What is a facelift? The facelift is a surgical cosmetic procedure that tightens drooping facial features by strengthening weak facial muscles and removing excess skin and fat. Unlike other temporary solutions like dermal fillers and injectables, the facelift is a long-lasting solution with results that have the potential to last a lifetime. While a facelift can be performed alone, many patients also undergo eyelid surgery or a brow lift in conjunction with their facelift for the ultimate rejuvenated and refreshed appearance. Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks are board-certified plastic surgeons with more than 15 years of experience performing facelifts on men and women in Houston and its surrounding areas with long-lasting and satisfying results.
How common are facelifts? In Houston, the facelift is one of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures for patients who wish to look more refreshed and radiant than ever before. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks and their expert team of professionals are proud to offer the facelift to residents of Houston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and the neighboring communities in southeast Texas. With more than 15 years of unparalleled experience, Dr. Cara Downey and Dr. Jamal Bullocks are proud to provide their patients with cutting-edge techniques, unmatched results, and quality patient care. Heights Plastic Surgery and Studio Essex Medical Spa offer a wide array of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures to help residents of Houston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and neighboring communities in Texas restore their confidence and enhance their natural features. Contact us to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks today.
Am I a candidate for a facelift? At Heights Plastic Surgery, good candidates for a facelift experience the following concerns: Moderate to severe fine lines and wrinkles Sagging facial skin Undefined jawline caused by jowls Ideal candidates for a facelift are in good general health and have realistic expectations of their potential results. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for a facelift is to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks.
How much does a facelift cost in Houston? The cost of a facelift in Houston ranges from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on the details of the customized plan. The total cost of your facelift will depend on factors such as your surgeon’s fee, the location of your procedure, and other miscellaneous medical expenses. At Heights Plastic Surgery, we accept cash and all major credit cards. We are also happy to offer financing through CareCredit® for patients. Because a facelift is typically more about cosmetic appearance and is less of a medical necessity, most insurance plans do not cover it.
How does a facelift work? A facelift is an outpatient procedure typically takes about three to four hours to complete. To begin, the application of a anesthesia will ensure you are comfortable and pain-free throughout your surgery. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks will then perform any of the following facelift techniques. We will discuss the surgical techniques used by Dr. Downey during your facelift while developing your personalized treatment plan during your one-on-one consultation. Standard Facelift. The standard facelift aims to alleviate moderate to severe sagging skin on the face and neck. Your surgeon will make incisions along the hairline and behind the ears, giving Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks a better lifting capability. This method results in a longer—but still easily-concealed—scar. Mini-Facelift. This technique is ideal for less severe wrinkled, aged, or sagging facial skin. Incisions are made along the front of the ear and the edge of the hairline to lift the lower face with the jowls. Mini-facelift procedures only address neck issues to a small degree but may be combined with neck liposuction to enhance the result. Mid-Facelift. The mid-facelift, or traditional facelift, uses an incision on the outer side of the eyelids to correct signs of aging in the area. This also corrects mild to moderate sagging skin while having only minimal scarring involved.
What does recovery after facelift look like? Patients often experience mild swelling and bruising for the first seven to 10 days following their facelift procedure. During this time, we will fit you with a compression garment to help reduce swelling and promote your healing process. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks may also provide you with prescription medication that can help manage your pain. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks and their team will ask that you keep your head elevated when lying down for the first two weeks following your surgery. Patients can typically return to work and regular daily activities about one to two weeks following their facelift. It’s important that you avoid direct sunlight and the use of heavy makeup for three to four weeks following your facelift. Scars will be reduced to thin, easily hidden white lines after about six weeks, at which time you may resume more vigorous physical activities and workout routines. While you will be able to see some results of your facelift immediately following surgery, ultimate results will appear once all incisions have healed and the swelling subsides. This usually occurs roughly three to four months later.
