antonio begins with detailed consultations to understand your goals and evaluate your facial structure. On the day of the procedure, you will be administered anesthesia to ensure comfort. Dr. Lopez will make precise incisions, usually around the hairline and ears, to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, he will lift and tighten the underlying muscles and tissues. Excess skin is carefully removed, and the remaining skin is re-draped for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
Dr. Lopez meticulously closes the incisions with sutures or skin adhesives, ensuring minimal scarring and optimal healing. After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area before being allowed to go home. Dr. Lopez will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to follow, ensuring a smooth recovery and maximizing the longevity of your results. By following his guidance, you can look forward to a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance.
Facelift Recovery & Aftercare
After your facelift surgery in San Antonio with Dr. Lopez, you will spend some time in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are normal and will subside over time. Dr. Lopez will provide you with pain medication and detailed instructions on how to care for your incisions, including keeping your head elevated and applying cold compresses to reduce swelling.
During the first few weeks, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and follow Dr. Lopez’s guidelines to ensure proper healing. You will have follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and remove any sutures. Most patients can return to normal activities within two to three weeks, although it may take several months for all swelling to resolve and for the results to fully appear. With proper aftercare, you can enjoy a rejuvenated appearance for years to come.
Facelift FAQs
How much does a facelift cost in San Antonio?
Facelift costs in San Antonio can vary based on the extent of the procedure, the type of facelift selected, and whether it’s combined with other surgeries like a neck lift or eyelid lift. During your consultation at Advanced Aesthetics Lopez Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lopez will provide a personalized treatment plan and detailed pricing information tailored to your needs and goals.
What is the best age to get facelift surgery?
While there’s no “perfect” age, many patients consider facelift surgery in their 40s to 60s, when signs of aging such as sagging skin, jowls, and deep folds become more prominent. The best age is truly individual and based on your skin condition, genetics, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Lopez will evaluate your facial structure and recommend the best timing for optimal results.
What Makes the Deep Plane Facelift Different From Other Techniques?
Unlike approaches that primarily tighten the skin, the deep plane facelift repositions the deeper facial tissues themselves. This addresses the root cause of facial aging rather than the surface symptoms, producing a more natural, longer-lasting result. Dr. Lopez has extensive training in this advanced technique and uses it as his primary approach for patients seeking comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Is the Deep Plane Facelift Right for Everyone?
The deep plane technique is especially well-suited to patients with moderate to advanced signs of aging, sagging cheeks, deep folds, and jowls. Dr. Lopez will evaluate your facial structure during your consultation to confirm it’s the right fit for your goals.
How Do I Know if I Should Get a Mini Facelift or a Deep Plane Facelift?
The right choice depends on the extent of your facial aging and your goals. A mini facelift is a good fit for mild to moderate sagging, particularly in the lower face and jawline, with a shorter recovery period. A deep plane facelift is better suited to more advanced sagging across the cheeks, jawline, and neck, offering a more comprehensive and longer-lasting result. Dr. Lopez will evaluate your facial structure during your consultation and recommend the option that best matches your needs.
Patient Testimonials
Why Choose Dr. Lopez in
San Antonio for a Facelift
Dr. Manuel A.Lopez is a triple board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive training and experience in delivering outstanding results. He completed his residency at the University of Cincinnati and a fellowship in facial plastic surgery at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Dr. Lopez is committed to helping you achieve a natural, youthful appearance that helps you look and feel like your best self. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Lopez today to discuss your options for a facelift surgery in San Antonio.
