Facelift: The Art of Rejuvenating Naturally

Dr. Yily De Los Santos explains how facial lifting surgery restores youth, firmness, and self-confidence — without losing your identity.

As time passes, our face begins to show signs we can’t hide with creams or makeup: sagging skin, deep lines, drooping cheeks, and a tired appearance. Today, thanks to modern plastic surgery, it’s possible to reverse those signs gracefully. One of the most effective and popular procedures is the facelift, also known as facial lifting surgery.

Dr. Yily De Los Santos, a highly regarded aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon based in the Dominican Republic, walks us through everything we need to know about facelift surgery — its benefits, techniques, results, and who it’s for.

What is a facelift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens the deep layers of the face, removes excess skin, and redefines facial contours, especially along the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

“A proper facelift doesn’t make you look different — it simply restores the beauty that time had softened,” says Dr. Yily De Los Santos.

Who is a candidate for facelift surgery?

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have loose, sagging facial or neck skin
• Notice deep lines or jowls
• Want to redefine your jawline
• Seek a natural rejuvenated appearance
• Understand that no cream can deliver the same long-term results

“Ideal age depends on the condition of your skin — not the calendar. I’ve treated patients in their 40s and 60s with equally excellent outcomes,” Dr. Yily explains.

Types of facelifts Dr. Yily De Los Santos performs

1. Mini Facelift

• Less invasive
• Best for patients aged 35–50
• Faster recovery
• Subtle, natural improvement

2. Full Facelift

• Targets the entire face, jawline, and neck
• Ideal for more advanced aging signs
• Often combined with blepharoplasty or fat grafting

3. Facelift with Complementary Procedures

• Eyelid surgery to refresh the eyes
• Facial fat transfer to restore volume
• Skin resurfacing with peels or laser for texture and glow

Results and recovery: what to expect

• Initial swelling and bruising: 7–10 days
• Return to work: usually within 2 weeks
• Full results: visible in 2–3 months
• Long-lasting outcomes: up to 10–15 years depending on skin type and lifestyle

“Facial surgery changes more than your face — it changes how you feel about yourself. I love seeing that transformation in my patients,” says Dr. Yily.

Thanks to:

• World-class surgeons
• Cutting-edge technology
• Affordable pricing
• Personalized, warm care

The Dominican Republic is now one of the leading countries for facial plastic surgery tourism. Dr. Yily De Los Santos is one of its most trusted experts, welcoming patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America.