
Time, gravity, and the natural aging process can take a toll on the face, leaving behind sagging skin, deep folds, and a tired appearance. A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure that restores smoother skin, firmer contours, and a refreshed look that still feels natural. At James Rough, M.D. Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rough offers advanced facelift surgery techniques — including the deep plane facelift, SMAS facelift, and mid facelift — to address each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or comprehensive facial rejuvenation, a facelift can help you look as vibrant as you feel. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about your options.
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Dr. James Rough, a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers a full spectrum of facial plastic surgery procedures in Tucson, AZ. One of the most common surgeries is a facelift, which concentrates on precise areas of the face to combat skin laxity and lines, producing a refreshed, firmer appearance. Depending on your cosmetic goals, a facelift can focus on the lines and wrinkles near the eyes, cheeks, mouth, jowls, and neck for an all-encompassing younger look.
The facelift method used depends on your desired outcome, the condition of your skin, the degree of skin laxity, lifestyle, age, and other factors. Some patients prefer a full facelift, while others may only want a mid-facelift. Call James Rough, M.D. Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation for a facelift today.


Depending on your individual needs, there are various types of facelifts to consider. Some facelifts rejuvenate the upper portion of the face, and others focus on the lower two-thirds. In addition, some methods are a bit more invasive than others. It's very common for some individuals to combine BOTOX® and dermal fillers to achieve their desired outcomes. A few of the more well-known facelift options include:
A common surgery for older adults, the full facelift generally puts an incision along the hairline, extending down to the temple region, stopping near the base of the ears. The deeper layer of facial muscles is carefully stretched and tightened to produce a lifted look, which softens excessive wrinkles and sagging. This facelift is reserved for men and women who have signs of aggressive aging, as it lifts both skin and underlying muscle for natural, long-lasting results. With this lift, various other procedures may be incorporated, including upper or lower blepharoplasty to enhance the eyes or a neck lift for the lower region.

The mid-facelift (cheeks) addresses the hollow and lax areas near the cheekbones and the upper jaw.
The mid-facelift works well for those who seek improvement in the middle to lower region of the face, which also improves the look of the jowls, reducing nasolabial folds and sagging skin in the midface.
A deep plane facelift is an advanced surgical technique designed to lift and reposition deeper layers of facial tissue, including the muscles and fat beneath the skin, rather than just tightening the surface. This approach allows for more natural-looking results, especially around the midface and jawline, with less tension on the skin. By addressing sagging at a foundational level, the deep plane facelift can achieve longer-lasting rejuvenation compared to traditional facelifts. It's often chosen by patients seeking significant improvement in facial aging while maintaining soft, expressive features.

This particular facelift addresses the neck and chin and, in many cases, the jowls. By repositioning underlying tissues and removing excess skin, a lower facelift can dramatically improve sagging without altering your natural expression. Results are long-lasting and especially beneficial for patients noticing early signs of aging in the lower face.

Many patients choose to combine facelift with other cosmetic procedures such as an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), brow lift, or fat transfer for more comprehensive results
A facelift is the most comprehensive method for addressing moderate to advanced signs of aging in the mid and lower face.
It can address:
For the right candidate, a facelift offers several benefits:

You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you:
Patients with previous surgeries, circulatory disorders, or those taking blood thinners should discuss their medical history with Dr. Rough during their consultation to ensure cosmetic surgery is a safe option.

Overall recovery time depends on the surgical technique performed, with less extensive procedures providing a shorter recovery time.
Patients can expect swelling and bruising in the treatment area, which peak within the first week. Discomfort and swelling are managed with cool compresses and medication. Most patients return to non-strenuous activities in 2-3 weeks. Facial contours continue to become more refined as residual swelling subsides over the next 2–3 months. Patients will be provided detailed aftercare guidelines, including avoiding sun exposure, following instructions for incision care, and attending follow-up appointments.
A facelift can deliver a dramatically refreshed and more youthful appearance by lifting and tightening sagging skin, redefining the jawline, softening deep folds, and improving facial contours. The most noticeable results typically appear after the initial swelling and bruising subside, usually within two to three weeks after surgery. As healing continues over the following months, the face gradually settles into its final, more refined shape.
Patients appreciate that they look like themselves, just well-rested and years younger. With proper skincare and sun protection, facelift results can last 10 years or more, making it a long-term solution for addressing signs of facial aging. While a facelift won't stop the aging process, it sets back the clock significantly. Many patients feel a boost in self-confidence that is reflected in every area of their lives.
Dr. James Rough is a board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training at UCLA and extensive expertise in facial plastic surgery. His approach combines advanced surgical techniques with a keen eye for balance, proportion, and natural beauty. Patients trust Dr. Rough for his meticulous skill, compassionate care, and ability to deliver results that enhance — not change — their identity.

Facelift surgery can turn back the hands of time for your face and help create a vibrant look.
Thankfully, there are many options for surgery, depending on your individual needs and goals. This surgery is designed to give you a younger, natural appearance. To hear more about this treatment, we invite you to call James Rough, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Tucson, AZ to schedule your appointment with Dr. Rough.
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The cost of your facelift will depend on the technique used. In your consultation, Dr. Rough will develop your unique treatment plan to match your needs and goals. Once this is complete, he can discuss cost estimates. To avoid unnatural-looking results, it's best to focus on finding an experienced surgeon, like Dr. Rough, instead of the cheapest price. James Rough, M.D. Plastic Surgery can help you find low-interest medical financing that will make your surgery easier to afford.
The best technique for you will depend on your needs, goals, degree of skin laxity, what areas are being addressed, and other factors. To produce your best results, Dr. Rough will go over the different techniques in your consultation. He will then help you decide which technique is best for you.
While there are many great nonsurgical skin tightening treatments, these can only produce mild improvements. If you have moderate to severe skin sagging, facelift surgery is the best choice to significantly improve your appearance. In your consultation, Dr. Rough will discuss your choices, including nonsurgical procedures, to help you select which is best for your goals.
A facelift targets the midface, lower face, and neck. For patients concerned with droopy eyelids or sagging upper eyelid skin, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be combined with a facelift.
A deep plane facelift repositions deeper facial tissues for more dramatic, longer-lasting results, while a SMAS lift addresses skin and muscle layers for natural rejuvenation. Both approaches can be very effective, with the best technique depending on the patient’s individual needs.
Most patients are socially presentable in about 2–3 weeks, with minor swelling continuing to resolve over several months.
Yes. Many patients combine a facelift with a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Like any surgical procedure, a facelift comes with some risks of rare complications, such as poor wound healing, nerve injury, or permanent hair loss. Choosing an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rough is essential to ensuring a safe surgical procedure.

















