Facelift

A facelift elevates and tights sagging facial tissue and skin to give you a younger, more alert appearance. At Houston Cosmetic Surgery Center, board-certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon David Davila, DO, FACOS, and the team specialize in meticulous, conservative care to ensure you get beautifully natural results. To learn more about your facelift options, call the Houston, Texas, office or book an appointment online today.

What is a facelift?

A traditional facelift rejuvenates your appearance by strategically tightening the layer of fibrous connective tissue beneath the skin, known as the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). If your areas of concern are in the lower two-thirds of your face, a facelift may be perfect.

If your issues are more in the jowls, mid-face, and neck, Dr. Davila may recommend a deep plane facelift as an effective alternative. Of the two procedures, a traditional facelift is less involved and demanding, and he balances a conservative approach with getting you the best possible results.

To further contribute to a youthful, “awake” appearance, you may also combine your facelift with a brow lift or blepharoplasty to correct sagging eyelids.

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

You may be a good candidate if you want to address deep facial and neck wrinkles or loose skin. You should have realistic expectations and be in good general health.

You may not be a good candidate if you are on blood-thinning medications or supplements, have frequent weight fluctuations, or smoke.

If you’re concerned with the tell-tale signs of facial aging, you should talk to Dr. Davila about a facelift. He is known for his honesty in recommending only the procedures most beneficial to patients and can give you feedback to pursue your goals.

If Dr. Davila recommends a facelift after your consultation and thorough examination, you have the surgery under local or general anesthesia. The process takes 2-6 hours, so you need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. You should avoid driving for a week or more.

What is recovery like after a facelift?

You may have significant swelling and bruising after your surgery. The surgical team provides care instructions for your comfort, which should subside after a few weeks. During this time, your surgeon recommends:

• Starting with soft foods requiring minimal chewing
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoiding strenuous exercise for about three weeks
• Taking medications as advised
• Sleeping with your head propped up

After a week or so, you feel more like yourself, and in less than a month, Dr. Davila can remove the sutures. Your beautiful results reveal themselves over the next 12 months.

To learn more about the facelift process and the personalized care available to you, call the Houston Cosmetic Surgery Center office today or book a consultation online.