Facelift Surgery in Houston, TX
The formation of facial lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin is an expected but undesirable part of aging. As time passes and the face is exposed to the sun, harsh environmental conditions, and lifestyle factors such as poor diets and smoking, the skin and tissues begin to lose their elasticity and strength. When this occurs, patients develop an aged and tired appearance that often conflicts with their inner vitality.
True Form Facelift®
Facelift surgery restores a more youthful appearance by tightening the skin and underlying tissues. Dr. Patronella’s True Form Facelift® provides long-lasting results that never appear artificial or overdone. Patients can experience firmer and smoother skin while enhancing their confidence.
Am I a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Facelift surgery addresses wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls, and volume loss in the cheeks and areas between the nose and mouth. Men and women who experience at least one of these conditions may be a candidate for facelift surgery. Candidates for facelift surgery are healthy adults with no previous medical conditions that can affect their ability to heal, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations of their results.
How Is the True Form Facelift® Performed?
Read the facelift testimonial of permanent cosmetic artist and patient of Dr. Patronella Tracy by clicking on her photo.
The True Form Facelift® restores a more youthful facial appearance by addressing wrinkles, sagging skin, and volume loss in the mid and lower regions of the face. Facelift incisions are made within the hairline and natural creases of the skin so that the resulting scars are easily concealed. Dr. Patronella performs the True Form Facelift® by using a dual-plane facelift technique. This technique repositions and tightens deep facial tissues and muscles as well as the skin. By doing this, Dr. Patronella can ensure that results remain natural and patients will never have a wind-blown appearance.
Once the underlying tissues are tightened, the skin is trimmed and gently re-draped over the musculature. Incisions are closed with sutures.
Facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia in about three hours.
What Procedures Are Commonly Combined With Facelift Surgery?
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A neck lift is typically performed alongside a facelift to maintain balance. Incisions for a neck lift run down and around the ear through which the skin and tissues are tightened. This combination procedure is ideal for patients with vertical neck banding and skin laxity.
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Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) targets aging on the upper and lower eyelids. This procedure can increase a patient’s range of vision by repositioning or removing fat pockets and trimming away excess skin. This procedure ensures that the eyes will match the youthfulness of the lower face after facelift surgery.
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Brow lift surgery addresses aging on the upper region of the face, such as forehead creases and sagging eyebrows, by tightening the underlying tissues and trimming away excess skin. This procedure restores balance and harmony between the upper and lower regions of the face.
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Injectables like dermal fillers and BOTOX® Cosmetic provide patients with a more youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance. These treatments restore lost volume or lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the upper face. Injectable treatments can be combined with a facelift or can be an initial treatment option for patients whose aging concerns are not severe enough to require surgery.
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Non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments such as laser resurfacing and chemical peels revitalize the skin by improving its tone and texture. These non-surgical treatments can help to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation, acne and acne scars, rosacea, dry skin, oily skin, or highly sensitive skin. These treatments can be performed alongside facelift surgery or to postpone the need for surgery. Non-surgical skin rejuvenation can extend the longevity of your facelift results.
How Long Is My Recovery After a True Form Facelift®?
Facelift patients can expect bruising, swelling, tenderness, and soreness during the initial days and weeks. Prescribed oral medication, over-the-counter pain medicine, and cold compresses can help relieve any discomfort and keep swelling to a minimum. During recovery, patients should try to keep their heads upright at all times to ensure proper blood circulation and fluid drainage. Most patients are required to take at least two weeks off from work and their normal activities; however, this depends on the nature of your job. Patients can typically resume exercise and more strenuous activity after six weeks.
When Will I See My Facelift Results?
After facelift surgery, patients can expect to see a more rested and youthful facial contour. Lines and wrinkles will be smoothed, facial volume will be restored, and jowls will become less noticeable as the jawline is defined. These results can be enhanced further when your facelift is combined with additional surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Facelift surgery is known to provide long-lasting results, and patients can extend this by undergoing periodic non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatments, protecting their skin from the sun and harsh elements, not smoking, following a healthy lifestyle, and keeping their skin hydrated and moisturized with pharmaceutical-grade skin care products.
With facelift surgery, Dr. Patronella’s goal is to highlight a patient’s natural beauty and restore a younger-looking facial contour.
True Form Facelift® Frequently Asked Questions
Does a facelift make you look stretched?
No, not with the techniques Dr. Patronella uses. Facelift results heavily rely on the skill and experience of the plastic surgeon performing the procedure. Traditionally, early plastic surgery techniques involved pulling the skin back, trimming it, and closing the incisions. Those techniques often left patients with unnatural-looking results. Dr. Patronella uses modern methods that tighten the underlying musculature and restore lost volume to give you a natural-looking result.
How soon after my facelift can I go back to work?
Each person recovers from a facelift operation at a different pace. Depending on the extent of the operation, it may take between three and seven days to feel ready to do your job again. Most people require about two weeks before they feel socially presentable.
However, if your work involves straining or heavy lifting, you might have to wait a bit longer.
How long will my facelift last?
Most facelifts last seven to 10 years, although some patients may require an updating of their procedure after 10 years. Some patients never need another procedure, while others may opt for touch-up surgery down the road.
How should I prepare for a facelift?
Before undergoing a facelift, Dr. Patronella asks patients to stop taking certain medications, smoking, or using herbal supplements in the days leading up to the procedure.
How long does bruising and swelling last after a facelift procedure?
A facelift is likely to produce significant bruising and swelling for at least 10 to 14 days. Some patients will have prolonged swelling lasting up to three weeks. Dr. Patronell provides his patients with options, such as the Aqua Cool mask, to reduce bruising and swelling.
What is the best age for a facelift?
The best age for a facelift depends on your appearance and how bothered you are by your signs of aging. Facelifts are most commonly performed for those between 40 and 60, but they can be done at any age.
