Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

Conveniently located to serve Houston & Sugar Land

Facelift surgery can achieve dramatic facial rejuvenation with lasting results. In addition to deep wrinkles and jowls, facelift surgery also involves tightening the underlying support structures of the face and removing excess, sagging skin.

Many Houston facelift patients feel they look at least 10 years younger after the procedure. They may also choose to combine a facelift with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, and fat grafting or facial fillers to further reduce the signs of facial aging.

This flexibility has allowed the facelift to become the go-to solution for long-lasting facial rejuvenation. If you’re considering a facelift in Houston, understanding what it can correct and enhance can guide you toward making an informed decision.

What A Facelift Is Used to Correct

A facelift is performed to address the following skin aging concerns:

• Sagging skin
• Nasolabial folds or deep creases around the mouth and nose
• Marionette lines or wrinkles at the corners of the mouth
• Jowls
• Double chin

What A Facelift Enhances

Beyond correcting wrinkles and sagging skin, a facelift can enhance facial contours, tighten facial muscles, and restore volume to areas that have become hollow or sunken over time. This results in a more rested and vibrant appearance.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

The best candidates are healthy individuals who want to tighten sagging skin and smooth away deep wrinkles. Although there is no age requirement for the procedure, it is recommended for people in their 40s to 60s when skin aging is usually most severe.

A facelift is also best for people with no medical conditions that could risk complications and slow healing. Non-smokers are preferred, and smokers will need to quit before the date of surgery.

Most importantly, candidates must have realistic post-surgical expectations and goals. Since the procedure plan is created with your objectives in mind, results will differ for everyone.

Your Facelift Consultation

Your facelift consultation with Dr. Norris will involve a detailed conversation about your appearance goals. He will discuss surgical techniques that can be utilized to meet your objectives, and he will help you visualize your potential outcome.

Before a date can be set for your facelift, Dr. Norris will need you to provide your complete medical history to assess your eligibility for the procedure. He will examine your face, and you may also need to take a few lab tests to ensure a smooth surgery.

How To Prepare for A Facelift

It is crucial for patients who seek invasive facial rejuvenation with a facelift to follow all instructions provided to help them prepare for surgery. These involve discontinuing medications that thin the blood for at least one week. Patients should also quit smoking for at least 4-6 weeks before the procedure.
What Happens During Facelift Surgery?
A facelift procedure will begin with administering anesthesia. Dr. Norris will wait for the anesthesia to take full effect before starting your rhytidectomy.

Next, Dr. Norris will create incisions along the hairline, beginning at the temples. They will continue around the ears, ending at the lower scalp.

The facial tissues will be lifted and sculpted, and excess skin will be removed. The procedure will end with sutures to close the incisions.

Recovering From a Facelift in Houston

Get good rest the first 24 hours after your facelift and take prescribed medications to manage discomfort and prevent infection. You may shower and gently wash and dry your hair about two days afterward.

If Dr. Norris recommends a chin strap, this must be worn continuously for the first three days after surgery, and then only at night for several weeks. Keep your head elevated as you rest to further reduce swelling.

Most facelift patients return to work after about two weeks and may resume all normal activities, including exercise, within 4-6 weeks. Scars will fade over time as the incisions heal, and you will begin to see your refreshed, uplifted look within a few months.

Why Choose Dr. Norris?

At Norris Plastic Surgery, the Houston community benefits from Dr. Norris’s extensive expertise as a board-certified plastic surgeon. His detailed approach offers customized facelift procedure plans to ensure results tailored to each individual’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals. With his artistic eye and compassionate personality, Dr. Norris will prioritize your overall health and appearance goals for the long term.

View Facelift Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

• Will it be obvious that I had a facelift?
  If performed correctly, there should be no visible indicators that you have had a facelift. Facelift surgery aims to create a natural, more youthful appearance. You should look rested and refreshed without having “tight” facial features.
• How long will the results last?
  The aging process is ongoing, so the results of a facelift will not be permanent. Various lifestyle and environmental factors, such as age and smoking or drinking habits, may affect the longevity of your facelift. In ideal conditions, you can expect to retain a youthful appearance for 10 years or longer following surgery.
• Are there any significant risks associated with facelift surgery?
  Although a rhytidectomy is generally considered safe, there are inherent complications or risks associated with any surgical procedure. For this reason, it’s essential for you to discuss these details with your surgeon. Complications with facelift surgery can include nerve damage, infection, bleeding, or prolonged healing, especially for patients who smoke.
• Will there be any significant scarring?
  As with most surgical procedures, you should expect some scarring following a facelift. The location will depend on the type of procedure you select, but scars are most commonly visible around the ears or beneath the chin area. Their appearance typically begins to fade within a few weeks and should be nearly unnoticeable after one to three months.
• What can I expect in terms of recovery and results from my facelift?
  Post-facelift, patients can expect a recovery period of two to three weeks, with minor swelling and discomfort that gradually diminishes. Results are long-lasting, revealing a naturally youthful appearance that reflects your inner vitality.
• How much does a facelift cost?
  The cost of your facelift will depend on the severity of your symptoms, anesthesia fees, and other patient-specific factors. We also allow qualifying patients to finance the price of their surgery with CareCredit or Alphaeon.

Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to turn back the clock with a facelift? Contact us today for a customized facelift consultation with Dr. Norris and take the first step toward a rejuvenated you. Our team will be available to answer your questions or concerns about a facelift in Houston. During the consultation, expect to discuss the risks, benefits, and costs of a facelift.