Rediscover a Youthful, Natural Look
As we age, skin elasticity decreases, facial volume shifts, and gravity begins to take its toll—leading to sagging jowls, deep creases, and a tired or aged appearance. A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a highly effective surgical solution designed to address these concerns by tightening underlying facial structures, removing excess skin, and restoring a more youthful contour to the lower face and jawline.
At Face Forward Houston, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Regina Rodman specializes in achieving natural-looking results that rejuvenate your appearance without altering your unique features. Whether you're looking to smooth deep nasolabial folds, define the jawline, or lift sagging cheeks, a facelift can help you look refreshed and confident—never overdone.
If you're ready to reverse visible signs of aging and restore harmony to your facial features, a customized facelift in Houston may be the ideal solution.
Facelift Before & After Photos
Put Your Best Face Forward
A Facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a procedure to rejuvenate the lower face and neck. As we age, the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS), a layer of tissue deep under the facial skin that helps maintain our facial structure, weakens and loses its flexibility.
This can result in jowling and excess skin under the chin and on the neck. A Facelift helps tighten the SMAS of the lower face and neck and removes excess skin. The result is smoother, tighter skin and a more youthful appearance.
@faceforwardhouston Dr. Rodman discusses 3 different types of Facelifts in this video: Skin Only, SMAS, and Deep Plane Facelift! #facelift #deepplanefacelift ♬ original sound - Face Forward Houston
Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Rodman, will tailor your facelift technique to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals, selecting the approach that offers the most natural and long-lasting results.
A mini facelift is a minimally invasive solution to address mild to moderate signs of aging in the lower face and jawline, while a SMAS facelift targets more significant sagging and deep wrinkles by tightening underlying muscles and removing excess skin, offering dramatic and long-lasting results.
This advanced technique lifts and repositions deeper facial structures rather than just the skin. It's especially effective for midface sagging and produces a very natural, long-lasting outcome.
What's the Difference?
Patients considering facial rejuvenation often ask about the difference between a traditional facelift and a deep plane facelift. While both procedures are designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the lower face and neck, they differ in surgical technique, longevity of results, and candidacy. Understanding these differences can help patients in Houston make an informed decision about which facelift approach best aligns with their aesthetic goals.
A traditional facelift (also referred to as a SMAS facelift) addresses sagging skin, jowls, and loss of definition along the jawline by tightening the underlying superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and removing excess skin. This technique improves moderate to advanced aging, smooths jowls and loose skin along the jawline, enhances neck contour when combined with a neck lift, and provides natural-looking rejuvenation with a shorter operative time than advanced techniques.
A deep plane facelift is a more advanced facial rejuvenation technique that repositions deeper facial structures beneath the SMAS layer. Rather than relying primarily on skin tightening, this approach lifts the facial muscles and fat pads as a single unit, restoring youthful contours to the midface, jawline, and neck. With this type of facelift Houston patients who have significant facial sagging or volume descent can see more dramatic yet natural-looking results.
When considering a facelift Houston patients who visit Face Forward can expect a range of benefits that make this one of the most sought-after procedures for rejuvenating the face.
A facelift addresses multiple areas of the face simultaneously, including sagging skin, deep creases, and jowls, providing an overall more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Unlike non-surgical treatments that may require frequent maintenance, the results of a facelift can last up to 10-15 years, offering a more permanent solution to aging concerns.
By tightening and repositioning the skin and underlying tissues, a facelift can restore more defined jawlines, reduce the appearance of jowls, and improve the overall facial structure.
Deep lines and creases, particularly those around the mouth and nose, can be significantly reduced, creating a more youthful and harmonious facial appearance.
At Face Forward Houston facelift procedures are designed to address a range of aesthetic concerns, helping you achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Here’s how a facelift can enhance your facial features:
As we age, the skin loses its elasticity, leading to sagging and drooping. A facelift tightens and lifts the skin, reducing sagging in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Facelifts effectively smooth out deep wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds (the lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (lines that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin).
Over time, the face can lose its youthful contours due to the shifting of fat and the weakening of muscles. A facelift restores these contours by repositioning the underlying tissues and removing excess fat, giving you a more defined jawline and cheekbones.
The neck is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging. A facelift can tighten and lift the skin on the neck, reducing the appearance of "turkey neck" and creating a smoother, more elegant neck profile.
Jowls are the sagging skin that forms along the jawline. A facelift addresses this by lifting and firming the lower face, eliminating the jowls and restoring a cleaner, more defined jawline.
