Facelift in Houston

Refreshed. Youthful. You.

Am I A Candidate?

Age Gracefully, Live Confidently

Over time, the aging process—gravity, lifestyle factors, and even genetic components—can often cause drooping or sagging skin for even the healthiest of people!

For those who cannot achieve the skin-tightening results they’re looking for through non-surgical treatments alone, a Facelift might be a great option.

Thousands of patients have trusted the dependable, skilled surgeons of Heights Plastic Surgery to deliver skillful results that look and feel naturally you.

Customized Facelift Treatments. Subtle, Natural Results.

Our custom-tailored Facelifts in Houston focus on bringing you what you need to achieve a well-rested, healthy appearance that enhances your natural facial features.

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Rhytidectomy

also known as: facelift \ rit-i-DEK-tuh-mee \

1. Plastic surgery on the face for elevating sagging tissues and eliminating wrinkles and other signs of age

Procedure options: facelift, mini-facelift, mid-facelift

Procedure Overview

Addresses

Moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles

Sagging facial skin

Undefined jawline caused by jowls

Procedure Time

3-4 hours

Eligibility

Non-Smoker

Female and Male

30+

Possible Side Effects

Mild to Moderate Pain

Drainage from Incisions

Bleeding

Swelling

Bruising

Numbness

Frequently Asked Questions

Jump to FAQs

What is a Facelift?

The facelift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that tightens drooping facial features by strengthening weak facial muscles and removing excess skin and fat. Unlike other temporary solutions like dermal fillers and injectables, the Facelift is a long-lasting solution with results that have the potential to last a lifetime.

While the procedure can be performed alone, many patients also undergo eyelid surgery or a brow lift in conjunction with their Facelift for the ultimate rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks are board-certified Houston plastic surgeons with more than 15 years of experience performing Facelifts on men and women in Houston and its surrounding areas with long-lasting and satisfying results.

What Aesthetic Issues Does a Facelift Address?

While non-surgical treatments can and do improve surface texture, a facelift is capable of handling deeper structural issues. We use facelift surgery to restore youthful contours by targeting specific concerns:

 

  • Jowl Formation: As facial fat moves downward, it settles along the jawline and blurs your natural contours. Facelift surgery repositions these facial soft tissues to create a crisp profile.
  • Nasolabial Folds: These deep creases from the nose to the mouth appear when facial tissues shift. We lift the superficial musculoaponeurotic system—the SMAS facelift—to soften these lines.
  • Midface Sagging: Flattened cheeks are a hallmark of the aging process. By elevating underlying tissues, we restore the youthful shape of the midface.
  • Loose Neck Skin: Often called a double chin, loose skin and muscle banding below the chin are addressed through a neck lift.
  • Marionette Lines: These vertical folds run from the mouth to the chin. Facelift procedures provide the structural tension needed to smooth this area.

Facelift Benefits

Getting a Facelift can be a great way to improve your quality of life by addressing various signs of aging and enhancing your appearance. This transformative procedure offers a lot of benefits, including a more youthful appearance, a defined jawline, increased confidence, and long-lasting results. Unlike temporary solutions like fillers and injectables, with a Facelift Houston patients can see long-lasting results that may last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Additionally, it can be combined with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or brow lift, for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

  • Structural Correction: A deep plane facelift moves the superficial musculoaponeurotic system to provide a foundation that lasts.
  • Natural Looking Results: Our Surgeons use a surgical technique that avoids a “pulled” look by focusing on vertical lifting.
  • Improved Jawline Definition: By removing excess fat and tightening facial muscles, the surgical procedure restores the angle between the face and neck.
  • Longevity: You will always look younger than if you had no intervention.
  • Comprehensive Rejuvenation: Addressing sagging skin across the face and neck in one surgical procedure reduces total downtime.

Am I a candidate for a Facelift?

At Heights Plastic Surgery, good candidates for a Facelift experience the following concerns:

  • Moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles
  • Sagging facial skin
  • Undefined jawline caused by jowls

Ideal candidates are in good general health and have realistic expectations of their potential results. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate is to schedule your private consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

Your Consultation and How to Prepare for a Facelift

The process starts in our Houston office with our surgeons. During the facelift consultation, we look at bone structure, skin elasticity, and facial fat to decide between a deep plane facelift surgery, a traditional facelift, or a mini facelift.

You will need a thorough pre-operative assessment to establish if you are a safe candidate for the procedure. Avoid blood-thinning agents for two weeks before surgery to help you heal properly with minimal bruising. Because nicotine damages the blood supply, you must be nicotine-free for six weeks surrounding your facial rejuvenation surgery. You also need a responsible adult to stay with you for the first 48 hours.

