What Is a Facelift?
A facelift — medically known as a rhytidectomy — is a surgical procedure that restores a more youthful, refreshed appearance to the face and neck. Unlike injectables or skin treatments, a facelift addresses the underlying structures: sagging skin, jowls, deep folds, and loss of facial volume.
At ALO Aesthetic in Tijuana and Guadalajara, México, our board-certified plastic surgeons use modern techniques — SMAS, deep plane, mini lift, and neck lift — to deliver natural, age-appropriate results. Performed in three accredited hospitals: Hospital DREAMS, Hospital Puerta de Hierro, and Hospital Innovare.
Facelift Techniques at ALO Aesthetic
Traditional Facelift (SMAS Lift)
The standard, time-tested technique. Incisions hidden along the hairline, in front of and behind the ears. The SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) is repositioned and tightened, then excess skin is removed. Comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower 2/3 of the face plus neck.
Mini Facelift (Short-Scar)
For patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, typically in their 40s–50s. The incisions are shorter (limited to in front of the ears) and recovery is faster. Addresses jowls and early signs of aging without the longer downtime of a full facelift.
Deep Plane Facelift
An advanced technique that releases and repositions deeper facial structures — including the SMAS and the facial ligaments — for a more profound, longer-lasting result with minimal pulling tension on the skin. Best for patients seeking the most natural-looking lift.
Neck Lift (Platysmaplasty)
Focused specifically on the neck: tightens the platysma muscle, removes excess skin, and (if needed) liposuctions submental fat. Can be performed alone or combined with any of the facelift techniques above for total facial-neck rejuvenation.
Real Facelift Results
Real ALO Aesthetic facelift patients. Natural, refreshed, age-appropriate — never “overdone.” We aim for the version of you that looks rested, not transformed. Photos coming soon.
Are You a Candidate for a Facelift?
A facelift is most rewarding when the underlying facial structure is sound but the skin and SMAS have begun to descend with time. You may be a strong candidate if:
- You have moderate to significant skin laxity in the lower face, jowls, and/or neck.
- You’re between 40 and 70 years old — though we evaluate each case individually.
- You have good underlying bone structure and overall facial proportions.
- You are in good general health, non-smoker (or willing to stop 6 weeks before/after — critical for facial healing).
- You have realistic expectations: a facelift turns back the clock 7–10 years; it doesn’t change who you fundamentally look like.
- You can dedicate 2–3 weeks for the initial recovery before social activities.
Our Step-by-Step Process
1
Free Consultation
In-person or online. We review your goals, medical history, and present surgical options with before/after photos of similar cases.
2
Planning & Quote
Surgical technique selection, implant size (if applicable), tentative date, and all-inclusive package quote.
3
Pre-Op Studies
Blood work, EKG, and mammogram if applicable. Can be done in your home city and sent before traveling.
4
Surgery
Performed at Hospital DREAMS (Tijuana), Hospital Puerta de Hierro, or Hospital Innovare (Guadalajara), under general anesthesia by a board-certified anesthesiologist.
5
Hospital Recovery
1 night hospital stay with 24/7 nursing care. Compression garments and pain management included.
6
Recovery House
4-7 days at our medical recovery house with daily check-ins, English-speaking staff, and hospital-airport transportation.
Recovery and Results
Facelift recovery is different from body procedures — bruising and swelling around the face is the main concern, not pain.
Days 0–3: 1-night hospital stay then recovery house. Compression garment around face/neck. Head elevated for sleep. Cold compresses to control swelling. Minimal pain, mostly tightness.
Days 4–10: Bruising peaks then begins to fade. Sutures and drains removed at day 5–10. Most patients fly home around day 10–14 with our coordinator’s help — wearing a hat and scarf for the trip.
Weeks 2–3: Bruising resolves enough that makeup can conceal residual marks. Return to work and social activities.
Weeks 4–6: Resume cardio. Scar care begins. Light pinkness fades over months.
