Facelift in The Woodlands, TX

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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.

 

 

 

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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 facelift procedure can also be performed along with other plastic surgery options to help improve outcomes. 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. A neck lift is also often performed along with a facelift to eliminate excess lax skin on the neck. Additionally, a facelift is often performed along with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery, for a more youthful appearance.

Benefits of a facelift include:

  • Tightening sagging skin.
  • Smoothing wrinkles.
  • Improving facial contours.
  • Creating a more defined jawline.
  • Improved self-image.

Treating “Ozempic Face” with a Facelift

For individuals who have started their weight loss journey using GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, it is smart to plan for the effects of a weight loss transformation. For those planning on losing a significant amount of weight, excess, loose, and sagging skin may occur. One effect of dramatic weight loss with these medications is what is called “Ozempic face”, or facial sagging. Some patients may benefit from considering a facelift procedure following significant weight loss for a boost in confidence. Incorporating plastic surgery into your weight loss journey can offer several benefits including completing your transformation, improving your physical comfort, and enhancing your overall well-being.

Your Consultation with Dr. Rivela

Your consultation provides an opportunity to interact one-on-one with our board-certified plastic surgeon, 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.

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

MEET DR. RIVELA

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With over 25 years of experience, Lucian J. Rivela M. D., F. A. C. S. is proud to offer some of the most innovative procedures available in cosmetic and plastic surgery, aesthetic treatments, and skincare. Dr. Rivela is board certified and is a member of both The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He and his staff are dedicated to helping you be your best confident, natural, and authentic self.

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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.

Ultimately, the surgical technique used during a facelift procedure will depend on the specific type of facelift being performed. The most common facelift surgery procedures include:

Mini-Facelift

Mini-facelifts can be a good option for patients with less advanced wrinkling and sagging in the lower face. This technique is surgically less invasive, with the added benefit of reduced healing time. During treatment, deep facial tissues are tightened through a shorter incision. Depending on the case, a mini-facelift may be performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.

Standard Facelift

A standard facelift, or traditional facelift, more fully addresses moderate to advanced aging in the midface and neck. While this surgery is more extensive than a mini-facelift, the results are more dramatic. Incisions are created just behind the hairline, through which deeper tissues are repositioned beneath the skin, and lax skin is removed to eliminate howling and sagging skin. This results in a more youthful contour to the face and neck.

Deep Plane Facelift

A deep plane facelift addresses loose skin in the lower face and neck, including jowls, and loss of volume in the mid-face and neck. During a deep plane facelift, the deeper tissues and structures of the face, including the muscles, are repositioned. Fat pads in the cheeks may also be manipulated to achieve a more lifted appearance in the mid-face areas. This technique can provide longer-lasting results than other facelift surgery methods.

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

About the Recovery Process

  • DiscomfortMild to moderate
  • Swelling & Bruising2-3 weeks
  • Bandages1-2 days
  • Stitches7-10 days
  • Driving2 weeks
  • WorkReturn in 5 days
  • Exercise2-3 weeks
  • Final Result6 months

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

Go see them, you will NOT be disappointed!

The entire team at Rivela Plastic Surgery is top-notch, knowledgable and compassionate. They made my facelift experience less anxiety provoking than it would have been otherwise. Dr. Rivela is such a kind man, and he delivered on everything he said he would with the surgery. Bye bye ugly marionette lines! I plan on going back for a few more procedures in the future. …Read More…Read Less

Read More Reviews

 

Facelift Cost

The cost of a facelift 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.

Facelift FAQs

 

How long after a facelift can I exercise?

After undergoing a facelift, it's important to give your body adequate time to heal before resuming any vigorous physical activity, including exercise. Typically, patients can expect to return to light activities, such as walking, within the first week post-surgery. However, it's generally recommended to wait at least 3 to 4 weeks before engaging in more strenuous exercise routines.

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 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.

Is a facelift permanent?

While the results of a facelift can be long-lasting, they are not permanent. The natural aging process continues even after the procedure, which means that facial tissues can eventually start to sag again over time. On average, the effects of a facelift can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years.

Does a facelift make you look younger?

A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure designed to create a more youthful appearance by addressing signs of aging on the face and neck. By removing excess skin and tightening underlying tissues, a facelift can effectively reduce the appearance of sagging, wrinkles, and deep facial lines. Many patients report looking years younger after the procedure.

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 do you reduce swelling after a facelift?

Reducing swelling after a facelift is an important part of the recovery process, and there are a few strategies that can help. Firstly, it's crucial to keep your head elevated, especially when resting or sleeping, to minimize fluid accumulation in the facial tissues. Applying cold compresses gently around the affected area within the first 48 hours can also reduce swelling and provide soothing relief. It's also beneficial to stay hydrated and maintain a diet low in sodium to prevent additional water retention that could exacerbate swelling.

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 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.

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