Facelift

A facelift procedure, like most other plastic surgery procedures, doesn’t look the exact same for each patient who chooses to have one. Treatment areas may be different, there may be significant excess tissue in some cases and not others, and approaches may vary slightly for different patients. Because of this, there’s no fixed price for facelift surgery. Dr. Livingston and his team can provide you with a Houston facelift cost estimate after you are evaluated in a consultation.

At our practice in Houston, facelift surgery generally takes about 2-4 hours. Sometimes, however, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty),  brow lift, or neck lift are also included in a facial rejuvenation treatment plan, extending the duration of the facelift procedure by 1-3 hours.

It’s our goal to maximize both safety and comfort for each patient. A facelift is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be in a sleep-like state as Dr. Livingston is working. After the surgery, any lingering discomfort around the incision sites is managed with prescription pain medication and, eventually, over-the-counter medication. Some patients also ask about local anesthesia options for limited procedures; your surgeon will discuss what is appropriate based on your plan.

Precautions such as sunscreen, a skin care routine, and other good habits can extend the results of facelift surgery to about a decade. Instead of getting another facelift down the road, patients often consider accessing non-surgical cosmetic options such as laser skin resurfacing and injectable treatments (dermal fillers, “liquid facelift”) to maintain their new youthful appearance and vibrant appearance.

We’ll cover all the important things you should do before your facelift surgery in Houston during your consultation, such as making adjustments to medication. We’ll also advise that you stop using tobacco products as soon as possible and remind you to make transportation arrangements the day of your facelift procedure. It’s a good idea to have some immediate help for at least the first few days, and there are things you can do, like meal prep, to make the initial stages of recovery a lot easier. Your medical history and medical conditions (and any previous surgeries) will also be reviewed to support safe planning for this invasive surgery.

A lower facelift focuses on the jawline, jowls, and neck, making it ideal for patients who experience sagging in the lower third of the face but do not have significant aging in the midface or forehead. A full facelift, on the other hand, addresses the entire face, including the cheeks, jawline, and neck, for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Many patients also ask about the difference between face lift surgery and traditional facelift surgery — these terms are often used similarly, and the best approach depends on your anatomy and goals.

A SMAS facelift (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) is an advanced technique that lifts and tightens the deeper layers of facial tissue, rather than just pulling the skin. This results in a more natural, longer-lasting rejuvenation compared to older facelift techniques, which only addressed surface-level sagging. The SMAS facelift is particularly effective for correcting jowls, midface sagging, and deep nasolabial folds. Compared with a traditional facelift, the SMAS facelift targets underlying tissues for better support of facial contours.

A jowl lift, often performed as part of a lower facelift, reduces sagging along the jawline by lifting and tightening the skin and underlying muscles. This procedure helps restore a defined, youthful jawline and reduces the appearance of jowls, which are often caused by aging and gravity.

Jowl surgery typically refers to procedures specifically aimed at reducing jowls and sagging along the jawline. This can be accomplished through a lower facelift, liposuction, or other contouring techniques. Many patients include jowl correction as part of their facelift procedure for enhanced definition and a smoother transition between the lower face and neck.

The results of a facelift can last 10 to 15 years, depending on factors such as skin quality, genetics, and lifestyle habits. While a facelift does not stop the aging process, it can significantly restore the visible signs of aging to help you maintain a more youthful appearance for years to come. Sun damage and skin tone changes can continue over time, so ongoing skin care matters.

Most patients recover from a lower facelift within 2 to 3 weeks, although minor swelling and residual tightness may last a few months. Patients can typically return to non-strenuous activities within 1 to 2 weeks and resume full exercise after 4 to 6 weeks. Keeping the head elevated and following post-op guidance can support smoother facelift recovery.

Yes, many facelifts, particularly lower facelifts, include neck tightening to create a smoother, defined transition between the jawline and neck. If there is significant loose skin or muscle banding, a neck lift may be performed alongside the facelift for optimal results. This face and neck approach is common when patients also have a double chin or neck laxity.

Facelift incisions are strategically placed along the hairline and around the ears, making them discreet and easily concealed. With proper post-surgical care, scars fade significantly over time and become barely noticeable. In rare cases, some patients can experience permanent hair loss along incision lines; your surgeon will discuss risk reduction strategies.

Many patients choose to combine a facelift with:

• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for a refreshed eye appearance (eyelid lift)
• Brow lift to address lines and wrinkles across the forehead
• Fat grafting to restore volume loss in the cheeks and under the eyes (facial sagging)
• Neck lift to complement a lower facelift and refine jawline definition
• Laser resurfacing or chemical peels to improve skin texture and tone (laser treatments)

Ideal candidates for a facelift are individuals who:

• Experience moderate to severe facial sagging
• Have jowls, deep wrinkles, or loose skin along the jawline and neck
• Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations
• Want long-term facial rejuvenation beyond what fillers or non-surgical treatments (nonsurgical facelift, liquid facelift) can achieve

A consultation with a plastic surgeon helps evaluate facial anatomy, facial tissues, underlying tissues, and the best surgical techniques for your goals.