3–6 months: Final result emerges as residual swelling fully resolves. Long-lasting effect: facelifts typically last 7–10 years.
Where We Operate
We operate at three accredited hospitals — one in Tijuana and two in Guadalajara — all meeting international medical standards, fully equipped for plastic and reconstructive surgery, and offering 24/7 nursing care.
Hospital DREAMS
Tijuana, México
Modern surgical center in Zona Cacho, Tijuana. Board-certified anesthesiologists, fully accredited operating rooms, and complete post-operative care. 30 minutes from San Diego, USA.
Hospital Puerta de Hierro
Guadalajara, México
One of Mexico’s top private hospitals, internationally accredited. State-of-the-art operating suites and inpatient care. International airport (GDL) with direct flights from major US cities.
Hospital Innovare
Guadalajara, México
Modern hospital in Zapopan with state-of-the-art operating rooms, certified anesthesia teams, and bilingual recovery support.
Cost of a Facelift in Mexico
Facelift pricing at ALO Aesthetic represents 50%–70% savings vs US and Canadian rates. Every quote is all-inclusive: surgeon fees, hospital (DREAMS, Puerta de Hierro, or Innovare), anesthesia, medications, compression garments, and standard follow-up.
Final pricing depends on the technique (mini, SMAS, deep plane, neck lift) and whether procedures are combined (very common: facelift + blepharoplasty, or facelift + neck lift). A personalized quote is part of your free consultation.
Why Choose ALO Aesthetic
Board-Certified Surgeons
Surgeons board-certified by the Mexican Council of Plastic Surgery (CMCP) with thousands of successful procedures performed.
Certified Hospitals
Tijuana: Hospital DREAMS. Guadalajara: Hospital Puerta de Hierro and Hospital Innovare. All three facilities meet international standards.
Bilingual Care
Coordination, surgery, and follow-up in English or Spanish. Zero language barrier for US and Canadian patients.
Proven Medical Tourism
Extensive experience with US and Canadian patients. We coordinate flights, lodging, transportation, and recovery house.
No Hidden Costs
All-inclusive pricing from the start: surgery, hospital, anesthesia, medications, compression garments, and follow-up.
12-Month Follow-Up
Bilingual post-operative care for a full 12 months, with your medical team always available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mini facelift: 2–3 hours. Traditional SMAS: 4–5 hours. Deep plane: 5–6 hours. Combined facelift + neck lift + blepharoplasty: 6–8 hours.
7–10 years typically. Aging continues after the surgery, but you remain ahead of where you would have been without it. A “touch-up” lift in your 60s or 70s can extend the result.
Our surgeons specialize in natural, age-appropriate results. The goal is to look refreshed, well-rested, and like yourself — not pulled or windblown. Modern techniques (deep plane especially) lift without surface tension.
Incisions are hidden in the hairline and around the ears (front and behind). Once healed, they are typically invisible to anyone but the most careful observer. We use meticulous closure techniques to optimize healing.
Most patients describe the recovery as tight and swollen rather than painful. Pain is well-controlled with the medications included in your package.
Most patients are presentable (with makeup and a scarf if needed) by day 10–14. Full bruising resolution by week 3.
Walking from day 1. Light cardio at 3 weeks. Strength training and heart-rate-elevating cardio at 4–6 weeks. Avoid hot yoga and saunas for 6 weeks.
Yes. Common combinations: facelift + upper/lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), facelift + brow lift, facelift + chin augmentation, facelift + skin resurfacing. Combining reduces total recovery time vs. staged procedures.
Some temporary numbness around the incisions and cheeks is normal and resolves over weeks to months. Permanent nerve injury is rare with experienced surgeons.
In one of three accredited hospitals: Hospital DREAMS in Tijuana, or Hospital Puerta de Hierro or Hospital Innovare in Guadalajara.
Schedule Your Free Facelift Consultation
Send us photos (front, three-quarter, and profile) plus your medical history. Our plastic surgeon will recommend the right technique for your age, skin, and facial structure. Free consultation, no obligation, no judgment.