Loss of volume in the cheeks can make the face look gaunt and tired. A facelift can help reposition the fat pads in the cheeks, adding volume and creating a fuller, more youthful appearance.
The overall effect of a facelift is a fresher, more vibrant appearance. By simultaneously addressing multiple signs of aging, a facelift can take years off your appearance, making you look as youthful and energetic as you feel.
The ideal candidates for a Facelift are people with sagging facial skin, especially under the chin or along the jawline. Those who feel their aging appearance does not match the youthful way they feel are the best candidates for the procedure.
People with high blood pressure, heart disease, take blood thinners, have bleeding-related health conditions, or depression may not be ideal candidates and will be evaluated on an individual basis. People with unrealistic expectations and those who do not have enough time for recovery may not be suitable candidates as well. Patients who smoke may need to address this before undergoing a Facelift.
@dr.rodman Neck lift vs. Facelift + Neck Lift⁉️ The face and neck age together. Treating only the neck can leave fullness where the two meet. #facelift #necklift #naturalresults #plasticsurgery #surgery ♬ sonido original - dr.rodman
Many patients achieve their most natural, balanced rejuvenation by combining a facelift with a neck lift. The lower face and neck age together, so treating only one area can sometimes leave an uneven transition—especially at the jawline and under the chin.
A facelift repositions and supports the tissues of the cheeks, jowls, and jawline, while a neck lift refines the neck by tightening underlying muscles (often the platysma) and improving contour beneath the chin. Performed together, the result is a smoother, more cohesive profile from the midface to the neckline.
For some patients, a neck lift alone can improve loose neck skin and banding; however, the face can continue to pull downward over time. This may create fullness or heaviness where the face and neck meet. Combining procedures helps create a cleaner jawline, a more defined cervicomental angle, and a more harmonious, natural-looking rejuvenation.
During your consultation, Dr. Regina Rodman will evaluate your facial anatomy and aging pattern to determine whether a facelift alone, a neck lift alone, or a combined approach will best support your goals.
Preparation plays a key role in achieving a safe, smooth, and successful facelift experience. Before your surgery, Dr. Rodman will provide detailed pre-operative instructions tailored to your needs.
During the initial consultation, you will discuss your goals and expectations for a facelift with Dr. Regina Rodman. Be open about your general health, medical history, and smoking history. Dr. Rodman will examine your face, consider your medical history, and discuss your available options. She might suggest minor procedures or discuss additional beneficial surgeries that might be performed in conjunction with a Facelift. The cost of the procedure will also be discussed. The staff may take before and after photos for documentation.
In general, patients should maintain a healthy diet, avoid smoking, and temporarily stop certain medications or supplements that may increase bleeding. Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home and assist during the first 24–48 hours. Taking these simple steps helps ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.
During a Facelift Houston patients will have excess skin removed, underlying tissues tightened, and the remaining skin is repositioned for a smoother, firmer look. This comprehensive approach targets wrinkles and folds and improves the overall contour and structure of the face. Ideal for those seeking long-lasting results, a facelift can significantly enhance facial harmony and boost confidence, making it one of the most sought-after procedures in aesthetic surgery. The facelift procedure itself generally takes around 5-7 hours, depending on the complexity and the specific techniques used, involving several precise steps designed to rejuvenate the face and neck. It is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the surgery. Here's an overview of what the process entails:
The procedure begins with administering anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. This can be either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the patient's needs and preferences.
The surgeon makes strategic incisions to minimize visible scarring. Typically, incisions are made at the hairline near the temples, continuing around the ear, and ending in the lower scalp. For minimal rejuvenation, a shorter incision may be made at the temples, around the ear, and possibly within the lower eyelids or under the upper lip.
Once the incisions are made, the underlying tissues are lifted and repositioned. The superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS) is tightened to enhance the contour and support the newly positioned tissues. This step is crucial for achieving long-lasting results and a more youthful appearance.
Any excess skin is carefully trimmed away to eliminate sagging and wrinkles. This process helps to smooth out deep folds and create a firmer facial structure.
The remaining skin is gently draped over the newly repositioned contours. This step ensures a natural-looking result without a pulled or overly tight appearance.
The incisions are meticulously closed with sutures or skin adhesives. Their placement allows them to blend seamlessly with the natural lines of the face and hairline, making scars virtually invisible.
achieve a natural-looking result
Patients should expect bruising and swelling for about 10-14 days after surgery. Swelling in the face will continue to fade for several weeks after surgery. Facelift patients should plan for two weeks of downtime. Patients should walk daily, but spend the majority of time resting and recuperating the first week. The second week patients often feel more energized, but activities should still be limited, and bruising or swelling will likely still be visible. In the third week after surgery patients may begin to resume daily activities again. Patients should not perform strenuous exercise for 3-4 weeks after surgery.
