Facelift
Houston, TX

Facelifts address the lower half of the face and are thus frequently combined with nose reshaping surgery (rhinoplasty), eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), and/or a brow lift to produce a more comprehensive improvement in a patient’s overall facial physique and complexion. In many cases, a few of these can be combined and done in one surgical session, thus reducing recovery time and the number of times one needs to go under anesthesia.

More people have facelifts between the ages of 55 and 65 than at any other age. The second most common age for the facelift procedure is between the ages of 40 and 54. Facelifts at a younger age are extremely rare, with only 2% of all facelifts performed being done on patients younger than 39. While there is no “perfect age” for a facelift, the best time for one is usually when one’s face has lost significant volume in the midface and has gained considerable volume in the lower face, with jowls, and sagging skin tissue that affects the contour, youthfulness, and beauty of the face.

Having a facelift performed by our board-certified surgeon, Dr. Lyos, will be painless, as it is performed under general anesthesia. To manage the discomfort and pain following surgery you will have a prescription for pain medication, but soon you will only require over the counter pain medication. Your recovery will be monitored with follow-up appointments to ensure all is proceeding as it should.

There will be surgical scars but they are hidden from sight within the hairline or around the creases of the ears, so they are invisible once you have fully healed. The care with which the procedure is performed, along with suturing technique are critical factors in ensuring you are free from visible scars. Dr. Lyos, our board-certified plastic surgeon is known for his excellent surgical techniques and for achieving very natural looking results – not an unnatural, pulled look. You want to look like yourself – just younger and more attractive. That’s what you can achieve under the care of Dr. Lyos in Houston.

Like with all surgical procedures, a facelift comes with risks. After surgery, rarely you might experience hematoma, numbness, hair loss in incision area, prolonged swelling, and unfavored scarring.

The results of a facelift last for many years but will not stop the natural aging process. When your facelift is performed by our experienced, triple board-certified surgeon, Dr. Lyos, you can expect the results of your expertly performed facelift to last for many years, based upon your skin quality and age. If your face once again begins to sag or droop, another procedure can be performed, but this will be years in the future, particularly if you care for your skin correctly. A full facelift typically has results that last ten to fifteen years, and a mini-facelift (addressing mid-face region) will last up to five years.

The first step is a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lyos. He will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination of your skin and tissue. You will undergo testing to ensure you are safe to undergo surgery. You may need to adjust medications or dietary supplements. Blood thinning products such as aspirin or anti-inflammatories, and some herbal products that thin the blood must be avoided. All preparatory actions will be discussed in detail in your consultation. Prior to your surgical appointment, follow medication directions, wash your face and hair, arrange for help during recovery, and avoid eating anything after midnight. You are still able to drink water.

A non-surgical facelift cannot produce the results of a surgical facelift. A surgical facelift repairs sagging facial muscles, removes excess skin, repositions tissues, and is a full facial rejuvenation. A non-surgical facelift will smooth lines and wrinkles, add volume to cheeks for a lifting effect, but cannot remove excess sagging facial skin or lift sagging jowls.

To ensure your facelift is long-lasting, you must care for your skin. A good daily moisturizer with a broad spectrum UVB sunscreen will help protect your skin from future sun damage. For most patients, a facelift will last in the range of ten to fifteen years.

You should expect to see some results immediately, but your face will initially be swollen. Don’t worry – as the swelling and bruising subsides, typically around two to three weeks after surgery, your new look is revealed. After about two weeks, the swelling and bruising is greatly diminished, allowing you to return to your work and normal social activities. The results will continue to improve for up to about one year, although only you will be likely to notice these final subtle changes.