A facelift in Houston can address a number of facial aging issues. The skin and underlying soft tissue of the face and neck begin to sag in time due to the effects of sun exposure, gravity, and the loss of skin elasticity as part of the normal aging process. Deep creases appear beside the mouth (nasolabial folds), jowls form along the lower face/jawline, and the neck loses its definition from the presence of loose skin and fat.
During your facelift consultation with acclaimed double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erika Sato, she will learn more about the concerns you have about your face and/or neck in order to recommend a surgical plan specific for you and your aesthetic goals.
As part of this consultation, facelift cost will also be discussed. Price will depend on the exact techniques chosen for your specific case.
Rhytidectomy, most commonly known as a facelift, is a surgical procedure that counteracts the signs of aging by tightening muscle and trimming excess skin on the face for a smoother, more youthful appearance.
A facelift improves the signs of aging on the mid and lower face, as well as a portion of the neck.
Liposuction may be performed simultaneously to remove excess fat around the lower jaw (jowls) and under the chin.
A facelift does not include the brow, eyelids, nose, or parts of the midface. Patients who want to improve these areas may consider combining a facelift with a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) to give the face an overall more refreshed look.
Injectable soft tissue fillers, skin resurfacing, or fat grafting can also enhance the effects of a facelift.
You may be a candidate for a facelift if you are in good health, a non-smoker, and wish to correct wrinkles and sagging skin on the face and neck. After examining you and reviewing your medical history, Dr. Sato will be able to advise if a facelift is the right procedure for you.
A facelift is an outpatient procedure performed in our on-site surgical facility under local anesthesia and IV sedation. The surgical time can vary depending on the technique used, the extent of correction, and whether there are additional procedures being done concurrently.
The surgical method varies depending on the surgeon, the patient’s facial structure, and the extent of correction desired. Dr. Sato will choose techniques based on your individual facial structure and what you wish to accomplish.
In a traditional facelift, an incision is made along or just inside the hairline in the temple region, in front and around the ear into the hair behind the ear. To lift the neck, an incision is made under the chin. The muscle is tightened, excess tissue, fat, and skin is excised, and the skin is then re-draped and sutured for a new contour that is naturally tighter.
In a limited-incision facelift, used for a more limited rejuvenation, shorter incisions are made.
Your head will be loosely wrapped in bandages when you wake up after the procedure. If subcutaneous drains were placed intra-operatively, you will be provided with drain teaching.
There will be some discomfort, swelling, numbness and bruising. The length of time it will take for these issues to subside depends on the type of facelift performed and if any other procedures were done concurrently. Keeping your head elevated while resting will help to reduce these effects.
Most people can go back to work in 2-3 weeks after getting a facelift in Houston, but strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks. Once recovery is complete, you will be able to enjoy the full results of your rhytidectomy.
