What is the facial endolift?
The endolift is a minimally invasive laser procedure: a 200-to-400-micron optical microfibre —thinner than a hair— is introduced under the skin through a needle-sized entry point, with no incisions and no sutures.
From inside, the laser energy works on two planes at once: it retracts the connective tissue —an immediate tightening effect that keeps building for months as new collagen forms— and reduces small fat deposits, such as those of the double chin or the jawline.
The result is not that of a facelift: it is the definition of the facial oval and the improvement of mild-to-moderate laxity, with a recovery of days instead of weeks.
Where it works — and where it does not
Honesty about indication is what separates this procedure from its advertising. The endolift works on:
- Facial oval and jawline: mild to moderate laxity, early jowls.
- Double chin: a small fat deposit with skin that still retracts. When there is more fat, surgical submental liposuction remains the correct answer — both are assessed in the same consultation.
- Lower third of the face and submental area in patients who do not want —or should not yet have— surgery.
- What the endolift does NOT do: it does not reposition descended deep tissues, does not remove significant skin excess and does not replace a facelift when laxity is marked. Promising otherwise is advertising, not medicine.
How is it performed?
It is an outpatient, surgical-office procedure under local anaesthesia, lasting 30 to 60 minutes depending on the areas treated.
After marking the traction vectors with the patient seated —gravity cannot be examined lying down—, the microfibre is introduced through millimetric entry points and advanced in the subdermal plane, delivering energy in a controlled way. The entry point needs no suture.
The patient walks out with discreet swelling that usually allows social life within 2 to 4 days. It is generally a single session; the immediate tightening keeps increasing between the third and sixth month through neocollagenesis.
Who is a good candidate?
The typical candidate is 35 to 55, with mild to moderate facial laxity, an early double chin or loss of jawline definition, who does not want —or does not yet need— surgery. It is also useful in facelift patients seeking to maintain their result.
The consultation examines skin quality, fat volume and the true degree of descent, and tells you plainly which group you are in: an endolift candidate, a submental-liposuction candidate, or a facelift candidate. Three different answers to three different problems, and all three exist in this clinic — the indication does not depend on which machine needs paying off. All surgery carries risk and requires a prior medical assessment. Results may vary according to each patient, their anatomy and their individual healing process.
Performed by a plastic surgeon
The endolift works blind in the subdermal plane of the face, over anatomy that does not forgive improvisation: facial nerve branches, vessels, the dermis itself, which can burn if the energy or the plane is wrong. Having it performed by a plastic surgeon —who knows that anatomy because he operates on it— is the difference between a medical procedure and a marketed risk.
Dr. Arístides Arellano is a plastic surgeon holding a specialty licence: he practises under a Mexican medical licence (D.G.P. 1125959) and a specialty licence in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (0002008), both issued by the Directorate General of Professions (DGP), which reissued his certificate of professional standing in 2025. His career began before Mexico’s present-day specialty-board system existed: he belongs to the founding generation of plastic surgery in Puebla, the second generation of a surgical tradition started in 1971 by Dr. Francisco Arellano Ocampo. Trust is verified, not promised: both licences are public and anyone can look them up in the DGP’s National Registry of Professionals.
Before and after
Most patients want to see before-and-after photographs before deciding. Out of respect for each person’s privacy, Dr. Arístides Arellano shows real cases —always with documented consent— during your in-person consultation, where you can review results from patients with a starting point similar to yours. Results may vary from patient to patient.
Approximate price in Puebla
The cost of a facial endolift depends on the areas treated (jawline, under-chin, both) and the extent of the case, so it is set at the consultation, with a written quote. Be wary of single advertised prices quoted without an examination.
Trust is verified, not promised. All 210 scanned documents —degree, licences, diplomas, publications and certificates, from 1977 to 2025— are open in Dr. Arístides Arellano’s credential archive, alongside an explanation of the difference between a specialty licence and a board certification.
Recovery · step by step
- Day 1Discreet swelling and a feeling of tightness; suture-free entry points covered with micropore tape.
- Days 2–4Swelling subsides; most patients resume social life and work. Minor bruising is possible.
- Weeks 1–2The initial tightening becomes clearly visible as swelling settles.
- Months 3–6Neocollagenesis peaks: the definitive result is judged here.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an endolift cost in Puebla?
The cost depends on the areas treated (jawline, under-chin or both) and the extent of the case, so it is set at the in-person consultation with a written quote. No serious single price exists without a prior examination.
Does the endolift hurt? What anaesthesia is used?
It is performed under local anaesthesia, on an outpatient basis. You feel the initial anaesthetic application and then mild warmth and pressure, not pain. Subsequent discomfort is discreet and settles within days.
How long does the result last?
The immediate tightening keeps building between months three and six as new collagen forms, and the result typically holds for around 2 to 4 years depending on age, skin quality and habits. Ageing is not stopped: it is delayed.
Does the endolift replace a facelift?
No. The endolift improves mild-to-moderate laxity and defines the jawline; it does not reposition deep tissues or remove significant skin excess. When laxity is marked, the correct answer is a facelift. The consultation tells you plainly which case is yours.
Endolift or submental liposuction: which one do I need?
If the double chin is a small fat deposit with skin that still retracts, the endolift may be enough. With more fat, surgical submental liposuction remains the definitive answer. Both options exist in this clinic and are compared at the same consultation, with their costs and recovery times.
How many sessions are needed?
Generally a single one. In selected cases it can be complemented with a second session or with other collagen-stimulating treatments, defined in the treatment plan.
Does it leave a scar?
No visible scars: the fibre enters through needle-sized points that need no suture and close within days.
The equipment used
Every case is different. Discuss yours in a personal consultation.
Book a consultation on WhatsAppEvery figure published on this site is approximate and is not a quote. Any procedure or treatment first requires a private assessment consultation with Dr. Arístides Arellano —$800 MXN, charged separately— and it is at that consultation that the definitive cost of your case is determined.
Educational content; it does not replace a medical consultation. Results may vary from person to person.