Facelift Surgery

Conveniently located to serve The Woodlands, Houston, and Shenandoah

What Is Facelift Surgery?

As we age, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and daily life can take their toll. Deep creases may develop between the nose and mouth, the jawline can become slack and jowly, and folds or fat deposits may appear around the neck.

While a facelift (technically known as rhytidectomy) can’t stop the natural aging process, it can help turn back the clock by addressing some of the most noticeable signs of aging. By removing excess fat, tightening underlying muscles, and redraping the skin of the face and neck, a facelift can create a more youthful, refreshed appearance – especially when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.

If you’re considering a facelift, this page provides a general overview of the procedure, including potential benefits, procedural details, and what kind of results you can expect. Continue reading and feel free to reach out to our plastic surgeon in The Woodlands to learn more!

Who Is a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?

The ideal candidate for a facelift wants to reduce signs of aging in the lower third of the face and upper neck. Often, these concerns include jowls, sagging skin, excess skin, creases, and wrinkles. That said, patients interested in facelift surgery should ideally have a certain degree of skin elasticity and strong, well-defined bone structure. While most facelift patients are in their forties to sixties, the procedure can also be performed successfully on individuals in their seventies or even eighties.

During your consultation, Dr. Lahiri will evaluate your overall health and check for any medical conditions that could affect the procedure or recovery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure or blood clotting issues. Be sure to inform Dr. Lahiri if you smoke or take any medications.

Please understand that while a facelift can help you look younger and improve your self-confidence, the surgery can’t completely change your appearance or restore the health and vitality of your youth. Before moving forward with surgery, Dr. Lahiri will work with you to discuss your expectations and unique needs.

Complementary Procedures to Facelift Surgery

While a facelift can significantly rejuvenate the lower face and neck, many patients choose to enhance their results by combining the surgery with additional treatments. Depending on your aesthetic goals, your facelift surgery can be complemented by other facial procedures, such as a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, or rhinoplasty. Non-surgical options like BOTOX® Cosmetic can also be incorporated to maintain and enhance the effects of your facelift.

Alternatively, combining facelift surgery with body contouring procedures (e.g. tummy tuck surgery or liposuction) can allow you to simultaneously achieve your ideal physique and facial aesthetic. No matter your individual case, Dr. Lahiri is excited to create a plan that satisfies your every cosmetic wish.

What Does the Facelift Procedure Involve?

Prior to your facelift procedure, Dr. Lahiri will provide specific pre-operative instructions, including guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking, and medication use. If you smoke, it’s mandatory to stop at least six to eight weeks before and after surgery, as smoking restricts blood flow and can slow healing. Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Lahiri any questions about the process or your expected results.

Most facelifts are performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia with sedation, though general anesthesia is sometimes used. In most cases, facelift surgery takes four to six hours.

Incisions are typically made above the hairline at the temples, extending in front of the ear, around the earlobe, and into the lower scalp. If neck contouring is needed, a small incision may also be placed under the chin. Dr. Lahiri lifts the skin, removes or repositions fat as needed, tightens the underlying muscles, and redrapes the skin before trimming any excess. The incisions are then closed with sutures, and metal clips may be used for the scalp.

What Is Recovery Like After Facelift Surgery?

Immediately after your facelift surgery, swelling, bruising, paleness, fatigue, skin dryness, skin roughness, and hair thinning are normal; however, these effects should fade within a few months. Dr. Lahiri may wrap your head in bandages, and place a small drainage tube behind your ear to prevent fluid buildup. If used, the tube is typically removed within a few days, while bandages are usually taken off within three to four days. Keeping your head elevated and as still as possible for the first couple of days can also help minimize swelling.

Be gentle with your face and hair, as your skin may be tender and temporarily numb for a few weeks or months. Many patients also experience mild soreness, but this can often be managed with prescribed pain medication. Stitches are usually removed after ten days, though those behind the ears will stay in slightly longer.

You should be up and moving within a day or two, but be sure to take it easy for the first week. Most patients are back at work about two weeks after surgery. Although strenuous activity (e.g. exercise and heavy housework) should be avoided for at least two weeks, mild walking and stretching are encouraged. You’ll also be advised to stay away from alcohol, steam baths, and saunas for several months.

Above all, be sure to allow your body to rest and focus on healing. If you need to, arrange for someone to drive you home and assist you for the first day or two. Moreover, Dr. Lahiri will provide detailed recovery guidelines for you to follow during your recovery.

What Are the Typical Results of Facelift Surgery?

A facelift can’t stop the aging process, but it can dramatically refresh your appearance! As such, most patients at Lahiri Plastic Surgery are thrilled with their facelift results. That said, because the face will inevitably continue to age naturally, some patients choose to have another facelift at some point in the future.

It’s important to understand that the final outcome takes time to appear as swelling and bruising fades. Men may need to adjust their shaving routine due to the repositioning of skin.

Furthermore, scars from a facelift are typically well-hidden within the hairline or natural facial creases, and should fade significantly over time. If you have short hair, consider growing it out before surgery to help conceal healing incisions.

Are Any Risks Associated with Facelift Surgery?

While complications from a facelift are rare when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, individual factors can affect healing and results. Potential risks include hematoma (a blood collection under the skin requiring drainage), temporary nerve injury, infection, and anesthesia reactions. Additionally, smokers are more prone to poor skin healing.

To minimize complications and reap the full benefits of your treatment, be sure to carefully follow Dr. Lahiri’s personalized care instructions.

How Much Does Facelift Surgery Cost?

At our practice in The Woodlands, the cost of a facelift will depend based on several variables, including:

• Surgeon’s fees
• Anesthesia costs
• Hospital or surgical facility fees
• Pre- and post-operative tests and evaluations
• Additional procedures performed alongside the facelift
• Post-operative medications, garments, and follow-up care

Dr. Lahiri understands that a facelift is a significant investment and aims to provide numerous options to make the procedure more attainable. For eligible patients, we offer CareCredit® financing, which allows for convenient monthly payment plans. If you have any questions about costs or financing, our team is happy to guide you through your options.

For more information on facelift surgery, we welcome you to schedule your consultation today.

Medical Resources*

Stanford Medicine