Facelift

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For patients wanting a more youthful visage, two of the most popular choices are facelifts and forehead lifts.

Dr. Rivela’s top-notch surgical skills make him one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in practice. He was voted “Best Plastic Surgeon” by Woodlands Online every year since 2010.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, or Rhytidectomy, is a restorative procedure designed to tighten sagging facial muscles, remove excess skin, and reduce the fat of the lower two-thirds of the face, creating a more youthful appearance. Providing lasting improvement for five to 10 years, patients find that the positive change in appearance also helps bring a renewed outlook on life and enhances day-to-day living.

A forehead or brow lift is designed to remove skin and tighten muscles of the forehead, thus helping to alleviate forehead lines, frown lines, drooping eyebrows, and “hooding” eyelids. It is often performed along with other procedures such as eyelid surgery or face lifts. Mini-face lifts can be a good option for patients with less advanced wrinkling and sagging. They are surgically less invasive with the added benefit of reduced healing time.

Dr. Rivela - Best Plastic Surgeon, Face lift, The WoodlandsYour Consultation with Dr. Rivela

Your consultation provides an opportunity to interact one-on-one with Dr. Rivela. This is the time to ask and answer questions allowing him to set up a game plan for the optimal outcome of your surgical experience. (Click the video link to view an interview with a facelift patient.)

Be ready to discuss:

  • Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
  • Expectations and desired outcome
  • Available Options
  • All medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs that you are currently taking or using
  • Previous surgical history

Dr. Rivela may also:

  • Evaluate your general health status including pre-existing conditions and risk factors
  • Examine your face
  • Take photographs for your medical records
  • Discuss your options and recommend a surgical course of action
  • Discuss likely outcomes, risks, and potential complications associated with your surgery

Your Facelift Procedure

Often used in conjunction with brow lifts, eye lifts, or forehead lifts, the surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia but sometimes under local anesthesia with sedation. Facelifts typically take from 2-4 hours, but time will vary depending on what specific procedures are being performed and how many are being performed in the same surgery. Remember to book your surgery to give you an extra month of recovery, and two months for a deep facelift.

About the Procedure

  • Anesthesia General
  • Location of Operation Hospital or Surgery Center
  • Length of Surgery2-4 hours
  • Length of StayOutpatient (home same day)

Face Lift Procedure

Your Facelift Recovery Notes

Discomfort After: Mild to moderate. Anticipate 1-5 days of prescription pain medication. Tylenol is often sufficient in this treatment. If you have pain beyond what seems to be normal, it’s important to contact our office immediately to ensure there are no complications.

Swelling and Bruising: Improves in a couple of weeks. For deeper facelifts, it can take the swelling a little longer to go down. Reduce swelling by frequently applying cold compresses, and make sure to keep your head elevated at all times. Your face will feel a little tight for the first several weeks, and you can also expect some numbness.

Bandages: Will be applied after surgery and are changed in 1-2 days. Any surgical tubing will be removed then as well.

Stitches: Removed in 7-10 days.

Staples: Staples are typically applied at the hairline and will be removed in two weeks.

Make-up: With a little make-up, you should feel comfortable going out in public in about two weeks. Make-up should not be applied for at least the first week of recovery.

Work: If you have to return to work you should be physically ready in about five days.

Driving: May be resumed in two weeks if you have stopped taking prescription pain medication.

Exercise: Wait 2-3 weeks before doing any strenuous exercise.

Final result: Will be seen after the scars have matured, which will be about six months. To protect your investment and the health of your skin, always wear sunscreen – and don’t forget the rule: SPF should be 15 or higher.

The Procedure

Facelift FAQs

 

Who is a good candidate for a facelift?

A face lift is an excellent choice for patients interested in improving facial contours, tightening skin, removing excess fat, tightening muscles or smoothing lines and wrinkles to create a more youthful appearance. It is important that a patient have good mental and physical health and realistic expectations. A face lift is not meant to be a method of completely altering the appearance and will not help solve personal or psychological issues.

What factors should be considered when selecting a facelift surgeon?

When choosing a plastic surgeon it is important that they be well-trained and experienced. Always choose a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Make sure they are trained and experienced in all areas of plastic surgery. They should have at least five years of surgical experience, no less than two being in the field of plastic surgery.

Are there different types of forehead and facelifts?

There are many kinds of face lifts. They vary by type of incision, number of tissue layers involved, area of face, and degree of invasiveness.

How do I prepare for a facelift?

As with any surgery, good overall health is key. It is important to have well-controlled blood pressure, and certain medications must be avoided and others may need to be adjusted before the surgery. It is important for smokers to stop smoking before the surgery. Smoking is proven to delay healing and can cause wound complications. Dr. Rivela will discuss with you everything required for a successful surgery at the consultation.

How long does facelift last?

Depending on the type of face lift you get, a good rule of thumb is about 10 years. Factors like genetics, diet, sun exposure, sleeping habits and whether you smoke plays a role. As with everything else in life, good lifestyle choices bring best results.

What are the risks involved with having a facelift?

All risks will be discussed at your consultation and you will be given a form to sign stating the risks. Beyond the normal risks of surgery, a face lift is safe and doesn’t carry additional risks. Closely following instructions on pre-operative and post-operative care creates the best environment for a problem-free surgical experience and recovery.

Consultations for procedures for the Body at Rivela Plastic Surgery are complimentary. Call our office today at (281) 681-3905.

“Amazing!”

Dr. Rivela’s office is so peaceful and everyone is so welcoming! I first met Dr. Rivela and he was so kind and personal. I had chemical peels and derma-pen done, and everyone went so smoothly! Wendy did all my procedures and she is absolutely amazing! She knows what she is doing! She will bring you a blanket and make you feel at home during the procedure. 🙂 I highly recommend Rivela Plastic Surgery to anyone, don’t go anywhere else except here!.

Facelift Cost

The cost of a Face Lift will depend on several factors. The price can be affected by body type, type of technique performed, surgical complications, and even allergies. Find out more by scheduling a consultation.

Schedule a Facelift Consultation

Interested in learning more about facelift surgery in The Woodlands / North Houston? Contact Rivela Plastic Surgery today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rivela. We look forward to offering compassionate treatment and excellent cosmetic plastic surgery solutions.

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