In the world of facial rejuvenation, the facelift is often considered the gold standard. But not all facelifts are created equal. And for patients who want to age gracefully—not drastically—the Preservation Facelift offers something traditional techniques often miss: natural structure, respected anatomy, and results that don’t look “done.”
At Locketz Facial Plastic Surgery in Denver, Dr. Garrett Locketz specializes in this refined surgical approach. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what sets the Preservation Facelift apart, how it compares to other facelift techniques like the deep plane, and why it might be the most intelligent option for patients seeking subtle, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
The Preservation Facelift is a modern evolution of facelift surgery that prioritizes harmony over tightness. Rather than pulling skin away from deeper structures, Dr. Locketz preserves the vital connections between the skin, ligaments, and underlying muscle tissue. These connections—especially the retaining ligaments and vascular networks—are essential to how the face moves, heals, and maintains its natural appearance.
By leaving these attachments intact, the Preservation Facelift minimizes trauma, supports faster recovery, and avoids the over-stretched look that can result from more aggressive methods.
The core philosophy: lift what has fallen, preserve what still works.
Conventional facelift techniques, particularly older ones, often relied on separating skin from the underlying tissues and then re-draping it in a tighter position. This method can certainly improve sagging, but it also disrupts the face’s native architecture. Healing takes longer. Swelling is more pronounced. And the results—while smoother—can sometimes appear artificial.
By contrast, the Preservation Facelift maintains the natural tethering between skin and deep facial structures, allowing Dr. Locketz to lift sagging areas more precisely while keeping the skin’s surface supple and believable. It’s not about chasing tightness. It’s about restoring contour.
In clinical terms, the procedure still involves release and repositioning of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS), but with a focus on preserving ligaments and reducing dissection. The result is a more organic outcome, especially in areas like the cheeks, nasolabial folds, and jawline.
This technique is ideal for patients showing early to moderate signs of aging—sagging cheeks, deepening smile lines, early jowling, and mild neck laxity—but who want results that align with how they naturally look and feel.
You may be a candidate if:
Not everyone is a match for this advanced technique. The only way to know for sure is through a detailed consultation with Dr. Locketz, where your facial anatomy, aging pattern, and goals can be closely evaluated.
While both techniques aim to address deeper facial sagging, they go about it differently and serve slightly different patient needs.
| Feature | Preservation Facelift | Deep Plane Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue Involvement | Targets the SMAS layer with ligament preservation | Releases deeper structures, including ligaments |
| Swelling/Recovery | Less swelling, faster recovery | More swelling, longer downtime |
| Ideal Candidate | Early to moderate aging | Moderate to advanced aging |
| Natural Movement | Preserves natural facial dynamics | May slightly alter movement in some areas |
| Incision Pattern | Hidden around the ears, limited dissection | Similar incisions, more extensive dissection |
| Downtime | 7–10 days on average | 2–3 weeks with more variation |
| Surgical Time | Shorter | Longer, more complex |
For patients in their 40s to early 60s, the Preservation Facelift may be the better choice. It prevents the need for more aggressive surgery down the line, especially when paired with skin maintenance like laser resurfacing or hyperbaric oxygen therapy for improved healing.
One of the Preservation Facelift’s standout advantages is the healing process. Because the vascular and lymphatic systems remain mostly undisturbed, patients typically experience:
Patients also report a greater sense of ease post-op—no facial tightness, no sudden “mirror shock,” just a quiet confidence that something looks better, even if they can’t pinpoint what changed.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is often incorporated into the healing protocol at Locketz Facial Plastic Surgery. This non-invasive treatment enhances tissue oxygenation, accelerates recovery, and reduces post-surgical swelling. It’s particularly effective in preserving delicate facial structures after surgery.
Facial rejuvenation isn’t about turning back time—it’s about alignment. The way your face looks should match the way you feel. With the Preservation Facelift, that alignment happens quietly and convincingly.
The volume of the cheeks feels familiar again. The jawline returns without looking carved. And the skin settles into its new position gradually, without the jarring tell of surgery.
Dr. Locketz’s approach centers on these small shifts. Because in aesthetics, subtlety is the true measure of skill.
If you’re looking for a facelift that restores rather than reinvents—and respects the structure your face has earned—the Preservation Facelift may be your best move. At his boutique surgical suite in Denver, Dr. Locketz offers this procedure to patients who want more than surface-level changes. They want surgical artistry. And they want to look like themselves, only better.
To find out whether you’re a candidate, schedule a consultation at Locketz Facial Plastic Surgery and get a face-to-face opinion you can trust.