Rest, walk lightly, expect swelling and bruising.
Energy improves, swelling fades, downtime continues.
Daily activities resume; mild swelling may remain.
Strenuous exercise resumes, results refine over time.
One of the most common questions from patients is how long their facelift results will last. While every patient is unique, most can expect their rejuvenated look to endure for 10 to 15 years or more.
Factors such as genetics, skin quality, lifestyle, and sun protection all play a role in longevity. Maintaining healthy habits, using quality skincare, and scheduling occasional non-surgical treatments can help preserve your refreshed look for years to come.
Meet The New You
The results of a facelift can be remarkably long-lasting, typically enduring for up to 10-15 years. This longevity is due to the comprehensive nature of the procedure, which addresses multiple layers of facial tissue to create enduring improvements. Because of Dr. Rodman's surgical precision and expertise, facelift patients enjoy comprehensive improvements that look natural and refreshed—not tight or overdone. Common enhancements include a more sculpted jawline, smoother skin, and a reduction in sagging, jowls, and deep wrinkles.
While the aging process continues, a facelift can significantly slow visible signs of aging. Patients can maintain their facelift results longer with consistent aftercare and healthy habits. Skincare, sun protection, and occasional non-surgical treatments like Botox or fillers can help prolong the youthful effects of surgery. Following Dr. Rodman's aftercare instructions, including keeping your head elevated, minimizing activity, and attending post-op visits, also plays a key role in how smoothly you heal and how refined the final outcome appears.
The cost of a facelift varies based on the technique used, anesthesia, and the complexity of the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Rodman will provide a detailed estimate based on your personalized treatment plan.
At Face Forward Houston, our goal is to deliver long-lasting, natural results with transparency and care. We’re happy to discuss financing options and guide you toward the approach that best fits your goals and budget.
Your Facelift will be performed in Dr. Regina Rodman‘s surgery center located in Houston, TX.
Our team at Face Forward Houston is here to help you make informed decisions about your facial rejuvenation journey. Explore answers to the most common questions below, or schedule your Houston facelift consultation with Dr. Regina Rodman to discuss your personalized facelift options.
There’s no specific “perfect” age for a facelift. The best time depends on your unique skin elasticity, facial structure, and personal goals. Most patients choose to undergo facelift surgery in their 40s to 60s, when signs of sagging and volume loss become more noticeable. However, younger patients seeking early correction or prevention can also benefit from customized techniques like a mini facelift.
Discomfort after a facelift is generally minimal and well-managed with prescribed medication. Most patients describe a sensation of tightness or mild soreness rather than pain. Dr. Rodman and her team take every measure to ensure your comfort, including using advanced surgical techniques and detailed post-care instructions for a smooth, easy recovery.
You can typically begin wearing light makeup about two weeks after your facelift, once incisions have healed and bruising has subsided. It’s best to use gentle, non-comedogenic products and avoid applying makeup directly on incision lines until cleared by Dr. Rodman. Proper skincare and sunscreen can further protect your results during healing.
While both procedures rejuvenate the lower face and neck, a facelift primarily targets sagging in the cheeks, jawline, and jowls, whereas a neck lift focuses on tightening loose skin and muscles under the chin and along the neck. Many patients choose to combine both for a seamless, natural transition between the face and neck.
To make your facelift results last as long as possible, protect your skin from sun exposure, stay hydrated, and maintain a consistent skincare routine. Regular non-surgical treatments like Botox, fillers, or professional skincare can also enhance and extend your rejuvenation results over time.
Yes! A facelift can be safely combined with complementary procedures for more comprehensive rejuvenation. Common pairings include an neck lift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty to address aging in the upper and lower face. Some patients also add fat grafting for restored facial volume and a smoother, balanced outcome.
Schedule Your Houston Plastic Surgery Consultation Today
The Face Forward process starts with a consultation. You will meet with Dr. Rodman (either in the office or via video call) to discuss the result or look you want to achieve. Dr. Rodman will review and educate you about your options and schedule you for the procedure of your choice. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled as necessary. Achieve your look and enjoy the new you! Schedule your consultation for plastic surgery in Houston at Face Forward today.
6750 West Loop S Ste 1060, Bellaire TX 77401