How does a Facelift work?

A Facelift is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about three to four hours to complete. To begin, the application of anesthesia will ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout your surgery. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will then perform any of the following Facelift techniques. We will discuss the surgical techniques used while developing your personalized treatment plan during your one-on-one consultation.

  • Standard Facelift. The standard procedure aims to alleviate moderate to severe sagging skin on the face and neck. Your surgeon will make incisions along the hairline and behind the ears, giving Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks a better lifting capability. This method results in a longer—but still easily-concealed—scar.
  • Mini-Facelift. This technique is ideal for less severe wrinkled, aged, or sagging facial skin. Incisions are made along the front of the ear and the edge of the hairline to lift the lower face with the jowls. It only addresses neck issues to a small degree but may be combined with neck liposuction to enhance the result.
  • Mid-Facelift. The mid-facelift uses an incision on the outer side of the eyelids to correct signs of aging in the area. This also corrects mild to moderate sagging skin while having only minimal scarring involved.

Related Procedures

Brow Lift
Neck Lift
Eyelid Surgery

What You Can Expect

Before, During, & After Your Facelift in Houston

1. Personalized Consultation.

Our process for a Facelift in Houston begins with a personal consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. We work with you to understand your unique goals, medical history, facial features, and desired outcomes.

2. Collaborative Treatment Plan.

Our esteemed Houston Facelift surgeons, Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks, will work together to develop a tailored treatment plan. This plan can include a standard Facelift, mini-facelift, mid-facelift, or modified Facelift, potentially combined with non-surgical options to achieve optimal results.

3. Informed Decision-Making.

At Heights Plastic Surgery, patient education is paramount. We provide comprehensive information about the different procedures, allowing you to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals, budget, and timeline. We encourage you to ask questions and address any concerns you may have.

4. Convenient Scheduling.

We will help you schedule your Facelift at a time convenient for you. Our on-site, state-of-the-art surgery center provides a private and comfortable environment for your outpatient procedure. Expect to take a break from work and everyday activities for three to five days after surgery.

5. Pre-Surgical Preparation.

We provide detailed pre-operative instructions to ensure you are fully prepared for your Houston Facelift. Upon arrival at our facility, our staff will guide you to the surgical suite, where we will review the procedure one last time before starting.

6. Expert Surgical Care.

Your board-certified surgeon will meticulously perform your customized Facelift procedure. Due to the effects of anesthesia, it is imperative that you arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.

7. Dedicated Aftercare.

Following your Facelift Houston plastic surgeons will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any questions you may have. This ensures a smooth and successful recovery.

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Facelift Results

While you will see changes right away, your facelift results will gradually show up as the soft tissues settle. Most patients have a fresh appearance and feel ready for social outings within three weeks, though some swelling remains. Final results settle around the six-month mark. We use our own facility, Upper Heights Surgery Center, and follow you closely in our office during recovery. The precision of the environment helps coordinate the intricate execution of the surgery and the healing process. You can expect your youthful appearance to last over a decade.

Facelift Recovery

Recovery is usually a sensation of tightness. For a few days, you will wear a wrap to minimize swelling. The first 72 hours require rest and head elevation. You will return to our office within days so we can check the incision sites. Most patients have their sutures removed within a week. You should avoid any strenuous exercise for four weeks after surgery to help prevent complications.

Facelift Aftercare

Aftercare is a long-term commitment. Protecting your skin from the sun is vital, as UV damage causes sagging skin and can darken the facelift incision. We often suggest maintenance treatments at our medical spa, Studio Essex. They include laser skin resurfacing, RF microneedling, chemical peels, and neuromodulators to improve and maintain skin texture and tone and preserve your results.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost?

Pricing for a facelift in Houston is individual. Your investment covers the surgical fees your surgeon, anesthesia, and fees for our QUAD A-accredited surgery center. Factors like previous surgeries or combining other procedures like eyelid surgery, a brow lift, or fat transfer will affect the total cost. We provide a clear quote after your consultation, and financing is available.

Heights Plastic Surgery

Our Mission: Enhancement of Your Natural Features with a Facelift.

At Heights Plastic Surgery, our mission is to help you achieve subtle enhancement of your natural facial features. Led by the board-certified cosmetic surgeons Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks, we offer a comprehensive range of cutting-edge surgical as well as non-surgical procedures. We prioritize creating a welcoming, comfortable environment and a personalized patient experience, ensuring you feel informed and supported throughout your journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts in Houston