Facelift
Board Certified Plastic surgeon Dr. Ryan Couvillion provides a full spectrum of facial cosmetic surgeries in Houston, TX. One of the most popular surgeries at SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery is a facelift. This procedure focuses on the lower 1/3 of the face to address loose skin, volume changes and wrinkles to create a younger, softer appearance. A facelift addresses three main areas: jowls along the jawline, volume changes of the face, and sagging skin of the neck.
BENEFITS OF A FACELIFT
By tightening deeper structures and re-draping skin along the face and neck, a facelift can make improvements to the most visible signs of the aging process. The facelift method that is used depends on your desired outcome, the health and condition of your skin, the degree of skin laxity, age, lifestyle, and other influences. Most patients are best served by a full facelift, but some patients are candidates for an isolated neck lift or mini-facelift. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Couvillion will evaluate your specific anatomy and goals. This will allow him to create a treatment plan with the goal of producing a more youthful but still natural appearance. The goal is not to look like a different person – it's to look like yourself, just younger! Learn more about the facelift surgical process in Houston, TX by contacting SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery to schedule your initial consultation.
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AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A FACELIFT?
Candidates for facelift surgery may:
Be bothered by visible lines and facial wrinkles
Have good skin elasticity
Be a nonsmoker
Be physically healthy
Have realistic expectations
Have previously tried nonsurgical methods and are looking for a more permanent result
HOW IS A FACELIFT PERFORMED?
The majority of patients will get the best result from a full "traditional" facelift. The decision about what exactly needs to be addressed will be made in a personalized consultation with Dr. Couvillion. It's common for some men and women to have a brow lift, blepharoplasty, a chemical peel, or facial fat grafting during the same procedure. The surgery itself is performed under either IV sedation or general anesthesia. The incision generally is in the hairline above the ears, along in front of the ears, and wraps around behind the ears. The deeper layer of the face and neck is tightened, and the skin is gently placed in a natural position. A soft, temporary drainage tube is placed overnight to decrease swelling and the patient's face and head are wrapped in a soft dressing.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT AFTER A FACELIFT?
Following your procedure, we will monitor your health overnight in the hospital. The next morning, you will be released to be taken home by a friend or family member. Prior to your facelift, Dr. Couvillion will schedule your follow-up visits and discuss suggestions to help you heal properly. It's normal to have swelling and soreness, which may be reduced by pain medication, but the majority of patients need minimal medications. Some patients experience bruising, but this varies greatly from patient to patient. Most patients feel much better within the first week, but we recommend taking about two weeks off of work or away from social events.
FACELIFT FAQ
How much does a facelift cost?
The total cost of your facelift will depend on the technique and other factors. In your consultation, Dr. Couvillion will create a unique treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. When this is complete, our staff will go over the estimate of fees. To avoid unnatural-looking results, it's better to concentrate on finding a qualified, compatible surgeon instead of searching for the lowest price. SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery can also give you information on interest free medical financing that can make your facelift more affordable.
Which facelift technique is best for me?
The best surgical facelift technique for you will vary based on your concerns, goals, level of skin laxity, what areas of your face are being addressed, and other factors. To produce your best results, Dr. Couvillion will discuss the different surgical techniques in your consultation. He can then help you choose which technique is best.
Should I get a surgical or non-surgical facelift?
Although there are many great noninvasive skin tightening treatments, the results of these treatments are often more limited in patients with larger amounts of excess skin. For moderate to severe skin sagging, facelift surgery is usually the best choice to significantly improve your appearance. In your consultation, Dr. Couvillion will discuss your choices, including nonsurgical procedures, to help you decide which is best for your needs and goals.
What about wrinkle fillers and relaxers over facelift surgery?
Wrinkle relaxers and fillers, like BOTOX® and Juvéderm®, are commonly used to improve fine lines and wrinkles. Also known as a liquid facelift, non-surgical wrinkle treatments can help with early signs of aging; however, the results won't last more than 1 – 2 years. Injectables can help camouflage some of the signs of aging, but a facelift actually structurally corrects these signs. A facelift will also produce more significant improvements than injectables with longer-lasting results. Often, nonsurgical treatments are combined with a facelift to enhance the results of both or to treat areas not addressed in the facelift. Ask Dr. Couvillion about nonsurgical wrinkle treatments during your consultation.
Will my facelift results look natural?
Some patients worry that a facelift will make their skin look shiny, overly tight, or like they are in a wind tunnel. Dr. Couvillion focuses on giving you results that look natural so you appear refreshed, not fake. He listens to your concerns and goals before creating your custom treatment plan to produce your best results. The goal is to make you look like your younger self, not a different person!
THE RIGHT FACELIFT FOR YOU
Facelift surgery can turn back the hands of time for your face and help create a rejuvenated appearance. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of choices for surgery, depending on your personal needs and goals. This treatment is meant to make you younger-looking but still natural. Keep in mind that final results are not immediately visible as the healing process does take time. To learn more, we invite you to call SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX to schedule your private facelift consultation with Dr. Couvillion.
When it comes to aesthetic plastic surgery, it's important to choose a dedicated surgeon who is committed to your desired surgical goals. To meet with our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Ryan Couvillion, MD and his team, call our office at 713.275.9908.